Mercedes-Benz USA recently released April 2012 sales figures which resulted in the highest ever April sales on record.

According to reports attained by Autohaus on Edens, Mercedes-Benz USA tallied sales over 22,000 vehicles last month, an almost 24% increase over April 2011 sales figures. For the year, the total Mercedes-Benz sales come to a whopping 83,849 new Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold across the U.S.

In and around Wheeling, Mercedes C-Class drivers should feel proud since leading the way atop the sales charts were the 2012 C-Class, E-Class and M-Class Mercedes-Benz models. The sporty C-Class, always a popular car choice for young drivers and first-time Mercedes-Benz shoppers had sales of 6,424 units.

Next, the ninth installation of the E-Class came in second tallying sales of 5,328 units. In third place by volume was the M-Class with sales over 3,000 units in April, a 50 percent increase compared to April 2011 sales figures.

Other Mercedes-Benz models also experienced significant sales increases in the month of April.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Coupe increased sales 500% compared to April 2011 and the SLK Roadster’s sales doubled. Even the exclusive SLS AMG supercar sales increased almost 93% compared to last April.

Two other Mercedes-Benz brands, smart brand and Sprinter sales also experienced significant growth in April 2012, with sales up almost 31%. 2012 year-to-date sales of all Mercedes-Benz models, including smart and Sprinter climbed up to 91,972, up 22.4 percent.

Want to join in on the new car shopping? In and around Wheeling, Mercedes C-Class fans should stop by Autohaus on Edens in Northbrook to check out our vast selection of these top sellers and more!

At Autohaus on Edens, we know that spring is near once the awards show season has come to an end. To mark the end of this important time of year for celebrities, Mercedes-Benz recently hosted an exclusive, invitation-only event in West Hollywood.  However, what had people talking was not necessarily what designers the celebrities were wearing or what dates they brought along; it was their vehicles that made heads turn.

Some of the hottest celebrities in Hollywood attended the exclusive event, including Claire Danes, James Franco, Jamie King, Rashida Jones, Maria Menounos and clothing designer Max Azria. What all of these celebrities had in common is that their vehicle of choice to red carpet events was vehicles from the eco-friendly Mercedes-Benz fleet of vehicles.

In and Chicago, Mercedes M-Class diesel fans will be delighted to hear that they may be driving the same vehicle as some of their favorite celebrities. Celebrities are clearly choosing to go the green route with their vehicles, making Mercedes BlueTEC clean diesel and Hybrid vehicles popular choices. With lower emissions, as well as great fuel economy, going green does not mean having to drive around in a small and unattractive car.

Other notable celebrities such as Michelle Williams, Sofia Vergara, Natalie Portman as well as Courteney Cox, Renee Zellweger, Diane Kruger, Freida Pinto and Dev Patel have been outspoken about making Mercedes-Benz vehicles their eco-friendly choice to not only transport them to red carpet events, but also to endure the grueling Los Angeles traffic day in and day out.

Two of the most popular eco-friendly Mercedes vehicles are the 2012 M-Class BlueTEC SUV and the S400 Hybrid Sedan and it is easy to see why.

In and around Chicago, Mercedes M-Class diesel drivers love the 2012 ML350 BlueTEC SUV because not only does it offer plenty of seating for your family, but also has great fuel economy: 20 mpg city fuel economy and 27 mpg highway.

Meanwhile, celebrities looking for a smaller vehicle, choose the S400 Hybrid Sedan with great fuel efficiency as well with 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway.

Want to get behind the wheel of some of the same eco-friendly vehicles as your favorite celebrity? Then be sure to stop by the showroom at Autohaus on Edens to test drive our wide selection of Mercedes M-Class and hybrid vehicles!

Those who dream of taking an AMG model around the race track will soon be able to make this a reality. At Autohaus on Edens, we are very excited that the AMG Driving Academy is expanding to five premier tracks in the U.S., starting in April.

In and around Chicago, Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTec drivers who love their vehicles, but crave some sports car action will now have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the following AMG models:

E63 AMG

SL63 AMG

C63 AMG Coupe

SLS AMG

There are three levels of training at the AMG Driving Academy: Basic, Advanced, and Pro training. We have listed below the five tracks that will host the prestigious AMG Driving Academy along with the dates that the various levels of training will be offered.

