Global economic slowdown has affected majority of the Indian automobile manufacturers but Mercedes-Benz India has managed to tackle the crisis well and witnessed approximately 30% growth year on year basis. From 5819 units in the year 2010, 7430 units were sold by company in 2011. Amidst sluggish car sales, sedan models, the new C-Class and the E-Class boost up the sales figure for Mercedes-Benz in 2011. Increase in demand for SUV prompted the company to bring in the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and GL-Class.
Though Mercedes-Benz is known for its luxury car models (symbolised by its logo, Three Pointed Stars), the company has successfully promoted itself in sports car segment too and has participated in the inaugural Indian GP. Mercedes-Benz India outperformed other Indian automobile manufacturers with G55 AMG (Rs. 1.1 crores), SLS AMG (Rs. 2.5 crores), E-Class Cabriolets and new SLK 350.
Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented, "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 touch points backed up by a third year warranty makes us the only luxury car manufacturer to reach out to all our customers."
On successful run in the year 2011, Debashis Mitra, Director, Marketing & Sales, Mercedes-Benz India stated, “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.”
Debashis Mitra added, “Mercedes-Benz is also committed in introducing the culture of motor sports 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.”
Mercedes-Benz India hopes to repeat the success in 2012 as well. For the year 2012, Peter Honegg stated, "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."
