Mercedes-Benz India sets newer benchmark in customer interactivity

Mercedes-Benz India sets newer benchmark in customer interactivity, introduces iSales for sales force

• Sales Personnel to be equipped with iPads to stay connected with growing customer base
• iPads to be equipped with the new iSales application
• The application enables customers to virtually experience the cars and define features of choice
• Faster consumer reach through the unique initiative in line with ‘Go to Customer’ strategy

Mumbai - Reiterating its commitment towards the brand philosophy ‘Best or Nothing’, Mercedes-Benz India has introduced a technological innovation by launching the new i Sales application for the new age tech savvy customers. Mercedes-Benz India will be equipping all its sales consultants with Apple iPads containing the revolutionary iSales application. The application will give a virtual access to Mercedes-Benz cars to the customers where they can engage and customize them before booking the car. The objective to launch the application is to connect with the evolved young customers of Mercedes-Benz.

Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, commented:

“In this age of glocalisation our customers always want to be in touch with the world on the go, and our iSales platform will not only give them an access to the world of Mercedes-Benz but also they can virtually experience the fascinating range of Mercedes-Benz cars and customize accordingly their choices be-fore booking the car. Mercedes-Benz cars are equipped with numerous sophisticated features which will be explained in details by the iSales giving our customers no reason to compromise while buying the car.”

He further added “The iSales also enables our discerning customers to view Daimler Financial Services options and also lease returns without any hassles of paper work. We are sure that our sales personnel will be more connected now with the customers and prospects by the help of this amazing application. iSales initiative is an integral part of Mercedes-Benz India’s strategy to reach to our customers faster and fascinate them with novel initiatives. This interactive medium will truly be a world in itself and our customers will be able to explore the soon to be launched B-Class for the specifications and also explore its features.”

Mercedes-Benz cars come with numerous path breaking innovations in the technological space. iSales will enable customers to get proper knowledge about the products and equipment fitted in the cars before making their decisions. This initiative from Mercedes-Benz India yet again is another first amongst any automaker in India. The iSales application will provide a 360 degree view of the cars along with features like customization of colours, accessories, equipment and interiors. The customers can customize the car using the tools and thereby creating their dream car by a simple touch. The iSales also has a finance option where the sales consultants can book an order from a customer within minutes of the confirmation. The iSales application is designed to give the customers a real time experience with its superior graphics and smooth detailing. Mercedes-Benz currently has dealership network spread across 31cities and 72 touch points and plans to increase by 15 touch points yearly. The tier II and tier III cities will be very beneficial as they can be in touch with the sales and service personnel anytime, anywhere.

Sporty and aggressive C-Class AMG Performance Edition

Mercedes-Benz India ushers in the sporty and aggressive C-Class AMG Performance Edition

C-Class AMG Performance Edition

• Introduction of AMG Sports Package: The enhanced driving dynamics of the C-Class AMG Performance Edition gets more accentuated with an aggressive exterior and a dynamic interior

• Sporty Exteriors with AMG Body Styling: 17-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, perforated front brake discs and sports suspension

• Luxurious & Sporty Interiors with AMG Sports Package: Steering wheel gear shift paddles, 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with 12 function keys in nappa leather, instrument cluster featuring 3 analogue dials with tapered tube-style surrounds, high-resolution of 11.4 cm (4.5-inch)  & TFT colour display

Mercedes-Benz India today launched the new C-Class AMG Performance Edition with added AMG Sports Package. The C-Class 250 CDI Avant-garde has been hailed as the most aggressive vehicles in its class in terms of handling and driving dynamics. The AMG Sports Package translates this dynamism and aggression through the overall look and feel of the vehicle now. The AMG Sports package comprises carefully coordinated features for a sportier exterior and adds to the contours of the interior ambience, lending an enhanced driving dynamics.

The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition sets newer standards in its segment by offering an aggressive road presence and integrating safety, comfort and agility. The New C-Class has been one of the most important and iconic model series from Mercedes-Benz stable, and has been an epitome of luxury and comfort making it one of the most popular vehicles in the segment.

 Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India: “The C-Class has been one of the most successful sedans from the Mercedes-Benz portfolio and has received overwhelming customer traction since its launch. We have sold close to 15,000 units of the C-Class since its launch in India in 2001. With the launch of the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition; Mercedes-Benz aims to redefine the luxury entry level sedan segment. The new C-Class AMG Performance Edition will offer our connoisseurs a more enhanced driving experience, incorporated with the added features of the AMG styling, which is revered for its sporty and dynamic attributes globally. Mercedes-Benz’s constant endeavour has been to innovate and delight its diverse customer base through exciting products and world class service standards. We are confident that the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition will continue to excite our growing customer base and fans of AMG styling.”

