Mercedes-Benz India ended 2011 with a strong growth of approximately 30 percent year on year in the backdrop of a looming overall slowdown in the industry.
The company sold 7430 units in the period from January-December 2011 (January-December 2010: 5819 units).
The growth drivers for Mercedes-Benz India in 2011 have been its segment leading flagship sedans, the new C-Class and the E-Class. With a spur in demand in the SUV segment, Mercedes-Benz SUV portfolio found a strong customer traction, which is reflected in the strong performance of the M-Class and the GL-Class.
The CBU segment comprising super performance cars and other brand shapers also witnessed significant growth compared to 2010. The strong sales of SLS AMG at 2.5 crores; G 55 AMG at 1.1 crores and the new SLK 350 and E-Class Cabriolets reaffirms the high demand of sports cars from Mercedes-Benz portfolio and also the growing preference for the brand among the customers.
The unique Formula 1 initiatives that Mercedes-Benz undertook around the inaugural Indian GP, have helped the company in firmly reaffirming the sporty attributes of the brand, in addition to that of luxury, which is synonymous with the Three Pointed Star.
“Mercedes-Benz India’s varied product portfolio along with its first-of-its kind initiatives like the Star Lounge, Star Lease, Performance Driving Academy, collaboration with Fashion and Art has significantly helped to reach out to newer and varied segment of customers. Our Network reach to over 29 cities and 61 touchpoints backed up by a third year warranty makes us the only luxury car manufacturer to reach out to all our customers” said Mr. Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.
Commenting on the growth achieved in 2011, Mr. Debashis Mitra. Director, Marketing & Sales, Mercedes-Benz India said, “The strong growth is a testimony of the fact that we provide rich value to our customers and don’t believe in decontenting cars. Consumers who have arrived in life and are putting their hard earned money for the brand, expects no compromise on Performance and Luxury. We will continue our efforts to excite our customers with newer exciting product offerings and more avant-garde initiatives in 2012”
“Mercedes-Benz is also committed in introducing the culture of motorsports in India and it will be the company’s endeavour to promote Performance Driving in India. As an official partner to the Buddh International Circuit, Mercedes-Benz India, in assistance with their AMG division headquartered in Affalterbach, is all set to inaugurate India’s First ‘Performance Driving Academy’ in the beginning of 2012 . Former racing drivers are expected to be present on the inauguration” elaborated Mr. Mitra.
“Mercedes-Benz India’s growth will continue to soar in the coming years as we are seriously committed to the Indian market and to our discerning customers, by ways of additional investment in our state-of-the-art plant, introduction of new and exciting products and also our efforts to reach out to customers in newer markets through expanded network.” added Mr. Honegg.
