Making innovation the star of the show

Mercedes-Benz unveiled a dynamic lineup at Auto Guangzhou 2012, which opened on Thursday; presenting 36 models from the Mercedes-Benz, AMG and Smart brands at its 2,100-square-meter booth.

The automaker showcased its comprehensive portfolio and strength in innovation, with a lineup featuring the F 125! Research Vehicle, and the latest AMG models, SUVs, C- and E-Class sedans, and SL roadster, as well as the Smart Iceshine special edition,

The company has introduced over 30 new and upgraded models in China this year, and with 169,070 units sold in the first 10 months of 2012, Mercedes-Benz is confident that it will set yet another sales record this year.

Making its China debut, the Mercedes-Benz' F 125! Research Vehicle leads the way as a trailblazing concept for future large luxury sedans, its inspired vision looking ahead to the year 2025 and beyond.

The F 125!'s combination of pioneering technologies allows zero-emissions driving for up to 1,000 kilometers, while its visionary infotainment system offers ease of operation at the highest level with intuitive hand-gestures and voice commands.

The all-new SL roadster, priced at 1,228,000 yuan ($196,848.4) for the SL 350 Style and 1,548,000 yuan for the SL 350 Luxury Sport, held its official China launch at the Guangzhou Auto Show, writing a new chapter in the marques' legendary history of innovation.

With the world premiere of two technologies, FrontBass and Magic Vision Control, as well as the all-aluminum body-shell, the all-new SL once again embodies the spirit of innovation that has driven its success since it first hit the road 60 years ago.

To celebrate Mercedes-Benz' "Year of the SUV", the automaker's highly regarded SUV family was displayed in full force at the auto show. Almost all of the Mercedes-Benz SUV models received comprehensive upgrades in 2012 to satisfy the increasingly diversified needs of discerning Chinese consumers.

Dubbed the "Master of All Surfaces", the all-new ML has received very positive feedback in the China market with over 12,000 units sold in the first 10 months of the year.

Mercedes-Benz' locally produced new generation GLK has also received instant recognition from customers since its launch in October, with nearly 2,300 units already delivered.

The new GLK, a revamped version of the automaker's first locally produced compact SUV model, is the ultimate car for China's young driving elite with a new, sportier design, luxurious interior upgrades, and enhanced all-terrain handling.

The rest of Mercedes-Benz' upgraded family of locally produced models also made a spectacular appearance at the Guangzhou Auto Show.

Both the C-Class sedans and long wheelbase E-Class sedans have received comprehensive upgrades, giving Chinese consumers improved handling and an even more pleasurable driving experience.

The Smart brand continues its tradition of launching a special edition each quarter with the introduction of the Iceshine special edition. The Iceshine offers its own interpretation of Smart's unique and agile personality with a white tridion safety cell and a choice of two refreshing colors for the body panel: icy white or azure blue, both of which bring an exciting vitality to winter.

With only 588 units available in China, the Iceshine is priced at 143,888 yuan for the 52 kW coup passion, 153,888 yuan for the 62 kW coup passion, and 183,888 yuan for the 62 kW cabrio passion.

Smart sales surged to more than 13,380 units in the first 10 months of 2012, an increase of 44 percent compared to last year. As Smart's popularity continues to rise, the special edition aims to win over even more Chinese consumers.

All the models at the show demonstrate Mercedes-Benz' competitive edge and will fuel the automaker's growing success in China.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn