Daimler to add new compact SUV to lineup this year - CEO

Daimler AG Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche said the German automaker would add a new compact SUV to its lineup later this year. Zetsche at an event in Shanghai on Monday unveiled what he called a concept for a compact Mercedes GLB with seating for seven and rugged off-road tires.

Zetsche said the GLB would not remain a concept for long, and promised the unveiling of a production version by this summer. In China, Mercedes has declared 2019 the "year of the SUV", reflecting the growing popularity of such vehicles in the world's largest car market.