Friday, September 16, 2011
By Pranjal Gera
Mercedes and Renault look to forward to being benefitted from India's first Grand Prix
Automobile companies like Mercedes-Benz and Renault are targeting the Airtel Indian Grand Prix, India's first ever Formula 1 race, to get a kick for their cars in India.
Mercedes-Benz is looking forward to making its cars famous among the young people. Mercedes-Benz is the number two ranked luxury car brand in India. It lost its first spot to BMW in 2009. BMW cars are popular among the young people in the country. Now Mercedes-Bens is taking steps to get back to the top, by targeting the younger segment. The company signed a contract with Budhh International Circuit, to be the automotive partner for all racing event in the next two years. Mercedes Benz SLS AMG will be the safety car for all the racing events at Budhh International Circuit. The Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the country will also sell tickets for the event. The company has also entered in a deal with MTV for the launch of remote control mercedes racing. The winner of the same, will get tickets to F1 race across 6 cities.
Mercedes-Benz, in association with circuit owners, Jaypee Sports International, is opening a racing acedemy in the first half of 2012. This will be the third Mercedes racing academy of the world, the other two being in China and Germany.
Mercedes Benz is offering its cutomers, who buy its cars in this and the next month period, the chance of a free drive at the circuit after the f1 event. Renault, however, is trying to make its presence felt in the Indian market, where it is a new brand. Renault has, since its launch in May, sold 700 cars in the country. According to an expert, F1 is going to change the way people look at sports in India. It will be a big hit and pave the way for future motor sports events.
