Over the years, Mercedes India has attributed its declining market share to the lack of a volume based model in its portfolio. When BMW entered India, Mercedes was the leader in the market. BMW overtook Mercedes for the numero uno position back in 2008.
Later, Audi overtook Mercedes for the second position. Mercedes India complained that because it does not have a volume product like BMW X1 or Audi Q3, it has no way to fight back.
The decision was made to bring a volume product in India by the three-pointed star. However, as there was no entry-level SUV in the portfolio (not expected before 2015), Mercedes decided to bring the B Class MPV to India.
To make things interesting, Mercedes has decided to market the B Class MPV as India’s first Sports Tourer.
Thanks to our friends at GoaOnWheels, we bring you the exciting news that the B Class has reached the dealers. Mercedes Benz India has invited Indian Autos Blog to the Buddh International Circuit on the 19th of this month to experience the car. We're not told if the car will be launched there, but going by the recent developments, the launch is in sight.
The B Class will be launched in India in both petrol and diesel options mated to a 7G-DCT gearbox. It will be loaded with tech such as:
- Speed Limit Assist
- Active Parking Assist
- Brake Hold and Hill Hold Function
- Distronic Plus
- Blind Spot Detection System
- Adaptive Headlamp Assist
The first batch of B Class cars will be fitted with the AMG body kit and will be brought to India via the CBU route. However, it will not be priced like other CBU cars as Mercedes plans to sell volumes to close the gap to Audi and BMW. We expect Mercedes India to absorb most of CBU costs to make sure that the B Class is very lucrative against the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
We are extremely interested in Mercedes India’s marketing activities for the B Class, after all it is going to be India’s first Sport Tourer
[Source: Goaonwheels.com]
