BMW India maintains its lead over Mercedes: EDIT- Now Audi overtakes as well

[GTO]

It's war time folks! You will remember the unlikely PR battle (An unlikely PR war. Between 2 very unlikely players (Mercedes & BMW)) between Mercedes & BMW. And how BMW snatched the lead from Mercedes in 2009 (Linky (Mercedes & BMW India record sales growth EDIT : And now Audi too!)).

BMW retains its lead as the no.1 luxury car marque in India, having outsold Mercedes in calendar year 2010, for the 2nd year in a row. Mercedes will find solace in the fact that its E Class outsold the new 5.

Sales:

3 Series : 2432
5 Series : 2403
7 Series : 535
6 Series : 12
X1 : 187
X3 : 28
X5 : 228
X6 : 189
Z4 : 82
Gran Turismo : 150
Total = 6246 (73% growth over 2009)

Merc's statement:

The company has sold 5819 cars from Jan – Dec 2010 which is a growth of 80% over 2009 (3250 units in 2009). The key growth drivers were the E–Class with 2490 units (2009=1024 units), C-Class with 2070 units (2009= 1579 units) as well as the SUV range comprising the M-Class, GL-Class and the R-Class with 523 units (2009= 140 units).

[mallumowgli]

But importantly more E-class than 5 series. Wonder what the annual figures for S class is

[gshanky]

Kudos to BMW

However the next few years seem more difficult with the Merc getting more sporty and sleek.

[ajmat]

I would not dismiss the figures too much

Mercedes are making better margins - by deduction, the S class sold 736 units. The E and C prices are much higher than the 3&5 translating to bigger margins. However BMW are doing slightly better in the SUV area. Am sure the ML is discounted.

But competition is a beautiful thing and Mercedes are forced to pull their socks up

[rrsteer]

I'd just like to point that numbers do not convey the full picture.

- The new 5 series was launched late into 2010. So the true leader between the 5 & E can be gauged only from the 2011 sales.

- The number for C Class should have been much higher had it not been for the dilevery constraints faced by MBIL

- This new year we should see a very resurgent Audi. Will not be surprised if A8 becomes the largest selling luxury sedan in its class.

[PlatzdaTurbo]

Kudos to BMW. They did it again. The battle is really warming up with BMW recording a 73% growth, Mercedes 80% & surprise surprise ! ...Audi at 81% growth. They have passed the 3000 mark. Looks way off when compared to the other 2 but nonetheless, good to see them do well

[Sahil]

Is the Aurangabad deal a part of the MB figures ? If so, then they ought to have been ahead in the lead !

2011 looks even brighter for BMW sales chart with the addition of the X1. Unless MB is quick to launch GLK at a cracking price or priced equally with better features/engine. Wake up MBIL !!

[fz_rider]

The 5 almost touched E's sales , despite having rough middle patch and competing against fresh , tougher E . Kudos to 5 !

[vb-san]

Originally Posted by GTO

X1 : 187
X3 : 28
X5 : 228
X6 : 189
Z4 : 82
Gran Turismo : 150

Thats pretty impressive nos. for the unconventional X6 and GT

[.anshuman]

The part about this war amongst these Germans are the great deals both of the companies offer in an effort to move as many cars as possible. Firstly it was the BMW 320dCE, now it is the X1 with it's excellent pricing. At a point when i thought these Germans will get even more expensive, Merc gave us the E250 CDI, BMW offered an even better deal with the 525d and 520d. It's just the perfect time for Audi to join the war.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by gshanky

However the next few years seem more difficult with the Merc getting more sporty

And conversely, with BMW getting more luxurious. Case in point : The new 5's ride quality.

Originally Posted by ajmat

I would not dismiss the figures too much

Mercedes are making better margins - by deduction, the S class sold 736 units. The E and C prices are much higher than the 3&5 translating to bigger margins.

If Mercedes had its way, the C Class would be selling at 40 lakhs today! I remember the silver C180 being priced at 22 lakhs, and 3 years later, the C200K was @ 28 lakhs!

I'm very glad that cars like the Corporate Ed & 520d are keeping luxury car prices in check (though, admittedly, all of them are still waaaaaaaaaay inflated).

But competition is a beautiful thing and Mercedes are forced to pull their socks up

When will they ever bring 5 year maintenance packages?

Originally Posted by rrsteer

The new 5 series was launched late into 2010. So the true leader between the 5 & E can be gauged only from the 2011 sales.

Point accepted.

The number for C Class should have been much higher had it not been for the dilevery constraints faced by MBIL

Too bad, can't make delivery excuses after the year is over. End of the day, what matters is results....from those who could deliver. If anything, Mercedes with its 10 year lead on BMW should have better logistics in India.

You know who will be watching these numbers closely? You know who has the potential to become a game-changer? Yup, LEXUS

[taranonline]

Wasn't this obvious.. bad reputation of Mercedes automobiles made this happen..

I am not really a Merc hater but now days I dislike most of their cars except the cls,g-wagon, clk, sl.

I had always dreamed of owning a merc.. but when the time came BMW won!

[anekho]

Just for comparisons sake, what were Audi's figures like?

[Latheesh]

Originally Posted by vb-san

Thats pretty impressive nos. for the unconventional X6 and GT

Yup, We Indians like weird designs. I prefer this design over boring X5 and characterless X3.

[Mpower]

With the successful launch of the X1, BMW will surely increase its lead and dominance. Merc has nothing in that segment and even the X3 sized GLK is nowhere in sight. Overall the concept of a Merc SUVs simply hasn't caught on.

Originally Posted by GTO

You know who will be watching these numbers closely? You know who has the potential to become a game-changer? Yup, LEXUS

THe Lexus IS will be a mega hit in India for sure. GS will suffer due to lack of diesels and LS/LX will do well.