Mercedes-Benz chalks out 4-pronged strategy for India
As part of its India approach, Mercedes-Benz plans to launch four new products this year, invest in dealer network, improve overall ownership cost and double production at the Chakan plant.
“We have termed this year as an offensive year for Merc in India with aggressive plans to strengthen our position in the market,” said Eberhard Kern, MD and chief executive, Mercedes-Benz India. “Going forward, Chakan will be for passenger cars and Chennai will be for trucks and buses,” said Kern.
Starting with the launch of G63 on Tuesday, Merc plans to drive in its much-awaited premium hatchback A-class in diesel and petrol variants by mid-2013. Other launches are the new GL in May and the B-class diesel variant around the same time.
Mercedes-Benz is doubling its production capacity from 10,000 units to 20,000 at Chakan by end of this year to make space for the new models. Moreover, the company is looking at localisation in a big way to improve ownership cost to the customers.
Mercedes-Benz assembles models like S-class, E-class, C-class and M-class at its plant with localisation ranging from 10% to 60% over various mentioned models. Asked about plans of further localisation and possibility of an engine facility at Chakan,
Be the first to comment.
