Mercedes Benz launches new model offensive

Berlin - German carmaker Daimler's luxury offshoot Mercedes Benz has launched a new model offensive, its chief executive said Wednesday.

"We want also to win new customers by entering new segments for Mercedes Benz," Dieter Zetsche told Daimler's annual shareholders meeting in Berlin.

The Daimler chief presented at the meeting the first photos of new crossover models, which are a mixture of SUVs and coupes and are due to be officially launched this month at the Beijing car show.

Zetsche was also upbeat about the group's business outlook. "Our determination is paying off," Zetsche told the about 5 000 stockholders attending the meeting in Berlin's trade fair centre.

"The company's situation is good, but the future outlook is even better," he said.