Green luxury
"Our success in China is a direct result of not only our dedication to the market and strategic expansion of our product portfolio, but also our passion in providing cutting-edge, eco-friendly technologies to customers," he said.
At the Guangzhou auto show late last month, Mercedes-Benz debuted three E-Class models optimized with Mercedes-Benz's BlueEfficiency measures and equipped with more efficient gasoline combustion CGI engines.
"The launch of these three BlueEfficiency models, as well as the S 400 Hybrid and SmartFortwo, demonstrates Mercedes-Benz's leadership in environmentally friendly mobility," Maier said.
According to Maier, Mercedes-Benz will focus on three phases to build a green luxury market in China in the future.
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The second phase will focus on offering more hybrid models in China, he said.
The third phase will involve the introduction of additional low-emission and zero-emission models.
"We hope to start this phase by introducing the mass-produced electric smart cars in two years, and then the fuel cell B-Class sedans," Maier said.
"Over the next five years, we can cover all three phases to achieve our green luxury target in China, with a long-term commitment to an environmental friendly society here," he said.
Social commitment
Mercedes-Benz has been a longtime supporter of cultural and music events in China.
"Over the years, Mercedes-Benz has been working with premium partners in China in sponsoring a wide variety of cultural events, bringing world-class performances to the Chinese audience, as well as establishing strategic cooperation with partners," Maier said.
Last week, by naming an arena along the banks of the Huangpu River in Shanghai, Mercedes-Benz hopes to reinforce its commitment to promoting events, he said.
Mercedes-Benz Arena will be the first Mercedes-Benz named-venue outside Germany.
The arena is being developed by Oriental Pearl Group, AEG and the National Basketball Association.