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Mercedes-Benz India achieve record sales growth in 2008.
- Highest ever sales across all categories for passenger cars and trucks.
- "Despite a lean fourth quarter, we have managed to post strong growth in 2008”: Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, CEO and Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz India.
Mercedes-Benz India today announced its year-end sales performance for 2008. The company has sold an impressive 3625 passenger cars (46% growth over 2007), 240 trucks (53% growth over 2007) and 16 bus chassis in India from January till December 2008.
The new C-Class (launched in January 2008) proved to be the hottest selling luxury sedan in India, powered by locally manufactured petrol and diesel variants. A total of 1756 C-Class cars were sold in Jan-Dec 2008 which is more than double of 2007 C-Class sales (779 units of C-Class sold in 2007).
The S-Class continued its strong growth and netted record sales of 561 units in 2008, a growth of 23% over 2007 (457 units of S-Class sold in 2007).
The E-Class improved upon a record performance in 2007 with 1167 units sold (+3% vs. 2007).
In the segment of Completely Built Imported cars, the company has recorded 20% growth over 2007. The most popular model in this category was the M-Class (82 units), while the SLK-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class and CL-Class were also well received.
The Actors 4840K truck continued to find favour with mining operators and showed a stellar growth of 53% with 240 units sold vs. 157 units in 2007.
Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO of Daimler India: “The first three quarters were very strong for Mercedes-Benz India and despite a lean fourth quarter, we have been able to achieve good results in 2008. We hope the economy will bounce back soon in response to various measures being effected.”
Commenting upon the shape of things to come, Dr. Aulbur mentioned: “The year 2009 will be a challenge in view of the current economic situation; however we are well poised to retain our leadership in this market-space. The recently introduced AMG range will continue to add dynamism to our brand; we also look forward to introduce exciting new products in 2009.”
Source: Mecedes Benz India
Actors 4840K ? You've typed the report yourself ?
Impressive numbers indeed.
It's basically two products from their offerings that are responsible for this growth- The C & Actros. The C being so well recieved reinstates that a first time luxury car buyer and rightfully so as the 3 pointer star hold much respect with our janta.
The E class has been offered at a discounted price almost all year round yet only managed 3% growth!
Impressive Numbers.
If this is for Mercedes, waiting for the BMW figures too.
Must be more ( Atleast for 3 and 5 series)
I think its time to pull the M class off the CBU bus and put it on CKD.
Clearly Indians have a fascination for SUVs and also for the 3-pointed star. The combination of both can be very desirable. CKD will bring down prices and make it more appealing. If they can sell 500 S classes, they can sell at least that many Ms.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fountainheader
(Post 1123801)
Actors 4840K ? You've typed the report yourself ?
Impressive numbers indeed.
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No dude, I just copy-pasted from the mail I received from the Media center. I've not noticed that mistake too.
Quote:
The company has sold an impressive 3625 passenger cars (46% growth over 2007)
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Impressive indeed. The new C Class has accounted for about 50% of those sales, and finally overtakes the E Class (E was ahead in 2007). What I found particularly interesting is the success of the S Class. @ 561 cars, the gross revenue from the S Class (85 lakhs) probably matched that of the E Class (40 lakhs). And the S Class has a FAR thicker profit margin. Plus, its the equivalent of 3 S-Class sold each working day.
I'd like to know how BMW fared in 2008? It's either a close fight. Or BMW ahead.
I think its high time mercrdes thinks of reducing prices as we are buying ckd cars for cbu money.A car which costs 30000$ in the us is being sold for 30 lacs here which amounts to 100% duty margin.
thats good. Only in India, good things get sold in bulk
Audi India sales are also up 200% Y-O-Y from 349 units in 2007 to 1047 units in 2008. Seems impressive considering that Audi's marketing is the least aggressive among the German luxury trio. Wonder how well the new A4 is doing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by amit
(Post 1124572)
Audi India sales are also up 200% Y-O-Y from 349 units in 2007 to 1047 units in 2008. Seems impressive considering that Audi's marketing is the least aggressive among the German luxury trio. Wonder how well the new A4 is doing.
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How many R8 vehicles did Audi sell ? I am sure the bulk of those numbers are from the new A4. Because unlike MB/BMW, I dont see too many Audis bought under EPCG etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fountainheader
(Post 1124581)
How many R8 vehicles did Audi sell ? I am sure the bulk of those numbers are from the new A4. Because unlike MB/BMW, I dont see too many Audis bought under EPCG etc.
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Read in some blog - Audi sold 1050 cars, 350 of which were Q7's
Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO
(Post 1124040)
I'd like to know how BMW fared in 2008? It's either a close fight. Or BMW ahead.
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Turns out, neither is it too close nor is BMW ahead. Plus, if you look at the model-wise sales below, it seems unlikely that BMW will overtake Mercedes in the near future.
Economic Times Article Cumulative model wise sales for 2008 (excluding niche segments like the X5, SLK etc.)
961 : 3 Series
1756 : C-Class
The new C-Class is dominating the 30-lakh rupee segment. It is newer than the 3 series, has comfortable interiors and offers far better ride quality. The next-gen 3 series is still a while away.
1340 : 5 series
1167 : E Class
The 5 series is ahead, but only so much. The all-new E-Class generation (expected soon) has the potential to turn the tables. Premium car buyers love the "latesshtt". Merc's new non-Merc designs seems to be going down well too (not with me though :)).
311 : 7 Series
561 : S Class
The new 7 series, launched already, can inch closer to the S Class. However, the 7 is a CBU and won't be able to match the S-Class' pricing. Plus, the S-Class is truly an outstanding car, new 7 series notwithstanding.
Mercedes on its part will release 4 - 5 ownership packages (a la BMW) soon. That move will surely retain some potential owners who would have otherwise shopped Bavarian, if only for the peace-of-the-mind maintenance packages.
Thus, for the time being, I predict the three-pointed star will maintain its no.1 position amongst the luxo's.
Pretty surprising. Nonetheless a remarkable job by BMW to come even so close to a brand that has high respect and experience in India.
I agree to an extent that the real winner that BMW is offering is the 5 series, although I did expect the E sales figures to be much lower, but I guess the heavy discounts have pulled it up. On all other segments i prefer the Merc- C & S over the current 3 & 7. However tables might just turn next month on when the facelifted 3 and all new 7 get rolling.
@GTO: MBIL has confirmed these service packs?
The PR by Merc tells only part of the story and is perhaps irrelevant now. Both BMW and Merc. recorded huge growth till Aug/Sep 08, but then also huge declines during Oct-Dec 2008. So, 2008 PR may be good, but let us see 2009 early PR.
PS: GM used to put out monthly PRs on record growths till around Apr/May 2008 (Spark base effect of Apr 07). From June onwards, they stopped appearing but then suddenly appeared in 12/08 recording their overall sales growth. To get the true picture behind the PR, see the excel sheet posted.
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