It seems to be final weapon to dislodge BMW from its numero uno luxury car brand position. The rival Mercedes-Benz is bringing its small cars, A and B class, in India within next 3-4 years to increase its sales and move ahead in the competition from country cousins BMW and Audi. The German car maker plans to assemble them locally to make the vehicles price competitive and targets 5-digit annual sales.
The A and B Class small cars will be ideal for those who wish to own a luxury car but do not wish to drive a sedan. These vehicles will provide customers with a taste of luxury unseen in small cars in India.
“We are talking to our German office to bring in smaller cars in the A- and B-Class range that may have a great market potential in India,” Mercedes Benz India MD & CEO Peter T Honegg said.
He also added that the company has started assembling the engines and transmissions of C and E Class luxury sedans at its Chakan facility in Maharashtra to escape the higher 30 per cent customs duty following the new norms on completely knocked down (CKD) units in the 2011-12 Budget.
Honegg, who took over India operations early this year, said Mercedes would show an A-Class concept car, the B-Class and an SUV at the Auto Show in Delhi in January 2012.
