Mercedes-Benz China Limited: Continuous Investment and Innovation • Mercedes-Benz China Ltd. established in 1986 • A continuously expanding service network • New models and state-of-the-art infrastructure introduced in China June 9, 2004, Beijing Mercedes-Benz China Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary company of DaimlerChrysler AG, was established in 1986 in Hong Kong , servicing the customers in Northeast Asia Region. The founding of Mercedes-Benz China Limited marked the official start of the company's China strategy. Mercedes-Benz China Limited has possession of all dealerships selling Mercedes-Benz products in Mainland China , Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR. Currently, the sales and after-sales business is being undertaken via its three regional distributors in mainland China and another one in Hong Kong and Macao . The regional distributors are: -- Zung Fu Company Ltd. covering Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR -- Southern Star Motor Company (covering China 's southern provinces) -- Eastern Star Automobile Ltd. (covering China 's eastern coastal region) -- Northern Star ( Tianjin ) Automobile Ltd. (covering northern China ) A continuously expanding service network To support the 135,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Mainland China with top-quality service, Mercedes-Benz China Limited has established comprehensive co-operations with local partners throughout the country. Today, there are 42 existing Mercedes-Benz authorised service centres around China . By the end of this year, the number of service centres will reach to over 50. Extensive trainings programs Mercedes-Benz China Limited has over 1,600 employees throughout the country. The company believes that the employees are the most valuable asset, therefore, in order to keep the employees up-to-date with the latest automotive technology and servicing skills, Mercedes-Benz China Limited offers a variety of regular and intensive trainings programmes throughout the year. Remarkable success: retaining volume of 135,000 units Mercedes-Benz is widely recognised as the unparallel luxury car brand offering high quality vehicles to customers around the world. The company is offering a comprehensive range of products to Chinese consumers including niche products. Currently, the range of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars available in China include S-Class, E-Class, C-Class, A-Class, M-Class, SL-Class, SLK Roadster, CLK Coupé/Cabriolet and the high-end Maybach limousine. The company's promise is to introduce the latest models to Chinese customers within the first time of the global launches. The new SLK and the new generation C-Class are one of the good examples. The new models Mercedes-Benz has introduced to China between 2001 and June, 2004 include: ? New SL-Class Sport Car ? C-Class Sport Coupé ? New M-Class off-roader ? New E-Class in 2002 ? New S-Class in 2003 ? New CLK Cabriolet at Auto Shanghai 2003 ? New SLK in May 2004 ? Maybach 57 & 62 at Auto China 2004 Great achievements in China Since the end of last year, DaimlerChrysler has agreed to jointly produce Mercedes-Benz light commercial vehicles with the Fujian Automobile Industry Corporation. In May 2004, a cooperative project valued at 1 billion Euros between the German carmaker and Beijing Automotive Industry Co. was approved by the State Development and Reform Commission. It marks an important step to the local production of C-Class and E-Class sedans. The new joint-venture also includes the cooperation of DaimlerChrysler with Beiqi Foton Motor Corporation Ltd., in which BAIC is the major shareholder, to produce heavy and medium-duty trucks, engines and components at Beiqi Foton's manufacturing facility in Beijing . Establishing the manufacturing presence for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in China is a key part of Mercedes-Benz's China strategy, and will further complement the company's activities in the Chinese market. |