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Mercedes-Benz Launches Service On Wheels initiative in India for Tier II and III markets.

Mercedes-Benz aims to create a wider reach in the country with sales and service, and has introduced the first-of-its-kind 'Service On Wheels' initiative in India. The new initiative is targeted Tier II and Tier III markets across the country that hold less than 200 customers for the automaker. However, the aim is to offer service at the door step in the city so that the customer need not travel kilometers away to the next available service center.

The Service On Wheels truck is based on the Bharat Benz 4023 40 tonne tractor trailer and there will be two trucks deployed across the country as part of the first phase. The first truck revealed today will cater to the North and East regions, while the second truck will ply in the South, West and Central regions. The cost of each truck is around ₹ 1.5 crore.

That said, Mercedes-Benz says that the truck operations will be far more efficient than opening a mini service center in such regions as the numbers of cars limit the feasibility of operations for now. As the numbers exceed 200 cars, the company is open to operating a mini service center as per the requirements.

On being notified, a mobile service truck will visit the customer’s area and carry out the inspection, repairs and service of the car. This initiative is part of Mercedes-Benz’s service differentiation strategy under the ‘My Mercedes, My Service’ umbrella, launched in July 2016.

Specially trained service advisers, Vehicle Preparation Centre technicians, sales advisers along with other support staff accompany the Mercedes-Benz ‘Service on Wheels’ truck at each visiting location. For more intense repair work including Body and Paint works, the customer can also book workshop appointment at the ‘Service on Wheels’ by the Service Advisor.

[samaspire]

Some of the 15 such cities are Jalgaon, Gandinagar, Jamnagar, Valsad, Kutch, Amravati, Udupi, Bellary and Dharwad.

I don't think with just 2 trailers they can manage to offer immediate on-call service at such varied geographical locations. Specific periods for each location might be the idea.

[GTO]

Will make things very convenient for those from small towns, some of whom have to travel 3 to 5 hours 1-way to get their cars serviced ! What a colossal waste of time. Will still be the case for major repairs, but heck, as long as the simpler stuff is addressed in your town.

Mercedes anyway has the best reach in India - far better than any luxury car maker. This will only make the customer base grow.

IMHO owning a Mercedes in rural or semi-urban India is pointless. Give me a Fortuner or Endeavour anyday.

Originally Posted by samaspire

Specific periods for each location might be the idea.

Agreed. IIRC, even Maruti has specific 'mobile service' dates for small towns.