Mercedes-Benz adds S-Class luxury model in China to boost sales

Aug. 31, 2009 (China Knowledge) - Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit Friday launched the ninth generation of its flagship S-Class luxury sedans in Beijing, hoping to maintain its leading position in the luxury car segment in China, the China Daily reported.

The auto maker officially kicked off sales of nine S-Class models priced at between RMB 930,000 and RMB 2.6 million.

China is now the largest market for S-Class sedans in the world, said Klaus Maier, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd, adding that the flagship model continues to lead China's top luxury segment. The company sold 7,300 units sold in the first seven months of the year, accounting for 41% of sales in the segment.

Maier also said that the new generation models will extend the S-Class product line's leadership position in China and attract more high-profile customers in China.

The auto maker's vehicle sales jumped 49% year on year to 31,711 units in the first seven months in China, achieving the highest growth rate in the country's luxury car segment.

In the first half of the year, the premium auto maker introduced a number of new models, including the Smart car as well as new B-Class and E-Class sedans. Mercedes-Benz plans to launch more than 10 new models in China this year, and has confidence that it will maintain a rapid growth rate during the remaining months, said Maier.