DaimlerChrysler gets Chinese licence

German-American carmaker DaimlerChrysler AG has won Chinese government approval to make Mercedes-Benz saloon cars at a joint venture factory in Beijing, the company said today.

The joint venture, Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive, began construction of the factory late last year and recently received a licence from the Ministry of Commerce.

It plans to roll out its first Mercedes-Benz cars by the end of this year.

Foreign luxury car makers have been racing to boost sales to the country’s newly rich elite.

General Motors began making Cadillacs in Shanghai last year and BMW has been making cars in northern China since 2003.

Ferrari, Bentley and others have set up sales networks.