Furthermore, Zetsche tried to explain that Mercedes should be able to increase its market share in India with its very own models and not necessarily to attempt to address other vehicle segments popular in the country.
“We are a premium car manufacturer, and very successful in the segment. There is no benefit in expanding to the volume segment,” he said in a statement.
“When an economy develops, it offers tremendous opportunities,” he added, while trying to explain that unit volumes is not Mercedes' way to do business. Mercedes hopes that 2011 will bring back its number one position in India's top luxury car manufacturers, after it lost it two years ago in BMW's favor.
“Competition is good. In any case, unit volume is not the top priority for us. Our aim is to grow in revenues.”
Mercedes in the meantime hopes to regain the leading position in India in the luxury car market, as BMW snatched the first place two years ago. Audi is currently third in the race for the first place. Mercedes sold a total of 630 units in January 2011, more than BMW - 500 units and Audi - 480 units.
The company recently rolled out the G-Klasse in India in the form of the popular G55 AMG that comes with a 5.5-liter V8 engine delivering 500 horsepower. The G-Klasse will come as a Completly Buit-up Unit and has been priced at INR11 million or about $242,000 (ex-showroom Mumbai).
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