India's largest luxury car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz, has recorded its highest-ever sales number since its inception 30 years ago. Yes, 30 years ago! The brand has been in our market since 1994, and they rolled out their first car , an E-Class W124 in 1995 from Tata Motos' plant. In 2009, they acquired the Chakan plant in Pune, and since then, the growth has been quite celebratory. Last year, the brand posted record sales of 17,408 units, a growth of 10 percent. EVs accounted for 4 per cent of their total sales.
This year, the manufacturer has proposed to invest up to 200 crores, taking the total investment of Rs 3,000 crore in India until now. This year, Mercedes-Benz has planned over 12 new launches, out of 3 are going to be EVs. The new launches are expected to be a new CLE, a GLC Coupe, and an EQG SUV. Apart from that, there would be updated GLA, GLB and GLS. Facelifted GLS was launched yesterday at Rs 1.32 crores. To read more about Mercedes-Benz GLS, click here. More than 50 per cent of new launches will be top-end vehicles - like the Maybach EQS SUV.
Mercedes-Benz India will focus on the country's road safety, spreading awareness among the young generation. Apart from that, they have also shared their plan regarding women's empowerment. Fifty percent of all hiring at Mercedes-Benz India will comprise women employees. The brand is also witnessing young buyers' spending power, wherein 15 per cent of total consumers are women, and the average age of S-Class buyers is 38 years. SUVs are on the uptick in demand, with a 55 per cent share, whereas other body styles comprise a 45 per cent share.
