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Tag: Mercedes

  • Land Rover Range Rover Teased Ahead Of Debut

    Land Rover Range Rover Teased Ahead Of Debut

    The Land Rover Range Rover is no ordinary SUV and the arrival of the new-generation model is always special. It’s one of the oldest brands in the full-size luxury SUV segment and the next-generation model will rival the likes of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and BMW X7 and other premium SUVs like the Aston Martin DBX, Porsche Cayenne, and even the Lamborghini Urus gave its pricing. Land Rover has released the first teaser of the 2022 Range Rover which is a new-generation model and is all set to make its official debut on October 26, 2021.

    Now the teaser image doesn’t give us much insight of the design but we get a sense that the overall silhouette has been retained. That said, expect to see some significant updates made to the front end and even at the rear. The bronze color SUV in the teaser image also gives us an idea that Land Rover might introduce some new body colors on the new Range Rover. Then, it is also expected to be an all-new model by transitioning to Jaguar Land Rover’s new MLA platform. Then, the 2022 Range Rover will be offered with a variety of powertrain options which will include plug-in hybrid (PHEV) as well, and of course in both configurations. The latter is probably scheduled to arrive later in the model’s life cycle. And finally, expect a performance version as well with the 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine sourced from BMW.

    Switching to the new platform should bring some significant updates as well like more room on the inside where a potential increase in the vehicle’s size is expected. Land Rover’s latest Pivi Pro infotainment system is one of the safest guesses on the inside, given its flagship status and some variants are also rumored to get rear-wheel steering offering tighter turning radius at lower speeds and better agility at higher speeds

  • Mercedes dealer reports record loss in Q3

    Mercedes dealer reports record loss in Q3

    Hang Xanh Motors Service JSC (Haxaco), a major Mercedes-Benz dealer in Vietnam, reported a record loss, more than VND33 billion ($1.4 million) in Q3, due to social distancing orders.

    Revenue in Q3 was VND700 billion, down 59 percent compared to the same period last year.

    Social distancing measures applied in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other localities in this quarter have seriously affected Haxaco and the automobile industry. The company’s two branches in HCMC had to temporarily close in Q3 while another in Hanoi was closed until Sept. 12.

    “This has caused a decline in our sales and services during this period,” the company noted.

    Between January and September, the auto dealer’s revenue was VND3.4 trillion, down 9 percent over the same period, equivalent to 35 percent of this year’s business plan.

    However, profit dropped by 45 percent to VND44 billion.

    Despite the revenue decline, the company retains a positive forecast for the last quarter of this year. It has thoroughly prepared to resume operations in the new normalcy, with all employees fully vaccinated to ensure operational safety.

    Previously, in the annual meeting at the beginning of the year, the company set a business plan for 2021 with a net profit of VND126 billion.

  • Mercedes-Benz Vietnam recalls 1,700 cars

    Mercedes-Benz Vietnam recalls 1,700 cars

    Mercedes-Benz Vietnam is recalling more than 1,700 C200 cars locally assembled from 2014 -2018 to remove a generator-related software bug.

    The recalled cars were produced between Dec. 2014 to Feb. 2018. Short-circuited diodes in their generator were making coils overheat, leading to fire risks, the carmaker said. The recall will run from Sept. 25, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2025.

    The solution is to update the engine control software to optimize generator operation. The free update would take about 30 minutes at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers in Vietnam.

    These vehicles were manufactured from Nov. 2016 to Feb. 2017. The solution is to replace the entire steering shaft, a procedure lasting about 1.5 hours.The German carmaker also made two other recalls in Vietnam from Oct. 1-7. These relate to several different models, including 49 A-class cars, CLA, and the imported GLA that have an error in the steering shaft mechanism.

    Mercedes-Benz sold 2,558 units in Vietnam in 2020.

