Mercedes-Benz targets a global sales growth of 6 percent this year, doubling the industry average as it rides on a recovering world economy with China a strong powerhouse for its growth, senior company executives said yesterday in Beijing.
We are optimistic that we can perform better than the industry with sales increase in China, and the United States and the European markets being stable,? said Joachim Schmidt, executive vice president sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars.The crisis is not over but the situation is improving.?
The premium auto maker targets a sales volume of 100,000 units this year in China after it sold a record 68,500 units in 2009.
Our internal motto is to do the best or do nothing,? he said.Its our inspiration.?
The auto maker plans to introduce 16 new or face-lift models in two years globally and to bring them to China as it is optimistic about the domestic market.
The luxury auto maker unveiled yesterday at Auto China 2010 in Beijing an impressive lineup of 38 models, including three world premieres, three Asia premieres, and one exceptional China premiere, from its four flagship brands of Mercedes-Benz, Smart, AMG and Maybach.
Among the shows brightest stars are three world premiere models, highlighted by the domestically-produced E-Class long wheelbase, tailor-made for the China market. The new generation Maybach high-end luxury Saloon and the Shooting Break concept car, an example of an exciting preview of the future of Mercedes-Benz design, rounded out the global debuts.
Our goal for Mercedes-Benz has always been to lead the premium automobile market and to set new benchmarks for the luxury car segment,? said Ulrich Walker, chairman and chief executive officer for Daimler Northeast Asia.
The number of world premieres and alternative powertrain vehicles that we are showing at Auto China 2010 truly reinforces the importance of the China market, as well as Mercedes-Benzs commitment to sustainable mobility and green luxury.?
The premium auto maker isespecially pleased? to debut two locally-built vehiclesthe long version of the E-class, built in Beijing, and the new Viano transporter, built in Fuzhou, Fujian Province.
Occupying a 2,700 square-meter display, its largest ever in the shows history, the luxury auto maker demonstrated its leadership inFascination, Responsibility, and Perfection?its theme for this years event.
The auto maker sold 68,500 units in China in 2009, a surge of 77 percent year on year, its most successful year in corporate history. Its record sales in China came on the heels of the country overtaking the United States as the worlds biggest auto market last year.
Mercedes-Benz has already carried its strong momentum into the first quarter of this year and sold more than 23,600 vehicles, a staggering annual growth of 112 percent.
The company has 148 dealerships in China. About 20 to 25 new outlets are expected to be added to its network each year in the next couple of years. It will drive into 10 more cities each year in the next few years. It has network in about 70 cities in China now.
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.
The German auto maker is also beefing up its talent pool in China. Its turnover rate in China is about 10 percent, below the industry average.
Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Daimler and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, speaks near his company's cars yesterday at the Auto China 2010 in Beijing. The German iconic luxury car manufacturer targets a global sales growth of 6 percent this year, with China as a strong powerhouse for its expansion.
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 luxuryconcept and superior quality while reflecting our constant pursuit for the ultimate in perfection,? said Maier.
The company continues to hold on to its leading position in the luxury auto marketone that will be elevated even more with the latest lineup on display at this years Auto China.
The luxury auto maker is not only aiming for a prosperous business in the worlds fastest growing major economy but is also demonstrating its social responsibility in the country.
As China continues to develop and grow at a rapid pace, customer tastes and preferences will also change.
