Mercedes-Benz India, the Indian arm of the German carmaker Mercedes-Benz, sales fell 2.04 per cent to 13,231 units in 2016 from 13,502 units sold during the same period a year ago. The company maintained its sales momentum despite battling strong market challenges, Mercedes-Benz India said in a statement.
“Clocking more than 13,000 for two consecutive years is an achievement for us, given the uncertainties and challenges we faced last year. We are very satisfied with our strategy, which has been bearing fruit and makes us the most preferred luxury car brand for the discerning customers. Today, Mercedes-Benz, despite facing market challenges, has been able to retain the impeccable trust of the customers,” Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said.
“2016 was a challenging year, but our sales achievement makes us bullish for 2017 and gives us confidence for the mid to long-term growth prospect of the market. We are hopeful of a stable business environment and long-term roadmap for the luxury auto industry in India, which has the potential to grow and contribute more to the economy,” he added.
In 2016, the brand introduced latest technology in its products and presented the latest model line-up from its global portfolio. Mercedes-Benz also commands the highest level of customer satisfaction, the least average maintenance cost and provides best value for a luxury car.
In 2016, the momentum of the brand was buoyed by its product strategy with all-round contribution from all the segments. The luxury SUV range of Mercedes-Benz comprising GLA, GLC, GLE, GLE Coupé, GLS and G-Class grew by more than 20 per cent during the January-December 2016 period, with the GLE emerging as the highest sold SUV for the brand.
In the luxury sedan segment, the C-Class sedan remained the highest selling luxury sedan for Mercedes-Benz in Jan-Dec 2016 period, closely followed by the E-Class and S-Class.
The sports car and performance brand Mercedes-AMG and the Dream Cars achieved double digit growth rates in 2016.