Mercedes Car Group sales in mainland China and Hong Kong rose 30 pct year-on-year in the first seven months to 15,830 units, despite increasing competition, DaimlerChrysler said.

In a statement, DaimlerChrysler said sales of its Mercedes-Benz S-Class luxury car topped 5,800 units during the period.

In the northeast Asia region, which includes mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and South Korea, retail sales of Mercedes-Benz cars reached 22,038 units, up 24 pct from the 17,805 sold in the first seven months last year.

SUV sales in China rose 67 pct year-on-year, while Mercedes-Benz convertibles and roadsters posted 'impressive results' on the mainland in July, the statement said, without providing figures.

Mercedes-Benz sales in Taiwan rose 13 pct in the Jan-July period, despite a 'difficult automotive market' there, the statement said.

In South Korea, sales also increased 13 pct year-on-year, exceeding expectations.

The statement added that the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, built at BeijingBenz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive Ltd, is maintaining sales momentum. It also said the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be produced at the venture by the end of the year.