daimlerchrysler s 2004 sales rise usgerman carmaker daimlerchrysler has sold 21 more cars in 2004 than in the previous year as solid chrysler sales offset a weak showing for mercedes sales totalled 39 million units worldwide during 2004 the company said at the detroit motor show a switch to new models hit luxury marque mercedesbenz with sales down 31 at 106 million chrysler avoided the fate of us rivals ford and general motors both of whom lost ground to japanese firms its sales rose 35 to 27 million units similarly on the up was the smart brand of compact cars with the division s sales jumping by 211 during 2004 to 136 000 the future of the brand which is controlled by the mercedes group within daimlerchrysler remains in question however smart has consistently lost money since it started trading in 1998 and new model launches are now on hold said mercedes chief executive eckhard cordes in europe the smart will now go on sale through regular mercedes dealerships as well as its own dealer network mr cordes said