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Subcompact executive car From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a subcompact car manufactured by Mercedes-Benz and marketed across fourth generations as a front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger, five-door hatchback, with a three-door hatchback offered for the second generation.
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | |
|---|---|
Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W177) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
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| Production | 1997–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class |
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| Body style | |
| Layout |
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As the brand's entry-level vehicle, the first generation A-Class, internally coded W168, was introduced in 1997, the second generation (W169) in late 2004 and the third generation (W176) in 2012. The fourth generation model (W177), which was launched in 2018, marked the first time the A-Class was offered in the United States and Canada.[1] This fourth generation A-Class is also the first to be offered both as a hatchback (W177) and sedan (V177).[2]
Styled by Steve Mattin and launched at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, the A-Class was noted for its short, narrow footprint, its overall height, and an interior volume and level of equipment competing with larger cars. The A-Class subsequently gained length and width over its successive generations, losing some of its height. Approximately 3.3 million A-Class models had been manufactured by the 2021 model year.
| First generation | |
|---|---|
_front_20090926.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | W168 |
| Production |
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| Assembly |
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| Designer | Steve Mattin (1994) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Related | Vaneo (W414) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission |
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| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
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| Length |
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| Width | 1,719 mm (67.7 in) |
| Height | 1,587 mm (62.5 in) |
In 1994, Mercedes-Benz confirmed that it would be launching a compact car - the A-Class (A 160) - by early 1997, and (A 190) by early 1999, which would be the company's first venture in this sector of the market; it was hinted at this stage that the new car would be shorter than the average supermini but as spacious and practical inside as a large family car.[4]
The A-Class was presented to the motoring press late in 1996, and launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the autumn of 1997, the W168 A-Class was quite unusual for Mercedes-Benz featuring a front-wheel drive layout and unusual tall but yet short body and Avantgarde at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show and 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show.
This was the first complete exterior designed by Coventry University trained Steve Mattin, for which he was named Autocar magazine's 'Designer of the Year'. Earlier, Mattin had mostly worked on design for the W210 E-Class in 1991. Concurrent to the W168, he designed the exterior of the W220 S-Class. The final design freeze occurred in January 1995, at 32 months before August 1997 start of production.[5][6]
Between 1997 and 2004, 1.1 million first generation A-Class models had been sold.[7] Overall, Daimler lost €1,440 per vehicle produced.[8]
The A-Class was facelifted in February 2001, with minor alterations to the headlights, front and rear bumper design and the addition of a new 170 mm (6.7 in) longer wheelbase version. It was launched at the Geneva Motor Show.[9]
The W168 became infamous in 1997 after flipping over during the traditional "elk test"[10] performed by the Swedish automobile publication Teknikens Värld. According to the report, the W168 overturned when manoeuvring to avoid the "elk". Mercedes initially denied the problem, but then took the surprising step of recalling all units sold to date (2,600) and suspending sales for three months until the problem was solved by adding electronic stability control and modifying the suspension.[11] The company spent DM 2.5 billion in developing the car, with a further DM 300 million to fix it.[12]
All A-Class models are powered by four-cylinder engines, with 1.4 L and 1.6 L petrol models at launch (M 166 series), followed by two versions of a 1.7 L diesel engine (OM 668 series). In 1999, a larger 1.9 L petrol model was added, with the 2.1 the last W168 version to be launched in 2002. Also two AMG versions were produced, a 3.2 in 2001 and a 3.8 in 2000, though very few of these were made.[13]
| Model | Years | Configuration | Displacement | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | Top Speed | Fuel Consumption/Efficiency (EU-Norm combined) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | |||||||||
