Luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz has revealed that over half of its cars sold in India are diesel models. It indicates that diesel vehicles are still in high demand among Mercedes-Benz customers, surpassing the combined sales of petrol and electric models. This trend persists despite a general decline in diesel car sales in some regions, particularly Delhi-NCR, where diesel vehicles are restricted to a maximum usage period of 10 years.
Diesel Sales Breakdown
In an interview, Lance Bennett, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz India, shared insights on the company's sales distribution. He stated, "Diesel represents around 54% of our sales, 6% is EVs, and the balance is petrol. So it's still skewed towards diesel, but we're happy to offer each of those powertrains to our customers. We're seeing that some markets are more receptive to petrol models due to emission norms."
Record Sales Performance
Mercedes-Benz India achieved a record sales figure of 5,412 units between January and March 2024, marking the highest quarterly sales in the luxury segment in India. The company's diesel models have been particularly successful, with popular models like the E-class sedan and GLC SUV commanding a high share of diesel sales.
Powertrain Options and Market Trends
Mercedes-Benz India continues to offer diesel powertrain options across all body styles, catering to the strong demand. This contrasts with some competitors like Audi and Volvo, which have shifted their focus solely to petrol models and electric vehicles. BMW, similar to Mercedes-Benz, also maintains a range of diesel models in its Indian lineup.
Despite the stringent emission norms and usage restrictions in some areas, Mercedes-Benz's strategy of providing a variety of powertrain options, including diesel, has paid off in maintaining strong sales performance. This approach reflects the company's commitment to meeting diverse customer preferences while navigating evolving market conditions and regulatory landscapes.
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