Beijing, October 26, 2011 – Mercedes-Benz today launched its After-Sales brand promise in China - "Xiu Yang Zhi Dao Yi Mai Xiang Cheng My Service" (修养之道 一脉相承 My Service), to further support its After-Sales core values of heritage, competence, and appreciation in the China market. "Xiu Yang Zhi Dao Yi Mai Xiang Cheng My Service" is the localized annotation of the automaker's new global After-Sales brand promise; it captures the essence of maintenance and care with a heritage. Since its headquarters launched the new brand promise "My Service" in September this year, China is Mercedes-Benz's first market to announce its own dedicated After-Sales brand promise specifically tailored for Chinese customers.

Guests in attendance received a pleasant surprise when the new brand promise was unveiled at the launch ceremony held at the Chaoyang Museum of Urban Planning. The characters "Xiu Yang" (修养) were aesthetically designed in the form of a traditional seal to reflect the Chinese element. Four interactive and experiential workshops that introduced key areas of the automaker's After-Sales service, including Reception, Vehicle Parts, Body & Paint, and Pre-Inspection, highlighted Mercedes-Benz's high global standards of technical competence and service in the China market.

"In recent years, Mercedes-Benz has witnessed excellent performance in the China market. Our outstanding delivery of After-Sales service ensures that our customers will continue to enjoy a premium driving experience and a lifetime relationship with Mercedes-Benz," said Klaus Maier, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. "Mercedes-Benz has plans to invest RMB 150 million in boosting training facilities and training programs, as well as over RMB 2 billion in strengthening our parts distribution network in China."

The new After-Sales brand promise "Xiu Yang Zhi Dao Yi Mai Xiang Cheng My Service" stems heavily from Chinese culture. The phrase "Xiu Yang", which means a continuous form of self-cultivation in Chinese, can be interpreted as the development of moral character as well as wisdom, and is a reflection of Mercedes-Benz's After-Sales core values. The automaker's heritage began when Carl Benz presented the first automobile to the world 125 years ago; and for well over a century, Mercedes-Benz has withheld its "Customer First" philosophy through the constant advancement of its technical competence and delivering appreciative service to its customers. The belief in self-cultivation is deep-rooted in every Mercedes-Benz service staff, whose professionalism and expertise in the trade has contributed towards building an outstanding After-Sales service standard for the Mercedes-Benz brand.

"Mercedes-Benz sets the benchmark in China's After-Sales service, exceeding customer expectations through advanced technology and state-of-the-art facilities, professional training and certification systems, a strong parts distribution network, as well as world-leading service standards. The new After-Sales Brand Promise sums up our efforts in providing star quality service for Mercedes-Benz owners in the China market, and defines a clearer direction for Mercedes-Benz's After-Sales initiatives from here on,"said Daniel Whitehead, Executive Vice-President of After-Sales for Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd.

In enhancing customers' vehicle ownership experience, Mercedes-Benz strives to deliver innovative service from the heart. The automaker's After-Sales programs, including the Value Enhancement Plan, TechMasters China and Vehicle Familiarization Workshop, customer appreciation programs and many others, have been well-received and have enjoyed active participation by Chinese customers. Come November, the Vehicle Familiarization Workshop will be rolled out in 15 cities all across China, with more than 1,000 customers to be engaged in forums about Mercedes-Benz vehicles and After-Sales services conducted by industry experts.

With excellent customer service as a driving force for Mercedes-Benz's development in the China market, the automaker achieved a 38% sales growth in the first nine months of the year. The launch of the new After-Sales Brand Promise "Xiu Yang Zhi Dao Yi Mai Xiang Cheng My Service" in China, is a mark of Mercedes-Benz's heritage of bringing the highest levels of service competence and appreciation to its Chinese customers, and will enhance the overall brand proposition for the three-pointed star in China.