AUTO SHANGHAI 2005: MERCEDES-BENZ CELEBRATES ASIA PREMIERE OF FOUR NEW MODELS
The German Luxury Brand presents four new Models at this year's International Auto Show in Shanghai and announces local production of C- and E-Class in China in the second half of 2005. The star of Mercedes-Benz's presentation is the Grand Sports Tourer R-Class. It is complemented by the new Compact Sports Tourer B-Class, the updated CLK-Class and the new M-Class Sport Utility Vehicle.
"Already today, Mercedes-Benz offers 14 models lines in China. Our product range is the broadest in the premium and luxury segments. With the start of local production in a new plant in Beijing we will further strengthen our long-term commitment in this important market", states Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the DaimlerChrysler Board responsible for Research and Technology and Development of Mercedes Car Group at the Mercedes-Benz press conference in Shanghai."
Mercedes-Benz's highlight: the new R-Class
Just a few weeks after its world premiere in New York the Grand Sports Tourer R-Class was also enthusiastically received in Shanghai. Dr. Weber: "I'm convinced that the car's innovative concept of "Dynamic Space" will be very popular among the demanding and trendsetting Chinese customers. It combines versatility and attractive design with luxury limousine-comfort and highest safety standards into a class of its own."
The B-Class interprets the Sports Tourer concept and benefits in a more compact format. Just like its bigger brother it combines the advantages of established car segments. Despite the compact size with an over-all length of 4.27 m the B-Class' passengers can enjoy class-leading interior dimensions and exemplary versatility.
Mercedes-Benz will introduce the new R-, M-, CLK-Class to China over the course of the coming months. The B-Class will at first be offered to selected markets in Asia. "Starting here at the Auto Shanghai 2005 we will monitor the Chinese public's interest in our Compact Sports Tourer. If the consumer's and media reactions are positive we can certainly imagine to also offer the B-Class in China in due time", explains Dr. Weber.