Auto Sales 2023: Mercedes-Benz India Clocks Its Best-Ever H1 Sales

Mercedes-Benz India has solidified its position as the leader in the Indian luxury car market, surpassing all previous records in the first half of 2023. The renowned automaker reported its highest-ever H1 sales and an outstanding Q2, cementing its dominance in the industry. During the January-June 2023 period, Mercedes-Benz India retailed 8,528 units, reflecting a growth rate of 12.64 per cent compared to the 7,573 units sold in the same period in 2022. Furthermore, the company's Q2 sales reached an all-time high, with 3,831 units sold, a 7.89 per cent growth compared to the previous year's figure of 3,551 units.

Mercedes-Benz attributes its sales performance to the strong demand for its luxury vehicles, which experienced a 54 per cent growth in H1 2023. Notably, models such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach, Mercedes-Benz GLS Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 garnered strong customer interest. The Mercedes-Benz LWB E-Class remains the top-selling model in India, followed by the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Additionally, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class continues to contribute significantly to the brand's overall market demand.

In response to the growing market trend toward electric vehicles (EVs), Mercedes-Benz India expanded its electric portfolio in H1 2023. The introduction of the Mercedes-Benz EQB and Mercedes-Benz EQS resulted in a tenfold increase in the company's EV sales. To further enhance its EV offerings, Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the Mercedes-Benz EQE by the end of this year, thereby expanding its range of electric vehicles in the country. Furthermore, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC is expected to hit the Indian market in August 2023.

The six-month sales achievement can be attributed to the strong customer preference for the Mercedes-Benz brand, fueled by an attractive product lineup and an omnichannel customer experience created through the 'Retail of the Future' business model. Currently, Mercedes-Benz offers an extensive range of 28 car models in India, the highest number ever provided by the company in the country. The brand's popularity and success are further underscored by a backlog of over 3,500 units.

In comparison to its competitors in the premium car segment, Mercedes-Benz India has been particularly proactive in launching new models, an approach mirrored by BMW India. Meanwhile, Audi India has adopted a more cautious strategy. Mercedes-Benz India boasts the most extensive AMG portfolio in the country, featuring eight impressive AMG models.

On the other hand, Audi India achieved noteworthy sales figures, selling 3,474 units in the January-June 2023 period. This represents a growth rate of 97% compared to the 1,765 units sold in the same period last year. Audi's luxury offerings, including the Audi Q3, Audi Q3 Sportback, Audi Q5, Audi A4, and Audi A6, have received a strong response from the market.

We will update the article once BMW India's sales data is shared.