Mercedes' China sales jump 47% in April
Mercedes-Benz says its April sales in China jumped nearly 47 percent year-on-year to 16,536 units, a strong indication that the luxury market continues to outperform industry sales.
Given the company's sales trend, China seems likely to pass the United States to become Mercedes-Benz's second-largest global market sometime this year.
Last month, U.S. sales totaled 18,042 units, while sales in Germany totaled 22,270 units.
Sales of the Smart brand rose fivefold last month to 1,026 units, following the brand's introduction this year of an ad campaign featuring NBA star Kobe Bryant.
The German automaker appears determined to grow the small-car segment of China's luxury market. In April, the company chose the Shanghai auto show for the world debut of its sporty Concept A-Class.
Audi, China's top luxury brand, debuted the Q3 crossover and Audi A3 e-tron in Shanghai.