  • Mercedes-Benz Inks Pact With DSEU For Mechatronics Programme

    Mercedes-Benz Inks Pact With DSEU For Mechatronics Programme

    Mercedes-Benz India will offer a one-year Advanced Diploma in Automotive Mechatronics and also extend apprenticeship and placement support to students of the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU), the varsity said in a statement. The Delhi government-run university has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mercedes-Benz India to offer the highly specialised course under the Auto Mechatronics Research Centre (AMRC) at the DSEU Okhla campus, according to the official statement.

    The course will nurture future automobile engineers and provide experiential learning, it added.

    At the MoU exchange ceremony, Shekhar Bhide, Vice President, Customer Services & Corporate Affairs, Mercedez-Benz India said, “The course curriculum will include training in electrical and electronics technology embedded systems, advanced automobile systems engineering which will assist a holistic development of students.”

    He emphasised that the trainers will also be benefitted from the course from capacity-building exercises.

    “Both students and trainers will attend guest lectures, go on field visits, and be encouraged to enrol for apprenticeship,” he added.

    It is understandable that in today”s day and age, students are most concerned about placement when they complete a course, and hence, Mercedes-Benz India with DSEU will extend placement support to all students, he said.

    The admissions to the course are expected to be announced next month, the statement said.

    DSEU Vice Chancellor Neharika Vohra said the faculty as well as its students will greatly benefit from the course and get insights of the field from an entirely new perspective.

    “Many students have a childhood dream to design and develop their own cars. However, this dream never comes true for many. Through this partnership, the university desires to provide a platform for students to achieve their dreams while also assisting them in becoming future entrepreneurs and leaders,” she said.

    The training will include a factory visit to Mercedes Benz Pune plant.

    The Advanced Diploma in Automotive Mechatronics (ADAM) course, an initiative by Mercedes-Benz India, will fulfil the requirement for superlative service in the automotive sector and train aspiring engineers on latest automotive technology using latest, world- class tools and equipment, the statement said.

  • Mercedes-Benzs Global Sales Up By 25.1% In First Half Of 2021

    Mercedes-Benzs Global Sales Up By 25.1% In First Half Of 2021

    Mercedes-Benz delivered 1,182,724 passenger cars to customers worldwide in the first half of 2021. The company recorded a growth of 25.1 percent compared to the same period last year. In China, Mercedes-Benz set two new records: The highest deliveries in the second quarter (219,059 units, +5.8%) and in the first half of a year (441,579 units, +27.6%). The company achieved double-digit sales growth in Q2 in Germany (+26.3%) and the USA (+38.6%).

    Deliveries of plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars more than quadrupled in just six months, reaching 121,500 units (+305.0%). In total, the xEVs made up 10.3 percent of total Mercedes-Benz sales in the first half of 2021. Around 39,000 all-electric vehicles were delivered from January to June (+291.4%), including more than 19,000 units (+469.4%) of the EQA, EQC and EQV models

    Sales of Mercedes-Benz cars in the Asia-Pacific region rose from January to June by 26.1 percent. In the Europe region, the recovery of many markets and an improved COVID-19 situation led to a sales growth of 53.7 percent in the second quarter. Mercedes-Benz sold in Germany a total of 107,269 cars from January to June, achieving a sales level slightly above last year (+1.0%).

  • Mercedes-Benz India Has No Plans To Launch The EQS Or Any Other EV This Year

    Mercedes-Benz India Has No Plans To Launch The EQS Or Any Other EV This Year

    Despite the challenges caused by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mercedes-Benz India has been among the select few carmakers that have stayed on course with regard to product launches. The Stuttgart-based luxury carmaker has confirmed that it will launch 15 new models in India this year, however, that will not include any electric vehicles. When asked about the launch timeline for the EQS, during the post-launch interaction for the Maybach GLS 600, Santosh Iyer, VP – Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India confirmed that the company has no plans to launch the EQS or any other EV at least for next one year.

