Mid-2006 sees DaimlerChrysler SA (DCSA) lead the commercial vehicle market in commercial vehicle truck sales with a 21,7 % overall market share, a 5 % volume increase year-to-date over 2005. The total market closed at 3 132 units, giving a 7,9 % increase over May 2005. DCSA retailed a total of 681 units for June.

Year-to-date the market has grown to a total of 15 264 units as compared to 12 519 over the year-to-date period 2005, a 21,9 % increase.

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles remained strong with a segment leading market share of 16,0 %. Having retailed 501 trucks and Sprinters for the month of June, Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles for the first time breaks through the 500 unit barrier. This great success is once again primarily due to its flagship model, the second-generation Actros truck with sales of 139 units. Mercedes-Benz sales in the extra-heavy segment (> 16 tons) amounted to 239 units, giving a 22,8 % market share in this segment. Mercedes-Benz maintained its solid performance in the 8,5 – 16,5 tons GVM.

Mercedes-Benz Buses sold the highest number of units since January 2006 with 25 units, giving a 17,9% market share. “We see great things coming for the Bus division and are confident that this performance will be maintained and improved upon,” said Kobus van Zyl, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles division of DCSA.

The Mercedes-Benz Van division had another excellent month from a sales perspective with 180 units recorded for Sprinter. The Sprinter’s retail success is a clear indication of the product’s acceptance in the market.

Significant sales of 170 units are also recorded for the Mercedes-Benz Vito. In the second half of 2006 these sales are expected to rise, as companies gear up towards the festive season.

“The MBCV team has started implementing a number of initiatives to ensure that our valued customers experience the highest possible level of support throughout their involvement with us. We want to ensure that every interface along the value-chain is aimed at exceeding our customers’ expectations,” said Van Zyl.

“Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles believes that the continued strength in the commercial vehicle market will be maintained throughout the rest of the year, underpinned by continued strong performances in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and construction industries,” concluded Van Zyl.

The Freightliner/ Fuso division of DCSA held its own with a combined total sales of 180 units giving an overall contribution of 5,7% market share to the ‘DaimlerChrysler Truck Group’.

“The Freightliner/Fuso division is a strong, independent division and this focus has contributed to increased sales,” said Johan Cloete, Divisional Manager of the Freightliner/Fuso division. Freightliner maintained excellent sales of 95 units. The Mitsubishi Fuso brand, now competing in all segments, totalled 85 units.

“With our dealer network now in place, we believe we are better equipped to
exploit our position as an important contributor to DCSA, as the market leader,” said Cloete. “We will ensure a constant focus on our customer requirements, and our full product range allows for a more direct comparison with our competitors,” concluded Cloete.