In the fast growing segment of luxury cars in India, BMW retained its leadership position for the second consecutive year even as Mercedes-Benz and Audi continued to record excellent growth.
BMW delivered 6,246 cars in 2010, recording 73 per cent growth in sales and capturing 40 per cent market share in the luxury car segment, which is estimated at around 15,000 units annually. Its 3 Series and 5 Series showed splendid performance with sale of 2,432 (111 per cent growth) and 2,403 units (51 per cent growth), respectively. The total number of cars sold in the domestic market exceeded the company's target of 4,200 units in 2010.
“In 2010, we embarked on the second wave of India market offensive with a carefully planned and passionately executed business strategy. In terms of the sales growth rate, India was among the top three markets for BMW after China, which saw over 80 per cent growth. India and Korea followed it at around the same level,” said BMW India President Andreas Schaaf.
Similarly, Mercedes-Benz sold 5,819 cars in 2010, the highest-ever sales figure registered by the company. Its sales volumes grew by 80 per cent during the year, with key growth drivers being its E-Class model (2,490 units), C-Class (2,070 units) and the SUV range (523 units). It also registered its best-ever December sales at 710 units, registering growth of 115 per cent. The strategy of Mercedes-Benz for the Indian market has been focused on offering a comprehensive product portfolio, delivering the highest value to the customer as well as ensuring world class sales, after sales and vehicle ownership experience. These initiatives coupled with aggressive product launches and network enhancement to smaller towns and cities have reinforced the strong traction with the Indian market in 2010.
Another leading luxury car-maker Audi sold 3,003 units in 2010, thus growing at 81 per cent. It had sold 1,658 cars in 2009. Sales for December stood at 212 cars, recording a growth of 96 per cent. It is eyeing 50 per cent growth in 2011. “We have exceeded our projected goals for the third year in succession…we expect to see further growth this year, thanks to our aggressive product offensive beginning with the Audi A8 L and a slew of other exciting launches during the year. The launch of the new A6 later this year will also deliver additional momentum. We will continue to expand and strengthen our existing network across the country and are focused towards enhancing the overall customer experience,” said Audi India Head Michael Perschke.