    Talking about the company’s product plan with regards to the EQS and other electric vehicles, Iyer said, “The EV portfolio for Mercedes-Benz is strong. You already saw the EQA, the EQB, there are many products that are getting launched. So, we’ll pick up the right products and definitely, surely introduce them in India. But, for now, the EQC remains our key driver when it comes to the volumes here. Again, we are struggling with the availability of EQC so no point in again launching more EVs and putting some confusion in the market at this stage. Also, EQS is available for sale only in the last part of the year, even worldwide. So, nothing in the next one year at least as far as the EQS or anything else goes.”

    Iyer pointed out that a lot of these electric vehicles introduced globally are high on demand worldwide, and they will make it other markets gradually. Assuring that India is a priority market for the brand, he said that there is no point in launching a product and not being able to cater to the demand. Right now, it’s even struggling with the demand for the EQC. So, before bringing a high-value product like the EQS electric sedan, the carmaker wants to get some volume and certain clarity.

    Having said that, Mercedes-Benz India has already listed its flagship electric vehicle – the EQS on its official website. When asked what that means for the Indian market, Iyer said, “For us electric is not an option. It is something that the automotive industry will transform, and we take pride that in India we were the first to start, and we’ll now continue to bring in new products. As regards that EQS, I think that a statement in terms of our brand, in terms of our commitment to electric.” He further added, “I think the EQS transforms, it makes a paradigm shift into the technology scape, into the luxury space apart from being a very good EV in terms of driving, in terms of battery charging, and some of the other dynamics. So, it was natural for us when there is a global unveil of such a product, which is now our flagship when it comes to the EV story to be there on our website.”

    The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the company’s flagship electric vehicle, and it was just in April 2021 that the sedan version of the EV made its debut. Mercedes also plans to introduce an SUV version of the EQS, which is likely to make its global debut in late 2022. The EQS sedan comes with a 107.8 kWh Lithium-Ion battery, promising a 770 km WLTP cycle certified drive range on a full charge. However, the carmaker has not provided detailed variant-wise range options. The car comes with a standard onboard charger of 11 kW with an optional 22 kW charger. The EQS can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 35 minutes using a 110 kW DC fast charging, while a 240-volt household wall charger will take 11 hours for the same range.

  • Mercedes-Benz Introduces ‘Direct To Customer’ Retail Sales Model In India

    Mercedes-Benz Introduces ‘Direct To Customer’ Retail Sales Model In India

    Mercedes-Benz India today introduced its new retail sales model called ‘Retail of the Future’ (ROTF). With this new model, the company plans to promote a ‘direct to customer’ retail approach to creating a more customer-centric brand. To the effect, under this business model, Mercedes-Benz India will own the entire stock of cars, sell them via appointed Franchise Partners, invoice the new cars to the customers directly, process the order, and fulfill them. This would also mean that the company will offer one transparent price across India. The new retail model will be applicable only for new car sales, whereas other verticals like – customer service, pre-owned cars, and allied businesses will remain unchanged.

    Talking about the introduction of the new retail sales model, Martin Schwenk, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “This long-term strategic move will strengthen our customer focus by introducing a fundamental transition in the retail business in the market. It also will deliver a win-win solution for both customers and Franchise Partners, underscoring our clear vision for a future that is sustainable, empowering and digital. The advent of new sales channels has brought sweeping changes in customers’ aspirations and requirements and being a customer-obsessed brand, we have adapted our current business models to meet our customers’ aspirations and needs.”

    Commenting on Mercedes-Benz India’s new retail model, Vinkesh Gulati, President, FADA India said, “The agency model introduced by Mercedes India will be an out-of-the-box thinking by the company. Even though the model has tested waters internationally, India is a unique market where customer physic is very different as they change Dealers and even brands on any additional discount. Even though on the face of it, this model looks beneficial for the dealer community dealing in Premium Brands with low Volume but we will need to see if this model can work with mass-market brands so that every dealer can benefit from it.”

