You read it first on MotorBeam. Mercedes-Benz might have lost market share to its fellow German rivals, but the world’s oldest car company plans to get back and how. The Stuttgart based automaker has planned quite a few launches in the next couple of years, which could help them boost volume and snatch back its numero uno status, a position it held for more than 12 years. The new Mercedes MFA front-wheel drive platform is so promising, that BMW recently announced its ULK front wheel drive platform for its future cars. Audi already has front-wheel drive platforms for almost all its entry-level compact cars.
So how does Mercedes-Benz plan to improve sales in the luxury car segment of India. The company is planning to launch many locally assembled models along with more desirable and affordable cars. Mercedes is so bullish on the Indian market, that the company is also considering local manufacturing for MFA platform vehicles, which will lead to a significant cost advantage. Currently no luxury car is made in India, but with sales rising, this is set to change in the near future.
Mercedes-Benz Future Launches In India – (dates are tentative)
- Locally Assembled Mercedes ML350 CDI – February 2013
- New Mercedes G-Class – February 2013
- New Mercedes GL-Class – June 2013 (available in GL350 and GL500 versions)
- Mercedes B-Class Diesel – June 2013
- Mercedes A-Class – July 2013
- Mercedes E-Class Facelift – September 2013
- Mercedes CLA Sedan – Early 2013
- Mercedes GLA Compact SUV – 2014
- Next Generation S-Class – 2014
- Next Generation C-Class – 2014
- Next Generation E-Class – 2015
- Right Hand Drive Mercedes GLK – 2015
- Mercedes ML Coupe – 2015 (rival to BMW’s X6)
- Mercedes R-Class – To Be Discontinued Worldwide
Mercedes is not going to have it easy as competition is going to be fierce. BMW is also committing itself to local assembly and the 1-Series and 7-Series will go the CKD route next year. If that wasn’t enough, Audi has recently started testing the A3 sedan which is India bound in the next 18 months. Volvo will launch the V40 Cross Country in March 2013, which will compete against Mercedes’ B-Class. Tata Motors owned Jaguar is working on an entry level sedan, which will compete with the C-Class, and is expected to be launched in 2014. With Lexus and Infiniti considering an India entry, the luxury car market is sure to see some intense fireworks.
