First China-made Beijing Benz SUV on show

Over the next five years Sino-Germen joint venture Beijing Benz Automotive Co Ltd (BBAC) will launch more new models to seize and dominate China's burgeoning auto market, part of its goal to make Daimler the world's biggest car seller.

According to the plan, BBAC will launch a new car annually from 2011 to 2019 to expand to seven series including the E-Class and C-Class sedans.

"Last year, the C-Class hit the market and helped the company exceed its sales target of 80,000 vehicles by moving 93,000 units. The GLK-Class SUV we are going to launch this year will make more breakthroughs," said Frank Deiss, president & CEO of Beijing Benz Automotive Co Ltd.

"We decided to make the GLK-Class SUV in late 2010, and then produced the first test cars by Oct 15 last year. By Nov 19, all the cars passed global quality evaluations and moved into mass production. On Dec 2, the first BBAC GLK came off the production line and was ready for sale," Deiss said.

"It's a great breakthrough in speed and efficiency for us in both the introduction of a new car and the system with Daimler," he noted.

"It is a breakthrough in market competitiveness for BBAC as SUVs and MPVs are the new growth points in today's auto market."

The CEO said factories making front and rear wheel drive systems, as well as construction of engine production lines, will rapidly boost production capacity and further strengthen the carmaker's competitiveness.

Same DNA

BBAC is launching its first China-made SUV, the GLK, at the Beijing Auto Show that opened on April 23.

The new Mercedes E-Class and C-Class will also be showcased as part of the company's latest lineup.

Three types of the new SUV are on display including the GLK 300 4MATIC Grand Edition with modified 3.0L V6 engine, 7 speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive systems.

The GLK carries the unique DNA of the German automaker's G-Class.

The hale and hearty design, top craftsmanship, excellent power and control systems, as well as the world-renowned security levels, set new standards for a China-made mid-sized SUV.

Mercedes-Benz is also cooperating with online retailer Tmall.com for an interactive adventure that follows the footprints of Roald Amundsen, the first explorer to reach the North Pole.

After online players face challenges and answer questions, survivors call on their friends for help to get limited GLK model cars, or a chance to take part in GLK test drives at authorized dealers around the country.

The lucky grand prize winner will get a trip to Antarctica.

In the second phase of the event, netizens can share their adventures using the Sina micro blog. Those who attract the most fans will win a prize and start the journey of a test drive.

The Mercedes-Benz E 300 L L LUX that was brought to market just this month will be another highlight of the auto show.

The sedan features the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, comfortable seats in the rear, 3D full color TFT display, a "Linguatronic" voice control system and other interactive equipment.

The new E 300 L, the carmaker's Long-Wheelbase E-Class sedan, is also eye-catching for its stylish design, two comfortable individual seats in the rear, full leather interior and advanced night view assist system.