Mercedes Benz (I) plans to double sales figure in 2001

Jaidev Majumdar

Kolkata, Oct 3: Mercedes Benz is in overdrive, literally. Buoyed by the clearance from foreign investment promotion board (FIPB) to import completely built units (CBUs), Mercedes Benz India Ltd is now aiming to double its sales figure during 2001. During the current year, Mercedes Benz India hopes to register a 50 per cent growth rate so far as sales of Mercedes is concerned.

“We are planning to sell 1,500 Mercedes this year,” a company spokesperson told The Financial Express. The company sold 800 Mercedes during 2000. Following the recent decision of FIPB to allow CBU imports of high-end cars, Mercedes is planning to strengthen its brand portfolio in India by introducing three of its premium cars from the international Mercedes-Benz range. “We’re planning to introduce M-Class, SLK and CLK models first from the international stable and are currently working on the logistical modalities particularly those concerning the regulatory stipulations for import of the CBUs. The imports will primarily be aimed at satisfying our discerning clientele and will be followed by other models later,” the spokesperson said.
The Indian Government has for long been considering allowing entry of CBU units for car-makers who have a manufacturing base in India.
The FIPB clearance, is however awaiting a final nod from commerce & industry minister Mr Murasoli Maran. According to the scheme of things, the car-makers willing to import CBUs will be allowed to do so only for a limited number of vehicles and a study would be undertaken by the Government after two years to monitor the impact of these imports.

Terming the company’s present operation as having entered a phase of “take-off,” the spokesperson said the company is keen to do well during the current year. Since 2000, Mercedes Benz India has introduced three models in the Indian market. In January 2000, the company introduced E-240 Petrol with V6 engine and E-220 CDI with the most sophisticated diesel technology.