MBSA boasts rise in revenue

Johannesburg - Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) said on Monday its revenue grew 4% to R34.9bn in the year ended 2011, compared with a year earlier.

Reporting sales and financial performance in the year under review, MBSA said it took the lead in the premium and luxury passenger car market with its Mercedes-Benz brand.

"While sales development has not lived up to our expectations due to a weaker than expected market, we are satisfied to have regained leadership of the premium and luxury passenger car market with our Mercedes-Benz brand," said Dr Martin Zimmermann, MBSA chief executive and president.

"In 2012 we foresee further growth for MBSA as we will have the first full year of the new generation of our exciting C-class, the C-coupé and the CLS, while we introduce the all-new M-Class and B-Class as well as the new SL."

MBSA commercial vehicle sales were up 13.7% to 7 035 units from the previous period, boosted by the strong underlying market drivers in the transport industry.

"This was especially evident in the extra-heavy commercial vehicle market segment, where we have seen an increase of nearly 40% over last year's figures. We are the biggest seller in this segment and pleased with the performance of all our brands," said Zimmermann.

The vehicle manufacturer said it looked to strengthen its commercial vehicle market leadership this year.

The company also mentioned that it was driving supplier development and an increase in local content to cement its investment into the growth of the country, in line with government's automotive production and development programme, due to kick in next year.