Mercedes-Benz said it will begin sales of its V-class luxury multipurpose vehicle in China in April, coinciding with the Beijing auto show.

 

Mercedes has launched V-class production in its assembly plant in the southeast China city of Fuzhou. The plant is run by Fujian Benz Automotive Co., a three-way partnership that includes Mercedes, state-owned BAIC Motor Corp. and Fujian Motor Industry Group Co.

 

Daimler Vans Hong Kong, a Daimler subsidiary, holds a 50 percent stake in the venture. Last week, BAIC announced that it had purchased a 35 percent share in the partnership from Fujian Motor, which retains a 15 percent stake.

 

The plant this year is to begin producing the Vito van.

 

To produce the models, Fujian Benz Automotive has invested 200 million euros (1.4 billion yuan).

 

Mercedes is adding MPVs to its China lineup as the German luxury brand's sales are booming. In the first two months, Mercedes sold 68,508 vehicles in China, up 43 percent.