MBUSA's Marketing Department Not Pulling Their Weight

Like the herd of possessed swine cast off the cliff by Jesus Himself, so too went the way of Mercedes-Benz USA's sales in January. They went down. Down, down, down. Specifically, the U.S. division of the luxury brand managed to achieve what some would have before considered impossible – shipping exactly 42.9 percent fewer vehicles than they did only a year ago. In total, MBUSA delivered 10,433, compared to 18,275 units in January 2008.

What makes the decline even more interesting is that this January marked the beginning of a U.S. advertising blitz for the new GLK-Class, with television spots and print ads for the new SUV popping up on a nearly daily basis. Even with the new ad bombardment, a quick scan of the other top luxury automakers January figures reveals that MBUSA outdid them all, with Lexus being the only brand coming close to Mercedes-Benz USA's catastrophic decline (-37.7 percent).

So what does this mean for Mercedes-Benz USA's marketing department? It means that what they're doing isn't working, and to be honest, we can't say we're surprised.
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Shredmo - 2/4/2009 3:58:48 PM

+2 Boost

I like the GLK, but not sure many people want to spend ~$50k on a cute-ute. Perhaps if they offered a value-package version of the GLK, it could be a hit. Ha ha ha, or good idea?

Agent63 - 2/6/2009 5:12:59 PM

+1 Boost

Yet people spend it on an girly RX.

Monk - 2/4/2009 5:52:14 PM

0 Boost

Why is this newsworthy? Everyone, including Mercedes, is crashing right now.

3pointstar - 2/4/2009 7:08:23 PM

0 Boost

The GLK is a total POS and it looks like a toy truck. I am ashamed to call it a Mercedes, so don't blame it on MBUSA marketing. You can dress up a piece of turd, but it still stinks. I think it'll get better after the new E-class comes out. Those Wall Street bankers will have enough from their TARP bonuses to go drop $60K.

Lecsucks - 2/4/2009 11:20:54 PM

+2 Boost

We already own S-classes, so no need for an E-class. Beside, the F450 is better news.

Wimmer - 2/5/2009 1:06:34 PM

+1 Boost

How the hell is the GLK a "POS"? Please explain that to me. It's comfortable, spacious, luxurious and also very capable offroad. It continues the Mercedes SUV tradition in a smaller, more affordable package. And it is also selling well. Doesn't sound like a "POS" to me. I would be ashamed to call myself a Mercedes fan if I made a baseless comment like you just did...

awamem - 2/5/2009 7:50:11 PM

+1 Boost

The GLK is a fun, sporty entry level SUV. It's head and shoulders above any other entry level SUV. This guys seems to just upset that MBUSA didn't buy what he was selling. Sounds like spoiled grapes to me. When I'm ready to buy and entry level SUV this one is on the top of the list.