For the second straight month, Mercedes-Benz topped BMW in U.S. sales, bringing it just 1,582 units behind its German luxury counterpart for the year, according to Automotive News figures. Both brands are trying to replace Lexus, which has been at the top of the luxury sales list for the past 11 years, and this year's race is probably the closest.
With the tragic earthquake and tsunami hitting Japan back in March earlier this year, Lexus cars and SUVs were low in supply dropping their brand’s year-to-date sales 14-percent to 173,197. In November however, Lexus increased U.S. deliveries by 6.7-percent. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz sales rose 47-percent in November to 26,796 to help them top BMW for two months in a row. BMW’s sales in November rose 7-percent bringing their November total to 21,521.
Looking at the year as a whole, BMW’s lead over Mercedes-Benz in sales is only 1,582 – so another strong month by Mercedes-Benz could catapult them over rival BMW to close off the year. Mercedes can attribute their recent boost in sales to their refreshed C and M Class vehicles. The C Class Coupe has become a respectable rival to BMW’s 3 Series, and Mercedes is currently offering some very attractive lease specials. ––Paul Duchene
