Mercedes-Benz showcases its models designed for its second home
German automaker, Mercedes-Benz, along with subbrands Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-AMG and smart, took to the stage with 39 heavyweight models at the Auto China 2016 media day on Monday, reflecting the company's confidence in and unwavering commitment to the Chinese market.
A number of Daimler Board Members and key executives from Mercedes-Benz, including Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, attended to showcase the brand's new models and discuss recent developments with attendees.
"On a global scale, 2015 was the best year in our 130-year history," Zetsche said. "And we have had a promising start to 2016."
He said there are two reasons he is confident China will continue to drive growth in the future.
One is the huge potential purchasing power of Chinese families. In Germany, for instance, there are about 105 cars for every 100 households, while the figure in China is only 31 cars.
The other is two out of three cars sold in China today are also produced domestically.
"And we are tailoring more and more models specifically to the needs of our Chinese customers," he added.
Fabulous lineup
The highly-anticipated All New Mercedes-Benz Long Wheelbase E-Class, which is making its world premiere at the show, is a good demonstration of this.
With its pioneering technologies, the car is hailed by the company as the world's "most intelligent executive sedan", but it also embodies the essence of the Mercedes-Benz family and the brand's insights into local customers desires.
"Designed for China" was employed from the very beginning, with special attention given to adding personalized appointments for local consumers during the with the car's research and development phase, which has allowed Mercedes-Benz to deliver on its commitment to "Made in China, for China".
"The most 'intelligent' executive sedan in the world, the All New E-Class L fuses state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz intelligent technologies with our extraordinary design philosophy, setting up a whole new landscape in this segment," said Hubertus Troska, member of the board of management Daimler AG responsible for China, at the media day.