Mercedes-Benz India has announced its strongest sales year in India. In total Mercedes-Benz registered sales of 13,502 units in the January to December 2015 period and achieved highest sales volumes in a single calendar year in India. With a growth rate of 32% (January to December 2104: 10,201 units) in India, this is the straight third year of growth of Mercedes Benz in India.
Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented:
“Mercedes-Benz remains the clear choice of the progressive new customers and out continued success in india speaks for itself. Our success also underlines the impeccable trust we have gaines in the hearts & minds of our discerning customers. Our unsurpassed product drive and the network expansion, supported by out comprehensive service & financial programmes, catapulted our growth despite unfavourable market conditions and a slowing economy. This growth gives us confidence for the future & hopefully with a stable business environment; we can expect the luxury segment growing steadily in the increasingly important Indian market.”
Adding further, Mr. Folger said:
“We are happy to witness such a growth despite unexpected sales challenges faced in the key market of Chennai & Delhi. Our efforts are not limited to sales success or creating a memorable customer experience; but over the years, we have strived to create value to the society and work towards its sustainable development, at target. I am glad that our comprehensive strategy is paying off and we have been able to achieve what we set out for in the beginning of the year.”
In 2015, the luxury sedans comprising of the CLA, C-Class, E-Class and the S-Class achieved record sales volumes and grew stronger by 42%. The SUV portfolio comprising the GLA, GLE and GL-Class emerged as the strongest with 100% growth in the January to December 2015 period. In addition to this, the company also witnessed a strong sales from he exclusive & top-end performance brand Mercedes – AMG and the Dream Cars portfolio, it grow by 54%.
If you are unaware, in 2015 Mercedes-Benz India has added 3 new products (GLA, CLA and the Mercedes-Mayback S500) to its local production portfolio and doubled the production facility. Apart from this, Mercedes-benz increased its cumulative investment in its production facility to INR 1000 crores, the highest for any luxury car maker in India.
The launch of “Mercedes-Benz Certified” creates value for customers and customers get additional opportunity to purchased Mercedes-Benz. In terms of growth, the Mercedes-Benz Certified grew by 109% and the growth in trade-ins was even higher at 122% in the January to December 2015 period, reiterating the brand’s lead in the pre-owned luxury car business in India.
In 2016, Mercedes-Benz will initiate a range of innovative customers oriented initiatives which are “winning” in nature and will further underline the brand’s strong customers centric approach. The winning initiatives of Mercedes-Benz in 2016 will comprise the introduction of 12 fascinating new products, some of which without any predecessor in India. Mercedes-Benz will also inaugurate 10 new outlets across existing & new markets. In 2016, Mercedes-Benz India will introduce innovative retail activities in Tier II & III markets driving the brand’s growth in such potential markets. In the production function, 2016 promises to be another year of significant addition to the “Make In India” initiatives.