Localization by Benz: New E-Class sedan and parts suppliers

Daimler AG's joint venture with Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp (BAIC) will accelerate its sourcing of locally made parts for production of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

Gunter Butschek, president and CEO of the joint venture - which has been renamed as Beijing Benz Automotive Co Ltd as a result of the breakup of Daimler and Chrysler in 2007- said last week that 45-50 percent of parts for Mercedes-Benz cars it is making are purchased in China at present.

"We are still in the process of further localization," Butschek said.