Mercedes-Benz has sold 11,000 cars in China in the first three months, a 30 percent increase year-on-year, said its China president Klaus Maier on Wednesday in Shanghai.

"Sales in March rose 50 percent from the same period last year to 5,000 cars," said Maier during the launching ceremony of the company's minicar brand Smart.

Maier said he expects the German luxury carmaker to record a double-digit growth in sales this year on the back of strong product offerings.

China has surpassed the US to be the biggest market for Mercedes-Benz's S-Class and R-Class series this year, said Maier.

The company said its just-launched minicar Smart Fortwo would be available in four models priced between 158,000 and 206,000 yuan.

"Smart's launch confirms that China will become one of the most important markets from a global perspective," said Maier.

"Based on the high number of pre-orders we are confident that the Smart Fortwo will be loved by many Chinese consumers. The extraordinary concept of Smart will certainly attract customers who are looking for the best urban mobility solutions."

(China Daily April 10, 2009)