Mercedes-Benz India sells 3,193 units in Q1 CY2021, up 34%

Luxury passenger vehicle market leader Mercedes-Benz India today announced that it has sold 3,193 new cars in the January-March 2021 period, hinting at a strong recovery ahead. This marks 34% year-on-year growth (January-March 2020: 2,386 units / - 38.6%). The Q1 CY2021 numbers were buoyed by strong January and February sales which remained at pre-Covid level, and also due to the recovery in March sales, which was impacted by the pandemic last year.

Key growth drivers
Volume models including the A-Class Limousine, C-Class, E-Class sedans and GLC, GLE and GLS SUVs are currently witnessing robust customer demand.

According to the company, its sedan portfolio continues its strong show with 53% penetration in total sales followed by the SUV penetration. The E-Class LWB sedan remains the highest=selling model for Mercedes-Benz in Q1 2021, followed by the C-Class. The GLE emerged as the highest-selling SUV in Q1 2021, closely followed by the GLC and the GLS luxury SUV.

There is overwhelming market response to the recently launched A-Class Limousine and Mercedes-Benz India says April and May deliveries for the limousine are already full. The waitlist for key sedans like the A-Class Limousine, C-Class and E-Class ranges from 4-8 weeks and 2-10 weeks for SUVs like the GLC, GLE, GLS and G 350 d.

In what is an indicator of the success of the company’s digital sales initiatives, online booking comprised 19% of new cars – or 606 units – sold in Q1 2021.

Commenting on the Q1 CY2021 performance, Martin Schwenk, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said: “2021 has begun on a strong note for us as we look for substantial sales recovery this year. The Q1 2021 sales momentum combined with the growing availability of volume models, will create a strong base for further recovery in coming quarters. Customers have appreciated our strategy of offering topline products with significant feature and technology enhancements, and we will continue to pursue this in our upcoming products, to create a distinct differentiation in the market. Our Q1 2021 performance makes us confident that this growth momentum can be continued in the coming months as well.”   

“With a solid order bank for most of our volume models extending into months, we are very confident of driving growth back in the coming months. We hence start Q2 with a positive outlook buoyed by the growing availability of our newly introduced models, combined with the market debut of some of the most awaited products that will redefine the luxury segment completely. Our endeavor will remain to keep our customers intrigued with our product introductions and novel customer focused initiatives,” elaborated Schwenk.

Given that the carmaker has outlined all of 15 launches this year, it looks to be on a strong growth trajectory.