The Indian arm of Mercedes Benz, a globally renowned German automobile marque, has revealed intentions to reclaim its numero uno position in the domestic premium car market by 2016. The luxury car maker has also affirmed that it has reacted a little late in bringing its bringing its smaller and cheaper products for the Indian audience. At present, BMW holds the top spot in Indian premium car sector and is followed by Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen's wholly owned subsidiary Audi.
Expressing his views on the company's new policy, Matthias Lührs, Vice President (VP) of Sales, Mercedes Benz vehicles and Chairman, Board of Directors, Mercedes Benz India, was quoted as saying, “It is clear we are not No 1 in the world or in India.” Matthias Lührs further added, “In India, it will be earlier. We are sure we can achieve it by 2015-16.” Further, the German auto giant is working towards claiming the top position as a global premium luxury passenger car maker by the end of 2020.
Interestingly, the announcement came after Eberhard Kern took office as Managing Director (MD) of Mercedes Benz India on December 14, 2012. Eberhard Kern has taken command off the hands of his predecessor MD Peter Honegg, who has ensued a new assignment of the German auto maker in Stuttgart.
According to Matthias Lührs, the company has planned to introduce 13 new product lines across the globe by the end of 2015. The VP of Mercedes Benz India also said that most of its upcoming models will also be launched in India.
The yet-to-be launched cars of Mercedes Benz in the Indian market are believed to be a diesel variant of the B Class Sports Tourer and a diesel model of the E Class luxury saloon. Further, German auto major is also working towards the launch of petrol and diesel variants of its A Class hatchback range in the country.
