BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz showcase their new products

SKY IS THE LIMIT: Wilfried G. Aulbur, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes Benz India, with the company’s new car SIS AMG while Audi unveiled its Sportback concept car (picture at below) in New Delhi on Tuesday.

NEW DELHI: Luxury carmakers have unveiled high-end sedans and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) at the ongoing Auto Expo here, eyeing growing sales in the segment. While Germany’s BMW has launched Gran Turismo, X6M and 760Li, Audi has introduced the powerful diesel SUV Q7 4.2 TDI, besides unveiling the limited edition of A6 2.7 TDI to celebrate 100 years of the luxury carmaker.

The limited edition BMW Gran Turismo is priced at Rs.63 lakh and its 100 units would be available for sale. Similarly, Coupe X6 M and BMW 760 Li is priced over Rs.1 crore, while X6 M will come at Rs.1.30 crore and 760 Li at Rs.1.29 crore. BMW plans to launch MMW X1 by the end of 2010 that would be manufactured at the Chennai facility. BMW India President Peter Kronschnabl said the company would bring in more investments in India through further capital investment in its plant to boost production and also begin financial services. Significantly, BMW became the top luxury car-seller in India in 2009 by selling 3,619 units, securing 40 per cent market share. Similarly, Audi’s A6 2.7 TDI will be available at Rs.37-lakh. “In 2009, Audi India registered a 58 per cent growth. This success was attained through the launch of the A6, Q5, Q7 and expansion of footprint across India through new dealership openings in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Kochi,” said Audi India Managing Director Benoit Tiers. Audi is expecting to sell 2,300 units this year, which will be up about 40 per cent from last year.

Another luxury carmaker, Mercedes-Benz showcased two new cars — SLS AMG Desert Gold priced at around Rs.2-crore, besides displaying the M-Class Luxury edition as well as the E-Coupe.

Volkswagen has also unveiled its high-end luxury car Phaeton, priced at Rs.75 lakh, while its Czech subsidiary Skoda has introduced much-awaited SUV Yeti. “Indian customers of Phaeton would have the option of visiting the facility in Germany and see their cars being manufactured and customised,” said Volkswagen Group Sales India, Member of the Board of Directors, Neeraj Garg.

French car manufacturer Renault is planning to launch two models in India in 2011, which will be rolled out from its upcoming plant in Chennai. “We will be launching our luxury car ‘Fluence’ and our crossover ‘Koleos’ by mid-2011. All these cars will be produced at our Chennai facility,” said Renault India General Manager and Managing Director Marc Nassif.