Mercedes will build the GLK in China

Mercedes exports the GLK to China from Germany. Local production is planned soon.

Mercedes-Benz plans to build its GLK SUV in China, part of the German automaker's effort to gain share in one of China's fastest-growing product segments.

"Within a reasonable period of time, the GLK compact SUV will also be built in China for Chinese customers," said Mercedes sales chief Joachim Schmidt in an interview with Automobilwoche, a sister publication of Automotive News Europe.

So far, Mercedes has manufactured the C- and E-class model lines in a joint venture with the Chinese firm Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co.

An engine factory is also planned as part of Daimler's 3 billion euro (about $4.1 billion) investment in China.