Growing demand for tax-efficient executive class diesels helped produce a record half-year sales result for Mercedes-Benz in Britain.

The German marque registered 36,657 new cars between January and the end of June, a 5.6% increase over the same period in 2000. Diesel-powered cars accounted for 10,304 units – a rise of 25.1%.

S-class saloon sales bucked the market trend by rocketing 33.2% year to date from 1,368 units to 1,822 in a sector which dropped 2.6%in the same period.

Dermot Kelly, director, Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars said: “We are delighted that so many of our models have contributed to this unparalleled success.

“Our entire diesel range has performed particularly well, and with changes to company car taxation around the corner it's clear to see that our customers are choosing to have the best of all worlds by driving our range of technologically-advanced diesel models.”