India’s largest luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz sold 2948 units in the January-June 2020 period. The company clocked this sales despite facing ongoing market challenges influenced strongly by the COVID-19 pandemic. The June 2020 sales however showed first signs of a gradual recovery buoyed by a rejuvenated SUV portfolio.
Martin Schwenk, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented,
“We remain cautiously optimistic as we gradually ramp up our sales amidst the prevalent market challenges triggered by the pandemic. We are glad to witness a slow movement from previous months and we expect this trend to gather momentum. However recovery will be slow and we currently expect customer sentiments to revive going forward,
though the market conditions would continue to remain challenging. Our focus remains on generating demand and support the customer on their purchase decision with innovative financial solutions like WishBox 2.0.”
Mr. Schwenk added,
“Run-out of some of the key BS 4 volume models and also
COVID-19 related restrictions lead to sales challenges in H1. However, we will further grow our product portfolio in the next couple of months. The availability of BS6 volume models, launch of new models combined with an expected revival of customer sentiments should help create demand.”
Highlighting the importance of digital sales platforms, Mr. Schwenk commented,
“Our online sales platforms under the #MercFromHome campaign have been receiving strong customer traction ever since its launch. With more than 8000 leads in Q2, this is an encouraging sign as it underscores an emerging trend in the customers’ mind shift towards digital consumption of luxury cars.”
Online sales focus continue to be the “New Normal”:
In view of the current situation, Mercedes-Benz India has strengthen its online offering.
As part of its online sales focus, Mercedes-Benz India has been offering a completely online customer journey experience. The company has been collaborating closely with its retail partners to offer the best customer experience to Mercedes-Benz customers.
Customers can now visit the online store www.shop.mercedes-benz.co.in (powered by Roadster) to book their car with an innovative home delivery option available. Mercedes-Benz India expects a significant part of its total sales to be completely online by 2025. Customers can avail new as well as pre-owned Mercedes-Benz cars online. All dealers in the country, are already part of the portal and enabling customers in their online buying journey, including delivery and complete customer services support. In addition Mercedes-Benz customers can buy Merchandise and Accessories in the online store www.shop-mercedes-benz.co.in.
Highlights
- · SUV’s remained the most preferred vehicles with 57% penetration in June 2020 sales
- · The newly launched GLS SUV has been receiving strong response and the GLS alone comprised 22% of June 2020 sales
- · C-Class, E-Class, GLC also remain the key volume drivers
- · Emergence of Mercedes-Benz’s digital services remain the key highlight amidst COVID-19 restrictions with 8000+ leads generated through online sales platforms in Q2
- · Unavailability of BS4 volume models during the BS6 transition posed challenge in H1 2020
- · Further sales growth is expected in H2 with the availability of BS6 volume products and additional launches of other volume models
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