Mercedes-Benz, the German luxury car maker, has expressed intentions to increase the prices of its Indian portfolio by 1-3 per cent with effect from January 14, 2013. This move was taken by concerning the fact that the auto maker was able to achieve its 2012 sales target with figures standing at 7138 units. Despite achieving its sales target, Mercedes-Benz has been laddered down from second place by indigenous auto company, Audi.
The reason cited for price hike stated increasing input costs and rising rate of interest. Owing to this, the prices of SLK Class, SLS AMG, CLS Class, R Class and B Class are expected to rise by 1 per cent. E Class and C Class sedans will be witnessing a price hike by 1.5 per cent, whereas the price of S Class sedan and M Class SUV will increase by 3 per cent.
Expressing his views on this move, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mercedes-Benz India, Eberhard Kern said "Rising inputs cost, volatility of the rupee-euro, high interest rates and other associated factors have put significant pressure on us. Consequently, we are forced to share a part of this burden with our customers and we will increase prices of our vehicles to the tune of 1-3 per cent effective 14-January, 2013. However, to support the purchase decisions of our discerning customers, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services will be supporting with various finance options.”
