Mercedes will introduce A-Class models

　　Mercedes - Benz is developing increasingly in China. The German headquarters has found that China has become the largest overseas market of Mercedes-Benz S and R class. They even set the even China 2015 sales target at 300,000. How will Mercedes-Benz expand the market? What does Mercedes-Benz think of emerging new energy car allowance policy in China? In this respect, the reporter interviewed Cai Gongming, vice president of sales department of Mercedes - Benz (China) Sales Co.

　　Shanghai Securities News: China is strongly supported by new energy vehicles, actually, mainly electric vehicles. Recently, in the city of Hangzhou, consumer subsidy for electric vehicles is high up to 123,000 Yuan (including 60,000 Yuan central budget subsidy) while hybrid cars can only enjoy a maximum 3,000 Yuan of subsidy. Since Mercedes-Benz has no electric vehicles in China, how will you seize the opportunities?

　　Cai Gongming: electric vehicle is the direction of China automobile industry and also the global development direction of Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz is the world leader in the field of electric vehicles. In 2012 we will launch smart electric vehicles. In China, we will also seize the opportunity to introduce electric vehicles. In addition, personally I think that new energies are diverse, it is reasonable national support policies have a certain tendency, but the evaluation criteria should focus on carbon dioxide and fuel consumption rather than the power resource entirely.

　　Shanghai Securities News: Many consumers have reflected this year Mercedes-Benz cars are in a shortage in China, which always lead to higher prices. In one case, the S-Class car was charged more than 100,000 Yuan. How will you solve this problem?

　　Cai Gongming: This situation is not caused by us intentionally, which can be explained by two figures. First, in the first 7 months of this year, we have sold out a total 74,070 units, an increase of 134%. Second, in the same period, the sales volume of S-class sedan is 11,600 and in July 2,444 units, up 218%. That such a growth rate is still unable to meet the market demand shows great market potential. But it also reflects our preliminary market forecast is too conservative and we will increase the ability to predict in the future in order to meet market demand better.

　　Shanghai Securities News: With the rapid growth of demand for luxury cars, some luxury car manufacturers have increased their annual sales targets. BMW’s sales target in China has been improved from 150,000 from 120,000. It is said that Mercedes-Benz also intends to raise sales in China from 100,000 to 120,000.

　　Cai Gongming: from the current sales trend, annual sales can definitely overcome 100,000 units. The sales volume of the first 7 months of this year has surpassed that of the entire last year, reaching 74,070. In the second half of this year, we have some new models to introduce. Therefore, the sales number in the second half is expected to be higher than in the first half.

　　Shanghai Securities News: Mercedes-Benz headquarters has disclosed that the 2015 sales target in China is 300 000, do you feel big pressure? Considering China’s policy to support energy saving vehicles and the huge market demand for small cars, this year luxury car enterprises have launched their low emissions or low-emission cars successively. Do Mercedes-Benz have any plan to introduce A-Class (low-emission vehicles)?

　　Cai Gongming: small cars is the development trend, A-class car segment has really huge potential. The introduction of cost-effective A-Car can help Chinese consumers realize the dream of owning a Mercedes as soon as possible. In the second half of this year, we will introduce the A-Class cars in China auto market.

　　(Translator: Yalong/Jessie)

　　See original Chinese report Please click: http://auto.sohu.com/20100827/n274507401.shtml