Benz C-class to be produced in China

Klaus Maier, President of Mercedes-Benz China, recently said that Beijing Benz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co Ltd is to launch and locally produce the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan at the end of this year and beginning of 2008. Currently the venture is preparing for the move.

"We are also investigating what opportunities we have for the future to introduce the diesel engine models in the hope of offering high fuel economy and excellent drivability to consumers ,by the time China may be able to provide high quality diesels in the local market," said Klaus.

According to him, Benz is the only luxury brand that features a full range of products in all segments of the luxury vehicle market. "We possess 48 models in the Chinese market, including S-class, SUV and luxury roadster,"he added.

Construction on Mercedes-Benz's new exhibition center will be finished by 2008, by then all Benz models launched in China will be displayed there.

Mercedes-Benz sales were reported to increase by 38% in the first four months in China.