Mercedes launches a new concept to further expand the range of compact vehicles.

With the Concept A Sedan at Auto Shanghai (April 20 to 27, 2017) Mercedes-Benz is providing an outlook of the next generation of compact vehicles and a potential, new body type.

The Concept A Sedan show car specifies the evolved Mercedes-Benz design language. Thanks to its purist, surface-focused design featuring reduced lines and flat surfaces the show car is hot and cool at the same time. The "Aesthetics A" sculpture already demonstrated that the upcoming compact class generation marks the dawn of an even more rigorous implementation of the design idiom of "sensual purity".

"Our Concept A Sedan shows, that the time of creases is over”, say Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. “With its perfect proportions and a sensual treatment of surfaces with reduced lines, it is the next milestone of Sensual Purity and has the potential to introduce a new design era."

The current compact vehicle generation is crucially contributing to Mercedes‑Benz's most successful and rejuvenated appearance ever to make 2016 the sixth year of records in succession. More than two million compact vehicles have been sold around the globe since 2012. In addition to the contemporary design language, innovative assistance systems, connectivity, and driving pleasure, model variety is a crucial factor for success: with the A and B‑Class, CLA and CLA Shooting Brake, as well as the SUV crossover GLA five differently positioned variants are available on the market.

"Their success shows that our customers are absolutely delighted with the current generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars", says Britta Seeger, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for

Mercedes‑Benz Cars Marketing & Sales. "We are therefore extremely confident that the planned expansion will lead to a continuation of this success story."

The Concept A Sedan: study of a compact premium sedan

The Concept A Sedan (length/width/height: 4570/1870/1462 mm) has been designed with the proportions of a dynamic, coupé-like and simultaneously compact, premium sedan. This aim is emphasized by the traditional three-box design featuring short overhangs, especially at the rear, as well as the slim greenhouse that has been offset towards the rear. Additional sedan characteristics are the relatively vertical C‑pillar, larger side windows and the higher beltline.

The wheel arch design featuring a reduced arch dimension emphasises the exclusive 20‑inch wheels. The light alloy wheels radiate technical precision with their sporty aerowheel look featuring a structured surface between the spokes. The door handles of the show car are flush with the body, while the outside mirrors, in a contemporary reinterpretation, stand proud of the beltlines.

The striking front expresses self-confidence: this is crucially highlighted by the deep Panamericana grille tilted towards the front, featuring vertical chrome inserts and a star in the centre, as well as the stretched bonnet with Powerdomes. The large, lower air inlet featuring a diamond grid structure and a striking trim strip in dark chrome is also amongst the most eye-catching features.

The headlamps with their eyebrows as a typical feature of the brand as well as the striking grid structure on the inside guarantee a confident look – and a simultaneously high recognition value. The structural sculpture that has been broken down in detail represents a technically based counterpole to the sensual exterior – "stimulating contrast" is one of the six guiding principles of Mercedes-Benz design. The grid structure in the lamps has been coated with a UV paint and it is exposed to ultraviolet light. As a result, the headlamps "glow" in different colours, depending on the light medium – the daytime running lamps, for instance, are white.

This unusual lighting technology is also used at the rear: The striking tail light image has also been designed as a structural sculpture. In line with the evolved design philosophy the lines and gaps at the rear have been reduced. As a contrast to the paintwork the rear bumper features a diffuser-look lower part trimmed in black and a chrome trim strip that emphasises the width and underlines the car's premium appeal. The integrated exhaust deflectors are finished in dark chrome. Additional features of the roadworthy show car are dark privacy windows all-round as well as a large, panoramic glass roof.

USA - The Mercedes CLA gets a more refined look as well as a host of other trim and equipment upgrades.

The sporty, expressive design of the CLA is now further honed in a facelift involving new front and rear bumpers as well as new light-alloy wheel designs. The interior also benefits from numerous enhancements, among them new seat covers and trim parts, as well as chrome-plated controls. LED High Performance headlamps, HANDS-FREE ACCESS and further possibilities for integrating smartphones into the control system are all options that serve to enhance safety and comfort. 

