Following a strong showing in Q1 2018 when Mercedes-Benz India reported its best ever quarter sales at 4556 units, up 24.8 percent from 3,650 units sold in Q1 2017, sales in Q2 are limp.
Growth through Q1 2018 was up 24.8 percent at 4,556 units sold over 3,650 units sold in Q1 2017. April- June 2017 (Q2) Mercedes Benz India had reported sales of 3,521 units. For Q2 2018, the company reports sales at 3,505 units, which is flat (down 0.5%) sales performance. For Q2 2018, BMW India sold 2,513 cars which leaves the company trailing by a 1,000 units.
However, collectively for H1 (Q1 + Q2) 2018, Mercedes-Benz India has set a new sales benchmark in luxury cars with sales of 8,061 units at a growth of 12.4 percent over H1 2017 when 7171 units were sold.
Roland Folger, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented, “Pursuing our philosophy of ‘The Best Keeps Leading’, Mercedes-Benz continues to retain the top customer billing in the luxury car segment, growing 12.4% in the first six months of 2018. We attribute this growth momentum to our customer centric measures coupled with an unmatched product and customer service offensive. Our sales performance is in line with our expectation despite last year’s extraordinary demand in Q2, owing to the anticipation of GST implementation. With our wide range of New Generation Cars, sedans, SUVs and the performance cars, we are confident to continue the drive, we set for ourselves in the first half.”
Segment wise sales stand as follows – sedans – Mercedes-Benz CLA, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class grew by 15.2 percent in H1 (January-June) 2018; SUVs – GLA, GLC, AMG GLC 43 Coupe, GLE, AMG GLE 43 Coupe, GLS, AMG GLS 63 and AMG G 63 grew at 15.9 percent.
Mr. Folger added, “We want to continue our leadership position in the Indian luxury carmarket, upholding the number 1 position for the last three years. Customers in India want to be a part of a winning brand imagery which is associated with Mercedes-Benz.”