    Now, for customers, this might not be a big change. They will still have to visit the showroom or go online to purchase the vehicle, and, they will continue to the facilitated by the franchise representatives. What will change, however, is they’ll get uniform and transparent pricing, larger stock availability for choosing, and better customers service as that will become the major focus areas for dealerships. However, things will be widely different for franchise partners, the dealers, who will be operating on reduced risks and liabilities right now. A direct-to-customer retail model would mean they won’t have to worry about inventory cost, warehousing of the stockpile, which is added cost to dealers right now.

    However, this also means that dealers won’t be able to offer selective discounts or deals to attract buyers to compete with other dealers and gain more margin. Instead, now, in order to compete with other franchise partners, dealers will have to offer improved customer service, which will be measured based on what the company calls the CSI rating. In short, dealers will get commissions instead of sales margin.

    As for Mercedes-Benz India, it will be responsible for centrally managing the selling price of all new cars. The company will also be owning and managing the entire stock of new cars and will have to take care of order processing and fulfillment. This means the company will stop wholesale despatches to dealers. The company says that this new retail model will allow Mercedes-Benz to have better control over volume scalability and achieve price stability within segments. The company will also get improved forecasting with regards to the market trends and customer insight, along with better inventory management.

    Mercedes-Benz India will implement its new Retail of the Future sales model starting from the fourth quarter (Q4) of the 2021 calendar year.

  • Daimler Cuts Hours For Up To 18,500 Workers Over Chip Shortage

    Daimler Cuts Hours For Up To 18,500 Workers Over Chip Shortage

    Daimler will cut working hours for up to 18,500 employees and temporarily halt production at two plants in Germany due to a shortage of semiconductor chips that has hit global car production, it said on Wednesday.

    “Currently, there is a worldwide supply shortage of certain semiconductor components,” a spokeswoman said. “We continue to play things by ear.”

    “The situation is volatile, so it is not possible to make a forecast about the impact,” she added.

    Daimler, which makes Mercedes-Benz cars, said workers at its plants in Bremen and Rastatt would have their hours shortened.

    The global shortage stems from a confluence of factors as carmakers, which shut plants during the COVID-19 pandemic last year

    The move will halt production at the factories but allow staff to continue working on special projects. The production halt will take effect from April 23 for one week, initially.

    The global shortage stems from a confluence of factors as carmakers, which shut plants during the COVID-19 pandemic last year, compete with the sprawling consumer electronics industry for chip supplies.

    Cars have become increasingly dependent on chips – for everything from computer management of engines for better fuel economy to driver-assistance features such as emergency braking.

    The shortage of chips has hurt vehicle production at carmakers including General Motors Co, Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Co.

    Earlier on Wednesday, automaker Stellantis said it would replace digital speedometers with more old-fashioned analogue ones in one of its Peugeot models, in a fallout from the shortage of semiconductor chips.

  • Mercedes-Benz Global Sales Up By 22.3% In Q1 2021

    Mercedes-Benz Global Sales Up By 22.3% In Q1 2021

    Mercedes-Benz cars sold 590,999 passenger cars globally in the first quarter of 2021 driven by China and US retail sales as well as strong demand for plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles. This marks a jump of 22.3 percent in sales globally compared to the same period last year. In Europe, one in four cars sold by Mercedes-Benz and smart was an xEV.

    Globally, plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars made up about 10 percent of overall sales, with approximately 59,000 units and thereof more than 16,000 all-electric vehicles sold. The EQA too has been well received after it was launched in January this year. The company already has 20,000 orders for the EQA. Given the strong start, the company is looking to bring in 3 new models the EQS, EQB, and the EQE this year.

    The current worldwide shortage of supply in certain semiconductor components affected deliveries in the first quarter and will continue to affect sales in Q2. The company monitors the situation closely and is in constant contact with the suppliers.