| A 140 | 1997–2004 | M 166 E 14 | 1397 cm3 | 60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) at 5,000 rpm | 130 N⋅m (96 lb⋅ft) at 3,750 rpm | 170 km/h (106 mph) | 6.8 L/100 km (35 mpg‑US) | ||
| A 140 L | 2001–2004 | ||||||||
| A 140 Automatic | 2000–2004 | M 166 E 16 red. | 1598 cm3 | 60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) at 5,000 rpm | 140 N⋅m (103 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm | 166 km/h (103 mph) | |||
| A 140 L Automatic | 2001–2004 | ||||||||
| A 160 | 1997–2004 | M 166 E 16 | 1598 cm3 | 75 kW (102 PS; 101 hp) at 5,250 rpm | 150 N⋅m (111 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | 182 km/h (113 mph) | |||
| A 160 L | 2001–2004 | ||||||||
| A 190 | 1999–2004 | M 166 E 19 | 1898 cm3 | 92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | 198 km/h (123 mph) | 7.5 L/100 km (31 mpg‑US) | ||
| A 190 L | 2001–2004 | ||||||||
| A 210 Evolution | 2002 – 2004 | M 166 E 21 | 2084 cm3 | 103 kW (140 PS; 138 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 205 N⋅m (151 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | 203 km/h (126 mph) | 7.9 L/100 km (30 mpg‑US) | ||
| A 210 Evolution L | |||||||||
| A 32K AMG (Prototype) | 2002 | M 112 E 32 ML Supercharged | 3199 cm3 | 260 kW (354 PS; 349 hp) at 6,100 rpm | 450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft) at 3,000–4,600 rpm | 250 km/h (155 mph) | |||
| A 38 AMG (Prototype) | 1998 | M 166 E 19 (two engines—front and rear) | 3796 cm3 (2x 1898 cm3) | 186 kW (253 PS; 249 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 360 N⋅m (266 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | 230 km/h (143 mph) | |||
| Diesel engines | |||||||||
| A 160 CDI | 1998–2001 | OM668 DE 17 A red. | 1689 cm3 | 44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) at 3,600 rpm | 160 N⋅m (118 lb⋅ft) at 1,500–2,400 rpm | 158 km/h (98 mph) | 4.5 L/100 km (52 mpg‑US) | ||
| 2001–2004 | OM 668 DE 17 LA red. | 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) at 3,600 rpm | 160 N⋅m (118 lb⋅ft) at 1,500–2,800 rpm | 163 km/h (101 mph) | |||||
| A 170 CDI | 1998–2001 | OM 668 DE 17 LA | 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) at 4,200 rpm | 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) at 1,600–3,200 rpm | 175 km/h (109 mph) | 4.9 L/100 km (48 mpg‑US) | |||
| 2001–2004 | 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) at 4,200 rpm | 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) at 1,600–3,600 rpm | 182 km/h (113 mph) | ||||||
| A 170 CDI L | 180 km/h (112 mph) | ||||||||
| Test[14] | Score | Points |
| Overall: | N/A | N/A |
| Adult occupant: |   |
27 |
DaimlerChrysler invested EUR 900 million in developing the Rastatt plant where the A-Class is produced, and created 1600 new jobs (for a total of 4700). A further 600 people work in the office building at the plant site.
Mercedes-Benz began W168 production on 17 February 1999 at its new Brazilian facility in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. The Brazilian plant was the company's first factory in South America dedicated to passenger cars, with an investment of US$840 million and 10,000 employees. The factory initially produced A-Class and C-Class models, assembling them from pieces manufactured in Germany. The target for the cars was regional markets (from Argentina to Mexico) with modifications made to the cars to suit local conditions, like a protection for the motor base. By May 2004 production stopped in Rastatt plant. In September 2005 Brazilian Juiz de Fora factory stopped production of A-Class cars.[15]
It is a version of 5-door A-Class hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) electric motor. It has a driving range of 160 km (99 mi).[16]
Three A-Class F-Cell cars were used in the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show for press shuttle service. On 18 June 2004, 4 production F-Cell vehicles were delivered to Deutsche Telekom and BEWAG/Vattenfall Europe in Berlin.[17]
In 2007, the A-Class F-Cell were delivered to Landsvirkjun and Reykjavik Energy.[18]
A DHL version of F-Cell was unveiled in FC EXPO 2008.[19]
According to a 2008 British satisfaction survey by Which?, the A-Class came third from bottom out of 217 models surveyed with a score of 65 percent.[20]
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
_–_Frontansicht_(1),_30._März_2011,_Wülfrath.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | W169 |
| Production | June 2004 – 2012 |
| Assembly |
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| Body and chassis | |
| Body style |
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| Related | B-Class (W245) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,568 mm (101.1 in) |
| Length |
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| Width | 1,764 mm (69.4 in) |
| Height | 1,593 mm (62.7 in) |
_rear_20100405.jpg)
The W169 is constructed with high-strength steel alloys with bonded joints. Standard equipment included front as well as combined head and thorax-protection side airbags. The front airbags are adaptive with two-stage gas generators operating according to the severity of accident. Optionally rear side airbags (for side-impacts in the backseats) and side-curtain airbags were available.
