German-US automaker DaimlerChrysler says it is planning a new sales offensive in China by vastly expanding its dealer network, marking a fresh attempt to shore up its Asian operations.

The company said it would boost the number of dealers of its luxury brand Mercedes Benz to 217 in 68 Chinese cities by 2012, up from 33 dealers in 23 cities in 2002. CRIENGLISH.com reported Monday.

DaimlerChrysler also aims to use low-interest loans for dealers and customers to speed up sales.

DaimlerChrysler's Asia strategy was called into question in April when it decided to pull the plug on further financing for its Japanese partner Mitsubishi, which is posting heavy losses.

The move, which came as a surprise, was widely interpreted as a setback for the company's ambitious international expansion campaign.
　
(CRI August 9,  2004)