Mercedes-Benz India inaugurates its dealership in Surat

Mercedes-Benz India today formally inaugurated its new state-of-the-art luxury dealership – Benchmark Cars in Surat. This new dealership was inaugurated at the hands of Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, managing director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India & Sanjay Thakker, chairman & Managing Director, Landmark Group. The event also witnessed unveiling of the two latest models from the Mercedes-stable: the E 250 and the E 250 CDI BlueEfficiency.

 

Spread over an area of 16,000 sq. ft., Benchmark Cars has a team of trained & dedicated personnel. Strategically located on Dumas Road, this showroom embodies all the brand attributes of Mercedes-Benz with facilities like a magnificent showroom, drive-in valet service, a luxurious customer lounge and well trained staff. The service centre is equipped with 3 mechanical bays with trained service personnel geared to ensure quick, efficient service delivery.

 

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, CEO and managing director of Mercedes-Benz India mentioned: "Tier-II cities are rapidly emerging as the powerhouse of the new India and Surat is a shining example. The city has a good base of young entrepreneurs as well as professionals and establishment of Benchmark Cars- our dealership for Mercedes-Benz cars in Surat is a clear recognition of this potential."

 

Sanjay Thakker, also spoke about the new venture: "Surat and nearby markets represent a significant potential for us. Mercedes-Benz is an iconic brand and enjoys tremendous aspirational value. Our efforts will be to ensure customer delight and also to reach out to the existing and potential customers in a step-by-step manner."

 

Mercedes-Benz India has indicated an investment of Rs. 150 crore in network expansion and upgradation in 2009 – 2010 along with its network partners. The company has an extensive network with presence across 26 cities represented by more than 45 touch points across India with which is the largest as compared to any luxury player in India.

 

Recently, Dr. Aulbur had also dismissed reports that the company was losing out its numero uno status to BMW. Terming the competitor's lead a product cycle issue, he said: "We had only limited completely knocked down kits of the E-Class, which sold faster than we thought. We sold 686 kits and the demand was around 1,000 and we sold 1,600 cars of the C-Class," he said. Mercedes-Benz is intent on reclaiming the number one spot in the Indian luxury car market with sales in excess of 4,000 units this year.

TOI has reported that Mercedes Benz is internally targeting 40-50 per cent growth during this year against last year when sales had bottomed out due to the economic slowdown in the first quarter and non-availability of its E-Class vehicle in the next quarter.