Mercedes-Benz India sells 7,983 units in pandemic-hit CY2020, down 42%, plans 15 launches in 2021

Mercedes-Benz India, the luxury car market leader, has reported sales of 7,893 cars in CY2020, a year which was largely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and resultant lockdowns across the country. CY2020 sales are down 42.74 percent year on year (CY2019: 13,786).

Globally, Mercedes-Benz sold over two million cars (2,164,187 units) in CY2020, down 7.5%.

Like all over the world, the luxury vehicle market in India has been among the most impacted by the Covid 19-induced lack of demand. Last week, BMW India had reported sales of 6,404 cars in CY2020, down 26%. 

Mercedes-Benz India made a strong comeback in sales after the initial setback in Q2 (563 units), and registered a growth of 40% in Q4 (2886 units) compared to the preceding quarter (Q3: 2,058 units). The Q4 sales performance continued the sales recovery witnessed since Q3 2020, buoyed by availability of new products, strong festive season and an overall positive customer sentiment, influenced by the gradual unlocking of the markets and stabilization of businesses.

Martin Schwenk, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “2020 remained an unprecedented year for the industry and we are glad to make a strong sales recovery for us and our dealers. We are particularly satisfied with the strong Q4 performance registering a 40% growth over Q3, and continuing the sales momentum from the preceding quarters."

"Despite facing prolonged market headwinds, Mercedes-Benz pursued its product strategy, introduced 10 new products that received overwhelming customer response. Mercedes-Benz accomplished significant milestones in form of introducing the first ever luxury EV in India, the EQC, and rolling out the first ‘Made in India AMG’, GLC 43 Coupe, underlining the resilience we all displayed,"he added.

“We remain cautiously optimistic and are confident of continuing the sales momentum gained, despite facing pandemic triggered market upheavals. Mercedes-Benz India cautiously optimistic and we back it up with 15 new or renewed products and innovations in doing business. 2021 will be a product packed year, which we are confident will translate into excitement for customers and our dealer partners, he added.

Key sales drivers came from the sedans, the SUVs and the Mercedes-AMG cars. The Long Wheelbase E-Class sedan continues its sales success across markets and remains the single highest selling model for the brand in January-December 2020 period. The SUVs comprising the GLC, GLE and the GLS maintained their momentum, with the GLC remaining the most popular SUV in the portfolio. The GLE and GLS witnessed strong customer traction.

Fourteen percent  of Mercedes-Benz’s sales penetration in 2020 was through online bookings

Fifteen products for 2021
Mercedes-Benz India is planning a 15-product launch in 2021, comprising a mix of models across body shapes, some without any predecessor in the Indian market. Starting Q2, the all-new A-Class Limousine, New GLA, AMG GT Black Series are some of the most promising products lined up for a 2021 debut.