Mercedes-Benz China sales up 46% in Jan-May

Shanghai, June 25 (Gasgoo.com) Mercedes-Benz has achieved rapid sales growth in the Chinese market by selling 14,600 vehicles in the mainland from January to May, an increase of 46% from one year earlier. China sales of the German carmaker's S-Class sedans in the five months had a 26% increase year on year, continuing to lead China's sedan segment of this class.
 
The all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedans locally made in China have been in short supply in the past three months. The Mercedes-Benz SLK Passion 08 limited edition, a sporty car unveiled and endorsed by Chinese super actress Zhang Ziyi at the 2008 Beijing auto show in April, have been well-received by Chinese customers since it's launched in early May. The R-class crossover has China as its second largest market worldwide after the U.S. The R300 launched in early June has enriched Mercedes-Benz's R-Class lineup in China.

As the flagship model of Mercedes-Benz, its S-Class sedans have been the byname of dignity, safety and high quality. The Mercedes-Benz S 300, S 350, S 500, S 600, S 500 4MATIC and S 65 AMG have been introduced to the Chinese market to meet the growing demands of Chinese consumers. In the January to May period, 5,400 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans were sold in China, up 26% over one year earlier. The S 500 4MATIC launched in China on June 20 will deliver more of the dignity and comfort of S-Class sedans to Chinese customers.

Mercedes-Benz has seen steady sales growth in the Chinese market in recent years. In 2007, Mercedes-Benz sold 30,630 vehicles in China, an increase of 50% from the previous year. As imported Mercedes-Benz sedans are leading China's S-Class auto market, the local production of Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class sedans is also on the way.