Indian Luxury Car Sales Performance In 2017: Mercedes-Benz Leads, Followed By BMW
Mercedes-Benz continues to be the best-selling luxury brand in India for third consecutive year in 2017 by registering record sale of 15,330 units in the January to December period. Its volumes increased by 15.9 per cent and clocked highest ever yearly sales.
With regard to segment wise growth, the luxury sedan section grew by double-digit growth and the introduction of the Long Wheelbase E-Class significantly contributed to the volumes.
The GLC, GLE and GLS continue to retain the tag of the highest selling SUV in their respective categories, and contributed strongly to the SUV segment. The SUV segment from Mercedes-Benz, and performance and sports-car brand - Mercedes-AMG both grew by double digit in 2017.
Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented, “2017 was a successful year for us and the decision to introduce the Long Wheelbase E-Class was strategic and highly successful. We are in particular very satisfied with the strong growth in volumes in the C-Class, E-Class and the SUV segment which remains the mainstay of our portfolio.”
Folger further elaborated on their 2018 strategy by saying “Our market strategy is well-founded and highly customer centric, enabling us to contribute to the economy by doubling our volumes in the span of few years.”
In 2018, Mercedes-Benz will introduce products, many without a predecessor in India. There will be a range of AMG products that will make their India debut in 2018. Mercedes-Benz also plans to implement innovative after-sales initiatives and consolidate existing service initiatives.
BMW Group India delivered 9,800 vehicles (BMW + MINI) in 2017, registering a growth of 25 per cent as compared to 2016, thereby becoming the second best-selling luxury car brand in the country.
BMW India sold 9,379 cars in 2017, clocking a notable growth of 25 per cent as compared to 2016. MINI is leading the small-premium car segment in India with 421 MINIs hitting the road in 2017, a growth of 17 per cent as compared to 2016.
In 2017, the BMW sales growth was predominantly driven by the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment, particularly the BMW X1 (compact SAV) and the BMW X5 (premium SAV). The second half of 2017 also saw an acceleration in sales with the launch of the all-new BMW 5 Series.
Vikram Pawah, President – BMW Group India, said, “2017 was a challenging year for the automotive industry in India that adversely affected stability and impacted consumer confidence due to several policy fluctuations. BMW Group India has achieved this successful growth as a result of its robust strategy, a resolute approach in its implementation and absolute commitment to all customers and their needs.”
Audi India stood at the third position with annual deliveries in the market for 2017 stood at 7,876 units.
“Audi completed ten years in India in 2017. With 7,876 deliveries to customers in 2017, we have increased our sales by 2 per cent while earning a profitable growth for our dealer partners,” said Rahil Ansari, Head, Audi India.
“We are now looking forward to the launch of our trendsetting and immensely popular Audi Q5 in its new generation in January 2018. Apart from this, we promise to bring some more exhilarating cars for Audi enthusiasts this year,” added Ansari.
Year 2017 saw 10 launches from the brand with the four rings including the Audi A3 Sedan, Audi A3 Cabriolet, Audi Q3, Audi A4 TDI, Audi Q7 40 TFSI, Audi A5, Audi A5 Cabriolet and Audi S5 amongst others.
Next in line is Swedish company Volvo Cars that has ended the calendar year 2017 with highest ever 2,029 retails, thereby growing by 28 per cent.
The company has attributed this success to the new product launches, start of local assembly, network expansion and brand engagement programmes.
Charles Frump, Managing Director, Volvo Auto India shared, “The Year 2017 indeed has been a record year for us as we witnessed the introduction of some exciting products S60 Polestar, V90 Cross Country and the all new XC60. Successful roll-out of the first locally assembled car, the XC90 emphasises our commitment to India and it is a significant step in our achievement of targets.”
“We are on track to double our segment share to 10 per cent by the end of 2020. 2018 looks even more exciting with a full year sales of the New XC60 and on exciting compact luxury SUV scheduled to be launched mid-year.”
