Mercedes S-Class is China Car of the Year 2014

At an award ceremony during the Guangzhou Auto Show, hosted by PRIME Research and Automobil Produktion, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was declared the 2014 China Car of the Year. The prize was received by President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz China Mr. Nicholas Speeks, who stated that “the decision reaffirms the model’s stature and position in China, its top market worldwide.” The S-Class is the first model to win the prestigious China Car of the Year title. There was a long list of hopefuls, with 53 candidates eligible for the honour of being the 2014 China Car of the Year. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class was chosen from the initial entry list, the shortlist of seven, and the three finalists: the Land Rover Range Rover, the Chang’an Ford Mondeo, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The China Car Award jurors observed that “there's no other car like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class: it’s not only setting the benchmark for the industry, but it also embodies the peak of modern cars in this era.”

Bentley introduces Flying Spur in China

Today at the Auto Shanghai 2013, Bentley introduces the new Flying Spur to Greater China, alongside the Continental GT Speed, Bentley’s fastest production model ever and its pinnacle flagship model, the ultra-high luxury Mulsanne. Bentley also announces its plans to grow the dealer network in Greater China, reinforcing China as a key market for Bentley’s continued success as the company heads for double digit growth again in 2013.

Renault's new joint venture with Dongfeng

Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Renault, and Xu Ping, Chairman of Dongfeng Motor, today signed a contract for the creation of a new joint venture company for localised production in China: Dongfeng Renault Automotive Company (DRAC). The final approval by the the National Development and Reform Commission of China (NDRC) was granted on 2 December 2013.

News from Lotus on Guangzhou Motor Show

British sports car manufacturer Lotus showcases the jewels from its product line-up at the 2013 Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition, further asserting its presence in the Chinese market as its popularity grows amongst China’s fashion-conscious elite.

Volkswagen builds plant in Changsha

The new plant in Changsha is scheduled for completion end of 2015 and will manufacture approx. 300,000 vehicles per year. A complete production facility with press shop, body shop, paint shop and final assembly is being built. Priority is being given to reducing energy and water consumption as well as CO2and solvent emissions, and to cutting back waste volumes in line with the “Think Blue. Factory.” programme. According to Heizmann: “We will meet our environmental responsibility in Changsha and set another milestone in resource efficient production with the new factory.”

McLaren launches in China

McLaren Automotive has officially commenced trading in China from this week.

The entry of McLaren Automotive into the major Chinese market has begun with the establishment of four new McLaren retailers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, highlighting the continued progress of this exciting global car company.

GKN celebrates 25 years in China

GKN plc and HUAYU Automotive Systems Co. Ltd. (HASCO.) are today celebrating the 25th anniversary of their joint venture Shanghai GKN Drive Shaft Company (SDS). SDS has been operating since 1988 and is the largest driveshaft manufacturer in China producing components for domestic and western brands from eight manufacturing plants.