If you're looking for a deal on a luxury car, head to China. That's where Mercedes-Benz is cutting as much as 25% off the price of some of its swankiest models. Bloomberg News reports that China, an automaker's paradise of eager buyers only a couple of years ago, is getting a lot tougher for those who want to sell to those who drive the very best. Besides Mercedes, BMW and Audi are having to offer discounts of 20% on their flagships. Saying Bloomberg: "Waiting lists have vanished and salesmen are dangling perks ranging from free iPhones to Hermes-bag coupons." Yikes. It wasn't supposed to be this way. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers acknowledges that sales are slowing from their breakneck pace, but insists the market will continue to grow. Still, if you make luxury cars, you may not want to be so quick to beat a path to Beijing. "This year's luxury-car discounting is the most I've ever seen," said Scott Laprise, automotive analyst at CLSA Asia Pacific, as quoted by Bloomberg. "China's luxury car price premium is eroding."
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