AMG Laughs in the Face of Recession, Says 2008 Was the Best Year Ever

Despite the fact that poor sales results are a common thing nowadays, taking into account the consequences of the economic crisis, it may seem like some automakers, or at least certain divisions, had the ability to counteract the recession and increase its sales. And the first example comes from Mercedes AMG as the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars today proudly announced that 2008 was the best year ever, with a growth of no less than 19 percent in global sales.

AMG sold 24,200 high-performance vehicles in the whole world in 2008 compared to “only” 20,300 units delivered in the year before. The United States remained the main market for AMG as in the previous years with a share of 38 percent of total sales. AMG's domestic market came in second place, with Germany accounting 13 percent of global sales. Japan comes third with 8 percent, according to a press statement.

Wondering which were the models that helped AMG increase its sales? The German manufacturer says the C 63 AMG “made a considerable contribution to the success of 2008” with no less than 8100 units delivered around the world in both saloon and estate variants. The SL 63 AMG also sold well as around 3,050 units were delivered in 2008.

“In addition to its passion for high-performance sports vehicles, Mercedes-AMG GmbH is also committed to social responsibility and is intensifying its engagement in the development of environmentally compatible vehicles,” AMG emphasized the company's efforts. “All AMG vehicles will surpass the EU-5 standards which come into force from 2009 and also the EU-6 standards which will apply from 2014. To reduce consumption, AMG is shortly to introduce efficiency-increasing engine-generator management as well as regulated oil and water pumps.”

Mercedes' brand also unveiled that starting with 2010, all AMG direct-injection models will be equipped with start-stop functions for enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions. This means the company will achieve a fuel consumption of 30 percent in 2012 compared to current figures, it said.