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The Korea Herald
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THE INVESTOR
March 29, 2024

Market Now

Mercedes-Benz to add more EVs, bolster online shop service

  • PUBLISHED :January 26, 2022 - 11:49
  • UPDATED :January 26, 2022 - 11:49
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The Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS is on display at a press conference broadcast online in Seoul, Tuesday. MBK

Mercedes-Benz Korea will focus on launching electric models to complete its EV lineup across all segments this year, as well as bolstering the supply chain via its online shop, the company said Tuesday.

After launching the fully changed C-class model in the first quarter, the new EQB will be launched in the second quarter. It is the second compact SUV model following the new EQA. By year-end, the new EQE will be launched as its second model to be based on the modular architecture for premium electric vehicles, after the new EQS.

Mercedes-Benz Korea also unveiled the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS for the first time in Korea. It is the first all-electric model of the Mercedes-Maybach brand.

The carmaker plans to expand the lineup of online-only models and improve the convenience of purchasing by adding more technical parts for sale.

Customers can make online down payments for both new and preowned vehicles on its digital platform launched in September last year, through which the company has so far sold some 500 units.

Of its 76,152 vehicles sold in Korea last year, 30 percent, or about 24,000, were SUVs. Large-segment business sedans such as the E-class also led sales, with some 11,000 units.

Despite its market dominance in terms of imported cars, Mercedes-Benz Korea suffered a significant sales drop in the fourth quarter over automotive chip shortages amid the ongoing pandemic. Its sales growth has stalled at 78,133 units in 2019, dropping to 76,879 units in 2020.

“Chasing volume is not the only purpose of our company,” said Thomas Klein, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea, during a press conference held online Tuesday.

“If you look at (Mercedes-Benz’s) global sales versus local sales (in Korea), we have done much better locally. I think we had a very successful year despite the tiring circumstances for most of the industries due to semiconductor shortages,” he added.

“We will continue strategic growth momentum centering on competitive models and customer service in 2022. In addition, we will continue activities for mutual growth with Korean society as a responsible corporate citizen.”

Meanwhile, the carmaker said it would continue to work on expanding satisfactory customer experience, which also includes digital service available anytime and anywhere via its Mercedes-Benz Service App.

Currently, the carmaker runs 61 showrooms, 74 service centers and 23 certified preowned showrooms in the country.

By Kim Da-sol (ddd@heraldcorp.com)

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