The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition with AMG Sports Package adds to the exemplary visual appeal of its predecessors by adding more aggressive and sporty renderings. The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition’s exterior now comes with AMG body styling with a front and rear apron, and side sill panels. The 17-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels give the car a much more aggressive look which is enhanced further by the front brake calipers with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering. The Perforated front brake discs and a new Sports suspension are some of the distinctive features which make driving the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition more engaging.

The additional renderings of the AMG Sports Package include the tailpipe trim which now comes in polished stainless steel. The sporty look of the car is now more distinguished with the daytime running lamps with chrome surrounds.

A distinctive sporty look greets the interior which now has a 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with 12 function keys in Nappa leather. The steering wheel is further accentuated with a red contrasting topstitching with flattened lower section, and a perforation in the grip area making long drives comfortable. Adding to the ease of driving, the steering wheel now also comes with gear shift paddles.

The AMG Sports Package in the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition provides a superlative look to the interior with a new instrument cluster which features the 3 analogue dials with tapered tube-style surrounds. The high-resolution 11.4 cm (4.5-inch) TFT colour display adds a whole new level of sophistication to the interior of the car.

Other AMG Sports Package renderings, which endow the plush interiors of the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition with a sporty look, are in the form of aluminum-look gearshift/selector lever with leather gaiter, a brushed stainless steel AMG sports pedals with black rubber studs and a headlining in black fabric. The floor mats too now comes in black with AMG lettering pronounced.

With a redesigned dashboard, new instrument cluster, equipped with an integrated colour display and revamped upholstery, the New C-Class has witnessed a complete makeover in its interiors, offering the customers a deluxe travelling opportunity.

The C-Class AMG Performance Edition is priced at INR 34, 62,609 ex-showroom in Mumbai.

Contact:  

Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd.: Tel. 021 35673000

Manas Dewan: e-mail: manas.dewan@daimler.com

Shekhar Das Chowdhury: e-mail: shekhar.daschowdhury@daimler.com

Ghazal Javed: e-mail: ghazal.javed@daimler.com

Mercedes-Benz wins The Plus X Award

Mercedes-Benz honored as the world’s most sustainable automobile manufacturer

Mercedes-Benz was honored with a total of five awards at the presentation of the world’s biggest innovation prize for technology, sport and lifestyle in Cologne.

Not one but two vehicles won the prestigious Plus X Award: the new A-Class in the category “Innovation, High Quality, Design and Ease of Use” and the new E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID in the category “Innovation and Ecology”. In addition, both vehicles received seals of approval as the “Best Product of 2012”; the A-Class as the best compact vehicle and the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID as the best luxury vehicle. Furthermore the jury of the Plus X Award honored Mercedes-Benz with a special award as the world’s most sustainable automobile manufacturer.

The jury honored the diversity of the pioneering drive concepts from Mercedes-Benz as well as the strong and successful commitment to the development of new concepts for urban mobility, in particular the car sharing solution car2go, with the “Plus X Award for Sustainability” special award.

The Plus X Award, now in its ninth year, is the world’s biggest innovation prize for products from the technology, sport and lifestyle sectors. The Plus X Award seals of approval are awarded in seven different categories – Innovation, High Quality, Design, Ease of Use, Functionality, Ergonomics and Ecology. The “Best Product of the Year” honor goes to a product that garners more seals than the other products in its product category.

Leading up the Automotive Scene

Aggressive Looks, Enhanced Dimensions, Refined Performance and Green footprint: The New M-Class from Mercedes-Benz sets a new benchmark among luxury SUVs in India

Now in its third generation, the M-Class is the most popular SUV from the Mercedes-Benz stable with over 1500 units already sold in India. The new M-Class with its aggressive looks, larger dimensions and green footprint has raised the bar for luxury SUVs in India. The best in Class SUV with Active Parking Assist, Airmatic Air Suspension, 20 inches AMG Body styling & Alloy wheels, Easy pack Tailgate, Designo Leather Interiors and Mini Spare wheel included in the standard fitments

Power packed with technology and gadgets the new M-Class introduces several concepts into the SUV segment for the first time- like Attention assist, Eco start stop, Reversing Camera etc. Legendary Mercedes technology, safety and robustness earned it the Euro 5 star rating from EURO NCAP

Mercedes-Benz India introduced the powerful, agile and luxurious new third generation M-Class, sporting the Mercedes-Benz new design language, to the market. The New M-Class stays true to the lineage of its predecessors and drives into the future with better fuel efficiency, new look and superior performance. The New M-Class exemplifies Mercedes-Benz’s philosophy of the ‘Best or Nothing’ being the engineering marvel that it is. 

Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India explains: “At the start of this year we had promised to introduce exciting new models into the market. We are proud to present today the New M Class, built to perform with the highest precision and follows the Mercedes-Benz new design language. We are confident that the quality of drive and the luxurious experience it can deliver will be a big hit with the customers and it will be warmly received.”

