German cars have always been well accepted in the Indian car market. Banking on long standing goodwill with Indian as well as Global market, Mercedes Benz has planned to launch about 8 new car in 2014 for the Indian market. As per reports, Mercedes Benz reported a double digit growth in luxury car sales last year.
Mercedes Benz A Class
Eberhard Kern, the managing director and CEO of Mercedes Benz India, stated to PTI, “2013 was the most successful year for Mercedes Benz in India. Our sales grew by 32 per cent in 2013 as compared to previous year. In 2014, we are aiming at double digit growth. You can expect a similar number of launches this year as we did in 2013. We have lined up a number of launches in 2014. It's a kind of work in progress”.
Mercedes Benz has also stated their plans to expand their network presence in different pockets all over country. This would especially be required since the German luxury car maker intends on doubling-up the sales numbers. In 2013, Mercedes Benz had launched around 8 new models for the Indian market. This year too a set of 8 new cars including the compact sports utility vehicle GLA and sedan CLA Class is expected to be launched soon.
Mercedes Benz GL Class
While commenting on plans for fast growing compact luxury SUV segment, Eberhard Kern stated, “It is a big and growing segment and today we have portfolio gaps there. By 2015, we will plug most of them.” Assembly of A- class and B-class compact cars may probably be done in the Indian plant, but the final decision id yet to be taken in this regard. Last year the brand witnessed total sales of 9,003 cars and it plans to continue climbing uphill with its popular A-Class and B-Class cars.
Mercedes Benz has stated their plans to work on doubling-up production numbers from current 10000 to 20000 units over the next two-and-a-half month time period. 20% of the total car sale for the manufacturer comes from the compact cars segment. The Pune plant assembles sedans like C, E and S class, and SUV's like GL and ML models. It is anticipated that the plant may be used for upcoming models too, though official updates for the same are yet to be received.