The addition of Active Brake Assist as a standard feature further strengthens the CLA's credentials as a leader in its class, as does HANDS-FREE ACCESS as an optional convenience feature. The Mercedes-AMG CLA45 now features even more dynamic styling and a further upgraded interior. With a peak performance of 375 hp and maximum torque of 350 lb-ft, it is amongst the most powerful vehicles in its segment.

The facelifted version of the CLA 4-door Coupe will make its physical debut at the New York International Auto Show on March 23rd. The 2017 CLA will be available in US- dealerships in the third quarter of 2016.

In undertaking the facelift modifications, the Mercedes-Benz designers have subtly honed the distinctive look of the CLA. All models now have a new front bumper with a silver, black or chrome trim strip. 

The rear bumper is optionally available with a panel incorporating a trim strip in chrome or black (Night Package) between the tailpipes. The tailpipe trim panels themselves are now integrated flush into the bumper. This adds visual width to the vehicle and ensures a superior high-quality appearance thanks to even and narrow gaps where the panels join.

There is a new metallic paint available, Lunar Blue. Most of the available wheels now feature a new design – overall, six different wheels are available to chose from for the CLA250. The CLA previously included the latest generation of assistance and safetysystems that are, in some cases, only now gradually being introduced in the other model series. 

Among these are Active Brake Assist as standard (known until now as COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS), which is able to trigger autonomous braking as a means of reducing the danger of rear-end collisions, as well as the transmission mode selection function DYNAMIC SELECT. 

With this system the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission and steering feel. The ambient lighting system, which can be individualized by setting any one of twelve color moods, has been part of the specification since the start.

The interior: slimmer display, new trim parts, chrome-plated controls

The interior also benefits from features such as new seat covers and trim parts, as well as chrome-plated controls. The highlight here is a much slimmer-looking freestanding 8-inch media display with a new-style glass cover, standard equipment in the US. The new-style dials and red needles in the instrument cluster make it easier to read the instruments.

Meticulous attention to detail is also evident from the silver chrome finish to the controls and to the fascia and switches in the doors for the electrically adjustable seats, as well as from the chrome surround to the stowage compartment in the center console.

New trim elements in sail-look finish, matt black ash wood, black DINAMICA microfiber trim (optional in conjunction with the Sport Package Plus) or aluminum with honeycomb grain, serve to liven up the interior. There is also a revised range of seat covers: for the optionally available Interior Package there is a new leather upholstery option in beige/black.

The equipment features: LED High Performance headlamps as an option 

The CLA is optionally available with LED High Performance headlamps with a color temperature that is closer to that of daylight than traditional xenon headlamps. This is more restful to the eyes and therefore provides relief to the driver at night. The 34-watt LED low-beam headlamps also have very low energy consumption – around 60 percent less than xenon and around 70 percent less than halogen.

The low-beam headlamps use LED projection technology, while the main-beam headlamps use LED reflection technology. Direction indicators, daytime running lamps and position lights are in the form of multifunctional fiber-optic cables, which are also used for the 'Coming Home' function. As all lights use LED technology, there is never a need to change a bulb over the entire service life of the vehicle.

The new optional LED High Performance headlamps are combined with automatic intensity control tail lights, which reduce the dazzling effect for vehicles following. The multi-level functionality regulates the brightness of the brake lights and direction indicators in three stages (Day/Night-time driving/Night-time stationary).

Loading becomes easier with the HANDS-FREE ACCESS option. This system allows the trunk lid or tailgate to be opened without any physical contact; all it takes is a motion of the foot in the area of the rear bumper. HANDS-FREE ACCESS is now included as part of the Premium Package.

The optionally-available Smartphone Integration Package allows the integration and voice-operated control of iPhones® and Android smartphones via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ respectively. Selected functions can be operated using vehicle controls, thus allowing safe use even while on the move.

A Rear View Camera is now included in the standard equipment for the United States.

Drive system: Efficient and dynamic

The four-cylinder engine in the CLA250 delivers an output of 208 hp and is paired as standard with the 7G-DCT. It is available in both front-wheel drive or with optional 4MATIC.

