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The E-Class is a special car for Mercedes-Benz in the country. It so happens that the E-Class was the first car to roll out of production line when Mercedes-Benz came to India back in 1995. Fast forward to 2018, Mercedes-Benz has reached another milestone as it rolled out of its 100,000th car, also an E-Class from its manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. It was the first luxury car maker to enter the country and it is the first luxury car to reach the coveted figure of rolling out 100,000 cars in our country. Currently, Mercedes-Benz’ Indian line-up comprises models like CLA, GLA, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class and the GLC, GLE, GLS SUVs and also the luxury limo Mercedes-Maybach S 560.
While it took 13 years (2008) for Mercedes-Benz since it entered in the country in 1995 to roll out 20,000 cars, it took just another two years to roll out 10,000 more cars. In the next four years between 2010 and 2014, the carmaker rolled out 20,000 more cars, reaching the 50,000th milestone. That figure alone reflects the success of Mercedes-Benz in the country, the initial time of 13 years to reach the 20000th car (1995-2008) reduced to just 4 years (2010-14), thanks to its aggressive expansion in the country along with launching new models for the rapidly growing Indian market. Fast forward to 2018 and that figure now has doubled to 100,000 cars. Seeing the potential for luxury cars in the country, BMW and Audi entered India, sometime in 2006 and 2007 and they too have tasted success here, but haven’t managed to reach the epitome Mercedes-Benz currently stands at. The sales figures are self explanatory of the understanding the manufacturer has of our market.
“With this kind of aggressive expansion and organising customer oriented programmes, it was only a matter of time before it reached the coveted 100,000th figure in the country”
That Mercedes-Benz was always in the news for conducting its ‘Brand Tours’ and road safety campaigns only added to its popularity. They also started their pre-owned car business back in 2010 to increase their presence in the country. In the last two months of 2017, Mercedes-Benz opened a couple of dealerships in Mumbai, one in Thrissur, a service centre in Salem and also conducted its ‘Brand Tour’ in tier-II and tier-III cities, as a part of its ‘Go to Customer’ strategy. With this kind of aggressive expansion and organising customer oriented programmes, it was only a matter of time before it reached the coveted 100,000th figure in the country. It was also the first luxury carmaker in India to launch the Euro VI compliant engines that make their way in the S-Class, adding another feather to its cap. Mercedes-Benz also achieved the highest ever quarterly sale of 4556 units in the first quarter of 2018, a growth of 25 per cent compared to the previous year.
On the occasion of the 100,000th car rolling out of its assembly lines in Chakan, Roland Folger MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India said, “The roll out of the 100,000th Mercedes-Benz vehicle in India is a strong testimony of the impeccable customer trust and the unsurpassable brand equity Mercedes-Benz enjoys in this dynamic country. The journey that began 24 years ago, as we pioneered the luxury car segment in the country, has only gotten more fruitful and today we remain the most preferred luxury brand in the country. The milestone of rolling-out 100,000 cars is also the result of the absolute dedication of all past and present employees of Mercedes-Benz India, who remain our best brand ambassadors. This achievement also reiterates Mercedes-Benz’s India commitment and we strongly believe in the India story and it’s potential. We will further deepen our strong connect with the Indian customers and keep continuing to fascinate them with our products and customer service.”
Mercedes-Benz had recently launched the E 63 S AMG in the country. Read our first drive impressions of the supersaloon here.
