BERLIN (AP) — The automaker Daimler AG, whose brands include Mercedes-Benz and Smart, said Tuesday its 2007 auto sales rose by almost 2 percent with demand growing in the U.S. and Asia for the new C-Class sedan.
The Stuttgart-based company said it sold 1.28 million cars last year, compared with 1.26 million in 2006.
By segment, Daimler said it sold nearly 1.2 million Mercedes-Benz automobiles, compared with 1.1 million in 2006, a 3 percent increase.
Sales rose 2 percent in the United States, with demand for its SUVs strong, while in Asia sales were up 12 percent, lifted higher by demand for luxury cars, particularly in China.
Sales of its Smart brand, including the two-seater fortwo, dropped 11 percent worldwide from 112,100 in 2006 to 100,600 last year.
Demand was greatest in Germany and Italy. The fortwo is set to go on sale in the U.S. later this year.
Shares of Daimler slipped less than 1 percent to 58.11 euros ($85.56) in Frankfurt.