The force exerted by the seat belt system during a collision adapts dynamically to collision characteristics. The 'active' head restraints (standard for driver and front passenger) reduce neck injury, especially in rear collisions.
The cargo capacity of the W169 was increased by 15 percent over the W168.
Seven four-cylinder engines were available: four petrol (gasoline) (A 150, A 170, A 200, A 200 Turbo) and three diesel (A 160 CDI, A 180 CDI, A 200 CDI) partnered with either five- or six-speed manual gearbox. A continuously variable transmission system called "Autotronic Constantly Variable Transmission" (CVT) is an optional feature.
The petrol A 200 Turbo provides 193 hp (144 kW) and 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) of torque (rotational force); the diesel A 200 CDI has 140 hp (104 kW) and 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft).
The most powerful engine achieved 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.0 seconds with a top speed of 218 km/h (135 mph). The newly developed direct-injection CDI diesel units use a common-rail direct injection system that improves fuel consumption and reduces exhaust emissions and engine noise.
All the engines meet the tight EU4 emissions limits. A particulate filter system is available as an option for the diesel units to reduce particulate emissions by about 99% without the need for additives.
The A-Class is a front wheel drive car and features traction control (ASR) as standard, as well as electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes (ABS).
Handling is improved by precision tracking and anti-roll support, and by a Parabolic Rear Axle.
A "Selective Damping System", in which the shock absorber forces respond differently according to conditions, is standard. For example, under normal conditions it operates at soft absorption; while cornering at speed it changes to full damping force.
Sales of the W169 were targeted at 50,000 units in 2004. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group, said that target had been reached even before vehicles arrived in dealer showrooms.[citation needed]
Japan models went on sale in 2005-02-04. Early models include 5-door right drive versions of A 170, A 170 Elegance, A 200 Elegance.[22] 5-door right drive version of A 200 TURBO Elegance was added in 2005-11-10.[23] Due to the body width being larger than 1700 mm, it could not be registered as small car in Japan. (See Vehicle size class#Japan)
_–_Innenansicht,_30._März_2011,_Wülfrath.jpg)
The W169 Model facelift changes included redesigned front and rear fascias and lights, and optional stop-start function on A 150 and 170 models.[24] Active Park Assist enables the car to parallel park itself, with only throttle and brake inputs required from the driver.
The five-door Hatchback and the three-door Coupé vehicles debuted in spring 2008, alongside the refreshed 2009 M-Class and B-Class.[25] Early models include A 160 CDI, A 180 CDI, A 200 CDI, A 150, A 170, A 200, A 200 TURBO.[26]
Japan models went on sale in late August 2008. Early models 5-door versions of A 170, A 170 Elegance.[27] Japan models of A 170 was renamed to A 180 in August 2009.[28]
_–_Frontansicht,_13._November_2011,_Heiligenhaus.jpg)
_Facelift_rear_20101016.jpg)
_Facelift_rear_20100818.jpg)
The Special Edition is a limited (5500 units) version for all model variants of the A-Class. It includes the BlueEfficiency package, black radiator louvres, 16-inch titanium silver light-alloy wheels in a new 9-spoke design (tyre size 195/55 R16), a "Special Edition" badge on the mirror triangle, two-tone colour scheme in black and grey, Audio 20 radio with CD player and Bluetooth hands-free system and the Light and Sight package with a rain sensor, automatically dimming rear-view mirror, an illuminated vanity mirror in the sun visor, separately adjustable reading lights in the rear, a reading light for the driver and illuminated front foot wells, Seating Comfort package (height-adjustable front passenger seat, seat cushion angle adjustment and lumbar supports for the driver and front passenger). Standard exterior features also include fog lamps and a free choice of metallic paint finish.[29]
