|  | Auto China 2008 has become the second largest global auto show for Mercedes-Benz Car Group, only next to Frankfurt; | | Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart together in China for the first time, forming an impressive line-up of 33 models; | | Chinese super-star Zhang Ziyi helps unveil world premiere of GLK Compact Luxury SUV; | | The new-generation locally-built C-Class debuts at the Beijing Auto Show. "AVANTGARDE" and "ELEGANCE" garner people's attention and acclaim; | | With the E 300 BLUETEC, Two-Mode Hybrid and B-Class F-Cell, Mercedes-Benz presents the all-new concept of "Green Luxury"; | | Mercedes-Benz showcases CSR initiatives in China; | | In Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, Mercedes-Benz Cars have sold more than 9,600 vehicles in the first quarter of 2008, a year-on-year rise of over 40%. |
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Beijing, April 20 – Mercedes-Benz kicked off the 10th Beijing Auto Show at the New China International Exhibition Centre with all three Mercedes-Benz Car brands, including Maybach and smart also, appearing together for the first time ever. For the first time Mercedes-Benz has officially recognized the Beijing Auto Show as the second largest global auto show after Frankfurt, suggesting the rapid progress the Chinese auto industry has made. From the world premiere GLK, Asia premieres SL 500 and Maybach Landaulet, to the China premieres including S 350 4MATIC, CL 600 and smart models, displaying a record 33 models emphasizes Mercedes-Benz's fascination and responsibility.
Mercedes-Benz wasn't just premiering cars, however - it also gave visitors and media a taste of the auto industry's future and the importance it attaches to social responsibility. The E 300 BLUETEC diesel and B-Class F-Cell hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, making their first appearances in China, reflect the comprehensive nature of Mercedes-Benz "green luxury", while Mercedes-Benz's first ever CSR exhibit highlights the variety of social, cultural, educational and athletic activities it has sponsored and promoted in recent years. The key to success and long-term development requires a mutually beneficial relationship with the Chinese market, and Mercedes-Benz has worked hard to find ways to give back to society.
"The fact that all of our passenger car brands - Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart - are all here in China for the first time together demonstrates the great importance we attach to the Chinese market and the confidence we have in it. In 2007, Mercedes-Benz China achieved an outstanding volume growth of 50 percent. At the start of 2008, when the spotlight across the globe points at China with unprecedented focus, Mercedes-Benz Cars has achieved its best first quarter sales result ever, helped significantly by our market success here in China," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, making a special trip to Beijing just to attend the show. |
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