An unlikely PR war. Between 2 very unlikely players (Mercedes & BMW)

AirWind · 25th February 2010, 14:31

What about Volvo? I saw an S80 put up at the India-SA ODI's, the awful front end reminds me of the first gen accord sold in India, seems way out of place

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheel

^^OT-
is Audi far behind in the race?

Rotorhead · 25th February 2010, 14:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirWind

What about Volvo? I saw an S80 put up at the India-SA ODI's, the awful front end reminds me of the first gen accord sold in India, seems way out of place

volvo is just taking baby steps and has a lot of catching up to do with the top 3 , merc, bmw, and audi. The audi guys are catching up pretty fast seems like going by the number of A4's and A6's that can be seen nowadays.

GTO · 26th February 2010, 10:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirWind

What about Volvo?

Few want to spend 50 lakhs on a brand that's only associated with trucks in India.

hiren959 · 26th February 2010, 14:30

In yesterday's Autocar show, in AAA section Hormazad said that for only sheer driving pleasure I would go for the BMW 530d but looking to an overall package I would definitely go for E350 CDI. So finally Merc is winner.

So this type of mentality of majority Indian has, and the reason for MB on the top.
(though as I earlier said that I love BMW from my heart but mind says MB only)

RakishRam · 28th February 2010, 13:49

Merc, apparently is getting over-enthusiastic over the sales numbers. they have published Feb 2010 figures already.
An impressive 438 units in Feb'10 and combined Jan-Feb sales increase of 157% YoY.
If this pace can be maintained, they could look at a figure of ~5K :O

Link to ET artlice.

Edit: May be I should have posted it here. Merc & BWM records sales growth.

recshenoy · 31st March 2010, 19:26

Some years back MERC ad on news paper was a BIG thing! Thanks to competition, things have changed now.Now day BMW is advertising even in Local FM radio stations!

The "Joy is BMW" ad i hear Daily on 91.9 FM in Bangalore!

Caramelo · 31st March 2010, 19:54

Mercedes has the bling factor and all but the combination of sexy sophistication and brutal sportiness comes from only one brand and that's AUDI

it will have the last laugh in India!

acidkill · 31st March 2010, 20:38

Well i think there is an unintended reverse auction for the customers money going on the luxury segment too! Who ever invented the theory of "market forces" must be blessed.

If i was ever in the market for a luxe car, i wouldn't think twice before buying a Jaguar - now that is Indian in ownership atleast

karpusv · 1st April 2010, 12:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiren959

...In yesterday's Autocar show, in AAA section Hormazad said that for only sheer driving pleasure I would go for the BMW 530d but looking to an overall package I would definitely go for E350 CDI. So finally Merc is winner.
....

No offense, but in a recent Autocar show on TV when someone asked Hormazd which was the best SUV under 30 lakhs, he said the CR-V

Screwdriva · 1st April 2010, 14:59

I really believe the 20+ lakh segment has and will continue to experience major showdowns between all players. There simply aren't enough potential customers in that bracket.

VW learnt that lesson with the Passat. Toyota priced its superior product nearly 8 lacs less than the CRV, the Accord V6 is a sales disaster and the only people buying Camrys' are the hotel chains. That leaves the bulk remainder for the C Class, the 3 Series Corporate edition and a few left for the Audi A4, selling far less post its well hyped launch

vb-saan · 1st April 2010, 21:17

I guess the problem with Mercedes in the recent years was that they were trying to be like a BMW, which they were so unsuccessful at. BMW always played on their strengths - that is being a driver's car, and with all those negative reviews on their ride quality and RFTs, they still played by their core strength, and that explains their success.
But I can see that Mercedes is rediscovering themselves with the new C (especially the Avant Garde trim), and the latest E Class.

pgsagar · 4th April 2010, 22:59

Merc has been the traditional status symbol since late 70s. They had a headstart over BMW. But now Mercs look tired and ageing, no matter how much they do 'em up. Also mostly traditional oldies seem to be preferring Mercs. BMW is the new kid on the block and is finding more favour with yuppies, young rich and self drive types.

By the way, where is Maybach? It made lot of news a few years back but these days we hardly hear about it. Bentley, Rolls and Jag seem to be doing better.

avishar · 5th April 2010, 00:30

Maybach is not making news even internationally.People are not willing to pay upto to 3 times for just a stretched S-class.

GTO · 5th April 2010, 19:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgsagar

But now Mercs look tired and ageing, no matter how much they do 'em up.

Not that I'm a fan of the new age S Class / E Class edgy designs, but will say that they don't look "tired & aging" at all. Not in the least. In fact, they look thoroughly "with the times" and from some angles, futuristic.

