In a resistive bid to thwart BMW on leading the luxury car segment in India, Mercedes has entered the fray by launching 2 models S-500L sedan and GL SUV. Four models(including Concept Fascination, E-coupe, SLS AMG for Rs2 crore, and a premium SUV S-Guard at Rs6 crore)have found place in the showcase and three more are on the reserve for this year. Some of these may be completely built units.
The company foresees the growth of luxury market by 15% this year in which it intends to achieve double-digit growth. The slackening in the market, giving way for BMW, was due to delayed presentation of E-class sedan and other variants. New E-class, introduced in September 2009 received bookings for 40 numbers while the earlier version mustered a sale of 1024 units in 2009. In all Mercedes’ sale in 2009 was rough 3250 against BMW’s 3619 cars.
The new E250 V6 costs Rs41.94 lakhs, E250CDI costs Rs40.65 lakhs. The Ahmedabad dealer, Benchmark Cars, is on the verge of new dealership in Surat to increase the sale of Mercedes in the state. The scope of luxury car segment in the Indian context is promising that it is expected to reach 10000 mark in the ensuing fiscal.