July 1, 2002

• Top performance: more than 18,500 AMG vehicles sold in 2001
• Success story: C 32 AMG extremely popular, some 3800 models sold
• Ulrich Bruhnke: "marvelous launch pad for the future"
  
  

Stuttgart/Affalterbach - Mercedes-AMG GmbH posted new record figures in fiscal year 2001: more than 18,500 AMG vehicles were sold last year, a new record for the company which has been in existence for over 30 years. Following on from an extremely successful year in 2000, unit sales in 2001 rose more than 60 percent. In fact, more AMG vehicles were sold in 2001 than in the previous two years put together. This positive business development has allowed Mercedes-AMG GmbH to create 60 new jobs, meaning that the company now employs 540 staff.

In the year 2001, the most desirable AMG models proved to be the C 32 AMG (3800 vehicles sold), the ML 55 AMG (more than 3500 units sold) and the E 55 AMG (over 2500 models sold). Followed by the SLK 32 AMG (around 2200 vehicles sold), the CLK 55 AMG (more than 2300 units sold) and the S 55 AMG and CL 55 AMG (combined total of almost 4000 models sold).

Sporty, high-performance models provide marvelous launch pad

The Mercedes-AMG management board - headed by Ulrich Bruhnke (President) and Domingos Piedade - is also extremely confident about the future: "We now offer our discerning customers around the globe two completely new and extremely attractive AMG high-performance cars, namely the new CLK 55 AMG and the SL 55 AMG. These two models, together with further new AMG versions to be launched during the course of 2002, give our company a marvelous launch pad for the coming years."

Integral part of DaimlerChrysler AG long-term strategy

Since 1.1.1999, DaimlerChrysler AG has held a 51 per cent stake in Mercedes-AMG GmbH. DaimlerChrysler can therefore count on the expertise, experience and, equally importantly, the manpower of a partner whose name has for many years been a byword for international motorsport success, sporty high-performance vehicles and dynamic design.

Mercedes-AMG model range: performance and exclusivity backed by the Mercedes star

• Unique: 13 dynamic, exclusive Mercedes-AMG variants
• New top-of-the-range Coupé: CLK 55 AMG developing 270 kW/367 hp
• The most powerful Mercedes-Benz of all: SL 55 AMG with 368 kW/500 hp
  

More and more variety is being introduced into the range of high-performance cars available from Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The AMG lineup currently numbers 13 variants, ranging from the uncompromising SLK 32 AMG - a real powerhouse of a roadster - to the luxurious S 55 AMG Saloon with V8 engine. Sporting prowess arrives in the form of the new CLK 55 AMG with eight-cylinder engine developing 270 kW/367 hp whilst the SL 55 AMG sets new standards in the high-performance roadster segment: its AMG supercharged V8 engine outputs 368 kW/500 hp and develops a torque of 700 Nm.

*also available as Estate; **provisional figures, ***optionally available without speed limiter
****available as Cabriolet or Station Wagon with short or long wheelbase