Mercedes-Benz set to sell Smart fortwo in China

Shanghai, March 27 (Gasgoo.com) Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. announced yesterday it will start to sell Smart fortwo, the classic low-emission car under Mercedes-Benz brand, in China on April 8, Beijing Morning Post reported.

Since it was unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt auto show in 1997, the Smart fortwo has sold a record high of one million units around the globe. The 1.0L vehicle will be available in a choice of four models, selling at between 160,000 yuan ($23,420) and 210,000 yuan.

Mercedes-Benz sold 2,800 vehicles across China in February, a year-on-year increase of 21 percent. The growth is higher than the overall sedan segment average of 17.6 percent. Apparently, the luxury carmaker hasn't been influenced by the country's preferential policy for cars under 1.6L.

Mercedes-Benz's rollout of Smart fortwo in China is likely to expand its product lineup in China to confront the ever competitive high-end car market, said Li Chunbo, an auto analyst of Citic Securities Co.

The move should have nothing to do with China's stimulus plan for low-emission cars, as the Smart fortwo, similar to BMW’s Mini cars, targets high-end car market, Li explained.