[hanmust]

Mercedes-Benz India today inaugurated its new showroom and authorised service center, Benchmark Cars in Ahmedabad, showcasing the powerful roadsters from their enthralling AMG range the SLK 55 AMG & the SL 63 AMG. Benchmark Cars, the only dealership in the state of Gujarat, was inaugurated by Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Mr. Sanjay Thakker, Chairman, Benchmark Cars.

Benchmark Cars is strategically located on the SG Highway and is spread over an area of 25000 sq. ft. This dealership and service center utilizes the ultra modern Mercedes-Benz 3-S integrated facility concept offering a one stop solution for Sales, Service & Spares to customers in Gujarat.

This state-of-the-art dealership embodies all the brand attributes of Mercedes-Benz - magnificent showroom, drive-in valet service, a luxurious customer lounge and well trained staff to complete the Mercedes-Benz experience. The service center is equipped with eight mechanical bays and six body paint bays with trained service personnel geared to ensure quick, efficient service delivery.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Aulbur said: “At Mercedes-Benz India we constantly endeavor to delight our customers with the finest products from our stable. In 2009 we have already launched the entire range of AMG’s, the New M-Class, the Special Edition E-Class as well the C220CDI in the sporty Avantgarde styling line. To ensure that we are able to offer our customers best in class service and support, we have an extensive network spread across 25 cities across the country which is the largest as compared to any luxury player in India.”

“It is our constant endeavour to work with people who share the same passion and commitment towards the customer satisfaction; our association with Benchmark Cars is another step towards establishing a world-class car ownership experience for Ahmedabad as well as for the state of Gujarat.” added Dr. Aulbur.

Mr. Sanjay Thakker, Chairman of Benchmark Cars is the promoter and chairman of Landmark Group which has diversified businesses. Mr. Sanjay Thakker commenting about the new venture stated: “We are proud to start our association with a prestigious brand like Mercedes-Benz. With a strong support of all our qualified professionals, we at Benchmark Cars will put in every effort to provide customers with an unmatched experience at our dealership for years to come. Gujarat is well known as a strong luxury market and we realize that there is significant potential not just from Ahmedabad but also from the adjoining cities, towns and rural areas. Our focus will be to reach out to the existing and potential customers in a step-by-step manner.”

In Gujarat, Mercedes-Benz has a strong base of 600+ satisfied customers and sees significant potential in this market.
Source: Mercedes Benz India

[GTO]

One thing that Mercedes does need is better dealer visibility. T'was okay to have small showroom properties tucked away in the middle of nowhere when they were the only luxury marque officially available in India. Most of their cars are anyways delivered at the customers house. In the recent past however, BMW & Audi (especially) have taken up prime properties for some truly eye-catching showrooms. In Mumbai, you could drive by Auto Hangar (best seller Merc showroom) without even noticing the star, but you simply cannot miss the Audi showroom at worli. No chance.

Benchmark Cars is strategically located on the SG Highway and is spread over an area of 25000 sq. ft.

Massive!

In Gujarat, Mercedes-Benz has a strong base of 600+ satisfied customers and sees significant potential in this market.

A state average of only 45 cars per annum?

[rrsteer]

Originally Posted by GTO

One thing that Mercedes does need is better dealer visibility. T'was okay to have small showroom properties tucked away in the middle of nowhere when they were the only luxury marque officially available in India

In Mumbai, you could drive by Auto Hangar (best seller Merc showroom) without even noticing the star, but you simply cannot miss the Audi showroom at worli. No chance.

Bang on. You would be appalled to look at the Mercedes showroom in Ludhiana.

[jayakumarkp]

Originally Posted by GTO

One thing that Mercedes does need is better dealer visibility. T'was okay to have small showroom properties tucked away in the middle of nowhere when they were the only luxury marque officially available in India. Most of their cars are anyways delivered at the customers house. In the recent past however, BMW & Audi (especially) have taken up prime properties for some truly eye-catching showrooms. In Mumbai, you could drive by Auto Hangar (best seller Merc showroom) without even noticing the star, but you simply cannot miss the Audi showroom at worli. No chance.

Very true . Its more or less the same situation with Merc Showrooms around India. They seems to be taking steps towards it now though.

[devarshi84]

That state average of 45 cars comes from an ex-dealership which was well known and bang in the middle of the city. Even a child knew where one could buy Mercedes-Benz.

The new one is just on the same road where you will find dealerships from Maruti to Audi and Mercedes-Benz and Nissan coming up.

[ajmat]

You got to remember Merc dealerships came up in the mid 90's when money was tight and volumes were low and low overheads were needed.

some like Sundram invested in newer premises although constrained on space unless they move to the outskirts