Merc’s Rs 3 crore electrical G-Glass offered out at launch

NEW DELHI: Mercedes-Benz on Thursday drove in certainly one of India’s most-expensive electrical vehicles, bringing within the inexperienced model of its iconic SUV, the G-Class, priced at Rs 3 crore (ex-showroom).
The corporate, which offered practically 20,000 vehicles final 12 months at a progress of 12%, mentioned it was already stocked out of the brand new electrical G (G580) and can begin taking contemporary orders solely from the second half of the 12 months. A complete of 85 vehicles alloted for India have been offered out.
Mercedes, which leads the luxurious automotive market in India forward of rivals comparable to BMW, Audi and Jaguar Land Rover, mentioned demand within the phase nonetheless stays wholesome and is specifically robust within the top-end automobiles (TEV) class, which includes of vehicles priced upwards of Rs 1.5 crore.
“Whereas the entry luxurious market was practically flat, we noticed a sturdy 20%-plus progress within the TEV phase, the place we additionally promote the AMG vary of automobiles,” Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO of Mercedes India instructed TOI after launching the G580 EV. “One out of each 4 vehicles that we offered was a TEV. We’re hopeful that the momentum can be maintained this 12 months too, and gross sales can be wholesome. In truth, we begin the brand new 12 months with a powerful 2,000-odd automotive order financial institution. This provides us numerous confidence to maneuver into 2025.”
The corporate has been specializing in pushing the gross sales of EVs, and now has seven inexperienced vehicles in its portfolio. “The share of EVs to our gross sales has been rising steadily. In opposition to round 2.5% in 2023, the share of EVs was about 6% final 12 months, and we hope to shut this 12 months at round 10%.”
The corporate plans to roll out eight new fashions this 12 months, together with electrics, to push the gross sales of greens in addition to the core internal-combustion engine (ICE) portfolio.
The Pune-headquartered firm plans to reinforce its gross sales community within the nation with 20 new shops deliberate this 12 months. It presently has presence throughout 125 places in 50 cities.
Iyer mentioned the corporate’s franchise companions have dedicated to take a position over Rs 450 crore for the retail push. “The funding will go not solely into new shops, however in additionally modernising the present set-up.”
The corporate goes to smaller cities and cities to create new gross sales potential. “We’re shifting nearer to clients. We’re arising in new markets like Jammu, Patna, Kanpur, and Agra.”