


Beijing, April 23, 2010 – Mercedes-Benz unveiled today at Auto China 2010 an impressive lineup of 38 models, including three world premiere models, three Asia premiere models, and one exceptional China premiere model, from its four flagship brands of Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG and Maybach. Occupying a massive booth of 2,700-sqm, its largest ever in the show's history, the luxury automaker exquisitely demonstrated its leadership in "Fascination, Responsibility, and Perfection" - its theme for this year's show.
Among the show's brightest stars were the three fascinating world premiere models, highlighted by the locally-produced E-Class Long-wheel-base, tailor-made especially for the China market. The new generation Maybach high-end luxury saloon and the Shooting Break concept car, which shined as an exciting preview of the future of Mercedes-Benz design language, rounded out the global debuts. Meanwhile, three Asia premieres included the stunning super sports car SLS AMG and all-new E-Class Cabriolet, both of which commenced pre-sales at the show, with the SLS AMG priced from RMB 3,500,000 to RMB 3,700,000 and the E-Class Cabriolet priced from RMB 730,000 to 890,000. Additionally, the innovative F 800 Style also made its very first appearance in Asia, offering the perfect combination of leading green technology and modern, emotionally-charged design. Finally, the highly-anticipated China premiere of the C-Class Estate, which also opened for pre-sales at a price range of RMB 420,000 to RMB 550,000, marked the first time for a luxury estate model to enter the China market.
"Our goal for Mercedes-Benz has always been to lead the premium automobile market and to set new benchmarks for the luxury car segment. The number of world premieres and alternative powertrain vehicles that we are showing at Auto China truly reinforces the importance of the China market, as well as Mercedes-Benz's commitment to sustainable mobility and green luxury," said Ulrich Walker, Chairman & CEO for Daimler Northeast Asia. "We are especially pleased to debut two locally-built vehicles - the long version of the E-class, built here in Beijing, and the new Viano transporter, built in Fuzhou."
The booth itself also reflected Mercedes-Benz's dominant design, vision, and eco-friendly leadership, while demonstrating the automaker's sensitivity to the Chinese market by incorporating distinctively Chinese elements with modern aesthetics, including a touch of the stylish New English Calligraphy. This expansive display was only fitting, however, considering Mercedes-Benz's consistent and rising success as the fastest growing luxury automaker in China. Having just witnessed its most successful year in corporate history, selling 68,500 units to mark a 77% sales growth year-on-year in 2009, Mercedes-Benz has already carried its strong momentum into the first quarter of 2010 to sell more than 23,610 vehicles. Translating to a staggering growth of 112% year-on-year, the three-pointed star continues to hold on to its leading position in the luxury auto market – one that will be elevated even more with the latest line-up on display at this year's Auto China.
"Our excellent market performance demonstrates the success of our effective strategy here in China, stemming from more than 120 years as a global leader in the luxury auto market, as well as our relentless commitment to constantly adapt and advance with the times and local market needs," said Klaus Maier, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. "To meet the demands of customers in China, we are continually bringing our innovation to the market, as every model on display today represents the endless passion, advanced technology, and eco-friendly leadership of Mercedes-Benz, thus embodying the flawless combination of our "green luxury" concept and superior quality while reflecting our constant pursuit for the ultimate in perfection."
