Driving Sports

Keeping our attention focused on the east, Mercedes-Benz posted huge sales growth in the Middle Kingdom during the first 11 months of 2008. The venerable German automaker has long sold cars throughout the world - from utilitarian sedans to rugged off-road vehicles, and China has been a recent favorite. Sales rose by over 50% so far this year, to a total of more than 35,000 cars. Over 13,000 of the upscale S Class were sold, and SUV sales were up 100% over 2007. China's total vehicle sales this year were 6.16 million. With the auto industry worldwide having its worst year ever, China seems to be one bright spot in the global malaise.