TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Mercedes-Benz Japan Co., an arm of Daimler AG of Germany, launched on Wednesday its newest clean diesel car model as the company aims to stir consumer interest for such vehicles in the Japanese market where electric and hybrid cars are popular.
Mercedes-Benz said its new E350 BlueTEC AVANTGARDE is the first imported car to be eligible for the Japanese government's tax breaks for clean diesel cars.
The new E-Class sedan, which is equipped with a 3-liter, V-6 diesel engine with turbocharging as well as an efficient emission treatment system, will be delivered to customers in Japan at a suggested retail price of 7,980,000 yen.
Mercedes-Benz Japan President Hans Tempel said at a press conference in Tokyo that the company aims to encourage more Japanese customers to appreciate clean diesel cars and offer vehicles that are environment-friendly and technologically advanced without compromising the safety of passengers.
The automaker also began sales of its remodeled E-Class Stationwagon with a retail price nationwide of 8,330,000 yen. The firm said it is the first time in seven years to fully remodel the E-Class Stationwagon.