Merc-Benz China sales up 50% in Jan-Aug

Shanghai, September 11 (Gasgoo.com) Daimler AG's premium division Mercedes-Benz posted another sales record last month in China, with 6,400 vehicles sold, up 52% from a year earlier. Its China sales in the Jan-Aug period rose by 50% to 37,800 units, gasgoo.com said today, citing the company's press release.

Mercedes-Benz has set its monthly sales record in the China market for three straight months this year, with August sales exceeding 6,000 units, and as a result China has become the third largest market for Mercedes-Benz sedans.

Mercedes-Benz imported 1,800 all-new E-Class sedans to China last month, up 220% year on year, a new high for the model's monthly delivery. Sales of the China-made C-Class sedans continued to grow in August, with an increase of nearly 300% from a year earlier.

Daimler makes Mercedes-Benz sedans in partnership with Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp (BAIC). The venture will expand its current capacity of 25,000 vehicles soon and produce a new E-class model in mid-2010.

Global sales of Mercedes-Benz dropped 13% year-on-year in August to 73,200 vehicles as demand for luxury cars remained weak. "We expect sales to be on a higher level in the coming months," said Mercedes-Benz sales chief Klaus Maier.

Mercedes-Benz launched its ninth generation S-Class luxury sedans to the Chinese market at the end of last month and expects the 2010 S-Class to help it lead the country's luxury car segment.