Montvale, N.J. – Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported its highest April on record with sales of 18,805 new vehicles, up 2.3 percent compared to last April.

“With the April launch of the new-generation 2006 M-Class and the fall introduction of the 2006 R-Class boosting our representation in the luxury light truck segment, we are expecting yet another record sales year for MBUSA,” said Paul Halata, president and CEO of MBUSA.

Boosting the April volume was the launch of the all-new 2006 M-Class which recorded 3,248 units – a 60.2 percent increase over April 2004. Highlights for the month also included SLK-Class at 972 units (up 108.6 percent) and a 22.2 percent increase in G-Class sales (143 vs. 117 units). CLK-Class and S-Class were also strong performers with increases of 9.3 percent (1,932 versus 1,767 units) and 4.1 percent (1,457 versus 1,399) respectively.

Separately, the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned vehicle program reported April sales of 4,201 units, bringing the YTD total to 15,413.

In 2004, MBUSA achieved its eleventh consecutive year of sales growth by setting the highest sales volume in its history with 221,610 new vehicle sales. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., MBUSA is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com.