The company said Friday it sold 318,700 Mercedes-Benz and smart models during the first three months, an increase of 11.1 per cent over the corresponding period of the previous year.

Sales of the company’s flagship Mercedes brand climbed 4 per cent to 131,500 units.

Daimler benefited from a strong demand in Western Europe as well as a growing interest in the new model of the innovative two-seater small car smart for two.