Mercedes-Benz’ flagship sedan S-Class posted record monthly sales in the Korean auto market, according to industry data on Monday.

Mercedes-Benz reportedly sold more than 1,300 units -- which include 84 units of Mercedes-Maybach S-Class -- in June. This is the highest monthly figure since January, 2015 when the automaker sold around 1,000 units. 


The sales figure is compared to other German brands including BMW’s flagship sedan 7 series, which stopped short of selling 230 units and Audi‘s A8, which sold only 50 units after being hit by a diesel scandal.

Mercedes-Benz ranked first in the foreign car market in Korea in the first half of the year, beating the long-time winner BMW for the first time.

Market watchers said the record sales were possible as the automaker’s S350d, which stopped selling for a few months after failing to report the upgraded transmission to the government, resumed selling last month. During the month, a total of 760 units were sold, taking up more than half the company’s monthly sales.

Industry watchers said it remains to be seen whether Mercedes-Benz would retain the top position in the second half as it would face tough competition from BMW‘s new 7 series.


By Shin Ji-hye (shinjh@heraldcorp.com)