After retaining the numero uno position for two consecutive years in the Indian luxury car market, BMW has begun 2011 with sales of 500 units in January, which is less by 140 units than that of rival Mercedes-Benz.
BMW registered a jump of 46.63% over 341 units sold during the corresponding month last year, the company said in a statement.
On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz India had reported 58.81% increase in its sales in January at 640 units, the highest-ever for the month, as compared to the same period of 2010.
Rival and compatriot Audi sold 480 units in January 2011, its highest ever monthly sales in India, as against 306 units in the same month last year, up 56.86%.
Germany's BMW had maintained its lead over rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi to remain the top luxury car-maker in India in 2010, with sales of 6,246 units.
Compatriot Mercedes-Benz India had sold 5,819 cars between January and December, 2010 while Audi India had sold 3,003 units in the country in the last year.
The Indian luxury car market is estimated to be around 15,000 units annually.
