Mercedes-Benz India plans local production of EQS, 2021 sales up 42 percent

Mercedes-Benz India sold 11,242 cars in 2021, a 42.5 percent jump over 2020 (2020 sales: 7893 cars). With a 41 percent market share – the luxury car maker holds on to strong lead for seven years in a row. Managing Director and CEO, Martin Schwenk made these announcements at a virtual press meeting to announce the brand’s sales number. Mercedes-Benz India will start local production of its all-electric EQS in in 2022 as it tries to enhance its EV portfolio in India and lead the EV segment.

“In a year of several challenges, we were successful in exciting the market with regular product introductions. The year 2021 remains a strong foundation for creating a robust and sustainable roadmap for the future,” he said.

According to Schwenk, sales volumes were affected by substantial challenges on the supply side triggered by the pandemic in Q2 even as the semiconductor shortage impacted the entire Q4 deliveries.

Schwenk also announced ‘YOU First’, the company’s 2022 motto. As part of this, Mercedes India is  committed to launching new products such as the S-Maybach as well as products across the AMG and EQ portfolios, technologies like MBUX Hyperscreen for customers, curated customer services and best-in-class warranties. For franchise partners, Mercedes will assist in their transition to the emerging era of electric mobility, and provide upskilling programs to service future products from the EQ brand.

For the larger community, Mercedes said will undertake initiatives towards the use of eco-friendly power its production unit. For its staff, vaccination support as well as creating a strong talent pool will be key priorities in 2022.

In 2021, Mercedes’ top-seller was the long wheelbase E-Class, and its highest-selling SUV was the GLC. Key volume drivers included the A-Class Limousine, S-Class luxury sedans and the GLA, GLE and GLS SUVs. The AMG segment saw a growth of over 100 percent but some CBU models remain in the long waitlist, the company said. Its total order bank for calendar 2021 was over 3,000 units.