Mercedes to Launch Online Car Sales in Germany, Poland

Daimler AG says that by year end customers of its Mercedes-Benz Cars unit in Hamburg and Warsaw will be able to order and finance the brand's most popular and high-priced vehicles through Internet-based shops.

Consumers also can use the Web sites to schedule test drives. But they must still visit a Mercedes dealer for "final sales administration." Those buyers can opt to pick up their vehicle from the dealer or have it delivered to them.

The system will funnel buyers to traditional brick-and-mortar dealerships, according to Mercedes. It adds that the system will aid dealers in city centers who have limited showroom space.

The brand says the plan aims to reach younger, Internet-oriented customers and provide the company with insights into how those consumers use a digital sales channel. Mercedes says it plans to expand the service to other unspecified countries.