The debut of the GLK, the first compact SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz, marks the automaker’s first world premiere in China.

“After last year’s success, which saw Mercedes-Benz China achieve a volume increase of 53 percent, the new GLK will inject additional momentum here and in other markets,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Famous the world over for her movie success, actress Zhang Ziyi is a superstar of the Chinese movie scene and guest of honor at the GLK world premiere. Her big international break came with her role in Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. “I love this powerful, great looking all-rounder,” said Zhang Ziyi about the new GLK in conversation with Dr. Dieter Zetsche.

“It has an unmistakable character – a perfect partner that takes me wherever I want to go in safety and comfort and, especially in the city, cuts a stunning figure.” The actress recently demonstrated her appreciation of Mercedes-Benz in the Chinese advertising campaign for the updated SLK roadster. Zhang Ziyi was particularly complementary of the new GLK. “The new GLK is not only a perfect partner for everyday transport; it is also an extremely attractive co-star.”

As a compact model, the new GLK expands the number of distinct variants in the successful Mercedes-Benz SUV range to five, and offers customers a new entry point into the world of Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive. “The GLK is the right vehicle at the right time. It boasts a highly individual design and combines the strengths of our large models within a compact vehicle format, which also offers fuel consumption benefits,” said Daimler Head of Development Dr. Thomas Weber. “With this intelligent ‘rightsizing’, Mercedes-Benz is making a further contribution to CO2 reduction within the SUV segment – in parallel to its BlueTEC initiative.”

“Come 2009, smart will be the third brand from Mercedes-Benz Cars on the Chinese market, alongside Mercedes-Benz and Maybach,” announced Dr. Zetsche at the Beijing show, “Now we are also bringing the contemporary two-seater to China, where we believe it has equally high chances for success, due to the rapid expansion of the micro and compact car market,” commented Zetsche. Against this backdrop, Smart is appearing for the first time with its own show stand at Auto China 2008. The stripes on the car make Chinese audience immediately think of the Bird Nest, the National Stadium newly delivered for the Beijing Olympics.