Mercedes Benz India has reported a stellar performance in the first half of 2023, achieving a remarkable year-on-year growth of 13%. The luxury car manufacturer sold a total of 8,528 units during the January to June period, making it the best-ever half-yearly sales for the company. Notably, this growth was accomplished without the presence of one of its highly popular models, the GLC SUV, which is set to be launched later this month.
The success of Mercedes Benz India can be attributed to several factors, including the strong demand for their flagship model, the E-Class LWB, which remained the best-selling car for the company. Additionally, top-end vehicles like the S-Class and GLS experienced significant demand, further contributing to the overall sales growth.
One of the most impressive aspects of Mercedes Benz India’s performance was the exponential growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales. Although starting from a relatively low base, EV sales surged by 10 times, demonstrating the increasing acceptance and demand for electric mobility in the Indian market. The introduction of new EV models like the EQB and EQS played a crucial role in driving this growth.
During the second quarter of 2023 (April-June), Mercedes Benz India maintained the strong momentum from the first quarter, with bookings exceeding the 3,500-unit mark. This highlights the company’s commitment to meeting the high demand by ramping up production. The sales in Q2 reached an all-time high of 3,831 units, marking an 8% growth compared to the same period in the previous year.
Santosh Iyer, Managing Director of Mercedes Benz India, expressed his satisfaction with the record-breaking sales performance. He attributed the success to the brand’s desirability, an attractive product portfolio, improved availability of cars, and the successful implementation of the “Retail of the Future” business model. Iyer emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience and further growing their top-end vehicle segment, which continues to outpace other segments. He also expressed excitement about the upcoming quarters, as Mercedes Benz India has lined up several highly anticipated luxury vehicles for customers, starting with the new-generation GLC.
The sales split for Mercedes Benz India revealed a comprehensive growth across various segments. Battery-electric vehicle sales experienced an impressive 10-fold increase, albeit starting from a smaller base. The top-end vehicle segment, consisting of models priced above Rs 1.5 crore, witnessed a growth of over 50% in the first six months of 2023, with more than 2,000 units sold. Furthermore, the GLS, S-Class, S-Class Maybach, GLS Maybach, and AMG G 63 garnered substantial demand. The GLE stood out as the best-selling SUV, while the new C-Class continued to drive demand and contribute significantly to Mercedes Benz’s overall performance.
With its exceptional half-yearly sales performance and a promising lineup of luxury vehicles for the coming months, Mercedes Benz India is poised to maintain its position as a leading luxury car brand in the country.
