The Hindu Business Line : Daimler targets to sell 3,000 Merc Benz this year

Chennai, Jan 31 Luxury car manufacturer DaimlerChrysler India, which launched its new Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars at the Auto Expo in Delhi earlier this month, has said that this entry-level luxury sedan has sold over 211 units during the three weeks since its official launch this month. Total sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars for January this year are set to cross 315 units compared to 190 units during the corresponding month of last year.

The new C-Class sedan is being launched in a phased manner around the country. DaimlerChrysler India is targeting sales of 3,000 units for the calendar year 2008, of which the new C will constitute a large chunk. For the year 2007,

DaimlerChrysler sold 457 units of the S-Class, 1,137 units of the E-Class and 777 of the C-Class. Imports of completely built units (CBUs) accounted for 118 units.

Faced with increased competition from other luxury car manufacturers like BMW and Audi, Mercedes-Benz has both shored up its range of cars on offer for Indian consumers and is shortening the gestation for launching the latest generation of its existing cars.

Speaking at a launch function for the new C-Class here, Mr Sanjiv Sahajwala, Head-Marketing, DaimlerChrysler India, said that the company was looking at an 18 per cent Y-o-Y growth. “We are faced with increased competition, but we will continue to grow at the pace at which the industry as a whole is growing,” he mentioned.

The prices for the new C-Class, ex-showroom, Chennai, are Rs 25.11 lakh for the petrol C200K and Rs 27.95 lakh for the diesel C220 CDI.

More Stories on : Outlook | Cars

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page