CHERRY HILL, N.J., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 36,701 vehicle sales for March 2013, which represents the best-ever sales month for the company and a 13 percent increase over March 2012. Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 92,527 – a 15 percent increase over the same period in 2012 and represent the best first quarter in company history.
These results build on strong sales from 2012 where Subaru achieved five consecutive years of sales increases and exceeded 300,000 annual sales in 2012 – a first in company history. During the 2013 New York International Auto Show, Subaru achieved another company first when it introduced the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, the brand's first-ever hybrid vehicle.
BRZ sales were notably strong as were sales of the all-new 2014 Forester.
The XV Crosstrek Hybrid is based on the popular XV Crosstrek crossover that achieved 4688 sales in March 2013 and 10,710 year-to-date sales. The 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient all wheel drive crossover in America. It will go on sale in the fall.
"We are pleased to see our sales growth continue and surpass the records we set last year," said Thomas J. Doll , president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "Subaru offers customers uncompromising driving performance and green capabilities. It is a winning combination that will continue to drive sales."

MONTVALE, N.J., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported the highest first quarter sales volume in its history. March was another record month with sales of 24,646 for its Mercedes-Benz models, a 6.5% increase over March 2012, resulting in year-to-date sales of 69,187, up 12.5%. Combined sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, smart and Sprinter for the month totaled 27,104, up 6.3%, and year-to-date up 12.4 % at 75,214.
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"We're coming out of our highest first quarter on record—and that's before launching a single new product," said Steve Cannon , president and CEO of MBUSA. "With completely redesigned E-Class models arriving at dealerships, a next generation S-Class and a new entry point for the brand—the CLA—in the wings, we're looking at our strongest year on record."
Mercedes-Benz March sales were driven by the C-, E-, and M-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class – the current gateway to the brand on the car side for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – took the lead, posting sales of 8,396, up 32.4%. The 9th generation E-Class followed with sales of 4,009 and MBUSA's top-selling SUV, the M-Class, rounded out the top three with sales of 3,501. At the high-end, strong performers were the company's flagship S-Class, which saw 24.0% growth, and the SL-Class, which increased 790.5% over March 2012.
On a year-to-date basis, the top performers again were the C-Class with 22,912, the E-Class with 13,689 and the M-Class with 9,162.
The Sprinter model line also continued its record sales streak in March with 1,529 vans sold – up 11.2% over last year and up 22.5% on a year-to-date basis, while the company's smart brand recorded sales of 929 vehicles.
Sales of the high-performance AMG models were 631 for the month and sales of the company's BlueTEC diesel models finished the month at 1,640, up 2.4% over the same period last year.
Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 8,670 vehicles in March; an increase of 24% when compared to March 2012 (sales of 6,994 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 24,370 vehicles, an increase of 22% over the comparable period (with sales of 19,924 vehicles).