On the eve of the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Mercedes-Benz showed the automotive world that it is more successful and youthful than it has ever been. The inventor of the automobile achieved its sixth record year in a row in 2016, with passenger car sales exceeding two million units in one year for the first time in its history. A major factor in that is the globally successful compact car family incorporating the A and B-Class, CLA and CLA Shooting Brake as well as the GLA SUV crossover, which celebrated its world premiere on the Detroit River after undergoing an extensive fitness regime. The expanded and more youthful product line-up is a significant factor in the ongoing market success of Mercedes-Benz, with its compact models being the perfect example. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Since 2012, we have sold more than two million compact cars worldwide. In the USA, half of those purchasing a Mercedes compact model are customers new to our brand. And in Europe, the average age of an A-Class customer has dropped by more than 13 years compared with 2011. I see four main reasons for the success of our compact cars – diversity, driving fun, innovation and our modern design language.”