Mercedes-Benz C-class to be locally produced in China by early 2008

Shanghai. November 9 (Gasgoo.com) Mercedes-Benz has launched its latest Benz C-class in completely built imported unit in the Chinese market yesterday, and the automaker may start to locally produce the model in China at the beginning of next year.

"Mercedes-Benz has a long term plan to produce the vehicle at its Beijing joint venture, and we are preparing everything to implement this plan," said Mr. Dong Changzheng, vice executive president of Beijing Benz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co.

Dong said that the new Benz C-series will offer C200K, C280 editions and prices are ranged between 398,000 yuan ($53,467) and 497.000 yuan ($66,767) .

The new Benz C-series is larger in height and is configured with advanced technology such as ESP, front seat airbags and side airbags and ABS. The car has already obtained production licenses from National Development and Reform Commission this September.

Local production of new Benz C-series has been postponed again and again this year. Auto analysts say that the problem is whether Benz has real interests in the local production plan.

The existing Benz C-series has been dominating sales list among imported automakers in China for a long time, therefore Benz doesn't care about much whether it will be locally produced or not. In addition, Beijing Benz has only three 4S dealers in Beijing whereas BMW has more than six.