Mercedes-Benz maintained its position as the market leader in the premium segment in Indonesia with its recent achievement of topping its own record in sales in 2018. The carmaker sold a total of 3,899 units in 2018, or a 12% increase compared to the same period last year, which exceeds the average sales growth number for the local market. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class makes up 25% of the total sales, while the E-class makes up 22%. The most significant increases came from the SUV and S-Class models.
鈥淚n 2018, Mercedes-Benz has again taken the top position within the premium segment of the automotive industry, not only in Indonesia but also across the globe. We will continue to invigorate our product portfolio for 2019. We envision great success in our core business of paving the way for the future of individual mobility by continually providing the best customer experience,鈥� said Roeloef Lamberts, President and CEO of PT Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia.
With a market share of 77%, the locally assembled Mercedes-Benz proved to be a significant boon for the company鈥檚 performance in 2018. Its factory in Wanaherang in Bogor, West Java, assembled 25% more vehicles compared to the same period last year. The C-Class, the E-Class, the latest S-Class, as well as the GLC, GLE and GLS SUV models for the local market are all assembled in this 42-hectare factory.
The sales of the company鈥檚 SUV segment in particular saw a growth of 18%, contributing over one-third to the company鈥檚 total sales number in 2018. The GLC and the GLA models were the best selling SUVs, with 2019 鈥� the year in which the G-Class is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary 鈥� promising to be another year of success as newer models are set to launch.
The C-Class maintained its position as the top selling cars in terms of volume 鈥� every fourth Mercedes-Benz sold is a C-Class. In January, the carmaker has started selling the latest C 200 EQ Boost and the C 300 AMG Line at officials dealers across the archipelago.
As many as 887 units of E-Class models were delivered to customers in 2018 鈥� a 22% increase compared to last year. Meanwhile, the S-Class made remarkable headways into the Indonesian market with the most popular model, the S 450 L unit, seeing a triple-digit growth in sales (116%) just last year.
鈥淲e are very thrilled with our 2018 results. We thank our trusted dealers for their incredible performance. More than that, we can proudlly conclude that our Customers Satisfaction Index is at its highest level ever,鈥� Mr. Lamberts added.