Mercedes-Benz India aims to end the calendar year with double-digit growth supported by new product launches, other business initiatives and improved market conditions.
At the AutoExpo 2020, the company’s management expressed optimism over the Indian market and outlined its plans to secure positive growth in 2020 with a slew of initiatives.
“For a long time now, we have been bullish about India and we continue to bet as we see high growth potential here after a little dip in the last couple of years. The numerous launches we plan this year is a reflection of our faith in this market,” Matthias Luehrs, Head – Region Overseas, Mercedes-Benz Cars told
“I am very convinced that we have seen the bottom of the luxury car market last year and we hope to have a reasonable growth this year. We indicated this towards the end of 2019 and we ended the December 2019 quarter with the highest ever quarterly sales. In 2019, we increased market share despite sluggish luxury car market. We hope that we come close to the double-digit growth in 2020,” said Martin Schwenk, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.
He said the company has planned more than 10 launches in India during 2020 under the theme ‘Restless for tomorrow’. The company will also give a strong push for pre-owned cars and leasing services along with e-commerce focus. For the first time, the company also showcased a pre-owned model at the Auto Expo, indicating its increased focus on the used-luxury car segment.
At the Auto Expo, the company launched what it calls the fastest AMG ever in India – AMG GT 63S 4m+4 door coupe; and unveiled the AMG A 35 4M Limousine and the new GLA SUV ahead of its launch in India this year.
The new AMG GT 63S 4m+4 door coupe will be priced at ₹2.42 crore, while bookings for AMG A 35 4M Limousine and the new GLA SUV started on Wednesday. The AMG Limousine will officially be launched in June, while the new GLA SUV will hit the market in October.
Luehrs indicated that GST and other sops were in favour of electric car launch in India despite a hike in import duties of EV parts. The company’s EV model EQC, the first EV from Mercedes-Benz’s stable for India, will be launched in April.
Mercedes-Benz India has been maintaining its leadership position in the Indian luxury market for the past five years. It ended 2019 with volumes of 13,786 units (15,538 units in 2018).
(The writer was at the Auto Expo at the invitation of Mercedes-Benz India)