Mercedes-Benz India has looking at increasing the allocation of the A-Class and B-Class car models from its parent company Mercedes Benz (Germany) in order to meet the increasing demand for such cars in India.
The German carmaker is also planning to increase the number of car models assembled in India including the A-Class and B-Class models as well as other global compact cars such as the CLA sedan and GLA sports utility vehicle.
Commenting on sales performance of the A-Class model in India, Mr. Eberhard Kern Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India stated that every fourth car sold by Mercedes-Benz in India is a compact car.
In the period of April-June 2013 quarter, the automaker sold a total of 1,756 units in comparison to 1,327 units sold in the same period in 2012. Mr. Kern added that the automaker currently has a waiting period of approximately 2 months for the A-Class and the B-Class car models.
Both car models are imported as completely built units from Germany. Mr. Kern states that the final decision on whether these car models will be assembled in India is still awaited and may be taken early next year 2014. He added that the capacity at the Chakan plant is being increased by 20,000 units by 2014.