Merce-Benz to have 146 China dealerships in '09

Shanghai, September 24 (Gasgoo.com) Mercedes-Benz is expanding its product line-up to meet the growing demand in the Chinese market and will increase the number dealerships in mainland China to 146 by the end of this year, xinhuanet.com reported.

Daimler AG's premium car brand Mercedes-Benz has released four new models at the ongoing Chengdu Motor Show, including the Asian premiere of Mercedes E Coupe sports car. At the end of last month, Mercedes-Benz started selling its new S-Class sedans in China.

This year to date, Mercedes-Benz has brought to China about 14 new models, such as the B-Class, the new E-Class and the Smart, and more will come in the next three months. Some entry-level models expand its customer base with appeals to younger consumers.

Mercedes-Benz has set its monthly sales record in China for three straight months this year, with August sales hitting 6,400 units, up 52% from a year earlier, and Jan-Aug sales up 50% to 37,800 units. China has become the third largest market for Mercedes-Benz sedans.

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

Currently Mercedes-Benz has 126 dealerships in mainland China. To meet the growing demand for its cars in the world's largest auto market, the company plans to add 20 dealerships in China during the next three months, bringing the total to 146 this year.