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL was introduced in September 2010 and debuted at the October 2010 Paris Motor Show.[30][31] The E-Cell has a range of 200 kilometres (120 mi) capable of developing a peak output of 70 kW (94 hp), a continuous power rating of 50 kW (67 hp) and a maximum torque of 290 N·m (214 lb·ft). The Mercedes A-Class E-Cell can accelerate from 0–60 km/h (37 mph) in 5.5 seconds, and its top speed is 150 km/h (93 mph).[30][32]
Tesla Motors, as part of its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, built electric powertrain components for the E-Cell. The 36 kWh battery contains approximately 4,000 individual lithium-ion cells.[30][33][34] Mercedes has developed a modular system for electric vehicles with battery and fuel-cell. This system allows the efficient use of shared parts in all the brand's electric vehicles. Thanks to the modular approach the electric drive of the A‑Class E‑Cell is also used in the B‑Class F‑Cell, and the energy storage units in the A‑Class EV are the same as the battery in the Smart fortwo electric drive.[30][32]
A limited production of 500 A-Class E-Cell electric cars will be built, for trial purposes, at the Mercedes Rastatt plant, near Stuttgart beginning in September 2010. As part of a demonstration program, the cars will be leased to selected customers in several European countries, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Daimler is not planning to sell the electric version outside Europe.[30][32][35]
The Final Edition is a limited (300 units) version of 5-door righthand drive A 180 for the Japanese market. It included calcite white body colour, black interior colour, sport package (chrome exhaust tip, 17-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels, chrome iridium silver front grille, stainless acceleration and brake pedals with rubber stud, leather wrapped sport steering wheel and silver shift knob, silver meter panel), bi-xenon headlights and headlight washer, cornering lights, fog lamps (front/rear), rain sensor, sun visor with illuminating mirror, anti-glare mirrors, 'Final Edition' emblem, and floor mats with 'Final Edition' silver logo plates.
The vehicle went on sale on 28 May 2012.[36]
| Specification | A 160 CDI | A 180 CDI | A 200 CDI | A 150 | A 170 | A 200 | A 200 Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,838 mm (151.1 in) | ||||||
| Width | 1,764 mm (69.4 in) | ||||||
| Height | 1,593 mm (62.7 in) | ||||||
| Wheelbase | 2,568 mm (101.1 in) | ||||||
| Luggage (l) | 435–1995 | ||||||
| (3 doors) | 435–1485 | ||||||
| Empty weight (5-doors) | 1,325 kg (2,921 lb) | 1,345 kg (2,965 lb) | 1,365 kg (3,009 lb) | 1,225 kg (2,701 lb) | 1,240 kg (2,734 lb) | 1,305 kg (2,877 lb) | |
| (3 doors) | 1,300 kg (2,866 lb) | 1,320 kg (2,910 lb) | 1,340 kg (2,954 lb) | 1,195 kg (2,635 lb) | 1,210 kg (2,668 lb) | 1,275 kg (2,811 lb) | |
| Tank Capacity | 54 L (14.3 US gal; 11.9 imp gal) | ||||||
| Tank Reserve | 6 L (1.6 US gal; 1.3 imp gal) | ||||||
| Cylinders | diesel 4/in-line 4-valv/cyl - Gasoline 4/in-line 2-valv/cyl | ||||||
| Displacement cc | 1991 | 1991 | 1991 | 1498 | 1699 | 2034 | 2034 |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Diesel | 1.5L Petrol | 1.7L Petrol | 2.0 Petrol | 2.0 Turbo Petrol | ||
| Fuel per 100 km | 4.9L | 5.2L | 5.4L | 6.2L | 6.6L | 7.2L | |
| Rated Output kW/hp/PS (rpm) | 60/80/82 (4200) | 80/107/109 (4200) | 103/138/140 (4200) | 70/94/95 (5200) | 85/114/116 (5500) | 100/134/136 (5750) | 142/190/193 (4850) |
| Rated Torque | 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) (1400–2600) | 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) (1600–2600) | 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) (1600–2600) | 140 N⋅m (103 lb⋅ft) (3500–4000) | 155 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft) (3500–4000) | 185 N⋅m (136 lb⋅ft) (3500–4000) | 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) (1800–4850) |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) (sec) | 15.0 | 10.8 | 9.5 | 12.6 | 10.9 | 9.9 | 8.0 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/h (103 mph) | 184 km/h (114 mph) | 202 km/h (126 mph) | 173 km/h (107 mph) | 188 km/h (117 mph) | 195 km/h (121 mph) | 218 km/h (135 mph) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual | |
| Wheels | 6j x 15 | 6j x 15 | 6j x 16 | 6j x 15 | 6j x 15 | 6j x 16 | 6j x 16 |
| Tires | 185/65R15 | 185/65R15 | 195/55R16 | 185/65R15 | 185/65R15 | 195/55R16 | 195/55R16 |
