Sales during the first half of 2016 for Mercedes-Benz India have remained flat on the back of the diesel ban in the NCR that has now been in force for six months.
The luxury car maker sold 6,597 units in the January to June 2016 period in comparison to 6,659 units in the same period last year.
Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said: “We are quite satisfied with our overall sales performance in the first six months of the year, despite facing market challenges throughout the first half year. The sales growth would have been much higher and in double digit had we not lost sales in the important Delhi NCR and Kerala markets.”
The second half of the year promises to be exciting, as there is pent-up demand for Mercedes products, and the company was hoping for a positive decision, he said.
“We will witness some of the most fascinating product introductions including the ones without a predecessor, and further expand our network into new markets, as well as some key growth announcement for Mercedes-Benz,” Folger said, adding, “We are keenly looking forward to a long-term policy roadmap for the auto industry, which is a key contributor to India’s GDP and the ‘Make in India’ campaign.”