    Sales of Mercedes-Benz in the Asia-Pacific region rose 46.6 percent due to the continuing strong sales development in China: where a new record was achieved with 222,520 cars delivered in Q1. In January, sales in China almost reached the milestone of 100,000 vehicles within a single month. In the Europe region, brand deliveries were despite ongoing lockdown measures in many markets at the beginning of the year slightly above Q1 2020. In Germany, Mercedes-Benz sold a total of 54,446 cars down by 15.4 percent while sales in the North America region totaled 88,318 units showing strong growth of 12.5 percent.

    In India, the company recorded a growth of 34 percent over Q1 202

  • Mercedes-Benz EQS Cabin Revealed

    Mercedes-Benz EQS Cabin Revealed

    The EQS is the luxurious and avant-garde top-of-the-range model from Mercedes-EQ and while we’ve seen teasers from the company, we are looking forward to see what the car is actually like and come April 15, we’ll see the what it looks like. But the company has now revealed what the cabin of the EQS looks like and we have to say it looks something from outer space and the reason we say this is because of the MBUX Hyperscreen that is showcased in the car.

    Though optional, the entire instrument panel is one ultimate widescreen. This determines the aesthetics of the entire cockpit and interior. The real glass appears to drape itself in three dimensions over the entire width of the vehicle like a wave – a unique feature in automotive construction to date.

    The high-resolution screens merge seemingly seamlessly under the shared glass cover. The graphic appearance of their MBUX content is tailored to each other. The MBUX Hyperscreen is integrated into the instrument panel in minimalist fashion. The MBUX Hyperscreen is surrounded only by a thin silver shadow frame, a vent band and a narrow leather frame, reminiscent of the lower volume body of classic instrument panels.

    The vent band spans across the entire width at the top and is very slim at the same time. These extreme proportions, together with the glass wave of the MBUX Hyperscreen, create the avant-garde architecture of the cockpit. For further details on the MBUX Hyperscreen, see separate chapters.

    The front section of the center console joins the instrument panel and stands freely in space. Flowing leather surfaces with intricate seam patterns create a lot of storage space in combination with a large cover made of real wood. The visual impression is both modern and luxurious.

    The base model without MBUX Hyperscreen has a slightly different center console. There is a soft armrest in the rear section. It is first visually interrupted before being transitioned into the floating central display.

    The design of the door panels borrows from the interior design of modern living spaces. Doors and their center panels emerge from behind the MBUX Hyperscreen to span the space. A surface-mounted modular body floats like a sideboard in front of the door panel. It accommodates all necessary door elements such as armrest, door module, pull handle, and map pocket. Circular ambient lighting completes this floating, avant-garde aesthetic in the dark.

    In combination with the AMG Line interior, the EQS is fitted with sports seats. They are characterized by a slim and monolithic shape. The seat surfaces are designed in such a way that they give the impression of draped-on leather blankets. The technical term is “layering”.

    Common features of the seats are the dynamic graphic patterns with highly elaborate, positioned perforations. Here, too, you will find the typical Mercedes-EQ combination of the highest standards in materials, ambiance and workmanship as well as state-of-the-art technology.

    Avant-garde, as well as traditional materials and colors, give the interior a special atmosphere. Eight coordinated color combinations in the interior emphasize the generous feeling of space. The EQS is immersed in a progressive and luxurious color world of warm and cool tones. Colors such as balao brown-neva grey and space grey-macchiato add the finishing touches to the soft and emotive design. The color rosé gold, derived and evolved from the electric coil, emphasizes the design of the vent band and is used as a contrasting color.

    The shape of both seats is outlined by illuminated piping. This creates a unique night-time ambiance. The innovative trim elements make a decisive contribution to the aesthetics in the EQS. Two examples: the anthracite 3D relief-look trim elements feature tiny metal pigments. The different lighting situations in the vehicle subtly change the appearance and create a subtle value appeal.

