More than half of the cars sold by Mercedes in India are diesel
Mercedes-Benz India has reported that diesel vehicles continue to be the leading choice among its customers, accounting for more than half of its sales. Despite the rising popularity of petrol and electric vehicles, the combined sales of these models still fall short of diesel car sales for the luxury car brand.
As the leading luxury car brand in India by sales, Mercedes-Benz offers a diverse range of vehicles powered by petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. The company’s portfolio includes popular models like the E-class sedan and the GLC SUV, which have seen significant demand for their diesel variants.
According to Lance Bennett, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz India, diesel cars represent approximately 54 percent of the brand’s total sales. In comparison, EVs account for 6 percent and petrol models make up the remaining percentage. Bennett noted that while diesel remains the dominant choice, there is growing interest in petrol models in certain markets due to stringent emission norms.
The preference for diesel cars among Mercedes-Benz customers contrasts with trends observed among other luxury carmakers in India. Brands such as Audi and Volvo have discontinued their diesel offerings, focusing solely on petrol and electric models. However, BMW continues to offer diesel variants alongside Mercedes-Benz.
Despite the popularity of diesel cars, the sales landscape in India is changing, especially in regions like Delhi-NCR, where diesel vehicles are subject to stricter regulations and limited to a maximum usage of 10 years. These regulations aim to reduce pollution and encourage the adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies.
Mercedes-Benz India achieved a record-breaking sales performance in the first quarter of 2024, selling 5412 units from January to March. This milestone marks the highest ever quarterly sales figure in the luxury segment in India.
