German auto giants Mercedes-Benz and BMW registered an upward trajectory in sales for 2017. Both manufacturers have seen positive sales in the third quarter of the year, and also registered an impressive growth in year-to-date (YTD) sales for 2017. Between January-September 2017, Mercedes-Benz grew by 19.6 per cent with 11,869 units sold; while BMW registered a growth of 17.3 per cent with 7138 units during the same period. The new generation E-Class and 5 Series turned out to be major contributors towards the impressive volumes.
Mercedes-Benz recorded its best ever Q3 in India, selling 4698 vehicles between July and September 2017. The company's sales grew by 41 per cent, as compared to 3327 units sold between July-September 2016. Meanwhile, BMW India, in a statement, said that "its quarterly sales performance (for third quarter) has been at its best since the launch of the new 5 Series." The Bavarian automaker did not reveal the number of units sold during the third quarter of 2017.
(India is the only market globally to get the long wheelbase Mercedes-Benz E-Class)
Both the new generation BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class long wheelbase were introduced earlier this year and have always been popular sellers in the country. Both models are also their respective companies bestselling models for the year. While the new E-Class outsold the C-Class through the year; the new generation BMW 5 Series recorded a growth of 38 per cent in YTD sales.
Speaking about the strong growth, BMW Group India - President, Vikram Pawah, said, "This radical growth is a result of our all-round strategy, our resolute approach in its implementation and our absolute commitment to our customers and their needs. We are moving forward with a clear goal to be the best and set a benchmark in the industry in every aspect, with passion, performance and excellence. We are confident of continuing this momentum as we strongly believe, that leading the growth of the premium car segment in India is more important than anything, even more important than being just Number One."
(The new generation BMW 5 Series has seen a major upgrade on the feature list)
Mercedes-Benz India - MD and CEO, Roland Folger said, "We firmly continue with our leadership position in the Indian luxury car market by clocking our 'best ever' sales results. This growth story is a direct result of our strong customer focused strategy, which has been bearing fruit. This performance gives us confidence that our strategy is in the right path and our patrons prefer our products and service. The unprecedented demand for the Long Wheelbase E-Class Sedan in particular has contributed immensely to our sales success. All our products across segments were highly appreciated by the customers resulting in a steady growth across the NGCs, sedans, SUVs and the AMG cars."
(The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the company's most selling SUV for the year)
While the E-Class and C-Class have been the top selling sedans, Mercedes-Benz India also announced that the GLC was the company's most selling SUV, followed by the GLE. The automaker has launched ten products this year till date, while two more are expected to be launched in the following months. Expect the new S-Class facelift and S-Class Cabriolet to be introduced soon.