    Visually, all graphics are designed in a new color world of blue/orange throughout. The classic cockpit display of the two-round dials has been reinterpreted with a digital laser sword in a glass lens. All content relevant to driving can be accessed between the round dials.

    The “sporty” display from the S-Class has been converted into a three-dimensional performance bar and emotively and impressively conveys the respective driving status (Drive, Accelerate, Charge). The central object here is a “G-force puck”, which dynamically moves freely in space in line with the acceleration forces.

    The appearance of the screens can be individualized with three display styles (discreet, sporty, classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).

    In the EQS, the content of the displays is reduced as much as possible and coordinated with the colour change of the ambient lighting in seven screen color worlds. In “Assistance” mode, important events such as lane changes or target distance control as well as the infrastructure and detected other road users (cars, motorbikes, trucks) are displayed.

    Head-up displays are available in two sizes. They contribute to relaxed driving because the driver does not need to look away from the road. The large augmented head-up display is the highlight here, as it shows relevant information and actions three-dimensionally in the actual driving situation and environment.

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Teased Ahead Of Global Debut

    2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Teased Ahead Of Global Debut

    The all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is all set to make its global debut on February 23 and the German carmaker has released a new teaser ahead of its arrival, showing us the silhouette of the new car. Interestingly, the teaser image also shows the silhouette of the C-Class Wagon which is not expected to come to our market but will be sold in the European markets. Now the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been spotted testing multiple times and we have some idea of what all it will get and how it will look like.

    The changes made to the new C-Class are expected to give it more of a baby S-Class look where the design will draw inspiration from the flagship in the German carmaker’s range. The face on the new model looks a bit sharper sporting a slightly protruding nose while it also gets a new and bigger radiator grille. Then there are sleeker headlights while at the rear there are horizontal taillights, similar to those we saw in some of the newer models from the carmaker’s stable.

    Now we are not expecting the new C-Class to be a whole lot different from its predecessor but the makeover surely is expected to add a sense of freshness in its appearance. That said, some significant changes are expected on the inside of the new C-Class, starting with a new dashboard that will sport a neatly integrated touchscreen unit, instead of the tablet-like unit in the outgoing model.

    Now, similar changes are expected on the other models in the C-Class range as well, like the AMG C53 and C63 models, but we expect to see the sedan first. Under the hood of the C-Class sedan, we expect to see the new 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel, and petrol engines along with a mild-hybrid setup. The model is expected to arrive in 2022 in India while we are waiting for the new A-Class limousine to go on sale this year.

  • Daimler AG And Infosys Announce Strategic Partnership For IT Infrastructure

    Daimler AG And Infosys Announce Strategic Partnership For IT Infrastructure

    Daimler AG and Infosys announced a long-term strategic partnership for a technology-driven IT infrastructure transformation. After the receipt of all regulatory approvals, Daimler AG will transform its IT operating model and infrastructure landscape across workplace services, service desk, data center, networks and SAP Basis together with Infosys. The partnership will enable the company to deepen its focus on software engineering and to establish a fully scalable on-demand digital IT infrastructure and anytime-anywhere workplace. The collaboration will empower Daimler to strengthen its IT capabilities, and Infosys, its automotive expertise.

    As software becomes modular, digital infrastructure continues to play an important role in defragmentation. Daimler will work towards a model that ensures a robust IT infrastructure across its plants and regions and supports consolidation of its data centers, scaling its IT operations, and bringing innovations to the fore. Some of the key deliverables from this partnership include – a smart hybrid cloud, leveraging Infosys Cobalt and leading cloud providers, accelerating the multi-cloud journey with a focus on open source adoption. A carbon-neutral solution, by consolidating and rationalizing data centers across all regions. Standardized technology stack by bringing in an eco-system of best of breed partners. Creation of a state of the art Zero Trust network with seamless technology upgrades. Persona-driven and cognitive, AI-powered anytime-anywhere workplace solution that empowers the end-users.

