Mercedes-Benz set to build on success for an even bigger 2015

The new E 180 L was launched at the Guangzhou Auto Show 2014 and boosts the automaker's locally produced portfolio. [Photo / Provided to China Daily]

Star lineup of new releases continues automaker's impressive year

Although winter is well on its way, German premium vehicle brand Mercedes-Benz is showing no sign of cooling down after a strong performance at the ongoing Auto Guangzhou 2014.

The company, known by its iconic three-pointed star, showcased 34 models from its entire roster of brands, including Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, smart, and newcomer Mercedes-Maybach, which is expected to bolster its increasingly impressive performance in the Chinese market.

"2014 is already a strong year for Mercedes-Benz in China, and in 2015 we will pick up the pace even further, selling significantly above 300,000 units in the country," explained Hubertus Troska, member of the board of management for Daimler AG, responsible for Greater China.

"Our investment here will undoubtedly continue, like our dedication to deliver the right products to our Chinese customers."

Helping Mercedes-Benz in its quest for continued growth will undoubtedly be the Mercedes-Maybach S 600, which had its world premiere in Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong province, on Wednesday. The new model blends the advanced technologies of the S-Class with the exclusivity of the Maybach brand to create an unprecedented customer experience.

The premiere also heralded the beginning of the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand, which takes the company's flagship model series into the ultra-premium vehicle market.

"The history of prestige vehicles made by Daimler extends back to the earliest days of the motor car. We have now commenced a new chapter with the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class," explained Ola Kllenius, member of the divisional board of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for marketing and sales.

"As an addition to the portfolio of S-Class saloons, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class sets new standards in the luxury segment. The vehicle, with understated elegant, satisfies the very highest requirements in terms of exclusivity, appointments and comfort."

Alongside the Mercedes-Maybach S 600, the Stuttgart-based automaker also brought two other additions to its All New S-Class family - the S 400 L 4MATIC and S 500 L 4MATIC. Featuring comprehensive upgrades of the latest technologies, both models provide customers with added choice and flexibility.

This starts with the All New S 400 L 4MATIC, which has added dynamics and segment-leading handling. The S 500 L 4MATIC, on the other hand, comes with a new 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, as well as the Driving Assistance Package Plus for the first time.

True to their names, both models also feature the automaker's 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system, which starts automatically when one or more wheels lose grip to ensure additional safety and peace of mind.

The new E 180 L and GLK 300 Luxury Prime Edition were also launched at Auto Guangzhou, and bolstered the automaker's locally produced portfolio. Both expand their respective model ranges.

According to the automaker, its locally produced models have taken up 55 percent of its overall sales in China and become one of the main contributors to its strong momentum in 2014.

"In the first 10 months of the year, our passenger car business has achieved almost 30 percent year-on-year sales growth, reaching more than 216,000 units and clearly surpassing our full-year sales result for 2013," said Nicholas Speeks, president and CEO of Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co Ltd.

But the excitement does not end here. For high-performance fans, Mercedes-AMG delivered a roster of vehicles ready to speed down the highway.

Leading the charge was the S 63 AMG 4MATIC Coup, which made its official launch in Guangzhou following its Asia premiere at Auto China 2014.

Virtually unchanged from concept to production, the S 63 AMG 4MATIC Coup features beautiful contours, superior driving dynamics and excellent efficiency thanks to its lightweight construction.

On the road, it takes advantage of an AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine, which helps it race from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds en route to a top speed of 250 km/h. It also features the world's first-ever curve tilting function for extra stability and control.

Not to be outdone, the newly launched GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC also wowed onlookers with its combination of versatile flexibility and superior driving performance.

As the newest addition to the high-performance compact segment, the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC combines the Mercedes-Benz "sensual purity" design concept with dynamic AMG elements. This creates a muscular compact SUV the automaker proudly refers to as "powered by life".

The GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC is also powered by the world's most powerful production 4-cylinder engine, which can unleash up to 265 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque. It can also sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds - a performance comparable to even the most powerful of supercars.

The strong presence at Auto Guangzhou with a lineup of star models for Chinese consumers, constantly answering the demands of customers' enthusiasm and setting the tone for the future.

Not only pushing full speed in product introduction, Mercedes-Benz also laid a good foundation for continued growth next year

The three-pointed star has increased presence in China with its fast growing dealer network, especially in the lower-tier cities. Its ambitious plan, which targeted to open 100 new dealer outlets in China, has been right on track.

"This is the biggest dealer expansion plan in Mercedes-Benz history, which reflects our continued confidence in the China market. By the end of the year, we expect to have over 440 Mercedes-Benz authorized dealer outlets to serve customers nationwide," said Li Hongpeng, senior executive vice president of BMBS.

And together with 11 all-new or facelift models launched in China this year, as revealed by Duan Jianjun, executive vice president of sales and marketing at BMBS, Mercedes-Benz is laying down a solid foundation for an even bigger 2015.

"Going forward, we remain committed to providing our customers with the best products, best service, and best customer experience, and will lay a stable foundation for our long-term, sustainable growth in and with China," said Speeks.