KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 19):  Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is poised to post record sales this year, after registering a healthy growth of 10% for the nine months period of 2016.

"We remain optimistic and are expecting good things from strong demand and high customer satisfaction from our products," said its sales and marketing vice-president for passenger cars, Mark Raine.

The optimistic view is premised on the upcoming models to be launched, as well as the good demand for its core vehicles, the C class.

In 2015, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia delivered a total of 10,845 units vehicle to customers, a record increase of 56% from 6,932 units a year ago, spearheaded by its A-Class to the leading S-Class.

For the cumulative nine months ended Sept 30, 2016, the car maker had sold 9,047 vehicles, which represents a 10% growth from 8,196 delivered to customers during the same period last year.

The stronger sales has further expanded Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's market share in the passenger car segment to 2.4%.

Driving the strong sales growth was locally-produced limousines and compact models, Raine said, which recorded 6,017 units and 1,851 units, sold respectively.

According to him, Mercedes-Benz C-Class topped the sales chart for limousine models with 3,733 units sold, up 90% versus the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes Benz E- and S-Class recorded 1,463 units and 821 units sold respectively, he added.

According to Raine, the A-Class remained the most popular compact model preferred by the local market, with 829 units sold, representing a 21% increase compared with 9M15.

"The CLA and GLA continued to contribute to the positive growth for Mercedes Benz Malaysia's compact range, with 480 units and 473 units sold respectively," Raine added.

Following the overwhelming response for the premium sport utility vehicle (SUV) range by the car maker, Raine said the newly-launched Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLC recorded an impressive 190 units and 964 units sold respectively in 9M16.

Meanwhile, he said Mercedes Benz Dream Cars rounded up its overall positive performance, with 195 units sold in the third quarter of 2016 (3Q16).

In terms of local production, the car maker produced 15% more units in 9M16 at 6,424, driven by growing demand for its vehicle.

"Moving forward, the newly-completed Mercedes Benz Malaysia warehouse in Pekan is expected to further support its efforts to facilitate the growing demand for our vehicle," said Raine.

According to Raine, Mercedes Benz Malaysia has the largest premium dealer in Malaysia with a total of 29 dedicated dealerships, and the group will continue to enhance services in the services centres in the near future.

As of 3Q16, the company recorded the highest throughput in history, servicing a total of 79,917 vehicles across Malaysia, gaining 18.1% as compared with the same period last year.