(JW Insights) Sep 4 -- German premium carmaker Mercedes-Benz has confidence in China's long-term economic prospects and will continue its investment in the world's largest vehicle market,said its top executive, China Daily reported on September 4.

"We have a very clear strategy: we will continue to invest in China ... It is the largest car market in the world. It is our biggest market," said Ola Kaellenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, on August 30.

The demand for premium vehicles remains robust in China. Statistics show that Mercedes-Benz sold more than 377,000 new vehicles during the first half in the country,up 6 percent year-on-year, most of which were produced via its joint venture with BAIC Group in Beijing.

The carmaker is speeding up its transition towards electrification. It has several models in the market,including the EQE and EQS, and more advanced cars are coming to join them.

The carmaker has been revving up research and development in China, as the market shows "innovative dynamism", said Kaellenius.

He said Chinese customers have a high level of openness towards new technology, although smart electric vehicles are emerging as a global trend.

He added that Mercedes-Benz will consider introducing features developed with Chinese customers in mind into vehicles for other markets.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz is beefing up its charging infrastructure in China. It has started construction of 480 kW supercharging stations, with the first in the world expected to become operational in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, in October.

Mercedes-Benz said the charging network will be accessible to EVs of other marques as well, according to the China Daily report.

(Gao J/Yuan XY)