In its long term plans for the Indian auto market, Mercedes-Benz India has aimed to secure 30 percent of market stake in the premium car segment. While BMW and Audi have remained its top contenders, Jaguar Land Rover has emerged as a new found staunch rival in India.
While the German car maker has recently launched the much awaited B-Class classy and elegant Sports Tourer in the country, plans are being devised to sell 70,000 to 80,000 cars in India by the year 2022.
Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director – Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, was quoted as saying about the company’s future goals, "We are clearly the market leader in the luxury car segment at present. By 2022, we are aiming to capture 30 per cent of the segment."
In the short term, the luxury car maker plans to introduce next generation versions of its bestselling models in the country as also capturing the emerging segments. Mr. Mitra confirmed that Mercedes-Benz is dedicated to launch new generation compact cars each year till 2015.
Mr. Mitra affirmed that in accordance with the market research studies, the passenger car market in India will shoot up to 80 lakh cars in the year 2022 as against the presently sold 25 lakh cars. In the luxury segment, which comprises of 1 percent of the total cars currently, will surge up to 4 percent.
In its endeavour to launch a rival to BMW X1 and Audi Q3 premium compact SUVs, Mercedes-Benz rolled out B-Class Sports Tourer available only in petrol version. A sub-Rs.25 lakh car, the B-Class has unmatched versatility targeted for the young generation. Prior to its launch, 250 cars had been sold with bookings being accepted for deliveries to commence from January 2013.
