Mercedes-Benz on Tuesday launched the latest versions of its super-luxury sedan Maybach, marking the German carmaker's 125th anniversary. The iconic saloons available in India are two top-of-the-line variants — Maybach 62 that comes with a price tag of Rs.5.10 crore and Maybach 57 S at Rs.4.85 crore.
Tailor-made as per the requirements of each individual's choice and requirements, the new Maybach saloons are powered by 12-cylinder engines that deliver 630 hp of power and can clock top-speed of over 250 km an hour.
“The super-luxury sedan are designed with meticulous attention to detail, built in our state-of-the-art manufacturing factory and kitted out with 21st-century automotive technology,” Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Peter T. Honegg told journalists here.
“I am convinced that India in a foreseeable future will be in a global premium league. In Asia, India is the second biggest market for luxury cars after China. This is the right time to enter the market for such products…there are people in India who can afford this personally-crafted sedan,” he added. The German carmaker will take 6-9 months for delivery of the car, which can be customised according to buyers' choices and needs.
Declining to give any sales targets for Maybach in the domestic market, Mr. Honegg said in China, the company sold 20-30 units each year. Worldwide, the market for such hi-end luxury cars was around 1,000 units a year. In India, some of the major players in the segment include Rolls Royce, Bentley, Bugatti and Porsche.
Asked about his comments on Mercedes-Benz losing its leadership position in India for two consecutive years to BMW, Mr. Honegg said: “The No.1 position is not the ultimate target…we are here to sell cars. We have gained some market share last year. We are not afraid of competition, competition helps you and it is necessary.” Notably, Mr. Honegg has recently taken over as head of Mercedes-Benz India. While BMW sold 6,246 units in India in 2010, Mercedes-Benz sales stood at 5,819 cars. The luxury car market in India is estimated at around 15,000 units annually.