Basic Training

One-day program focusing on the fundamentals of performance driving dynamics and car control maneuvers using customized exercises that emphasize the power and handling capabilities of AMG vehicles.

Palm Beach International Raceway (Jupiter, FL)  - April 12-15

Lime Rock Park (Lime Rock, CT) – May 8, 11-12 & 14

Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth, TX) – September 6-9

Laguna Seca Raceway (Monterey, CA) – September 23-24 & Nov. 8-10

Auto Club Speedway (Fonatana, CA) – October 23-28

Advanced Training

Two-day program picking up where Basic Training leaves off. This provides drivers a more in-depth level of technical training both on and off the track.

PBIR – April 16-17

Lime Rock – May 9-10

Auto Club Speedway – October 29-30

Laguna Seca – Nov. 11-12

Pro Training

Three days of focused instruction and technical skills reserved for the highest level of driving, Pro Training allows for maximum speed, challenges and thrills.

Lime Rock – May 15-17

Laguna Seca – September 25-27

PBIR – April 12-17

Lime Rock Park – May 8-17

Texas Motor Speedway – September 6-9

Laguna Seca Raceway – September 23-27 & November 8-12

Auto Club Speedway – October 23-30

In Chicago, Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTec drivers interested in trying out an AMG will notice that there are no trainings in Illinois or even in the Midwest for that matter. However, this is a good thing. Make a family vacation out of it! Think about it – you speed racing around the track in Florida or California, while the family is out at a theme park or the beach. Now that is our idea of a great getaway.

Have any questions about the AMG Driving Academy? Feel free to stop by Autohaus on Edens for information and/or to check out the AMG models in our showroom for yourself. Additional registration information is also available at www.AMGacademy.com.

Here at Autohaus on Edens, we are so proud and excited to announce our next philanthropic event, LAUNCH driving fashion forward.

This exclusive North Shore fashion event will take place on March 18 from 5-7:30 PM at Autohaus on Edens. During the fashion show, fashions will be previewed by some of the finest boutiques in Winnetka, Highland Park, and Lake Forest.

The hottest runway trends will include evening-wear, sportswear, shoes, handbags, jewelry, as well as hair and makeup reflecting the newest trends. We are thrilled to have fashions from Three Sisters, Jolie Femme, Frances Heffernan, and Bett’s.

While you take in the Spring fashions, treat yourself to cocktails and exquisite appetizers. We will also have several amazing raffle prizes including an all-inclusive trip to Fashion Week in New York City this fall.

In and around Wheeling, Mercedes CLK fans can also participate in the Party Dress Project at this event. Simply bring in a gently used, current, short, teenage size dress to donate to those less fortunate and you’ll get one free raffle ticket!

What is even better is that this event’s proceeds will go to A Safe Place/Lake County Crisis Center. A Safe Place provides housing, court advocacy, referrals and comprehensive counseling programs for victims of domestic violence – women and children who have been physically, verbally and/or emotionally abused.

We would love nothing more than for you to join us and our event partners for a wonderful night for a wonderful cause. In and around Wheeling, Mercedes CLK drivers can join event partners Knightsbridge, Red Door Spa, Shirise Shoes, Shelle Jewelers, Walleska Ecochicc, and Carlos’ new restaurant, Nieto’s.

General admission tickets are $45

VIP seating is available for $65

Raffle tickets are $50

Space is limited for this event, and no door tickets are available. Information and tickets to this event are available at http://www.dogoodersdodah.com or you may contact Tamara Taylor at (847) 878-2134 or via email at tamarat@planetpromotions.biz with immediate questions.

We cannot wait to see you on March 18 for a wonderful night and cause!

In and around Chicago, Mercedes-Benz new cars will soon be even safer for rear passengers thanks to new seat belt technology: active seat belt buckle.

Currently, Mercedes-Benz seat belts are already some of the safest on the road.  They have a feature that adjusts the tension of the belt after you have buckled it. However, this feature to the delight of Autohaus on Edens has been taken to another level, this time, by improving the belt buckle function.

Soon in Chicago, Mercedes-Benz new cars will have the seat belt buckle extend almost 3 inches out of the upholstery once the rear doors are open. Then, the insertion slot of the belt will become illuminated. This not only simplifies the buckling of the belt, but also may increase the number of rear passengers that buckle up! These visible changes may also make it easier for children and others that require help in fastening their seat belts.

