News from Mercedes-Benz

GLA compact SUV in production

Mercedes-Benz's GLA compact SUV rolled off the assembly line last week at the new factory of Beijing Benz Automotive Co, a joint venture between Daimler AG and Beijing Motor Corp Co.

The front-drive GLA comes with Mercedes-Benz's locally-made M270 turbo engine.

The local content rate of the GLA is more than 50 percent. The joint venture's president and CEO Frank Deiss said the premium compact SUV segment has "big growth potential" in China.

Production of the joint venture, which also makes Mercedes-Benz's E-Class and C-Class sedans as well as GLK mid-sized SUV, will reach 200,000 units this year, from 140,000 units in 2014, according to Deiss.

The joint venture's new plant, with an investment of 720 million euros ($767 million), will produce Mercedes-Benz's NGCC models (new-generation compact cars).

Dream Car series on display

Mercedes-Benz showed two representative models of its Dream Car series: S500 4MATIC coupe and CLS400 4MATIC sport sedan on the event of 'Breathtaking Beauty'- Mercedes-Benz Dream Car Inspiration Night on March 30.

The brand has been supported the development of China's fashion industry by holding Mercedes-Benz China Young Fashion Award since 2011. The latest winner of the award Fan Ran also showed her design in the event.

'The beauty of design is integrated into Mercedes' gene deeply. It is the brand's pursuit of automobile technology aesthetics,' said Duan Jianjun, executive vice-president of sales and marketing with Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co Ltd.

According to Duan, Mercedes' 'new luxury' idea, sensitive and pure design aesthetics share common goals with Mercedes-Benz China Fashion Week's inspiration: bold and radical.

BlueTech trucks reach China

Mercedes-Benz introduced its Actros BlueTec 5 edition truck to the Chinese market on April 10, among the first batch of trucks with Euro V emission standards imported to Beijing.

More than 20 upgrades have been made to the heavy vehicle in appearance, safety standards, efficiency and comfort.

The BlueTec and Selective Catalytic Reduction technologies will reduce the emissions of NOx and particulate matters.

The value for money versions, the elite and flagship, offer customizing options that can fit individual customer demands.

The company also upgraded its after sales service, training and consultancy for financing, products and fleet management, to help local customers tackle logistical challenges, and maintain its development and competence.

The comprehensive solutions cover key processes from purchase through usage to maintenance.

Motoring

(China Daily 04/13/2015 page18)