Aggressive design language:  The design of the M-Class is a trailblazing further development of the SUV concept. The unmistakable style makes the W166 series instantly recognizable as an M-Class. The horizontal lines at the rear emphasize the vehicle's on-road character. These lines are picked up in the cockpit, with its compelling combination of ergonomic, practical design and the use of high-grade materials.

What’s New?

This new edition of the M-Class, now in its third generation, sets new benchmarks in SUV design, technology and performance. The NEW M-Class sports powerful exterior and interior design featuring high – quality details, following the interpretation of a contemporary SUV. 

The vehicle leads the field in safety, comfort, quality feel over its competitors. The pinnacle of comfort and load compartment capacity offering ease of handling,  on and off-road.

Keeping true to the new design language, the new M-Class has been envisioned with a much sleeker frame as compared to its predecessor. Though the vehicle is significantly larger it does not make it look bulkier. There is an overall increase in the length and width of the car.

 A true off-roader,  the New M-Class has been fitted with technology that would help customized settings for engine performance, automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electronic Traction System all at the touch of the off-button on the console.

Safety is a primary mover for Mercedes-Benz; the New M-Class is packed with safety technology. It has nine strategically located airbags that ensures the safety of its passengers upon collision / accident. Additionally it is built with a PRE-SAFE technology that helps prevent such instances.

Protection of the environment is a key task of every individual; the New M-Class has been built with this thought in mind. The vehicle has been built with the ECO start-stop function, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions- by automatically switching off the engine during traffic jams or traffic signals.

Making the drive more pleasurable is the technology that has been packed into the new generation such as ATTENTION ASSIST, that alerts the driver on detection of drowsiness on longer trips; an Active Parking Assist with integrated PARKTRONIC technology, and a new rearview camera that increases comfort and provides a real safety plus.

The NEW M-Class sets the bar higher for a Luxury SUV in driver’s delight, passenger convenience and overall safety, a testimony of which is the prestigious EURO NCAP 5 Star rating awarded to the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz – A True Leader

Mercedes-Benz India expands its footprint in Haryana, inaugurates new dealership at Karnal

• First luxury car dealership in Karnal spread over 34,000 sq. ft. area; investment of over Rs. 30 million.
• Boasts of a display area showcasing the exciting range of Mercedes-Benz cars, boutique display showcase, and exclusive customer lounge creating a delightful customer experience.
• An integrated 3S State-of-art facility on GT Karnal Road which will boast of displaying a total of 11 cars with complete mechanical and Body & Paint workshop is under development.
• Densest network among all luxury car makers in India with 70 touch points in 31 cities.

Continuing its commitment to reach out to new customers, Mercedes-Benz India announced the inauguration of its first state-of-art dealership at Karnal, Haryana. Spread over 34,000 sq. ft., and built with an investment of Rs. 30 million, Berkeley Motors is Karnal’s first ever luxury car dealership primely located at the city’s automobile hub at 118-119 Km Stone, GT Road. The new dealership was inaugurated by Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India and Mr. Sanjay Dahuja, Managing Director, Berkeley Motors.

Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India remarked: “Inauguration of Berkeley Motors, the first ever dealership by a luxury car manufacturer at Karnal, is reaffirmation of our long standing association, deep commitment and thorough understanding of the Indian market. As part of our successful ‘Go to Customer’ strategy we are committed to reaching out to more customers and give them the Mercedes-Benz experience of Best or Nothing, which is core to our brand philosophy . I am confident that Berkeley Motors will offer the disconcerted customers of Karnal and nearby areas, the excitement associated with brand Mercedes-Benz through our fascinating product range and distinct world class service.”

Created over a span of two months, the provisional facility of Berkeley Motors, Karnal is spread over a total area of 34,000 sq. ft. embracing a well structured showroom and the full-fledged workshop. Strategically located in the automobile hub of the city at 118-119 Km Stone, GT Road, the new dealership has been established with an investment of Rs. 30 million (3 Crores). The new interim dealership has been designed and created to provide a fascinating ‘Mercedes-Benz experience’ for the customers. In addition to the interim facility, a State-of-art 3S facility on GT Karnal Road which will boast of displaying a total of 11 cars with complete mechanical and Body & Paint workshop is under progress.

 This interim facility at Berkeley Motors includes a Drive-in valet service, exclusive customer lounge combined with the display of a wide range of Mercedes-Benz cars. The accessories arenas, an engaging audio-visual presentation, a boutique collection are some of the elements that will introduce the customer to the world of Mercedes-Benz. Berkeley Motors has dedicated and hand-picked personnel to assist the customers in making the purchase of their dream Mercedes-Benz a hassle free one. Towards this, Berkeley Motors has a qualified & experienced team of committed personnel who will take care of the sales, after-sales and service requirements of the customers.

