Mercedes plant opening in China

[United Press International]

BERLIN, May 3 (UPI) -- German automaker DaimlerChrysler AG
said Monday that it has partnered with a Chinese firm to start
producing Mercedes-Benz autos in China.
DaimlerChrysler, based in Berlin, and Beijing Automotive
Industry Holding Co. signed an agreement Monday in Germany to
manufacture Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class sedans in China, at a
new plant in Beijing.
The plant will initially be able to produce 25,000 vehicles
annually.
"Establishing a manufacturing presence for Mercedes-Benz
passenger cars in China is a key part of our Asia strategy, and
further complements our activities in the Chinese market," said
DaimlerChrysler Chairman Jrgen Schrempp.
DaimlerChrysler's joint venture with BAIC to create Beijing
Jeep Corp. in 1983 was the first automotive manufacturing joint
venture established in China.
In 2003, DaimlerChrysler sold more than 33,000 automobiles
in China and Hong Kong, of which more than 12,000 were Mercedes-Benz
passenger cars.