China's top award for Beijing Benz CEO

Deiss is glad to see that the long-wheelbase C-Class "production ramped up smoothly, and every quality parameter shows that we are on the right track".

In the local production of the all-new long-wheelbase C-Class, BBAC is using advanced Daimler technologies developed for the top S-Class. The China-made model is now made with more than 60 percent local components, much higher than earlier models.

In next year, Chinese customers will see the locally made GLA compact SUV hitting the market. Sales show SUVs are getting popular with the modern Chinese family.

Team is key

Deiss believes he has the strongest partner in the BAIC Group. BBAC is a joint venture between BAIC Motor and Daimler AG.

BAIC Motor is the fifth-largest automotive group in China, and Daimler is one of the most successful automotive groups in the world.

Deiss said his role is to build bridges between both cultures and companies. Many German experts have joined him to contribute their decades of experience and expertise to BBAC.

Deiss said the award is more for Beijing Benz and the close and strong cooperation between Daimler and BAIC Group.

The two companies have been linked since 2003.

"Because everyone is doing a great job, I do not see this award as a personal award for myself. I'm just one part of the great family," Deiss said.

Experts in Germany are also training Chinese employees from Beijing. One expert from Germany and one from Beijing work as a team to help the BBAC employee meet Daimler's world-level standards.

Thousands of Chinese employees have been sent to Germany for training from six weeks up to six months. After they are qualified, they come back to China and start extending the German standard to more Chinese employees.

Deiss and other German experts also strive to promote cultural exchanges.

He is responsible for identifying and selecting the right talent from Daimler coming to China. He judges not only their qualifications, but also their understanding of a joint venture culture.

"A qualified German expert needs not only quality in engineering. If they do not fit in the culture, he or she is not the right person," he said.

In China, the company is also working with universities and vocational schools for talent development.

BBAC has a very low turnover rate compared to the average among joint ventures in China, said the executive.

"I love to work with Chinese people. Chinese and German cultures are not far apart," said Deiss.

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