Overview of the gasoline models:

	CLA250 / CLA250 4MATIC	AMG CLA45
Number of cylinders / arrangement	4/inline	4/inline
Displacement (cc)	1991	1991
Rated output (hp)	208 @ 5,500rpm	375 @ 6,000
Rated torque (lb-ft)	258 @ 1,200-4,000rpm	350 @ 2,250-5,000
Acceleration 0-60mph (s)	6.9 / 6.8	4.1
Top speed (mph)	130 mph	155 mph

Latest AMG design language and improved aerodynamics: AMG CLA45 

"Avant-garde meets Driving Performance" is the motto for the Mercedes-AMG CLA45. Offering a unique combination of a sporty driving experience, extravagant design and maximum individuality, the CLA45 also benefits from updated exterior asthetics. LED High Performance headlamps now come as standard, as does the twin louver radiator grille finished in silver chrome.

Aerodynamics have been further improved and the coefficient of drag has been reduced, all to the benefit of driving dynamics and stability. Further exterior features of the facelift include the AMG front bumper in a new A-wing design with front splitter inserts in matte titanium grey and high-gloss black flics, and a new design for the AMG lip spoiler on the trunk lid. New at the rear is the design of the diffuser insert, with four vertical fins. An AMG Aerodynamics package is now available as an optional extra. This comprises a larger front splitter, additional flics, a black AMG lip spoiler plus black accents over the simulated air outlets on the rear bumper.

Two attractive light-alloy wheels join the range: the standard specification includes 18 x 8.0-inch AMG ten-spoke wheels painted titanium grey or black and with a high-sheen finish, with 235/40 R 18 tires. Available as an option are 19 x 8-inch AMG cross-spoke light-alloy wheels with 235/35 R 19 tires. Here, too, there are two color variants, with matte black or titanium grey paintwork, in each case with a high-sheen rim flange.

The interior has been similarly upgraded and interiors are given an exclusive finishing touch of red contrasting topstitching. The new AMG trim design features a matte painted finish while the structure still has a polished surface that bears the AMG logo. It is available in black/red or in black/silver, depending on the chosen upholstery. Also new is the optional AMG DINAMICA Interior package with a trim element in DINAMICA as well as a full-DINAMICA AMG Performance steering wheel.

With a peak performance of 375 hp and maximum torque of 350 lb-ft, the Mercedes- AMG CLA45 4-door Coupe is among the most powerful vehicles in its segment, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.

Extensive modifications undertaken by Mercedes-AMG last September had already added to the fun at the wheel and emotional appeal of the CLA. Along with the more powerful engine, the new features included the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes as standard, plus shorter gear ratios of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sport transmission. A mechanical limited-slip front differential is available in conjunction with the Dynamic Plus package (optional extra).

Did you know that... 

...on sale in the USA since 2013, the CLA was the first compact car to be marketed in the US market by Mercedes-Benz. As the new entry-level model, it has proved hugely successful, with sales of 29,643 units (2015: +8.3% vs. 2014) making the USA the single most important market for the CLA in 2015.

…more than four million compact cars from Mercedes-Benz have already been delivered to customers worldwide?

…the model series is built at the company's production facility at Kecskémet in Hungary? Production of the compact four-door Coupe started in January 2013. Since the facility opened in 2012 a total of 500,000 vehicles have already left the production line of the Kecskémet plant, which also produces the B-Class.

...as far as its technology is concerned, the AMG 2.0-liter turbo unit is related to the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine in the Mercedes-AMG GT that delivers up to 503 hp.

...the four-cylinder turbo engine has already received the renowned "Engine of the Year Award" twice? The AMG unit won the award in the category for engines with a displacement of 1.8 - 2.0 liters in both 2014 and 2015. The independent experts were impressed by the trailblazing engineering and outstanding characteristics of this high- end four-cylinder unit.

Mercedes continues to break records with increased sales in the first six months worldwide.

