With executive and luxury cars now becoming the norm in most major Chinese cities, dealers have to think outside the box to attract new customers. According to Reuters News Agency, Beijing based Zhongsheng Group Holdings has taken the unusual step of acquiring a 70 per cent share of German tuner Carlsson Autotechnik with plans to sell a range of custom Mercedes-Benz models through a dedicated chain of Mercedes-Carlsson retailers.

Current Carlsson offerings include the GL 500-based CK55 RS Rascasse, the 600hp CK63 RS that started life as a SL 63 AMG and the 753hp V12-powered C25 Royale that used to be a SL 65 AMG. Amazingly, despite the work carried out by the tuners, most of the cars are authorised by Mercedes-Benz, meaning buyers can keep their Mercedes warranties.

Zhongsheng says it plans to establish manufacturing facilities within China to produce Carlsson customisation accessories and kits, not only for Mercedes-Benz, but also for the Lexus, Volvo, Porsche, Toyota and Nissan models that it sells through its 140 dealerships.

Paul Healy - 5 Jun 2012