Mercedes-Benz Eyes Double-Digit Growth In 2017 In India — Aggression Set To Continue

In an interview, Roland S Folger, Mercedes-Benz India MD and Chief Executive, told PTI, "With the effects of re-monetisation gradually driving in, we are hopeful that we will be able to maintain our sales momentum. Despite important challenges like demonetization and diesel ban, we achieved significant sales last year by selling 13,231 units."

He said this because of the overall pickup in the auto industry as seen in January sales is good. The year 2015 was a record-breaking sale year for the manufacturer, and it sold 13,503 units. However, the sales were down in 2016 to 13,231 units, due to diesel ban and demonisation.

Folger added, "We will continue our product drive to excite and grow the market. We will be introducing the long wheelbase E-Class this month."

Last year, Mercedes-Benz India had launched 13 models, "We will continue our aggressive stance regarding product launches and network expansion in 2017," Folger said.

"We will continue our localisation drive depending on the market requirement and add new products to the list of the local assembly. An example of our resolve in this regard is the new E-Class with the long wheelbase, which will be launched shortly," he added.

The demand for the SUV has increased tremendously in recent years and regarding this Folger said, "SUVs have some inherent advantages which are best suited for this market. Merc's SUV portfolio grew a robust 20 percent in 2016, and we see this trend continuing."