Mercedes-Benz has a good chance to surpass BMW in 2010: CEO

Source: Global Times
[02:10 April 26 2010]
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By Chen Xiaomin

After doubling the full-year profit forecast of its car division Mercedes-Benz last week, German automaker Daimler AG voiced optimism on Mercedes- Benz's performances in the next two years.

"Unit sales of Mercedes-Benz surpassed that of BMW for several months last year. We might pass it this year or next. We have a good chance to do so," Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche told the Global Times at the 2010 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.

The world's second-large maker of luxury cars after BMW has lagged Audi and BMW in terms of unit sales in China. Mercedes-Benz has competed much more closely with BMW recently in China compared with 10 years ago, when it sold half only as many units as BMW in the country.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz sold 34,179 vehicles and 23,610 vehicles respectively in the first quarter. Top executives from both sides are quite optimistic on the region, expressing on different occasions that China has become the two automakers' third- or fourth-largest sales region this year.

Mercedes-Benz believes products designed exclusively for Chinese customers will help boost its sales. The automaker brought three world premiere models, including the locally-produced E-Class long-wheel-base sedan, the Shooting Break concept car, and the next generation Maybach high-end luxury saloon to the show.

Zetsche also said Mercedes-Benz will launch an electric vehicle co-developed with Chinese automaker BYD in 2013. The two signed a letter of intent in March, planning to set up comprehensive technological partnership for the development of electric vehicles for China.

The automaker also expects to strike a deal with Chinese truck maker Beiqi Foton this year.