Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported its all-time best October on record with sales of 18,871 new vehicles, breaking the record of 18,443 set in October 2001. Year-to-date sales also hit an all-time record with 172,563 units sold, up 2.4 percent over last year (168,548) which was the highest year in the company's history. Boosted by the recent launch of the all-new E-Class, the model line led October sales volume with 5,265 units sold in the month, a 72.1 percent increase over October 2001. On a year-to-date basis, the C-Class model line was the volume leader with 53,714 new C-Class sedans, coupes and wagons sold, a 32.1 percent increase over the same period last year. "This month's launch of the facelifted S-Class sedans has been very well received, which we anticipate will further stimulate a strong finish to the year, particularly for our high-end vehicles," said Keith May, vice president of sales for MBUSA. "With the new Pre-Safe system, the 2003 S-Class introduces a whole new dimension in safety innovation. Pre-Safe actually helps prepare the car for an accident before it happens by automatically tensioning the seatbelts, closing the sunroof, and adjusting seat positions in those vital seconds before potential impact." According to the company, other highlights for the month included major sales gains for the high-end model lines. Sales for Mercedes-Benz's high-end model lines as a group - the CL, SL and S-Class models - increased 14 percent for the month (3,371 vs. 2,895) and 8 percent year-to-date (30,805 vs. 28,423) compared with the same periods in 2001. Separately, through its Starmark pre-owned vehicle program, MBUSA said it recorded sales of 3,762, an increase of 11.9 percent over last October. On a year-to-date basis, Starmark sales increased 15.3 percent to 36,043 units sold compared to 31,261 year-to-date in 2001.