Mercedes-Benz is enjoying a strong end to a difficult year with a global sales increase of 19 percent in November.

The result came as no surprise to Mercedes’ head of sales and marketing, Joachim Schmidt, given that fourth-quarter volume in 2008 fell by 22 percent.

“As expected, in November we built on October’s positive development and once again significantly increased sales worldwide.

“Additional sales momentum will be generated over the next few weeks by the new E-Class station wagon, which reached the [overseas] dealerships on November 21 and has been a big hit with customers,” he said.

But combined with sister company Smart, sales are down 11.8 percent through the first 11 month of 2009, currently standing at 1,021,700 vehicles.

The story is a different one in China however, with Mercedes’ 11-month total of 62,200 sales 59.8 percent above the same period last year.

November sales skyrocketed to 8900 (including Hong Kong), up a massive 224 percent, giving Mercedes China general manager of sales and marketing, Bjoern Hauber, confidence that 2009 targets would be easily reached.

“Given the first 11 months’ figure, I think full-year sales will be more than 65,000,” he said.

Mercedes Australia is also finishing on a strong note with November sales up 22.8 percent to 1867 new vehicles.

Sales of the E-Class sedan were up more than 330 per cent and have increased 34 percent year-to-date to top 1500 units.

Total sales are down just 1.7 percent this year – compared to the industry average of 9.3 per cent – on the back of strong performances from the C-Class Coupe, CLK and the M-Class.

(with Automotive News)