Mercedes-Benz India announced
its strongest sales year in the company’s history in India by posting 10,201
units of sales for the period January to December 2014. Thereby, the company recorded
a growth of 13pc over the corresponding period of 2013(January-December 2013:
9,003 units). This is the second consecutive year that Mercedes-Benz has posted
a double digit growth in India.
Eberhard Kern, Managing
Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented: “We have recorded the highest
ever sales in the history of Mercedes-Benz in India till date. This is a strong
reaffirmation of the continued preference of our customers for the Three
Pointed Star...In 2014 we witnessed a strong demand growth for our products,
leading to long waitlist on some of the key products, which eventually limited
our total sales numbers. Our aggressive product strategy saw 10 new launches,
coupled with our strategic network expansion strategy which witnessed a record 14
new outlets inaugurated. Also, the fastest expansion of the AMG Performance
Centre in three cities in three days, ensured we kept our patrons excited and
fascinated with the brand through the year. Our industry best service packages
combined with value added finance programmes from Mercedes-
Benz Financial enabled us to
create high satisfaction in the vehicle ownership and purchase experience.”
The year 2014 began with the
launch of benchmark of modern luxury and Mercedes-Benz’s flagship model, the
S-Class, which continued its popularity run. The sedan portfolio was further
strengthened with the launch of the E 350 CDI in the second half of the year
providing the customers more options at the top end of the most preferred
luxury sedan in India. The year ended with the launch of the all new C-Class,
which saw an earlier than planned market entry, as the previous generation
sold-out before plan owing to overwhelming customer response.
Mercedes-Benz also witnessed a
strong growth momentum of the SUVs, as the segment remained the fastest growing
in the company’s portfolio. All products including the ML-Class, GL-Class and
the recently launched stylish luxury SUV GLA-Class, saw appreciable demand
throughout the year. In addition, the popularity of the SUVs was closely
followed by the success story of the New Generation Cars consisting of the
A-Class and the B-Class, as the brand witnessed increased preference for these
products from affluent young Indians.
The AMG range also witnessed
four new launches in 2014 and grew many folds. The CLA 45 AMG and GLA 45 AMG
were able to add the young AMG aspirants to the brand. The ML 63 AMG and the GL
63 AMG consolidated Mercedes-Benz’s strong presence in the promising
Performance SUV segment. Mercedes-Benz also expanded its AMG network as it
inaugurated three new AMG Performance Centers in three days, at Delhi,
Bangalore and Mumbai.
The launch of a new pre-owned
cars business ‘Mercedes-Benz Certified’ was another key milestone during the
year and was marked by simultaneous inauguration of 12 new outlets across
India. This creates further value for the customer and gives the aspirational
luxury car customers an additional avenue to own a Mercedes-Benz. Developed
specifically for the Indian market, this is most extensive Pre-Owned sales
network with over 150+ display bays, which will be expanded to 250+ bays by
2015 end. ‘Mercedes- Benz Certified’ will be providing an attractive option for
the consumer while adding
incremental sales for the
company, as substantiated by the robust growth witnessed by the segment during
the year.
In 2014 Mercedes-Benz India
also inaugurated 14 new outlets, the highest ever in one single year. The
‘Excellence in Network’ strategy translated into moving even closer to the
customers and fascinating them with the renowned Mercedes-Benz brand
experience. Providing a unique experience of ‘Touch, Smell, Sound, Sight and
Smell’ to the customers and prospects across all Mercedes-Benz dealerships in
India aims at bringing in the feeling of exclusivity as well as an environment
that spells of luxury.
Mercedes-Benz India continues
to boast of the densest network spread for any luxury car maker in India with
68 outlets in 37 cities. The production facility spread over 100 acres, is
among the fastest greenfield operations ever to be created and is rated among
the top most local manufacturing plants of Mercedes-Benz globally. During the
year, the company celebrated roll-out of the 50,000th car manufactured in this
facility.