Earlier this week, we got a chance to interact with Mr. Eberhard Kern the newly appointed MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India at the inauguration of T&T Motors, Mercedes Benz' newest dealership in South Delhi.
The reason why our story is concise is because Mr. Kern likes his replies simple, short and straight. Scroll down and enjoy the answers to the question you might have been keen to know answers for.
When will the A Class be launched in India?
We haven’t set the date yet but roughly in summer 2013 (CBU).
You introduced the B Class only with a petrol powertrain. Are you going to do something similar with the A Class?
No, the A Class comes with both petrol and diesel engines. I have to explain a bit as to why the B Class was launched with a petrol engine last year. India is a Euro 4 diesel market and we decided not to just bring in a Euro 5 and use trial and error method. We knew it will take months of time in order to adjust the engine for the Euro 4 diesel but we have finished the trials and we will launch it soon.
How many cars have you planned to assemble at your Chakan plant?
We are assembling 5 cars in India namely the C Class, E Class, S Class and the ML Class..and starting in March (2013), the GL.
When will the facelifted E Class launch in India?
This year.
What are your views about the all-new S Class?
It’s a great car. You know the S Class always was and still is today in the last year of its lifecycle the undisputed market leader worldwide in the luxury segment and the new S-Class am sure will continue the story.
When is it coming to India?
It “will” come to India. I cannot comment as to when!
