Eberhard H. Kern, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Mercedes-Benz India has dropped a hint that a new entry level Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) from the company could be coming to India soon. This was mentioned by him at the sidelines of opening of 'Silver Arrows' Noida's first Mercedes-Benz showroom. The new vehicle would offer strong competition to the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and the soon-to-be launched Volvo V40 Cross Country.
This is what the MD had to say about the new vehicle, “The GLA concept which was revealed at the Shanghai auto show recently can come to India to compete in this (entry-level) segment.” He also said that this vehicle is expected to be priced at around Rs. 25 lakh. Kern also gave his opinion about the upcoming A-Class, stating that it would be targeted towards young professionals and successful women. Speaking about the A-Class buyer segment, he said, “The youth as well as the women in India today are independent and are making decisions on their own. The A-Class will surely satisfy their needs.”
In the entry level Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment, the first entrant in the country was BMW X1, during 2010. For some time, it enjoyed a first mover's advantage until Audi Q3 was launched in mid-2012. Priced from Rs. 27 lakh to Rs. 33 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), both models are very popular among luxury vehicle buyers and continue to register strong sales figures in the Indian auto market.
Since the time Mercedes-Benz has entered India, it has been observed that Delhi is a strong market for the sales of these German luxury vehicles. Every year, the demand continues to grow and encourages Mercedes-Benz India to improve its dealership network. The new Silver Arrows dealership is spread across 42,000 sq. feet. It would be capable of providing both sales and after-sales services in one arena. Clearly, the showroom would give Noida and East Delhi residents yet anot
