Stuttgart, Germany – Mercedes-Benz has announced the delivery of the 500,000th SLK roadster. The compact roadster was first introduced with its market launch in 1996; the first-generation two-seater sold 310,000 units, while its second-generation successor has sold 190,000 units since its launch in March 2004.

The new-generation SLK, which celebrated its world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show in January, has redesigned styling, new interior and three new engines for various markets.

“With the launch of the SLK in 1996, Mercedes-Benz successfully established the premium segment for compact roadsters,” said Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice-President responsible for Sales and Marketing. “Thanks to innovative technology such as the vario-roof and the neck-level heating system Airscarf, the SLK has long been recognized as a cult car of modern times. The new-generation SLK models, which we are delivering to customers since April 2008, are sportier than ever. I’m confident that the dynamic looks and performance of the new SLK will again set pulses racing among sports cars enthusiasts around the world.”

In Western Europe, the most important sales market for it, the SLK was the market leader for its segment in 2007. It enjoys its greatest popularity in Germany, where it sells two-thirds of its European allotment.