Mercedes-Benz's sales increase in H1

Mercedes-Benz and its smart brand achieved a 14 percent year-on-year increase in deliveries to 348,004 vehicles in China in the first half of this year, according to a statement published by the company today.

From January to June, sales of Mercedes-Benz sedans grew an average of over 20 percent and took up nearly half of total passenger car sales while those of locally made models expanded 17 percent year on year, the German premium carmaker said.

"We maintained healthy, sustainable growth in the first six months of this year,” said Nicholas Speeks, president and chief executive officer of Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co Ltd. 

Mercedes-Benz delivered 58,179 new vehicles in China in June, up 12 percent from the same period last year, with the steady sales growth driven by its S-Class, C-Class, GLC sport-utility vehicles and other models. 

The carmaker attributed its double-digit sales growth in the first half to a strong product line-up, innovative customer experience and cooperation with dealer partners in rapidly responding to opportunities and challenges brought by market changes.

In 2018, Mercedes-Benz said it will introduce more than 12 new models, including CLS Coupe, G-Class, C-Class LWB, and A-Class L Sedan, to the Chinese market.

Duan Jianjun, executive vice-president for sales and marketing of Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co Ltd, said that in the second half of this year Mercedes-Benz will continue to develop steadily to maintain competitiveness in the market.

By June, Mercedes-Benz, which is focusing on emerging trends such as digital services in the Chinese market, had around 580 dealerships in nearly 230 cities.