| Specification | W169 (5 door) | W168 (long wheelbase) | W168 (standard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,838 mm (151.1 in) | 3,776 mm (148.7 in) | 3,606 mm (142.0 in) |
| Width | 1,764 mm (69.4 in) | 1,719 mm (67.7 in) | 1,719 mm (67.7 in) |
| Height | 1,593 mm (62.7 in) | 1,589 mm (62.6 in) | 1,575 mm (62.0 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,568 mm (101.1 in) | 2,593 mm (102.1 in) | 2,423 mm (95.4 in) |
| VDA boot capacity L | 435–1370 | 470–1180 | 390–1040 |
As of 4 December 2006, 371,700 second generation A-Class units had been sold since September 2004, making it a total of 1,500,000 A-Class produced at DaimlerChrysler's Rastatt plant in ten years.[7]
As of 26 June 2009, the 750,000th second generation A-Class vehicle was built at the Rastatt plant.[37]
As of 1 February 2012, 1 million second generation A-Class vehicles had been delivered since autumn 2004.[38]
In 2021, the Mercedes A-Class achieved the title of 4th best-selling car in the UK having achieved a total of 30,710 registrations.[39]
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
_–_Frontansicht,_30._November_2014,_Ratingen.jpg) 2014 Mercedes-Benz A 180 Urban 5-door hatchback pre-facelift (Germany) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | W176 |
| Production | |
| Model years | 2013–2018 |
| Assembly |
|
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz MFA |
The model was introduced at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show officially as a subcompact executive / C-segment model for the first time after being a supermini / B-segment for fifteen years.[44] This model does not offer a 3-door model, due to the decreasing popularity of 3-door models and its larger size.[45] The W176 was available in some markets from September 2012.[46] Models in the Japanese market went on sale in January 2013.[47]
The design for the third generation of A-Class was based on the 2011 Concept A-Class and was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.[48] The facelifted model of the W176 was presented in Q3 2015. Orders for the facelifted model had started in July 2015, and mass production started in September. The facelift had added updated lights, technology, and models.[49] The model was initially built exclusively in Rastatt. However, from late 2013 it was also built in Uusikaupunki, Finland for certain countries.[42]
_–_Heckansicht,_30._November_2014,_Ratingen.jpg)
_–_Innenraum,_13._April_2013,_Düsseldorf.jpg)
| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
_–_f_16032019.jpg) 2019 Mercedes-Benz A 180 Progressive 5-door hatchback pre-facelift (Germany) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | W177 |
| Production | April 2018 – present |
| Model years | 2018–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback 4-door sedan |
| Platform | MFA2 |
The W177 hatchback was launched in 2018 as the successor to the W176 Mercedes-Benz A-Class and sales commenced in March 2018.[50] It is available as a 5-door hatchback (W177 model code), 4-door sedan (V177),[51] and a long-wheelbase sedan exclusive to China (Z177).[52] In North America, the hatchback is available in Canada and Mexico, but in the US, only the sedan is available.
The fourth generation A-Class hatchback was unveiled to media in February 2018 in Amsterdam ahead of its public debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.[53] At launch Mercedes-Benz revealed the vehicle's "predator face", which is also implemented in the C257 CLS and C118 CLA, which will not spread throughout the brand's entire range of cars.[54]
_–_h_16032019.jpg)
| Year | Europe[55] | Australia[56] |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 6,184 | |
| 1998 | 118,058 | |
| 1999 | 177,275 | |
| 2000 | 168,897 | |
| 2001 | 161,962 | |
| 2002 | 149,327 | |
| 2003 | 130,051 | |
| 2004 | 126,294 | |
| 2005 | 173,548 | |
| 2006 | 148,001 | |
| 2007 | 136,349 | |
| 2008 | 125,671 | |
| 2009 | 109,568 | |
| 2010 | 106,983 | |
| 2011 | 88,025 | |
| 2012 | 70,108 | |
| 2013 | 131,258 | |
| 2014 | 121,231 | 4,676 |
| 2015 | 119,475 | 3,629 |
| 2016 | 141,800 | 4,335 |
| 2017 | 143,550 | 4,768 |
| 2018 | 153,882 | 4,175 |
| 2019 | 198,926 | 4,689 |
| 2020 | 158,955 | 6,054 |
| 2021 | 118,439 | 3,793 |
| 2022 |
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