Releasing two new top-of-the-line E-class sophisticated luxury models here on Sunday, Mercedes-Benz chief executive officer for India, Juergen Ziegler said the company sold 1,000 cars last year. Car manufacturers in the country would have to gear up to cope with international competition as the WTO, which becomes effective in about five years time, would provide a level playing field for all car manufacturers and dealers, he said. He said that on the safety front, the cars besides being fitted with airbags on all sides has been accentuated with electronic stability program, which avoids the Rs 36.50 lakh car from skidding.