Raising the bar in China's auto industry

Paint Workshop at BBAC. [Photo / China Daily]

In the past decade, foreign automakers have teamed up with China's domestic auto companies in joint ventures to conceive innovative technologies and deliver localized products that have given domestic consumers more choices than ever.

This is particularly evident in the premium auto sector, with the latest models gracing the streets of cities across China as consumers enjoy higher incomes and more diverse lifestyles.

The synergy between European heritage in the auto industry and dynamism in China's local production is perfectly exemplified by Beijing Benz Automotive Co Ltd, BBAC for short, which combines Daimler's 125 plus years of experience with leading Chinese automaker BAIC Group's dynamism.

The joint venture's state-of-the-art plant, which was put into operations in 2006 and applied with Daimler's latest and greatest technologies as well equipment, is expected to be the German automaker's largest manufacturing facility in the future.

Thus, the BBAC plant is destined to become one of Daimler's main production hubs globally, representing not only high-quality products with the latest technologies, but also a precise, strict and rigid method in the manufacturing process, in addition to awareness and commitment to an environmental-friendly production process.

Diverse local models suit modern lifestyles

The first C-Class model rolled off the production line in 2008, further opening up the market for the Mercedes-Benz entry-level sedan, followed by the long wheel-base E-Class, specifically designed for the China market with extended legroom in the back for owners who enjoy the privilege of a chauffeur. "Nothing represents our long-term commitment to China better than the production of vehicles in China itself," affirmed Frank Deiss, president & CEO of BBAC.

"And with these localized premium cars we are delivering on our promise of 'The Best or Nothing' in exactly the same way as our vehicles made in Germany".

Building on the success of the C-Class and E-Class, production was diversified to include the GLK-Class SUV, with the first locally-produced SUV rolling off plant lines in December 2011.