Rising input cost, inflation and upward moving Forex rates have forced major automakers in the country to announce price hike across their range effective from January 1, 2017. This time around, luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz has been the latest one to announce ex-showroom price hike across all models by 2 per cent effectively from January. The automaker insists that owing to negative customer sentiments, the company has only passed on minimum offset cost on to the customers.
While announcing the hike the prices, Roland Folger, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India also added that, “The innovative and tailor-made financial offerings from Mercedes-Benz like STAR Agility, STAR Finance, STAR Lease, Corporate STAR Lease etc. are specially designed for our discerning customers to drive home their dream Mercedes. These unique solutions provide benchmark value proposition, enabling a hassle free purchase. Similarly, our service programmes like STAR Ease, STAR Care, STAR Care Plus and On Road Assistance programmes further elevate the customer’s overall ownership experience.”
As part of the company’s efforts to lure potential buyers, the STAR finance scheme claims to offer financial services at about 35 percent – 40 per cent lower EMI and is approved in just about 30 minutes. Under the STAR CARE programme, warrantable repairs up to 3 years are free of cost without any mileage limitations and is offered as standard with every purchase. Moreover, the company claims that the exclusive service package for the New Generation Cars offers cost of ownership which is as low as Rs 1.99 per kilometer.
