Daimler AG reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 23,292 units in the U.S. for July 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported sales of 20,733 new vehicles for July 2008, a 12 percent increase over last July. This brings the year-to-date sales total for MBUSA to 140,012 units, marking the best year-to-date sales for the period in the company's history. The most significant gains for the month were in the C-Class and E-Class passenger cars (45 percent and 38 percent respectively), while year-to-date growth was achieved in the M-Class and GL-Class line-up of SUVs (12 percent and 1 percent respectively).

Sales for the smart fortwo remain strong with deliveries totaling 2,559 for the month of July. This brings the year-to-date total to an incredible 13,958 units in a little more than six months of being offered in the US market.

The vehicle is attracting an overwhelming number of buyers who want a solution to high gas prices, a reduced environmental footprint and increased urban mobility on congested city streets -- all in a package that's fun to drive. The fortwo offers a powerful combination of outstanding fuel efficiency, innovative safety, environmental friendliness and low cost of ownership. There are currently 69 smart centers open in 31 states.