Daimler, the world's largest truck manufacturer, said on Friday that car sales in Greater China increased by 54% from January to September this year, and the global financial crisis has not changed the progress of its Chinese business.
Daimler told reporters in Beijing that its total sales of passenger cars in China, Hong Kong, and Macau from January to September reached 32,375; however, it did not disclose truck sales.
Ulrich Walker, chairman and chief executive of Daimler Northeast Asia, said before the press conference that the global financial crisis has not changed the company's progress in China, but it is too early to detail the forecast for the next year. In spite of this, the company expects further growth in performance next year.
China's passenger vehicle sales in September has been the second consecutive month of decline, showing that the world's second largest car market slowed down.
Industry research firm JD Power and Associates predicts that China's car sales growth this year will be 9.7%, less than half of the previous year's 24.1%.
Hua Lixin said, "The situation in China is much better than in other countries. The company's products and joint venture operations will be carried out according to the original plan and have full confidence in the Greater China market."
Daimler and China's commercial vehicle giant Foton Motor signed a letter of intent in August this year to establish a medium-duty-card joint venture in China with a half equity and use of the Auman brand. Hualixin believes that the joint venture heavy truck company will In the second half of next year, it will be approved by the government.
After successful cooperation with Foton Motors, Daimler will have three joint ventures in China, including two commercial vehicle companies and one passenger vehicle company.
Hualixin also stated that Daimler will launch its Mercedes-Benz car production in southern China in the first half of 2009 and will introduce its Smart brand series early next year.
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