Tuesday, February 14, 2012
By Shilpa Chopra
Mercedes Benz eyes no 1 position in luxury car market in India, to launch five new models
Mercedes Benz India will be setting up new production lines at its Chakan plant to produce more cars in India with a motive to be the number one luxury car maker in India. Currently the title is with BMW cars. For the expansions, Mercedes will be investing Rs 350 in the next two years to setup the new production line and allied operations. This will not only maker Mercedes Benz cars cheaper in India as after the units are ready a lot of Mercedes cars will be built in India. Currently, most of the Mercedes Benz luxury cars are imported in India as completely built units. This is in tune with its Vision 2020 of becoming the top luxury car brand worldwide. A further bulging of the model line up is also expected.
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As per sources, over five new models will be produced in India. Though a final decision on the matter is yet to be taken, these could include Mercedes Benz C Class and Mercedes Benz E Class with extended wheelbase are expected to be built at the Chakan plant. Other could include the upcoming B Class and A Class compact cars coming next year and the Mercedes M Class SUV besides GL Class. A later addition to the production line up could be Mercedes GLC SUV which is scheduled later in 2014.
| See More Mercedes Benz E Class Pictures | Get Mercedes Benz E Class Price |
If Mercedes is considering to expand its operations similar to Ford, GM and others, believe it, there is immense potential in the Indian car market. And why not when the per capita car ratio is still far below than the countries in the West. Similar sentiments were reportedly revealed by Mr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management, Daimler AG and Head, Mercedes-Benz Cars Division. With the production surging, Mercedes Benz will be producing 15,000 cars.
