Daimler Annual Report 2011 - Alle jaarverslagen

Customer Care Worldwide
China’s economy is growing — and Daimler is continuing its
success story in the world’s biggest automobile market
China’s economy has grown in leaps and bounds, and
the long-term prospects of business operations in China
are equally promising. With sales of more than 300,000
Mercedes-Benz cars planned for 2015, all the signs point
to further growth for Daimler. We will also significantly increase
our market share in other vehicle categories in China.
We are continuously expanding our sales and service network
in China to accommodate the dynamic development of sales
and service activities that is taking place there. Also in China,
our goal is to ideally fulfill our customers’ requirements for
optimal sales and service quality.
Thanks to its many years of business operations in China,
Daimler can build on a broad foundation of local businesses.
Mercedes-Benz and smart cars are currently sold by approximately
210 dealerships in 90 cities, and trucks and vans are
sold by some 80 retailers. In 2011, we expanded the sales
and service network for Mercedes-Benz cars and commercial
vehicles with 60 attractive new dealerships and by conducting
intensive training programs for the sales and service teams.
In China, as elsewhere, we offer our customers “the best or
nothing.”
Gaining an additional edge through customized financial
services. Customers who finance or lease their vehicles
are not only particularly loyal to their brands, but they also
change their vehicles twice as often and more frequently
opt for especially high-grade vehicle equipment. That’s why
Daimler Financial Services supports the sales of our vehicles.
Today, our financial services division already finances or
leases more than 40% of Daimler Group vehicles, and the
contract volume will increase over the coming years.
One of the next steps in the global growth strategy of Daimler
Financial Services involves stronger participation in growth
markets such as China and India. In line with this approach,
Daimler Financial Services supports Daimler’s successful
operations in the Chinese market by offering special products
and services customized for the domestic market. Since 2011,
Daimler has also been further improving its proximity to its
customers in the booming Indian market by offering customized
finance and leasing packages.
“From the smart to the S-Class, we provide our customers
with perfect advice and service. For an increasing number
of young Chinese, Daimler vehicles are part of their lifestyle.”
David Wang, salesperson
Daimler a big success in China
Mercedes-Benz Cars unit sales in China (in thousands)
300
223
160
31
49
68
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2015
China is already the world’s largest automobile market, and
Daimler is steadily gaining ground in this outstanding growth
market. In the future, China will be the biggest car market for
Mercedes-Benz.
60