Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported December sales of 18,507 vehicles, bringing the company's total 2008 volume to 225,128, an 11.2 percent decrease over the annual sales record set last year.

The C-Class was the volume leader for the year with sales of 72,471 vehicles, a 13.8 percent increase over last year. The company's M-Class SUV continued to be a popular choice with buyers in 2008, with a 1.3 percent increase in sales (34,320 vs. 33,879 units).

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,589 vehicles in December 2008. This boosted the MBCPO year-end total to 64,654 units, a 26.9 percent increase over last year's MBCPO sales.

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than forty years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.