Mercedes-Benz India reported sales growth of 40% for the period January to August in 2011 selling 4,890 units compared to 3,495 units in 2010 for the same period. Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director (Sales & Marketing) Mercedes-Benz India, also commented that more business is expected from its venture into the retail car leasing business opening a new marketing channel for the company.
Until 2009, the company had been ruling the Indian luxury car segment and was replaced by its rival BMW as the top carmaker in 2010. Being the second largest luxury carmaker in India, Mercedes-Benz India has decided to launch its retail car leasing business in the month of September 2011 in the hope that it will help it regain the top position. It further plans to launch a series of new cars and expand its dealership network in the Indian car market. Upto ten new brands are being planned to be launched by Mercedes-Benz and views at capturing the top position by the year 2015. The company has associated with Formula 1 Grand Prix scheduled to be held in India from October 28 to October 30, 2011.