Mercedes-Benz Aims For Top Spot In India This Year, Considers Exports

The three-pointed star came very close to toppling the 4 rings from the number one position in the premium car market in India in 2014. Both companies registered sales of over 10,000 units, and it was the highest ever sales for both in our market. But that achievement is not enough, and it is the number one spot that Mercedes-Benz is aiming for this year, says the brand's global boss, Dieter Zetsche.

In an exclusive interview to NDTV at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show, Dr Zetsche says, "Of course our intention is to continue this great momentum and to come undisputed number one in the premium market." The masterstroke he says was pushing the many compact models from the brand in India - namely the A, B, CLA, and GLA Class. But at the same time, he feels it is important to also have strong flagships like the S-Class too. Of the new models the brand continues to bring to market, he said "I think this portfolio which we are developing is well suited to give us success in China, in the US, but definitely in India as well. We just have to wait little longer for a stronger premium segment."

Mercedes-Benz already has the largest annual production capacity amongst the premium players, at 20,000 units at its plant in Pune. The investment into a big capacity at the assembly facility takes into account the future demand potential that the Indian market holds. But while the market plays catch up, Dr Zetsche says the company is already studying the feasibility of using this capacity to export cars from Pune too, "We have all prerequisites for further growth, (and) if it could be developed - any form of export scheme which will allow us to use this capacity in other markets as well - we will see if that could give us further momentum."

Mercedes-Benz has had the largest growth in its portfolio in India, and several markets over the past 12-15 months. It will next launch the facelifted B-Class, E-Class cabriolet, and the CLS Coupe in the next few weeks, in India.