Beijing-Benz Automotive opened an engine plant last week in a suburb of Beijing, part of the automaker's campaign to boost vehicle production in China.

The plant, Daimler's first engine production facility outside Germany, will build up to 250,000 engines a year, according to Beijing Benz.

Beijing-Benz, a joint venture between Beijing Automotive Group and Daimler, builds the Mercedes C-Class and E-Class sedans, plus the GLK SUV.

The German automaker also produces three Mercedes vans - the Viano, Vito and Sprinter at Fujian Daimler Automotive.

Fujian Daimler, located in Fuzhou of east China's Fujian province, is a joint venture between Daimler Fujian Motor Industry Group and Taiwan-based China Motor.