Benz: New C class model is the growth point in 2015

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai Feb. 2nd) – During the past year, Benz reorganized distribution channel and reduced the price of components. Small and medium models were also released for local market. Benz is making up the channel integration problem in China during past few years.

As previous plan, the 2015 sales volume of Benz should be 300,000 in Chinese auto market among which two thirds are home-made and the ratio of local suppliers would be increased from 60%~70% to 80%~90%. In the future, Benz will invest more on research and development in China and release more new models first in Chinese market.

Recently, Dieter Zetsche, the chairman of the board of directors of Daimler and global president of Mercedes Benz group, has been interviewed by our reporter for strategy and brand problems.

Reporter: Are you satisfied with Mercedes Benz sales growth of 30% Mercedes Benz in Chinese auto market last year? How to reach the target of 300,000 sales in 2015? What is your judge about Chinese luxury car market?

Dieter Zetsche: We are satisfied with the growth of 30% and narrowing the gap between competitors. In 2015, we will reply on the capacity increase of C class model and enrich the products such as localized GLA SUV and more other SUV brought. Also the distribution networks are very important. We believe Chinese economy is increasing steadily and potential for us.

Reporter: What is the consumer group for Maybach in China and what is the difference between Benz's?

Dieter Zetsche: They will have better economic strength and should be successful people. We expect entrepreneurs including female will also become customers for Benz. It is very difficult to tell the difference.

Reporter: What is the expectation of Benz group for Maybach in global and Chinese market?

Dieter Zetsche: It is hard to tell you a specific number but 50% of Maybach will be in China and others will be in Middle East and American markets. Russian market is also in our plan.

Reporter: At present, electronic commerce is an important sales channel for auto enterprises in China. Do you have some strategies for this?

Dieter Zetsche: We've already tried in Germany but there are few orders although many browsing histories and customer information left. Chinese market may be different and we'll judge in time.