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New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Could Debut in China, if Local Execs get their Way

Thursday, August 30, 2012 Categories: , , , |

In another sign of how times are changing, Mercedes-Benz executives in China are pushing for the brand to host the world premiere of the next generation S-Class in one of the country's major car shows in 2013, according to a report from Beijing's Jinhua Times.

"There is no doubt that the Chinese market will be key to the sales of this product; therefore we have a strong case to make for it to debut in China," said Klaus Maier, CEO of Mercedes-Benz China.

The new S-Class, known internally as the W222, will include a range of six or perhaps even more models such as the normal and long wheelbase sedans, a coupe replacement for the current CL-Class, an extra-long and luxurious "Pullman" edition and two convertibles.

Autonews reported that Maier also told the Beijing newspaper that Mercedes-Benz will launch five new models in the country by the end of the year (without disclosing any other details) and that the company plans to expand its Chinese dealership network to 260 stores, up from 217 today.


PHOTO GALLERY

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5 Comments:

europeon said... »August 30, 2012

What kind of S-class based convertibles are you talking about?

Fatherland said... »August 30, 2012

Well the obvious candidates are a 2dr 4 seater (a supersize E-Class convertible), and a Landaulet (Maybach 62 style).

It must be very demoralising for the natives of the home country not to be default host for a world debut of a flagship model, that they themselves make. A world debut in China won't boost local sales any further than a regional debut would. Rich Chinese will buy the new model with the same dizzying height of enthusiasm either way.

Benz HQ say no to Chinese management egocentrics, and proudly world debut your flagship from your world HQ, Germany.

Knox615 said... »August 30, 2012

Looks like Mercedes have finally dropped those bulbous rear wheel arches, a styling feature which has never quite worked, in my opinion. We'll have to put up with it on the CLS for a while longer though..

Yavor Trassiev said... »August 30, 2012

You have to wait, most of us like them.

europeon said... »August 30, 2012

 The flared fenders and the pre-facelift stop lights were the design cues that made W221 stand out from other big sedans.
 I said it before when the first spy pics came out, I am sad to see they are gone.

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