Daimler optimistic about H2 China sales growth

Daimler AG is optimistic about its sales growth in China for the rest of this year following the German carmaker's strong performance in the Chinese market in the six months ended June 30, Ulrich Walker, chairman and chief executive of Daimler Northeast Asia, said Tuesday.

Consumer confidence in China remains strong while the country's auto market will keep expanding with a recovering economy, he told reporters at the launch of the company's new E-Class mid-size luxury sedan model.

Daimler's sales in China in June rose 52% from a year earlier to 5,100 units. Sales of its Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicles and Smart minicars in China rose 50% in the first half from a year earlier to 27,000 units.

Walker said the company will begin producing E-Class vehicles in China in October.