Mercedes Benz, a subsidiary of Daimler group, is mulling to launch a compact car in the Indian market that will be based on the Smart range of its parent company. The Daimler’s Smart – a two-seater car – was featured in the popular Hollywood movie – The Vinci Code. The Japan based Nissan and French car maker Renault (who are partners in the global market) will provide the technical assistance to re-design and re-develop the Daimler’s Smart to suit the needs of the Indian buyers and Indian road conditions.
The Daimler group’s two-seater model is currently being sold under the company’s brands in a number of regions such as North and South America, Europe and Asia. However, the India bound version of the car would have five seats and will be shelved in the price bracket of Rs 3 to Rs 7.5 lakh, where it would be taking on the whole range of mass segment hatchbacks from Maruti’s Alto to Honda’s Jazz. The Smart carries a price tag of $11,540 (Rs 5.3 lakh) in the US market.
In a recent interview given to Business Standard, Mercedes Benz India Managing Director & CEO Peter Honegg said that though his company doesn’t currently sell anything below the C-class sedan, priced at Rs 28.44 lakh, it will definitely look at the compact car market.“We are thinking in that direction. Definitely, (the Smart) is a very interesting product. The compact car segment is very competitive. It’s far below all our Mercedes models, and is a segment we haven’t touched, but which most of the competitors are very serious about in India,” added Mr. Honegg.