• In June, global unit sales of Mercedes-Benz increased by 19.3% to 169,616 vehicles and, in the first half of the year, by 14.7% to 898,425 vehicles
• Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales: “June saw Mercedes-Benz complete not only the best ever first half of the year in terms of sales, but, with 38.5% growth, we have also recorded the strongest sales month in China.”
• Sales growth of 16.5% in Germany and 17.2% in Great Britain in June
• Sales records in the first half of the year for CLA (+25.5%), C-Class Saloon and Estate (+58.7%)

With 898,425 vehicles delivered to customers in the first six months of 2015 (+14.7%), Mercedes-Benz recorded the highest half-year sales figures in the company’s history. The second quarter of the year also exceeded all previous quarters in terms of sales figures. In June, the brand with the star handed over 169,616 vehicles to customers (+19.3%). The sales success is due to the high demand for SUVs and the C-Class Saloon and Estate.

“June saw Mercedes-Benz complete not only the best ever first half of the year in terms of sales, but, with 38.5% growth, we have also recorded the strongest sales month in China,” says Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.

In Europe, the brand with the star set new sales records both for June and for the first half of the year. In the first six months of 2015, sales rose by 11.2% to 392,528 units. Strong growth was recorded in Germany, where sales increased to 26,800 units in June (+16.5%). Thus, Mercedes-Benz remained the leading premium manufacturer in its home market. New sales records were set in Great Britain and Portugal in June. Growth was very strong in Spain, where sales increased by 30% since the beginning of the year.

Demand for vehicles with the star remained high in the NAFTA region: 189,375 customers in the USA, Canada, and Mexico opted for a Mercedes-Benz in the first half of the year (+10.1%). New sales records were set in all three countries. In the USA, 164,970 customers were happy to receive their new vehicle in the first six months of 2015 (+8.8%). In June, a sales increase of 5.8% to 28,044 units was achieved in the USA.

The Asia-Pacific region benefited from very strong sales growth in China, Japan, and South Korea in June. All in all, sales increased by 37.3% to 54,778 units in this region. With 38.5%, growth in China was even higher (32,507 units). Unit sales rose by 53.5% in Japan and by 33.8% in South Korea. New sales records were set in China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia for both the first half of the year and for the month of June. In Japan, Mercedes-Benz remained the market leader among the premium importers. The same applies to Australia, where the best sales month ever was achieved in June.

In June, a total of 54,379 customers opted for a compact model of the A-Class, B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake or GLA (+29.8%). In the first half of 2015, the brand with the star sold approximately 25% more compact cars than during the first six months of the previous year (269,527 units). Similar growth (+25.5%) and a new sales record was achieved by the CLA. The CLA Shooting Brake also enjoyed great popularity in the first months after its market launch.

The C-Class Saloon and Estate keep setting one record after another this year: sales increased by 58.7% to 214,222 units since the beginning of the year. In China, sales of C-Class Saloon doubled during the same period. A few months ago, Mercedes-Benz started the local production of the normal-wheelbase C-Class Saloon in China in addition to the long-wheelbase version. In the USA, the C-Class Saloon also set a new sales record in the first half of the year.

With more than 13 million E-Class Saloons and Estates delivered to customers, the E-Class is the best-selling vehicle in the history of Mercedes-Benz. The E-Class Saloon set a new sales record in the first half of the year in China, which is the biggest sales market of the model.

A new record was also achieved by the S-Class Saloon in June. With 51,560 units sold, the S-Class remains the world’s best-selling luxury saloon.

In the SUV segment, Mercedes-Benz not only celebrated the world premiere of the new GLC last month, but also a new sales record (+17.3%). During the first half of the year, sales of the GLA, the GLK, the M-Class, the GL and the G-Class increased by 25% to 232,406 units. The G-Class — the prime father of all Mercedes-Benz SUVs — set a new sales record in the first six months of the year (+27.6%).

The success story of the smart fortwo and smart forfour continued unabated in June. A total of 11,329 customers around the world opted for the city runabout in the past month which marks an increase of 54.5%. In Germany, smart sales were nearly twice as high last month as they were in June 2014.

WORLDWIDE MARCH SALES - MERCEDES - 15% Growth gives the German brand it's best Quarter.

