Mercedes-Benz to Launch Four New Electric Vehicles in India to Accelerate Electric Mobility Drive

 

Mercedes-Benz plans to launch four new electric vehicles in India over the next 8-12 months in order to accelerate its electric mobility drive. The company currently sells four luxury electric vehicle models in the Indian market and expects 25% of its total sales in India to come from electric vehicles by 2027. The new EV models will be a combination of imported completely built units and completely knocked down units assembled at the company's Chakan plant. At present, sales of EVs account for around 3% of the company's total sales in India. Last year, Mercedes-Benz India posted a 41% growth in its total sales with a record 15,822 units sold. The company's previous best sales were achieved in 2018 at 15,583 units. Mercedes-Benz expects India to become the fourth largest market in the "overseas" region, which comprises 120 markets other than Germany, the US, UK, and China. The company is bullish on India as it has seen a big change in the structure of customers and the customers in India are quick and keen to adopt new technologies. When asked about the impact of regulatory challenges, Mercedes-Benz stated that they have operated globally for 100 years and adapt to regulations. Mercedes-Benz said that predictability would help plan business better, and while doing business with more lead time, it is easier to adapt to any new regulations.