Car News in India

The rich state of Punjab is now a haven for Mercedes-Benz cars. The demand for Mercedes cars is so high that the lone dealer is struggling to accommodate more bookings. Even Mercedes-Benz, surprised by the flood of bookings, is struggling to meet delivery deadlines.

As many as 175 Mercedes cars were sold last year by a single dealer in Punjab’s capital Chandigarh. The dealer Tai-Pan Motors were at an all time high in 2007. Managing Director of Tai-Pan Motors said “The demand is so much that we are unable to keep pace with the orders. People readily want to posses this beauty, that they just walk in and want own one immediately.”

The two showrooms- one in Chandigarh and one in Ludhiana are doing robust business in last few years. Tai-Pan Motors sold 125 Mercedes-Benz cars in 2005, and sold 138 Mercedes in 2006. It has clocked its highest number of sales with 175 units and expects to touch 300 cars in 2008. Mercedes cars cost start from Rs 27 lakh and can touch up to Rs 2 crore.

Particularly, demand for the modified and re-launched C class is so high that the dealer is running out of cars of this model. The car has a huge appeal among youngsters, who is attracted by its features and its design.

The C, E and S Class are top favorites with buyers in Punjab. The E-class recorded only 80 units, which was the highest among all the Mercedes models, while the very costly S Class sold over 50 units in 2007.Benz sales are soaring despite competition from luxury cars brands like BMW, Mitsubishi Montero and Pajero. According to Mr Bala “The sales of Mercedes picked up after the BMW dealership came to Chandigarh. Several other luxury brands too are doing brisk business in Punjab.” The sales of BMW 3 series, 5 series, and 7 series and Montero and Pajero are also selling quickly than in any other state.

Ludhiana is the virtual Mercedes capital of the country. The industrial city of Ludhiana has over 550 Mercedes cars, while Chandigarh boasts of only 300 cars. Following closely behind is Jalandhar with over 250 Mercedes-Benz cars. According to Mr Bala in Chandigarh people flaunt these cars, but in Ludhiana people reward themselves with Mercedes. They work hard and ear well so why not reward themselves.”