Special supplement: Benz bucks trend amid global financial slowdown

Although the Chinese auto market is suffering from the negative impact of the global financial turmoil, Mercedes-Benz achieved a proud market performance in 2008 with a record sales growth of 45 percent compared to the previous year - much higher than the average growth of 17 percent in the Chinese luxury auto segment, comparing to a 6.7 percent slight increase in the overall auto market.

For Klaus Maier, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd, it's the best response to his painstaking efforts in promoting the sales figures since he took the position in November 2006. With nearly 20 years working experiences at Daimler AG, Maier increased Mercedes-Benz vehicles sales in China by nearly 50 percent in 2007, the first year of his tenure. As a result he was awarded CEO of The Year 2007, and was named Outstanding Corporate Leader 2008 by leading media and authoritative agencies in recognition of his contributions to Mercedes-Benz's accomplishments.

In light of the remarkable achievements in the areas of business development and customer service, Maier shared his experience and views with China Daily reporter Li Fangfang recently in Beijing.