 "MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, Roland Folger during the launch of The GLE car in Chennai")
German luxury carmaker, Mercedes- Benz on Friday reported a marginal decline in sales in India in the first six months of the year as ban on big diesel cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in Delhi-NCR took a toll on its business.
The company sold 6,597 units in January to June period, as against 6,659 units in the year-ago period.
This sales performance becomes even more significant against the backdrop of diesel ban in the key Delhi and NCR market, in force for more than six months, Mercedes-Benz India said in a statement.
"We are quite satisfied with our overall sales performance in the first six months of the year, despite facing market challenges throughout the first half year," Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director & CEO Roland Folger said.
He further said: "The sales growth would have been much higher and in double-digit had we not lost sales in the important Delhi NCR and Kerala markets. Having said that, our 'consumer first' approach will continue to guide all our planned activities for 2016 and we will strive to delight our consumers and fans alike."
On outlook, Folger said: "The second half of the year promises to be extremely exciting, as there is a pent-up demand for our products and we are hoping for a positive decision."
The company is gearing up for product introductions including "the ones without a predecessor" he said, adding it would also focus on rolling-out service initiatives and further expand network into new markets.
"We are keenly looking forward to a long-term policy roadmap for the auto industry," he added.
