Mercedes-Benz had its most successful month ever in March, registering 16,596 new cars.

Registrations rose 4.9% from 15,827 in March 2004, the previous best ever month, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Mercedes-Benz is bucking the trend in terms of market share, which was up by 0.9% for the month, compared to March 2005 and up 0.8% for the year to date. The market was performing at -1.6% for March and -4.6% fort the year to date.

The compact A-class headed the list of the most registered models, with March 2006 registrations rising to 3,833 units, with year to date registrations of 5,032 units. (The previous best month was 2,912 registrations in September 2001.)

The B-class made 1,500 registrations, the E-class estate and SL-class both had their best month’s sales in March 2006, since March 2004 with 759 and 419 registrations respectively. Sales of the S-class saloon were 448 registrations, the best month since March 2003.