Mercedes-Benz India, a completely owned subsidiary of the German multinational luxury automotive marque, has revealed intentions to introduce three new models in as many months in the domestic car market. The company is all set for the launch of its GL350 CDI premium Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in the country on May 16, 2013. Following the new GL-Class model, the ‘Three Pointed Star’ maker would roll out its diesel version of its B-Class hatchback and the much awaited A-Class range in India.
The decorated line-up of immensely sought after upcoming new model launches underlines Mercedes-Benz’s efforts to up the ante against fellow rivals- BMW and Audi in the domestic luxury car market. At present, Mercedes-Benz chases BMW and Audi in terms of total premium car sales in the country. The introduction of B-Class and A-Class range of premium hatchbacks is part of the German car maker’s plans to tap into the entry level premium automobile segment of the Indian auto market. The upcoming A-Class hatchback range is believed to come in a price band of Rs. 16 to 18 lakh, which would make it the cheapest ‘Three Pointed Star’ in the country.
Expressing his views on the company’s aggressive growth plans for the domestic luxury car market, Eberhard H. Kern, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mercedes-Benz India, was quoted as saying, “After finishing 2012 with overall sales volumes of around 7,000 cars, and registering a growth of about 5.3 per cent during the Q1 ended March 31, 2013 with 2,009 cars, we expect to clock double-digit growth during the current year.”
The yet-to-be launched GL350 CDI is the latest to join Mercedes-Benz’s GL-Class fleet and would be the company’s first model launch in the Indian auto market for 2013 calendar year. The initial batch of GL350 CDI models is believed to arrive as Completely Built Units (CBUs), but Mercedes-Benz could also begin Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kit assembly if the demand catches up among the domestic buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GL350 CDI is a luxury SUV and would be powered by a 3.0 litre oil burner, rated with maximum power and torque figures of 255 bhp and 632 Nm, respectively. The drivetrain incorporated in the stunning vehicle is expected to be come with a 7-speed automatic transmission system.
On company’s share in the domestic luxury car market, the Mercedes-Benz India CEO added, “We want to strengthen our below Rs 30 lakh portfolio and for this we have also planned a few launches in the SUV segment as well.” Speaking on the recent slump in the Indian auto market, Eberhard Kern was quoted as saying, “Our outlook from the luxury segment which is around 1.2 per cent of the entire market share continue to remain bullish. However, India needs to redo its plans as far as taxation is concerned.”
