Mercedes-Benz India is toying with the idea of sourcing separate petrol engines for some of its vehicles from Germany to change its production line. This decision has been taken following a ban on sale of high-end diesel vehicles in the National Capital Region.
Talking to reporters after the launch of GLC edition 1, Boris Fitz, Mercedes-Benz Vice President, Sales and Network Development said: “The ban on sale of high-end diesel vehicles hurt our ambitions to some extent. South has done extremely well in this period and has balanced some of our losses in the North.”
To off set the loss in the coming months Merc has sough separate petrol engines for the India market. As the German plant is facing tight production schedule, it would take some more time.
The production line in Chakan, Pune was being changed to meet the growing demand for petrol vehicles. Merc releases its vehicle in both diesel and petrol versions to offer its customers a better choice, he said.
“Changing production line is not easy. It takes a lead time of six-seven months. The Supreme Court is also likely to give its verdict on the ban of sale of high end diesel vehicles by July. We also see an increase in demand for petrol vehicles. We will have a clear strategy by 2017-18,” he said.
Mentioning that the contribution of Southern states in the national sales had increased from 25 per cent in 2014-15 to 30 per cent in 2015-16, he said during the first quarter ended March 2016, south had recorded 36 per cent growth and it outperformed rest of the country. Last year, the company sold 500 vehicles through digital channels.
On Tuesday, Merc announced the roll out of GLC as Edition 1 in both diesel (GLC 220d) and petrol GLC 300 variants. It is priced at Rs.56.70 lakh and Rs.56.90 lakh (ex-Chennai) respectively.
