Mercedes' Jan-September sales up 16 percent

German luxury automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz Thursday reported an increase of 16 percent in its sales between January and September.

"We have launched eight new cars, sold more cars than ever before, expanded

to newer markets, added newer customer base, connected with more customers through our

brand connect programmes and offered more value to our customers," said Eberhard Kern, managing director and chief executive, Mercedes-Benz India.

"The results of these initiatives have been an inclusive growth for the brand in India in the first three quarters. It also is a strong step towards concluding the year on a profitable and sustained double digit growth."

According to the company, it sold 7,529 units from 6,461 units in the corresponding period of last year.

The company said that it achieved the healthy growth amidst tough market conditions, necessary price adjustments, as well as non-availability of volume drivers like the current generation C-Class.

"While the current generation C-Class, which is being phased out, largely remained unavailable, the trusted volume champion E-Class, contributed significantly to the volumes," the company said.

The E-Class was closely followed by the M-Class and GL-Class (SUVs) sports utility vehicles which grew significantly in this period.