Preparing for another year of strong growth, Mercedes-Benz made a splash at the ongoing Auto China 2014 with 12 new models, led by the highly anticipated all new C-Class, the first-ever long wheelbase version of the model series.

More models, such as the Concept Coupe SUV, which fuses the best of both the coupe and SUV worlds into a stylish design that raises the bar across market segments, and the industry's first premium compact sleek sports sedan CLA are also on show. Those new models are believed to be further growing forces for sales in China. 

"We are quite encouraged at our performance in the first quarter of this year. This is a continuation of last year," Nicholas Speeks, president and CEO of Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co (BMBS), said at the auto show on Sunday.

 Speeks has reason to share the joy.

 Mercedes-Benz has realized a sales increase of 47 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. In 2013, the sales volume grew 11 percent over the previous year.

Those figures are quite impressive after BMBS was formally established last year, bringing together all sources of Mercedes-Benz in China to promote its sustainable development in the country.

 Speeks attributed the growth to new products such as the new E-Class and all-new S-class launched last year, innovation of financial services, expansion of the sales network, as well as training in the company. 

Last year, the company newly expanded 75 dealerships in 46 cities. This year, the company plans to add 100 more dealerships in 40 cities. Most of them are in third- and fourth-tier cities, making the network deeper and wider. 

"In 2014, we will still keep a strong growing momentum and have confidence to win better growth than that of last year." Nicholas added.

"China is without doubt a key market for Daimler - and I am confident that with fantastic products like our all-new C-Class, and backed up by our strong local footprint and commitment to China, we will grow further here and reach Mercedes-Benz sales of over 300,000 by 2015," Hubertus Troska, chairman and CEO of Daimler Greater China, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, said at the auto show.  

Besides the all new C-Class long wheelbase, a new milestone in Sino-German business cooperation that is based on mutual trust, Daimler also brings its DENZA electric car jointly developed with its local partner BYD to the show. 

"We do believe the high performance in terms of high battery endurance and safety will improve the whole industry's level," Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG, said at the show. 

"The year 2014 is still a transitional year for us. Mercedes-Benz is very encouraged by our performance in China so far this year, and our strong product offensive in 2014 beginning here at Auto China gives us further reason to be confident," Speeks said.