13:50, April 21, 2009

German luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz is set for a double breakthrough in Shanghai - a record number of new model premieres along with its largest-ever lineup of 35 models on display.
"The Shanghai auto show has become the largest auto show for Mercedes-Benz globally, and only comparable to the Frankfurt Motor Show," said Klaus Maier, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd.
In the first quarter, Mercedes booked sales of more than 11,000 units, a year-on-year increase of about 30 percent, the highest among all its markets.
Contributing to the success was its achievement in March, when the luxury legend had its biggest month ever in China, selling 5,100 units, a 50 percent leap compared to the same period in 2008.
"We are very encouraged to see that Mercedes-Benz managed to achieve a historic record at a time of economic uncertainty," said Maier. "It shows the automotive market in China has picked up again and our customers regained their confidence."