Part of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is responsible for the distribution and marketing of Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Sprinter products in the United States. In 2013, MBUSA achieved the highest annual sales volumes in its history with 312,534 units sold for the Mercedes-Benz brand, representing a 14.0% increase over 2012 sales. Sprinter Vans achieved an annual sales total of 21,816, gaining 4.2%. Adding 9,264 units from smart, MBUSA´s year-end sales total hit an all-time record 343,614 vehicles, increasing 12.6% from the previous year. Although MBUSA was founded in 1965, importation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles actually began in 1952 under Max Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman was a driving force behind the car that cemented the identity of Mercedes-Benz in America: the iconic 300SL Gullwing. By 1957, Mercedes-Benz was in a position to expand its reach in the United States and entered into a distribution agreement with Studebaker-Packard Corporation. Eight years later, the company struck out on its own, forming Mercedes-Benz USA. Over the following years, MBUSA grew into a nationwide organization, now employing over 1,600 people. The company also has 362 associated dealerships that employ over 22,000 people themselves.