When Mercedes-Benz didn't consider selling the G-Class in the United States for a long time, a small registered importer based in New Mexico, Europa International, Inc., began the expensive process of certifying and modifying the G-Class for the US market and started selling them in 1993. When the new G 500 was introduced in 1998, Europa International sought and received the "small-volume manufacturer status", allowing the company to be exclusive importer and distributor of G 500 in the United States. The sales success of G 500 was attributed to Europa International's clever marketing toward high-end luxury clientele and led Mercedes-Benz to the decision of purchasing the distribution rights and including G-Class in its official US model ranges.[10]