Mercedes-Benz UK is refusing to comment on reports in the national media that it is preparing to drastically reduce its dealerships, but is instead praising its retail network for its contribution to this year's record sales.

Responding to a Mail On Sunday report that Mercedes had given owners of 63 of its 156 dealerships 12 months notice, a manufacturer spokesman said: "It's something we are not going to comment on in any detail because it's entirely speculative."

In fact he said latest Mercedes UK sales figures showed the brand was on track to achieve a seventh consecutive year of record sales for which the dealer network must take a share of the credit.

"With nine selling days left this year we've already beaten last year's sales total of 62,368 units and year 2000 sales look set to be around 63,200.

"Our dealers are our partners in this success story and must share the credit."