    As a part of this partnership, automotive IT infrastructure experts based out of Germany, wider Europe, the U.S., and the APAC region will transition from Daimler AG to Infosys. Infosys is well placed to realize this transition as an expert having integrated more than 16,000 employees through other partnerships in recent years with a high acceptance, retention, and satisfaction rate. The transfer will also enable Infosys to bolster and grow its automotive business while offering employees strong prospects for long-term career growth and development.

    Talking about the partnership, Jan Brecht, Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Daimler and Mercedes-Benz, said, “Software becomes modular and IT infrastructure becomes big. Daimler will take three steps at once to transform its IT infrastructure: consolidation, scaling, and modernization. We need to think of infrastructure beyond the size of our company. With Infosys we found a partner to scale, to innovate and to speed up. Moreover, this is a strategic partnership for Daimler’s IT capabilities and Infosys’ automotive expertise. Infosys wants to grow with us in the automotive industry, which gives career opportunities for our employees. With this partnership, Daimler also strengthens its overall technology investment and partnership strategy.”

  • Daimler Aims To Double Sales Of Mercedes-Benz’s Maybach Vehicles

    Daimler Aims To Double Sales Of Mercedes-Benz’s Maybach Vehicles

    German luxury carmaker Daimler on Thursday said it plans to double sales of its Maybach-branded Mercedes-Benz vehicles, after selling 12,000 vehicles last year.

    Daimler unveiled its new flagship vehicle, which is based on a Mercedes-Benz S-Class limousine, and which retails starting at $173,000 but can quickly add up to more than $250,000 once options like $3,200 silver champagne flutes are added.

    Daimler plans to make a range of Maybach models, including fully electric variants, Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said during a virtual presentation of the car.

  • Mercedes-AMG GLC 4MATIC Coupe

    Mercedes-AMG GLC 4MATIC Coupe

    Mercedes’ fifth AMG launch in India in 2020 is rather special. For the first time any automaker has considered local assembly of its performance oriented car and it’s the Mercedes-AMG GLC 4MATIC Coupe that is the first made-in-India AMG model to go on sale in India. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 4MATIC Coupe went on sale at ₹ 76.70 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Here’s everything you know about this new model.

  • Mercedes-Benz India Sees Positive Annual Growth Despite Challenging Situations

    Mercedes-Benz India Sees Positive Annual Growth Despite Challenging Situations

    Auto sales have been on the upswing for the last four months. While we still cannot expect any exponential growth this year, thanks to the coronavirus crisis that dampened sales for three months, automakers are expecting sales to be restored and at least inch to breakeven level for the overall year. Even luxury carmakers like Mercedes-Benz India has observed sales getting back on the growth trajectory gradually and the festive season is expected to give automakers the much-needed shot in the arm.

    Speaking to Siddharth Vinayak Patankar, Editior-In-Chief, on the latest Freewheeling with SVP webisode, Martin Schwenk, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Mercedes-Benz India said, “Overall, I think we’re back as a leader brand. Again, we’re back in a completely normal year but we have sales that are comparable to what previous years have done. Overall, we are in the stable mode now and have a good starting base for next year.”

    Now the German carmaker has also started with the local assembly of its performance AMG range in India and that’s indeed a bold move especially at a time when many plans have been put off owing to the Coronavirus crisis. In fact, the German brand is confident that AMG models do have a burgeoning market by segment standards in India making them more affordable by way of localization will help to tap a potential market. “2019 was 50 percent higher in AMG and obviously this year there is some setback as well, but AMG still is doing better than the normal segment. So performance seems to be a little bit stronger in terms of growth, but honestly, the numbers are absolutely much smaller compared to our regular models,” Schwenk added. Mercedes-AMG has launched the locally built GLC 43 Coupe in India at ₹ 76.70 lakh, ex-showroom, India.