Equipped with highest quality Mercedes-Benz equipment and trained manpower, the workshop of Berkeley Motors has been built at par with the brand’s stringent universal benchmark. Berkeley Motors boasts of a workshop that can take care of customer service requirements and service 6 cars each day. The workshop can undertake general repairs and accident jobs, spares; round the clock after sales support and also have a separate driver’s lounge. Mr. Sanjeev Dahuja, Managing Director, Berkeley Motors commented on the inauguration: “I am extremely delighted to present the city’s first ever luxury car dealership to the customers of Karnal. To be associated with the Three Pointed Star is a matter of immense prestige and we are delighted at this opportunity. At Berkeley Motors we are inspired by Mercedes-Benz’s brand philosophy of ‘Best or Nothing’ and we will ensure the customers of Karnal and nearby cities are offered Mercedes-Benz’s globally famed vehicle ownership experience enabled through its fascinating and emotion evoking product range and benchmarking service standards.”

With the inauguration of Berkeley Motors, the first ever luxury car dealership at Karnal, Mercedes-Benz remains the leading luxury car brand with the densest sales and services network penetration in India with 70 touch points spread over 31 Indian cities.

Encouraged by its novel and benchmarking ‘Go to Customer’ initiatives like inauguration of the Star Lounge, offering the Star Lease, organizing Star Drive, opening of Trendz concept stores, inauguration of AMG Driving Academy at BIC and rolling-out of Star Showcase across the country; Mercedes-Benz remains confident of its strong growth and further expanding its footprint in the dynamic Indian market.

The Stars Lead the way

When it comes to the pinnacle of automotive engineering, you only need to turn to the Stars to find your way. With last weekend’s win of the Mercedes-Benz GP team at Shanghai China, the brand has once again reiterated this fact.

Mercedes-Benz has for long been a true leader in the automotive space. Not just the inventors of the automobile, the very genes of innovation run through our veins. The company has established itself in every aspect of automotive engineering, including performance, safety and luxury. Over 80% of all automotive patents are owned by Mercedes-Benz. We help define the future of mobility with innovations such as BLUE EFFICIENCY.  Our innovations have moved beyond occupants and keep in mind the safety of pedestrians as well with innovations like the ACTIVE SAFETY bonnet.  

We have pioneered several initiatives in the Indian market, creating benchmarks for other luxury automotive brands. We established the AMG Driving Academy in India, an event where people could learn how to handle top –of-the-line vehicles with the help of experts. The MercedesTrophy redefines luxury golfing in India for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Our StarDrive initiative is the first in its segments and offers a unique test-driving experience that tests the mettle of our Stars. We even offer more car, per Star, with our unique Star Lease program that allows you to lease a Mercedes-Benz car without any hassle of maintenance.

The recent Formula One win is another stellar example of a new beginning and how we will lead the way in the near future.

World Green Car Award 2012 Goes To Mercedes-Benz

At the annual World Green Car awards corresponding with the New York International Auto Show, Mercedes garnered for the second time this award which distinguishes the world’s most efficient cars. Initially won in 2007 by the carmaker’s E 320 BlueTEC, this year’s award was garnered by the Mercedes-Benz S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. It overcame 23 other entries such as the Ford Focus Electric and the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid.

The S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is the first four-cylinder engine used in the S-Class, with the diesel unit triumphing fuel consumption levels of just 5.7 litres per 100 kilometers. Says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Board of Management, responsible for Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, “The highly efficient gasoline and diesel engines in the S-Class show that our customers can drive a luxury vehicle with a clear conscience. The S250 CDI is the most remarkable example: with a fuel consumption of only 5, 7 l per 100 km, the S250 CDI is the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in the world.”

To be entitled for the 2012 World Green Car award, a vehicle had to be all-new, or noticeably revised, in production, and announced for sale or lease to the public in quantities of at least 10 in at least one major market during the period beginning Jan. 1, 2011 and ending May 30, 2012. Tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, and use of a major advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry), aimed precisely at increasing the vehicle's environmental responsibility, were all taken into consideration.

Three green experts were selected by the World Car Awards Steering Committee to expansively review all documentation and specs linked with each vehicle contender. They were asked to create a short-list of qualifiers for review by the 64 jurors in their second round of voting in February. Their ballots were then tabulated by the international accounting firm KPMG, according to the World Car Awards.

According to the experts, “This is the first 4-cylinder S-Class in the 60-year history of the legendary model. Powered by a 204 hp diesel turbo producing 500Nm, this S-Class develops generous power from the world’s cleanest diesel, while the integration of a start-stop system means that this car produces an exceptional 149g/km of CO2.”