Daimler unfolds next stage of 'Growing in China, with China'

Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler will continue its solid development in China, as the German car group deepens its localization efforts in the world's largest vehicle market.

Daimler reaffirmed the commitment while celebrating the 20th anniversary of its subsidiary Daimler Greater China in Beijing.

"The Chinese market has seen an incredible success story over the last 20 years," said Hubertus Troska, member of the board of management of Daimler and Mercedes-Benz, responsible for China.

"Guided by our vision to 'Grow in China, with China', we are honored to have participated in this momentous development, while making sure to give back to Chinese society,"Troska said.

Daimler has nearly 5 million customers in China. It has invested almost 280 million yuan ($44 million) in corporate social responsibility programs, which have benefited more than 1.5 million people across the country.

The automaker has built a network of 600 dealers and has a team of around 5,500 local and international talents in China.

Troska, who has lived and worked in China for almost a decade, said the local team and local partners have been vital to Daimler's achievements, stressing that it would not have been possible without their dedication and support.

"If there is anything I find even more fascinating than the sheer speed of market development here, it is the incredible innovative potential and passionate people," he said.

Since 2001, Daimler has been working with local industry leaders, tech companies, startups and universities, which has enabled the carmaker to gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese market and customers.

Building on this solid foundation, Daimler has developed its local activities along the entire value chain: from research and development and procurement, to production, sales and financial services.

Daimler started local production and R&D of Mercedes-Benz's passenger vehicles in 2005 and local production of Mercedes-Benz vans in Fuzhou, Fujian province, in 2010.

Today, the production facilities in Beijing are the largest within Mercedes-Benz Cars' global production network, with more than 3 million cars manufactured.

Daimler's R&D in China is playing a mainstay role in its global R&D network, covering electric mobility, intelligent connectivity, automated driving, localization, whole vehicle testing and design.

With the new Daimler Tech Center China opened in autumn, the car group has strengthened its technological capabilities and is accelerating localization processes for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including electric models.

However, China is more than just a market for Daimler. The company is committed to giving back to local communities.

One example is the Daimler Vocational Training China program, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Via the program launched in 2006, Daimler has cultivated production and after-sales service talent in cooperation with colleges across China, supporting more than 9,000 students.

Since 2010, Mercedes-Benz has undertaken in-depth CSR practices together with dealer partners through the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund.

As of 2021, the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund has invested almost 280 million yuan in projects in education, cultural confidence, environmental protection and rural revitalization. It has benefited more than 1.5 million people, contributing to sustainable development and social prosperity in the country.

Looking forward, Daimler is ready to embrace the next chapter of its sustainable growth in China. Since Dec 1, Daimler's two business divisions－Trucks & Buses and Cars &Vans－have become two independent companies.

The group said the spinoff will enable Daimler－which is to be renamed as Mercedes-Benz Group－to better focus on premium and luxury passenger cars and vans, and accelerate the transformation toward zero-emissions and software-driven mobility.

China, with its huge potential in technological innovation and sustainability, will play a crucial role in Mercedes-Benz's growth ambition, the carmaker said.

Under the global strategy of going from "electric first" to "electric only",Mercedes-Benz is accelerating its momentum in China's premium electric market.

Mercedes-Benz will have five electric models in China in a few months, up from one in 2019.

Following the launches of the locally-produced EQC, EQA and EQB, the first large luxury sedan in the electric vehicle segment－the all-new EQS－will hit the Chinese market this year. In 2022, the EQE will be locally produced and sold in China as well.

China remains the most important growth driver for Mercedes-Benz and a crucial innovation hub for the company to accelerate its transformation toward an "electric only" future.

Daimler said its commitment to China remains unwavering, which is to build the most desirable cars and closely tailor them to Chinese demands. The company said it is steadfast in its commitment and has every reason to remain confident of long-term development in its largest market worldwide.

"There is no doubt in my mind that China will play an important role in the future of our industry,"Troska said.

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn