The GST challenges and changes to tax rates notwithstanding, luxury car makers in India reported a healthy growth during 2017 calendar year, with some even achieving record sales during the year under review.

The Number 1 player Mercedes-Benz India is expected to report sales volumes as high as 13,500 units or even more for the January-December 2017 period.

The company will share its sales numbers on Monday, sources from the company told BusinessLine .

It had already made a record of selling 11,869 units between January-September 2017 period, clocking 20 per cent year-to-date growth compared with 9,924 units sold in January-September 2016.

The company had sold 13,231 units in the January-December 2016 period. Other German luxury car makers like BMW and Audi have already shared their numbers.

BMW Group India delivered 9,800 cars (BMW + MINI) in 2017, registering a growth of 25 per cent compared to 2016, it said, adding that in the first year of its operations in the country, BMW Motorrad has created a strong appeal among Indian customers, delivering 252 motorcycles.

“The year was a challenging one for the automotive industry in India that adversely affected stability and impacted consumer confidence due to several policy fluctuations.

“BMW Group India has achieved this successful growth as a result of its robust strategy, a resolute approach in its implementation and absolute commitment to all customers and their needs,” said Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India.

Similarly, another German car maker Audi said it sold 7,876 units in January-December 2017, up two per cent compared with 7,720 units in 2016.

“Audi completed 10 years in India in 2017 and we are delighted that within this short span, it has become one of the most preferred luxury car brands for enthusiasts in the country,” said Rahil Ansari, Head, Audi India.

Launching some newer products and locally assembled vehicle here, Swedish luxury car company Volvo Cars also announced a growth of 28 per cent in volumes, ending 2017 with highest-ever sales of 2,029 retails.

Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover also reported one of the highest sales numbers for the company at 3,954 units during the year, up 49 per cent compared to last year.

Going forward, the companies expect to maintain the growth and momentum and some even aiming for higher market share.

For instance, Charles Frump, Managing Director, Volvo Auto India, said: “We are on track to double our segment share to 10 per cent by the end of 2020. This year looks even more exciting with a full year sales of the New XC60 and an exciting compact luxury SUV scheduled to be launched mid-year.”

For companies like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, it will not only be an exciting year with new launches lined up starting with the Auto Expo next month, but also to see how close they compete with each other, said analysts.

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