Mercedes Benz global sales increase 5.5% during January-July 2012

German carmaker Mercedes-Benz has reported 5.5% rise in its sales to 750,251 units during the January to July period when compared to the year ago period.

The carmaker's smart and Maybach brands increased by 5.1% to 813,966 units during the initial seven months of 2012.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales and Marketing executive vice president Dr. Joachim Schmidt said despite many model changes and varying market conditions in Southern Europe, for the year to date, the company is on track to set a new sales record in 2012.

"The response to the new A-Class is excellent with well over 40,000 posted orders since it was released for sale," Schmidt said.

"The gradual introduction of additional new models like the CLS Shooting Brake and the GL-Class will give further momentum to our sales."

During the period, Mercedes Benz's sales in Canada reported 10.1% rise, while in Mexico the company's sales reported more than 26% rise when compared to the same period in 2011.

The company sold nearly 147,905 units in the US during the period reporting a 13.8% rise over the year ago period.

Mercedes Benz has reported sales of 97,327 vehicles during July 2012, when compared to 100,391 units sold during the same month in 2011.