Mercedes-Benz India is getting very aggressive and is planning to launch more affordable models in the growing Indian luxury car market. Mercedes-Benz was the first to launch luxury cars in the Indian market. As the market grew, companies like BMW & Audi launched its products in the Indian market and slowly overtook the leader. In 2009 Mercedes-Benz lost its top position to BMW and in 2011 Audi became second in Indian market pushing Mercedes-Benz to the third position.
To counter competition and regain it’s to position; Mercedes-Benz is planning an onslaught of new models for the Indian market. The company recently launched the B-Class tagged as a Sports Tourer in September at an aggressive price. The B-Class will be its temporary solution to counter the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, before it launches its all new SUV based on the A-Class platform.
The German luxury car maker will launch the A-Class hatch in March 2013 and plans to price it under Rs. 20 lakhs. We can expect the A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY to first make it in the Indian market. The same engine also does duty on the B-Class hatch. The 1,595cc engine produces 122hp @ 5000 rpm and 200Nm @ 1,250–4,000 of Max Torque. Internationally the A-Class gets 6-speed manual & optional 7G-DCT 7-speed automatic. We can expect the latter to be offered for the Indian market.
Most important is the pricing and Mercedes will is planning to launch it under Rs. 20 lakhs.
Besides more affordable cars, Merc will also launch more products on the upper end of the spectrum and increase local manufacturing of products. The company started local assembly of the new M-Class and also launched the ML 250CDI to offer more choice to customers.
