Mercedes to launch more models this year; focus more on compact SUVs

Mercedes-Benz will be investing around Rs 250 crores in its Pune facility to double its capacity to 20,000 units. Reason being that there will be more products from the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer in 2014, and essentially focus will be on small and mid-size SUVs. 

The German trio of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have their individual targets set for the end of this decade. While BMW is the reigning champion, Audi follows a close second and Mercedes-Benz fell to the bottom of the table. Mercedes will look to regain the top spot by the end of this decade and have planned some new products and initiatives. We had just reported about the next AMG range of vehicle in India being an SUV and while they have two SUVs on sale, they have also indicated launching a crossover in India.

This could be an indication of the GLA and the CLA coming to India this year. Mr.Eberhard Kern MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, said the compact car segment will contribute to 40 per cent of its sales with the launch of small and mid-size SUVs. 

Mercedes will display its crossover, the GLA 45 AMG, at the Detroit Motor Show, tomorrow.It will feature a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 360bhp and 450Nm of torque. It is mated to a seven-speed AMG dual-clutch transmission and a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Its performance figures are mind-boggling with the crossover able of achieving a top speed of 250kmph and doing a sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

India might not get the AMG version, but expect the GLA to make it to our shores. The crossover might be shown after the second quarter as they expect the market to pick-upafter that.

Source : live mint and World car fans