Mercedes-Benz launches new stars at auto show

Strong lineup from three-pointed star reflects its untiring spirit in pursuit of the best

Mercedes-Benz is ending a successful year in China with a powerful showing at the last major auto show of 2015.

The Stuttgart-based automaker brought its strongest lineup yet to Auto Guangzhou, with 39 models from its Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-AMG and smart brands appearing in the company's booth at the China Import and Export Fair complex on Friday. The latest offerings include the C 350 e L Plug-in Hybrid, S 500 e L Plug-in Hybrid, All New smart forfour, New Generation Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC, and the All New GLC SUV that was launched on the eve of the show.

Meanwhile, as of show day, the company has served over 300,000 customers with a year-on-year growth of over 34 percent in the first 10 months, said Nicholas Speeks, president and CEO of Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co Ltd (BMBS).

The show day news conference marked the third appearance at the Auto Guangzhou of Speeks and it has been three years full of fortune. At the news conference, he referred to a Chinese saying "San Yang Kai Tai", which means three goats bring fortune, together with the "goat town", which the city of Guangzhou is commonly known as, to convey his wonderful experiences in China.

"Over these three years, I've learned so much about this great country, and had so many wonderful experiences," he said. "But what I am most grateful for in my time here are the strong relationships we have built with our dealer partners and customers in China."

"Every success we have seen in China, both in the past, today, and going forward toward our future development, are based on three things - our san yang, you could say - our dealer partners, our strong product line, and our customer focus."

These three vital factors have made China a key market for Mercedes-Benz, especially in the fast-growing SUV segment, which saw 2015 the automaker's "Year of the SUV".

Show stealers

Thanks to the success of the locally produced GLA SUV, and the recent launch of the GLE and SLE Sport SUVs, in the first 10 months of this year, SUVs accounted for over 40 percent of all Mercedes-Benz models sold in China.

The GLK, being replaced this season with the All New GLC SUV, saw China become its largest market globally, and Mercedes-Benz has high hopes that the new GLC will continue its predecessor's success.

"China has now become the biggest market worldwide for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars," said Hubertus Troska, member of the Board of Management Daimler AG, responsible for Greater China. "I am very positive about the future growth potential of Mercedes-Benz in China. And this wonderful car, the GLC, will be another strong contributor to this growth."

The locally produced All New GLC SUV officially launched at Auto Guangzhou with five models, including the GLC 200 4MATIC, GLC 260 4MATIC and GLC 300 4MATIC. With a new design, excellent handling and best-in-class safety and practicality, the GLC family is a stunner.

"As the last masterpiece of our 'Year of the SUV', the China produced All New GLC SUV 'built for the hero in you' has redefined the highest standards for midsize luxury SUVs. So far, Mercedes-Benz SUV models have already achieved full coverage, ranging from compact SUVs to true off-roaders, making us the luxury brand with the most powerful SUV lineup," said Duan Jianjun, BMBS executive vice-president responsible for sales and marketing.

As Mercedes-Benz's second-generation midsize luxury SUV, the locally produced All New GLC SUV has an updated appearance, an even more comfortable interior, a superior and agile handling experience and segment-leading high-tech appointments.

It features the 9G-TRONIC as standard across the range, along with DYNAMIC SELECT, DISTRONIC PLUS, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, and other advanced appointments or intelligent drive systems to provide agile handling and enhance safety in any road conditions.

"Our powerful product offensive is reflected not only in this, but also in the official launch of two Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid models at the Auto Guangzhou, which will redefine the new energy vehicle segment," Duan added.

The new S 500 e L and locally produced All New C 350 e L plug-in hybrids offer new solutions for efficient green mobility and they embody the theme of Auto Guangzhou 2015 - "new technology, new life".

The S 500 e L features a modern hybrid drive with innovative technologies and luxury unique to the S-Class. The S 500 e L is equipped with both a V6 biturbo engine and an intelligent hybrid drive system that delivers power output of up to 325 kW and a maximum torque of 650 Nm, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 5.2 seconds. This performance comes without sacrificing efficiency, as the S 500 e L boasts combined fuel efficiency of 2.8 liters per 100 km, with a range of over 30 kilometers in pure electric mode, which achieves zero local emissions.

Joining the S 500 e L in Guangzhou is the All New C 350 e L plug-in hybrid, the first model ever in its segment that is produced in China. It comes equipped with a four-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering maximum power output of 205 kW (279 hp) and a peak torque of 600 Nm.

Also making their debuts in China were the all new smart forfour, featuring a four-door, four-seat design and comprehensively upgraded appointments, and the world's most powerful high-performance compact model from the Mercedes-AMG family, the new generation AMG A 45 4MATIC, which once again sets new standards in its segment.

"With an untiring spirit in pursuit of the best, Mercedes-Benz remains dedicated to bringing local customers quality products and services, as well as a superior customer experience," said Duan.

Local and personal

The focus amid the popular models, the All New GLC SUV, is a milestone in the decade-long joint venture partnership between Daimler and Beijing Automotive Group Co Ltd. This partnership has resulted in a strong line of locally produced vehicles rolling off production lines at Beijing Benz Automotive Co, the two automaker's JV production facility in Beijing.

"From the opening of the new generation compact car plant to our most recent GLC SUV rolling off the line, we have further enhanced choices for local consumers," said Li Hongpeng, senior executive vice-president, BMBS.

"Going forward, we will continue to strengthen our localization strategy here in order to bring local consumers more outstanding locally produced models and continue our success in China."

"Cooperation with our dealer partners is always the key to the success of Mercedes-Benz in China. Over the past year, we have maintained healthy and active communication with our dealer partners in areas ranging from showroom layout to staff training, raising their soft and hard power to new, strategic heights. It is our dedication to providing the best service experience that lets us win the trust of customers," he added.

In order to meet the increasing demand for customization, Mercedes-Benz introduced its new Options Package customization service in Guangzhou. The new packages allow customers to create uniquely personalized cars, from the exterior and interior to driver assistance systems.

For Auto Guangzhou 2015, Mercedes-Benz introduced a more personalized Intelligent Enjoyment package, a safety-oriented Intelligent Driving package, a more audio-visual enjoyable Intelligent Fun package and a smarter Intelligent Connectivity package. Currently, the Options Package customization program is available for the C-Class, GLC SUV and compact models including the A- and B-Classes, the CLA Sport Sedan and GLA SUV.

The Options Package program is just one way that Mercedes-Benz is working hard to give customers the best experience possible.

"Today, we are launching a range of sales options packaged to enhance our matching with individual customer needs, and, to increase the convenience for owners, will soon commence our new Express Service," said Speeks. "Also for those not yet customers of Mercedes-Benz, we will, next year, open 'Mercedes me' as a lifestyle experience to showcase our brand. All of this is aimed at meeting the increasing needs of consumers for diversification and personalization, and to bring them the outstanding quality and charm of the three-pointed star."

gongzhengzheng@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 11/21/2015 page6)