2012 Mercedes Benz R350 CDI 4MATIC MPV launch price Rs.58.9 lakhs for Indian luxury auto market

Mercedes Benz has launched their new MPV R350 CDI 4MATIC which is priced at Rs.58.9 lakhs. It possesses a 2,987 cc V6 diesel engine and is innovatively styled both inside and out. Through the launch of this R350 CDI 4MATIC in the Indian luxury auto market, Mercedes Benz has brought together the performance of a sedan and the all wheel drive capabilities of an SUV.

The vehicle is spacious enough to comfortable seat upto seven adults and considering its height, it offers ample leg and head room even for those in the oversized category. Boot space is at 633 liters which can be extended to 2385 liters as demands increase. It possesses an efficient diesel engine with mileage of 11.25 kmpl which is what will guarantee its immediate appeal.

Fitted with an appealing package of luxuries, the Mercedes Benz R350 comes with LED daytime running lights, steel chassis with air suspension system at the rear making long distance travel comfortable. Adding to its sporty appeal is the existence of an electric sunroof, 18 inch ten spoke alloy wheels and enhanced use of chrome in its exteriors. Besides this, the Mercedes Benz R350 CDI 4MATIC possesses adjustable telescopic steering wheel, memory seats, three zone climate controls and air conditioning even for rear row passengers.

2012 July sales best ever for BMW Group: Sales in Indian luxury auto market almost flat for German car maker

BMW Group has been riding on a high wave ever since the beginning of 2012. Sales have been positive since the start of this year while month of July has seen best ever sales. The company delivered 135,537 units of BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce brand across the globe. This figure stood at 129,102 units in the month of July 2011. This is also the first year during which time the company has seen sales cross the 1 million mark in a period of seven months. BMW Group delivered 1,036,088 units during the period January to July 2012 while in the same period last year the company delivered only 962,493 units.

The year began on a good note and the company is confident of similar performance during the remaining five months. Special success is seen in the recently launched BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe while two more luxury vehicles BMW 7 Series and X1 are expected to be launched during the month which will further accelerate growth.

Sales were particularly positive in countries like India, Japan and China. Asian sales during the first seven months of the year increased by 25% to 274,058 vehicles while sales in July 2012 increased by 20.8% to 36,128 units. Sales of BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase and BMW X1 are expected to contribute to major sales during the rest of the year. Sales of BMW motorcycles however were not as encouraging. During the first seven months of this year BMW Motorrad sales dipped by 3.2% while sales in the month of July saw an 8.3% fall. Sales in Indian luxury auto market is almost flat for the German carmaker this year.

Jaguar Land Rover and Volvo gear up to take on Audi, Mercedes Benz and BMW in Indian luxury auto market

In a bid to supersede other German auto manufacturers such as Audi, Mercedes Benz and BMW on Indian turf, Tata Motors owned Jaguar Land Rover have a host of activities and launched planned for the coming year. New luxury saloons, sports cars and SUVs are lined up and all these will compete in price and performance with the other three German rival companies. Besides new launches, JLR has also planned to concentrate their attention on shifting various R&D activities from the UK into the country.

This decision follows similar steps taken by Renault, GM and Suzuki who will be basing their R&D functions in India. This will not only result in reduced costs for the companies but will also help in various international product development plans. The JLR R&D Centre in India will concentrate on the research and development of future models while also concentrating on product development activities. Special attention will be paid to the demands of customers both in India and China which are fast emerging as major markets for these luxury brands.

Jaguar is also getting ready to launch XJ Ultimate and another two seater F Type sports vehicle in the coming year. These vehicles will be imported from Castle Bromwich, Birmingham. JLR plans on increasing their presence in Indian markets which at present is negligible as compared to those of their German counterparts. Last quarter JLR sold only 514 units while BMW sold 2088 units and Audi sales touched 1908 units. Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Motors said that JLR will be undertaking several developmental projects in the coming years and will be launching sports sedans and sports vehicles to increase their standing in India. While the very British Jaguar Land Rover goes from strength to strength to take on BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Audi in the Indian luxury auto market, Volvo tatgeys becoming the third largest luxury car maker in India by 2020.