• Mercedes-Benz delivers 183,467 vehicles to customers in March (+15.7%) – more than ever before.
• Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales: "Mercedes-Benz recorded the strongest sales month and the best first quarter in the company's history in March."
• Strong growth and sales records in the biggest markets: USA (+9.2%) and China (+20.8%)
• Record-high sales of C-Class Sedan and Estate (+57.8%), SUVs  (+31.9%), compact cars (+25.3%) and S-Class Sedan (+7.1%) in the first quarter of 2015

Mercedes-Benz continues its record performance with 183,467 vehicles sold in March (+15.7%). Sales have never before reached such a high level in one month. Since the beginning of the year, 429,602 vehicles have been handed over to customers, topping the previous year's record by 14.8%.

“Mercedes-Benz recorded the strongest sales month and the best first quarter in the company's history in March,” said Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales. 

"These successful results are due in no small part to the product offensive we continued to drive forward in March. 

The CLA Shooting Brake, launched March 28, is the perfect addition to our compact car family,” continued Källenius.

Last month, Mercedes-Benz set a new sales record in Europe, where sales rose by 16.3% to 89,041 vehicles. 

In Germany, 27,118 customers were happy to receive their new Mercedes-Benz in March. Since the beginning of the year, sales on the home market could be increased by 7.3% to 60,115 units. In Great Britain, record sales of 26,488 vehicles and an increase of 19.5% were achieved in March. 

Particularly high growth rates were posted, among others, in France (+42.4%), Spain (+44.5%) and Belgium (+38.8%).

In the NAFTA region, a new sales record of 34,370 vehicles was set in March (+9.1%). In the USA, the record of the previous year could be exceeded by 9.2% and 29,921 vehicles were handed over to the customers.

In the Asia-Pacific region, sales rose by 18.0% to a new record high of 54,206 vehicles last month. 30,124 units went to China, where a high sales growth of 20.8% was achieved.

So many Chinese customers have never before received their new Mercedes-Benz in March. A sales record was also posted in Japan, where 18,776 vehicles were delivered to customers since the beginning of the year. In Japan, the brand with the star is market leader among the premium manufacturers. In Australia, Mercedes-Benz achieved a sales increase of 16.8% and thus a new record.

Since the end of March, the CLA Shooting Brake supplements the successful compact car family of Mercedes-Benz. More than four million customers around the world have opted for an A-Class, B-Class, CLA or GLA since the launch of the first compact car from Mercedes-Benz in 1997. 

The compact cars continued to enjoy great popularity, which enabled a 25.3% sales increase in the first quarter of 2015 and thus a new record.

The track to record sales levels of the C-Class Sedan and Estate is unbroken. Since the beginning of the year, 109,050 units of these model series have been sold, 57.8% more than in the same period of the previous year.

The E-Class was especially popular in China: In the first quarter of 2015, the E-Class Sedan posted growth of 4.9% and achieved a new sales record there.

The best selling luxury sedan in the world, the S-Class Sedan, has been delivered to 25,849 customers since the beginning of the year (+7.1%). So many units of this model series have never before been sold in the first three months of a year.

The SUVs have also achieved a new record: Since the beginning of the year, sales have increased by 31.9% in comparison with the previous year's period to a total of 107,323 units. The G-Class posted a sales growth of 24.2% and a new sales all-time high in March.

The new smart models also enjoyed great popularity in March: A total of 11,984 customers opted for the two-door or four-door variant of the city runabout last month (+25.4%). 

After its successful market launch in Europe, the two-door city coupé will also be available for sale in the USA from autumn onwards. The smart fortwo is currently celebrating its official US premiere at the New York International Auto Show.

Overview of sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars

WORLDWIDE FEBRUARY SALES - MERCEDES-BENZ - Records continue to tumble at the German giant.

• Mercedes-Benz sells 14.6% more vehicles in February than in the previous year’s month (120,270 units).
• Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales: "We have never before sold so many C-Class Sedans and Estates as well as SUVs and compact cars in the first two months of the year."
• Biggest markets post sales records: USA (+4.5%), China (+13.6%)
• Per February premium market leader in the USA, Germany and Japan
• High sales increases for the new smart models in their biggest markets: Germany (+33.0%), Italy (+45.3%)

Mercedes-Benz remains on its course of success. The Stuttgart-based company sold 120,270 vehicles in February, thus topping the record high level of the previous year’s month by 14.6%.

