The demand for luxury cars is quite robust in India at present, reflected in the sales of luxury original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
By India Today Auto DeskLuxury carmakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volvo posted record sales in the first half (H1) of the calendar year (CY) 2023 on the back of strong demand and a rise in the availability of vehicles due to an improvement in semiconductor supply.
Mercedes-Benz India, the largest luxury carmaker in the country, registered its best-ever H1 sales at 8,528 units during the January to June period of CY23, a rise of 12.61% year-on-year (y-o-y). It retailed 7,573 units during the same period last year.
Besides, Mercedes-Benz clocked its best-ever Q2 sales in India at 3,831 units in the June quarter of CY23, a growth of 7.88% y-o-y over 3,551 units sold in Q2 CY22.
“Mercedes-Benz continues its strong demand in the Indian market, achieving the best-ever H1 and Q2 sales. This record sales performance is driven by the high desirability of the brand, an attractive portfolio, increased availability of cars and successful implementation of the ‘Retail of the Future’ business model,” said Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.
“Our focus remains on elevating the customer experience and continuing to grow the top-end vehicles that outpace other segments. We are excited about the remaining quarters, having lined up some of the most awaited luxury vehicles for our customers, starting with the new-generation GLC,” he added.
While the E-Class was the overall highest-selling model for Mercedes-Benz in H1, the GLE was the best-selling SUV, followed by the GLA. The company claimed that there was “very high demand” for the GLS, S-Class, S-Class Maybach, GLS Maybach and AMG G 63, in particular. Among others, it will introduce the new-generation GLC in Q3.
BMW Group India clocked its best-ever H1, quarter and June retail sales in CY23, for all three brands — BMW, Mini and BMW Motorrad.
The retails of BMW rose 5.49% y-o-y at 5,476 units in H1 CY23 from 5,191 units in H1 CY22 and those of Mini jumped 3.17% y-o-y at 391 units in H1 CY23 from 379 units in H1 CY22. The total car sales increased 5.33% y-o-y at 5,867 units in H1 CY23 from 5,570 units in H1 CY22. The two-wheeler retails of BMW Motorrad climbed 49.87% y-o-y at 4,667 units in H1 CY23 from 3,114 units in H1 CY22.
“Our customers remain at the centre of everything we do! BMW Group India is redefining luxury with class-leading comfort, performance and aesthetics. The landmark of achieving the highest-ever half-year, quarter as well as June sales is a culmination of the company’s strategic steps. Whether it is the appeal of sheer driving pleasure or sustainable mobility, every product launched this year is extremely desirable and in tremendous demand,” said Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India.
“Most importantly, the highly emotional, digital experience of our brands is a clear distinguisher. Exclusive experiences like Joytown and The House of Forwardism have strengthened the connect with existing customers and are bringing new ones closer. We are glad to achieve this milestone and will keep on strengthening the foundations for future success,” he added.
The new X1 was BMW’s highest-selling model in H1 and contributed over 20% to sales. The 3 Series Gran Limousine was the top-selling sedan. While the 7 Series, i7 and X7 currently have a waiting period of four months, the company claimed that the iX is the best-selling battery electric vehicle in the Indian luxury car segment. The Countryman was Mini’s best-selling model.
BMW Motorrad’s sales were driven by made-in-India models like the G 310 R, G 310 RR and G 310 GS, which recorded a combined share of nearly 90%. Other popular models were the S 1000 RR, R 1250 GS/GSA and C 400 GT scooter.
Volvo Car India’s sales grew 33.13% y-o-y at 1,089 units in H1 CY23 from 818 units during the same period last year. While the XC60 SUV was the company’s highest-selling model in the January to June period at 376 units, the locally-assembled all-electric XC40 Recharge SUV contributed with sales of 289 units.
“The first half has been highly successful, with the XC40 Recharge representing 27% of the sales volume. The impressive 33% growth reaffirms the positive feedback from customers regarding our luxurious mobility options and their strong trust in the Volvo brand,” said Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director, Volvo Car India.
“The performance in the first half serves as a promising indicator, instilling confidence that the upcoming months will yield even better outcomes. With the upcoming launch of our born electric model, C40 Recharge, in August, we aim to surpass our best-ever year,” he added.
The C40 Recharge will be Volvo’s second electric model in India after the XC40 Recharge. It will also be assembled locally at the carmaker’s plant in Hoskote (near Bengaluru). While bookings for the C40 Recharge will open in August, its deliveries will commence in September.
Kole Prosacco
Kraig Prohaska
Kayleigh Rogahn