Once the seat belt is fastened, an electric motor will extend and retract the seat belt buckle automatically, reducing the slack in the lower body area and securing itself more firmly both sideways and lengthwise.  Ultimately these changes in the belt buckle will improve passenger safety as well as passenger comfort.

According to Mercedes-Benz USA, this state-of-the-art seat belt technology innovation will appear in its cars soon. At Autohaus on Edens, we are very excited to see some of the safest vehicles on the road get to another level, especially if it means not having to badger back seat passengers to buckle up. Any guesses as to what model these seat belts will make their debut in?

Here at Autohaus on Edens, we hope the year 2012 has wonderful things in store for you! If last year is any indication of Mercedes-Benz USA’s success, things are looking great in 2012!

Recently, Mercedes-Benz USA released its 2011 sales figures, reporting sales of 264,460 vehicles, the highest annual volume on record with a 17.5% increase over the 225,007 vehicles sold during 2010.

C-Class

The ever-popular and sporty C-Class was the top selling Mercedes-Benz class in 2011. The C-Class is a great gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for those first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers.

Mercedes C-Class sedans and coupes are well known for their stylish body, class-leading safety, innovative luxury, and time-tested value. In 2011, 69,314 C-Class units were sold in the U.S., an increase of 17.9% compared to 2010.

E-Class

With a full fleet of vehicles including sedans, coupes, cabriolets and wagons, the E-Class had impressive sales of 62,736 units in 2011. With so many different models to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect fit for you and your family.

SLK-Class

In and around Chicago, 2012 SLK350 drivers probably saw a lot of other SLK-Class models on the road in 2011. In 2011, 3,220 units were sold, an increase of 62.6% over 2010 sales which is truly remarkable.

In Chicago, 2012 SLK350 drivers will also be surprised to know that December 2011 sales were 133.3% greater compared to December 2010 figures.

M-Class

The M-Class rounds out the top 4 best-sellers of 2011 with almost 36,000 units were sold.

Be sure to stop by Autohaus on Edens in Northbrook to test drive one of these 2011 top sellers and see the newest 2012 models in our showroom. Start things off right in 2012 with an all-new Mercedes!

Here at Autohaus on Edens, we hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and wish you nothing but the best in 2012! Congratulations are also in order for the Mercedes-Benz fleet of SUVs; they hit the over 2 million units sold worldwide mark just before the start of the New Year!

The Mercedes SUV has come a long way since its debut over 30 years ago with the G-Class, and since then, the fleet now includes: M-Class, R-Class, GL-Class, GLK-Class, and the G-Class that started it all.

The popularity of specific models tends to vary by geographic location. For instance, in the U.S., the M-, GLK- and GL-Class SUVs are the most popular models.

In China, the second largest Mercedes market, the R-Class is most in demand. It is not hard to see that there is a lot to love in the Mercedes R350 BlueTEC. Even Chicago drivers can appreciate the wonderful features this model has to offer.  This model is a classic Mercedes. R350 BlueTEC Chicago drivers will love this first-class ride that seats up to seven and leads its class in performance and safety.

In Germany, home of Mercedes-Benz, the G-Class is king. The G550 SUV is a favorite of Germans due to its timelessly classic look, on and off-road capability, as well as its low emissions and impeccable interior.

As you can see, the love for Mercedes-Benz SUVs is shared globally. Be sure to stop by Autohaus on Edens to get a first-hand look at the great options Mercedes-Benz has if you are looking for an SUV. Will all of these options, you are sure to find the perfect SUV for you and your family!

In and around Chicago, Mercedes-Benz new cars have been lucky so far this winter given the lack of snow and relatively mild temperatures. However, 4MATIC all-wheel drive not only kicks in during tough winter storms, it is an essential feature all year round, taking you from winter storms to summer heat, providing you with precise and safe driving all the time.

In Chicago, Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTec drivers absolutely love the 4MATIC feature which not only lets all four tired do the work equally, but it also is equipped to let each wheel adapt to changes on the road.

Four Points of Contact

4MATIC helps to balance braking, steering, and accelerating across the four tires that improves not only grip on the road, but also makes your ride more balanced and precise, no matter what terrain you are driving through.

Wheel Speeds

Wheel speed varies when driving in a straight line versus rounding a corner, meaning that left and right wheels need to rotate at different speeds.

