CHENGDU, Feb. 9 (NBD) -- Mercedes-Benz is expected to secure the top spot in China's premium car segment in January. 

The carmaker got off to a great start this year by delivering a record 58,800 cars in the first month, up 39.3 percent over last year. 

Globally, the company's sales for the month soared 18.3 percent year-over-year to 178,000 cars. 

This year, the automaker plans to introduce 15 new models. Of them, the new GLA is expected to make a hit in the compact car sector.  

Email: lansuying@nbd.com.cn