In line with its aim to expand dealer network in India, Mercedes-Benz has launched its dealership in Vijayawada. The 3S - Sales, Services & Spares - facility was inaugurated by Mercedes Benz India Managing Director and CEO Roland S. Folger on Monday.
The facility is spread over 20,000 square feet comprising a showroom and a workshop on which the dealers Mahavir Motors invested Rs.5 crore.
Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Folger said that Mercedes Benz welcomed the Indian Government’s decision to advance the standard for cleaner cars and leapfrog to Bharat Stage-VI emission norms by April 2020.
The company plans to roll out Bharat Stage-VI compliant vehicles by April 2018, which is two years ahead of the deadline. That is something we can really applaud stronger and earlier contributions in cleaning the air. Not only locally manufactured and imported but the entire fleet would comply with Bharat Stage-VI emission norms, he said.
Mr. Folger was modest in his reply when asked about the company bagging the top slot in terms of annual sales leaving behind Audi in the second spot in 2015.
Frankly speaking, it would be gloating to comment on it. Really it’s not a good attitude. This is just the beginning of a race. You need to challenge yourself to save number one position. As soon as you start thinking you can rest, everyone will surpass you. We need to understand the core of business is to keep customers happy. The competitors are just waiting to steal the march. Year after year, month after month and day after day, we need to provide the best services. “The customers say we are number one.” The customers are unforgiving and the companies need to meet their expectations.
A “halo effect” on expectations can be seen as Indian customers are more value-driven than price conscious, as the perception often is. They are well-read, well-researched and passionate about their purchases, he said. On A.P. market, Mr. Folger said the company had no plans to set up any manufacturing unit in the State. Neither the company has expansion plans. Vijayawada facility would cater to the needs of Visakhapatnam also.
“Our study shows that Vijayawada market is bigger than Vizag,” he said.
