Mercedes-Benz had a successful 2013, which it called 'Year of Offensive'. During the period, the luxury car maker was able to meet its set targets with a major focus on Products, Network, Cost of Ownership and Brand Experiences. Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz India, reportedly commented on the company's achievements. He said, “We are very satisfied with our performance in 2013 which we called the ‘Year of Offensive’. We are happy that our New A-Class, New E-Class and the SUV portfolio saw robust demand amidst challenging market conditions. Our consumers have clearly appreciated our initiatives and we enter 2014 with a clear promise of delivering 'Excellence'.”
The company posted an overall growth of 32 per cent as against the figures of 2012. In 2014 and years beyond, the luxury car maker is all set to strive for even more growth initiatives. Two cars that are more likely to help the 'brand with three pointed star' to achieve set goals and growth rate are CLA- and GLK-Class. Both these models are expected to be introduced in the Indian market in 2014. Notably, new products launched by the company back in 2013 got a good response in the domestic market and similarly, these cars are expected to prove influential too.
Mercedes-Benz India is expected to showcase all-new CLA-Class at the Auto Expo 2014, followed by its launch in the last quarter of year. Auto analysts believe that just like Audi A3, this luxury car will lure young entrepreneurs of the country. The price of this compact premium sedan is likely to be around Rs. 23 lakh – Rs. 27 lakh. Most likely, it will be positioned between A- and C-Class. Notably, CLA-Class is based on the new Modular Front Architecture (MFA) platform. In global markets, this car is available in both, petrol and diesel engines. So, the Indian version is also likely to get both the engine options.
It may get either a 2.2-litre petrol engine delivering 107 bhp power or a 1.6-litre diesel powertrain producing 120 bhp. Different features of the upcoming premium vehicle are panoramic roof, radar based collision prevention assist with adaptive brake assist and blind spot assist. Customers will also get a choice of multimedia system to enhance the ownership experience. There is also a possibility of four-wheel drive CLA45 AMG version getting introduced in the market to offer more flexibility to buyers.
One more vehicle that is going to play a crucial role in the growth of company in future is Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. This product offering is likely to be scheduled for a late 2014 launch. However, to make people aware about the upcoming premium vehicle, one can expect it being also showcased at the mega event. GLK-Class will come with a longer wheelbase to accommodate more space and comfort. One should expect a sporty design and lavish interiors to attract buyers. Under the hood, GLK-Class is expected to feature a 2.2-litre or 3.0-litre engine with three different power options 170 bhp and 184 bhp for the former and 333 bhp for the latter.
Mercedes-Benz is to give away both, CLA and GLK-Class models at a highly competitive price. Right pricing and superior performance will help to make an impression on buyers. According to industry experts, these two premium cars, once introduced in the Indian market, are going to pull the volume and consequently, will help Mercedes-Benz to report a high growth in the Indian auto market.