Come to think of it : The designs that appeal to me are termed as "tired and aging" the world over. Case in point, the new 7 series. Or, more traditionally, the W124, W140, W126...

designersf · 7th April 2010, 16:30

I cant believe MB did a chop job with the advert! That's stupid. Moreover, they still skimp on kit - the E and C only come with flat mirrors on the passenger side. Moreover, those seeking style will go for the C or the A4 while the 3 is ahead in terms of dynamics. While Hormazd did mention that the E350 was a better package overall, it was because the present 530d will be replaced by the all new F10 5 which would definitely snatch the crown back.

However in this segment, the XF is unbeatable in terms of style.

26th February 2010, 14:30	#34
hiren959 BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ahmedabad Posts: 344 Thanked: 63 Times	In yesterday's Autocar show, in AAA section Hormazad said that for only sheer driving pleasure I would go for the BMW 530d but looking to an overall package I would definitely go for E350 CDI. So finally Merc is winner. So this type of mentality of majority Indian has, and the reason for MB on the top. (though as I earlier said that I love BMW from my heart but mind says MB only)
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 13:49	#35
RakishRam BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Kollam/Bangalor Posts: 320 Thanked: 194 Times View My Garage	Merc, apparently is getting over-enthusiastic over the sales numbers. they have published Feb 2010 figures already. An impressive 438 units in Feb'10 and combined Jan-Feb sales increase of 157% YoY. If this pace can be maintained, they could look at a figure of ~5K :O Link to ET artlice. Edit: May be I should have posted it here. Merc & BWM records sales growth. Last edited by RakishRam : 28th February 2010 at 13:51.
	() Thanks

31st March 2010, 19:26	#36
recshenoy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mangalore / Bangalore Posts: 1,128 Thanked: 254 Times	Some years back MERC ad on news paper was a BIG thing! Thanks to competition, things have changed now.Now day BMW is advertising even in Local FM radio stations! The "Joy is BMW" ad i hear Daily on 91.9 FM in Bangalore!
	() Thanks

31st March 2010, 19:54	#37
Caramelo BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: ahmedabad Posts: 769 Thanked: 16 Times	Mercedes has the bling factor and all but the combination of sexy sophistication and brutal sportiness comes from only one brand and that's AUDI it will have the last laugh in India!
	() Thanks

31st March 2010, 20:38	#38
acidkill BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Chennai Posts: 420 Thanked: 137 Times	Well i think there is an unintended reverse auction for the customers money going on the luxury segment too! Who ever invented the theory of "market forces" must be blessed. If i was ever in the market for a luxe car, i wouldn't think twice before buying a Jaguar - now that is Indian in ownership atleast
	() Thanks

1st April 2010, 14:59	#40
Screwdriva BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: London/ Bombay Posts: 582 Thanked: 527 Times View My Garage	I really believe the 20+ lakh segment has and will continue to experience major showdowns between all players. There simply aren't enough potential customers in that bracket. VW learnt that lesson with the Passat. Toyota priced its superior product nearly 8 lacs less than the CRV, the Accord V6 is a sales disaster and the only people buying Camrys' are the hotel chains. That leaves the bulk remainder for the C Class, the 3 Series Corporate edition and a few left for the Audi A4, selling far less post its well hyped launch
	() Thanks

1st April 2010, 21:17	#41
vb-saan Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: S'pore/Thrissur Posts: 7,273 Thanked: 12,404 Times	I guess the problem with Mercedes in the recent years was that they were trying to be like a BMW, which they were so unsuccessful at. BMW always played on their strengths - that is being a driver's car, and with all those negative reviews on their ride quality and RFTs, they still played by their core strength, and that explains their success. But I can see that Mercedes is rediscovering themselves with the new C (especially the Avant Garde trim), and the latest E Class.
	() Thanks

4th April 2010, 22:59	#42
pgsagar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Vizag Posts: 2,628 Thanked: 3,568 Times View My Garage	Merc has been the traditional status symbol since late 70s. They had a headstart over BMW. But now Mercs look tired and ageing, no matter how much they do 'em up. Also mostly traditional oldies seem to be preferring Mercs. BMW is the new kid on the block and is finding more favour with yuppies, young rich and self drive types. By the way, where is Maybach? It made lot of news a few years back but these days we hardly hear about it. Bentley, Rolls and Jag seem to be doing better.
	() Thanks

5th April 2010, 00:30	#43
avishar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: kolkata/bangalore,india Posts: 2,901 Thanked: 4,143 Times	Maybach is not making news even internationally.People are not willing to pay upto to 3 times for just a stretched S-class.
	() Thanks

7th April 2010, 16:30	#45
designersf BHPian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ann Arbor Posts: 603 Thanked: 80 Times	I cant believe MB did a chop job with the advert! That's stupid. Moreover, they still skimp on kit - the E and C only come with flat mirrors on the passenger side. Moreover, those seeking style will go for the C or the A4 while the 3 is ahead in terms of dynamics. While Hormazd did mention that the E350 was a better package overall, it was because the present 530d will be replaced by the all new F10 5 which would definitely snatch the crown back. However in this segment, the XF is unbeatable in terms of style.
	() Thanks