After registering a 27.12 per cent increase in its sales in India in the first quarter of 2014 at 2,554 units, German auto giant Mercedes-Benz is quite upbeat and bullish about the Indian luxury car market. The company this year will launch as many as six new models besides refreshing its existing range.
The new launches will include compact cars, a new sedan and some SUVs. The company will also improve distribution and further penetration in different Indian regions. The new vehicles to be launched include the sporty AMG range—yes, we are talking about the GL63 AMG followed by the compact-yet-powerful CLA 45 AMG sedan. The company will also launch the much-awaited new generation C-Class. We are also expecting the A 45 AMG, which is a souped-up version of the A-Class hatchback.
Crossover lovers expect Mercedes Benz India to launch the GLA, a crossover based on the new A-Class platform but with better ground clearance and more butch styling. One model that may change the fortunes for Mercedes-Benz India will be the GLK Class. The new generation GLK that will be unveiled in the first half of next year has been designed for right-hand drive markets as well. The new GLK should be in India soon after its international debut.
With new products and a challenging Indian auto market, Mercedes-Benz is leaving no stone unturned in its vision to be once again the country’s top luxury car maker. Only time will tell.