“Mercedes-Benz posted another sales record in February. 

The success is due in particular to the C-Class, our SUVs and our compact cars. We have never before sold so many C-Class Sedans and Estates as well as SUVs and compact cars in the first two months of the year”, said Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.

In Europe, a total of 50,550 customers took over their new Mercedes-Benz (+17.1%), including 17,494 vehicles  for customers  in Germany, the largest  European  market  for Mercedes-Benz

(+5.8%). In its home market, the Stuttgart-based company is the market leader among the premium manufacturers for February. In the UK, the second-largest European market of Mercedes-Benz, unit sales of the previous year’s month were topped by 19.5% in February. 

Other European markets like Poland (+92.5%), Spain (+39.6%), Sweden (+34.9%) and Belgium (+36.5%) made a sustainable contribution to the market share gains of Mercedes-Benz in the premium segment with their growth rates.

In the NAFTA region, Mercedes-Benz posted a new record in February with 26,747 vehicles sold (+6.3%). Sales records were achieved in the USA as well as in Canada and Mexico. 

February sales in the USA totaled 23,616 units (+4.5%). Per February, Mercedes-Benz is the market leader among the premium manufacturers in the USA.

February sales in the Asia-Pacific region rose by 15.5% to 37,992 units. Sales in China reached a new record of 19,979 units (+13.6%) in February, in Japan, a record high level of 5,240 units was achieved (+3.6%). Mercedes-Benz is thus maintaining its market leadership among the premium importers in Japan.

In Russia, Mercedes-Benz posted sales growth of 16.5% in February and achieved a new sales record.

The demand for Mercedes-Benz compact cars continues to develop positively: In February, 35,159 customers opted for a compact car. Thus, the sales record of the previous year’s month was topped by 6,948 units (+24.6%). The first vehicles of the fifth member of the compact car family of Mercedes-Benz, the CLA Shooting Brake, will arrive at the dealers on March 28.

As in January, the C-Class Sedan and Estate posted particular high sales growth in February at 66.6%. The C-Class Sedan was the segment leader in both January and February. In the first two months, a total of 63,878 customers took over their new C-Class Sedan or Estate (+59.1%). Customer deliveries of these model series have never been so high in the first two months of the year.

The E-Class Sedan posted particular high growth in its largest sales market China, where sales were up 16% compared to the previous year’s month. In the context of the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures the long-term quality of vehicles after a three-year holding period, the E-Class and GLK were the chosen winners in their segments in the USA in 2015.

The S-Class is still the best-selling luxury sedan in the world with another sales record of 15,024 units since the beginning of the year (+4.2%). In February, China was the biggest sales market for the sedan with a sales increase of 16.8%.

The SUVs were especially popular in February (+31.1%). The G-Class, the prime father of all SUVs, posted growth of 17.6% and thus a new sales record in February. The near-series show car Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4² celebrated its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show.

February sales of the new smart models increased by 12.7% to 8,303 units. Particular high growth rates were posted in the two biggest markets: In Germany, 33% more smart models were sold than in the previous year’s month, and unit sales in Italy were up by 45.3%.

Overview of sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars

	February 2015	Change in %	Per February 2015	Change in %
Mercedes-Benz	120,270	+14.6	246,135	+14.1
smart	8,303	+12.7	16,760	+20.8
Mercedes-Benz Cars	128,573	+14.5	262,895	+14.5
Mercedes-Benz Sales in the Markets
Europe	50,550	+17.1	98,243	+15.8
- thereof Germany	17,494	+5.8	32,997	+8.3
NAFTA	26,747	+6.3	54,368	+8.0
- thereof USA	23,616	+4.5	48,235	+6.7
Asia-Pacific	37,992	+15.5	84,261	+16.0
- thereof Japan	5,240	+3.6	9,774	+7.2
- thereof China	19,979	+13.6	48,059	+14.1