In Chicago, Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTec drivers can drive at ease since the 4MATIC feature continuously monitors the speed of every wheel to ensure that each is turning at the proper speed given the conditions.

Weight Distribution

When your vehicle brakes, all of its weight is shifted to the front wheels, in turn making them work harder than the rear wheels. When this occurs, wheel grip can be compromised and leave your vehicle off balance.

4MATIC helps to optimize torque when braking, helping to keep you balanced on the road.

Mixed-friction Surfaces

From dry roads, to slick icy roads in Chicago, Mercedes-Benz new cars can drive safely on the road with 4MATIC since it uses a combination of individual brakes as well as reduction of engine output to put the right balance on each wheel to have an optimal and equal amount of torque on a variety of driving surfaces.

Sprinter vans are reliable vehicles most often associated with delivery services and are rarely, if ever, mentioned in the same sentence as luxury. However, the Sprinter van got tired of taking a back seat to the other Mercedes-Benz models and recently got a serious makeover that will make you do a double take.

In and around Chicago, Mercedes-Benz drivers sometimes need to sacrifice their luxurious lifestyle and workspace when they are on the road. However, the good folks over at Becker Automotive Design have transformed the Sprinter Van into a sight to behold.

From the outside, the JetVan looks modest and functional, and in and around Wheeling, used Mercedes fans won’t know what is coming to them once they open the door.

In Chicago, Mercedes-Benz drivers may think that they have just entered the interior of a luxurious private jet such as Air Force One, however this is obviously not the case.

If you crave luxury, opulence, and the most wicked ride on the road, then the JetVan has plenty to offer you. Only the finest materials are used in the construction of the interior. Luxuries include plush leather custom seating, advanced lighting systems that not only create a wonderful ambiance, but also offer a remarkable clarity that makes it perfect to work in, as well as the most state-of-the-art entertainment and communication technology.

You can choose from several floor plans of the JetVan depending on what your needs are for this pimped out ride. For instance, if you are looking to entertain, hideaway tables are perfect for displaying snacks and you’ll want to go all out with a state-of-the-art entertainment package.

In Wheeling, used Mercedes drivers that seek a JetVan with an emphasis on work, over entertaining can choose a floor plan that allows you to access key mobile office amenities such as: high speed wireless Internet, a well-lit workspace, plenty of desk space, as well as a variety of entertainment and communication systems.

If you are frequently on the road for work and need a second home on wheels, or even if you want to keep the luxury you are used to on the road, then the Becker JetVan by Mercedes-Benz is for you. It is the perfect way to relax, entertain and/or work while on the road, surrounded by unprecedented luxury.

For more information regarding what it takes to transform a Sprinter Van, options, estimates and pricing, be sure to check out the following link: http://www.beckerautodesign.com/jetvan-select.html.

Every time around this year, we are faced with the somewhat daunting task of Christmas shopping. Sure, for some people it is a cinch, however for others, it is not always so easy. However this year in Glenview, Mercedes Lease customers will get a little help with their shopping from Mercedes-Benz this year.

This Christmas, Mercedes-Benz has released its 2011 Mercedes-Benz Collection which is full of stylish, quality gifts for everyone in the family, especially for that person that seemingly has everything.

In Chicago, 2012 SLK350 fans will love the variety of gifts offered in this collection. Here are some of our favorites:

For that person that needs a little organization in their life, this practical, yet elegant Italian calfskin leather organizer is the ideal gift.

Complete with diamond stitching and metal AMG logo from the Mercedes BUSINESS line, this organizer will be the perfect accessory for business meetings as well as keeping track of errands on the weekend when you want to take a break from the electronic gadgets.

In and around Glenview, Mercedes Lease drivers will love the gift of precision time this Christmas with these gorgeous his and her watches.

The stainless steel ladies’ watch featuring gorgeous Swarovski crystals on the stainless steel face can go from the office to a night out.

The men’s chronograph wristwatch also makes for a wonderful gift and features elegant crocodile pattern on the leather strap.

In Chicago, 2012 SLK350 drivers will be able to groom their toddlers while they are young by giving them the ultimate Mercedes-Benz gift. Your little ones will absolutely love the electric version of the famous SL model. Recommended for children ages 3-5 years, the kids will love having a child-size model of their favorite Mercedes-Benz.

Be sure to check out the complete line of gifts in the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Collection. You are sure to find something for everyone on your list, even the pickiest of gift recipients. Happy shopping!