Beijing, February 19, 2009 - Despite the economic gloom in the market, Mercedes-Benz stayed strong and welcomed 2009 with yet another sales growth, posting deliveries of more than 3,200 units and a year-on-year increase of 11% in Mainland China in January. This feat was contributed by its flagship model, the S-Class, as it continued its rising momentum with an increase of 26% compared to the same period last year, enabling China to become the largest S-Class market in the world. The SUV family also enjoyed a standout growth in January, which soared at an unprecedented level. The B-Class, which had already generated immense consumer interest since its pre-sales in November last year, received even more orders upon its launch in January 2009. The locally produced C- and E-Class also maintained stable growth in spite of increasingly fierce competition.

Last year, Mercedes-Benz expanded its S-Class product spectrum in the China market with the introductions of several models, such as S 350 4MATIC,
S 350 Dynamic and S 300 Luxury. So far Mercedes-Benz has expanded its S-Class family to 10 models, providing customers with the most extensive choice in the top-luxury saloon segment. As evident by its 41% market share, the S-Class held its leading position in the domestic top luxury saloon segment. In January, the S-Class achieved a year-on-year increase of 26%, helping to set the optimistic tone for the year of 2009.

The locally-produced C-Class and E-Class have also gradually enhanced their respective positions in the market with stable sales increases. The new generation C-Class, targeted at the rising young elite, maintained its popularity and rising sales since its launch in spring of last year. In January the C-Class achieved hot sales, which can be attributed to the recent upgrade of its entire lineup as well as the flexible and attractive auto finance service.

A sustaining trend in the market, which demonstrates the growing tendency of urban citizens to drive sporty car, has enabled SUVs to become one of the best-sellers in China. Additionally, twice oil prices cut recently further help the SUV segment to maintain its rapid growth in January. As a part of it, the entire Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup achieved a remarkable growth of over 80% compared to the same period last year. The grand luxury tourer R-Class and the M-Class sustained their upward momentum in the market with a year-on-year boost of nearly 50% and 83% respectively in January. The most impressive sales increase in the Mercedes-Benz SUV family in January was experienced by the spacious seven-seater premium
GL-Class, which posted an inspiring 109% year-on-year rise. The middle size luxury SUV GLK-Class, introduced into the China market last year, was made available in showrooms in January. Featuring the combination of excellent off-road capability and cutting-edge design, the new offering of Mercedes-Benz - GLK-Class has further amplified the sales of the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup.

At the very start of the New Year, Mercedes-Benz officially launched the brand new
B-Class luxury sport tourer. Labeled with a competitive price, B-Class provides more Mercedes-Benz lovers in China with the opportunity to enjoy the advantages of a luxurious life at an affordable value. Although the B-Class had only been launched last month, it had already shown its strong sales potential, which can be largely accredited to the hot feedback it received during its pre-sales last year. This environmentally friendly and fuel saving sport tourer not only pampers passengers with a spacious and comfortable interior room, but also provides drivers with the unique Active Parking Assist system, which facilitates easy parking maneuvers even on the narrow streets without having to tamper with the steering wheel.