Mercedes sets new record, looks to dealer expansion

• Source: xinhua
• [16:25 July 13 2009]
• Comments

In comparison, US auto sales plunged 35 percent in the first six months to 4.8 million units, the lowest since 1982.

Diverse products are also key to boosting Mercedes' sales in China to their record high.

"At Mercedes-Benz, we understand the changing dynamics of the Chinese auto landscape, as well as ever-growing customer demands. In the past, customers were captivated solely by the image of the big Benz. Their tastes have now broadened and we have adapted by diversifying our product lineup," said Hauber.

Also enhancing its operations are more than 120 authorized Mercedes dealers that offer the highest level of service, the marketing manager said.

Mercedes ranked No 1 in a 2008 customer satisfaction index compiled by industry research group JD Power.

"This great achievement further motivated us and our dealers across the country to enable our customers to further appreciate our brand - which ultimately helps build our sales," said Hauber.

"We are now actively engaged in third-tier cities to provide customers with closer and more convenient service,” he added.

Future moves

"Similar to what we did in the first six months, we will continue to introduce the latest products and global-standard services that meet the needs of customers," says Hauber. "We strongly believe that the best solution for market success is even better products.”

Mercedes received rising numbers of consumer requests for environmentally friendly vehicles, which it answered with the E-Class equipped with many measures that improve fuel efficiency as well as the new generation S-Class.

"We are confident that these products will further boost our sales and help carry on our green commitment to China," said Hauber.

Part of that comes through making and selling smaller cars.

"More luxury cars with small displacement and less fuel consumption have been introduced into the China market, including our B-Class, GLK-Class and Smart," he said.

"These cars have more affordable prices and economical cost of use, but in the meantime they are of high quality and taste. This allows more customers to purchase luxury - and so push the sales surge in the luxury segment."

Yet some projections say the second half of 2009 might not be as strong as the first for China's auto sales.

"We still have confidence," said Hauber, largely due to the huge potential of the luxury sedan market.

In a developed market the sales ratio between luxury and mainstream cars is 1 to 5, but in China the proportion is still much lower, about 1 in 10.