Continuing their product offensive strategy, Mercedes Benz India has already launched S 500, S 350, GL 63 AMG, ML 63 AMG, A Class Edition 1, B Class Edition 1, and C Class Grand Edition. And they are not done for the year yet as they have 3 more launches pending before 2014 is out.
Speaking about the three new cars, the first two will be GLA compact SUV and CLA 45 AMG. Both of which have been confirmed by Mercedes Benz India and were also showcased at 2014 Delhi Auto Expo. What’s more is that the GLA has already been spied on test recently. Once launched, it will compete with BMW X1 and Audi Q3, giving Mercedes Benz a much needed edge in the segment.
The third car is rumoured to be the CLA Class compact sedan. With Audi readying the launch of A3 sedan in India, Mercedes Benz surely would be keen to offer a fitting competitor in the segment. Both GLA and CLA 45 AMG are expected to be launched before Diwali 2014.
Apart from this, Mercedes Benz is also set to double the production at their plant in Chakan near Pune. This increase in output, will make not only give them an edge over competitors but will also make their facility as the largest luxury car plant in India. Mercedes Benz has invested about Rs 850 crores in their plant in India till date.
Currently, luxury cars account for about 1.5% of the total passenger car sales in the country. Audi, Mercedes Benz, Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover managed to sell a about 30,000 units in 2013. By 2022, this demand number is going to cross 5.5 lakh mark annually. Increasing production and making timely investments will help luxury car makers meet this demand.
via Economic Times
