Mercedes-Benz targets China

BEIJING: Mercedes-Benz, the auto manufacturer, is increasing its focus on China, where consumer spending habits, particularly in the luxury sector, have proved more immune to the economic downturn than in most other major markets.

During the first seven months of 2009, Mercedes sold more than 31,000 vehicles in China, a figure that was up 49% year-on-year, and included 7,250 S-Class sedans, a model which holds a market share of 44% in the premium category.

Klaus Maier, president/ceo of the German firm's Chinese arm, said that "in addition to the excellence of our flagship S-Class, we believe that the overall Chinese environment played a major role in China becoming the largest S-Class market in the world."

"The government's stimulus measures have a more far-reaching effect, as it did not only help limit the impact of the downturn, but it actually spurred and boosted the growth of China's overall economy," he added. 

Having launched a number of vehicles in the country over 2009 to date, including the latest B-Class, E-Class and Smart car, Mercedes intends to add more than ten further models to its portfolio there this year.