Merc E Class in CNG Avatar soon; Now Cancelled!

[350Z]

Mercedes Benz intends to take over BMW in the Indian auto market. It lost its numero uno position to BME this year and has drawn fresh plans to accomplish its goal. The company said: “Last year we led India’s luxury car segment with a 46 percent market share. This year Mercedes is somewhat behind BMW, but we are hopeful of gaining momentum in the coming days.”

Mercedes is ready to bring CNG variant of its E-class model for its customers in India. “We have a CNG variant and will import it based on demand,” said Dr Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director, Mercedes Benz, India. CNG models of new Mercedes E class is expected to be pricier due to high import duty as it will be imported as completely built unit. The petrol variant currently costs Rs. 45.89 lakh. Mercedes may also consider assembling the model in India if there is adequate sale. Currently, CNG is retailed only in Mumbai and Delhi which means that sales of the new CNG E class will be confined to these two cities only.

Mercedes is also expanding its network in commercial vehicle business. New three axle truck models are slated for a launch in the Indian market soon. "We’ve just launched two-axle trucks in India. Trial tests for three-axle trucks are already on and we hope to launch it in the next six months to a year," Aulbur stated.

Source: CTI

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350Z

 

[Neil.Bhujbal]

CNG variant for a 45.89 lakh car ?

Ain't the current or future owners of such costly cars already prepared for the high fuel prices ?

In such cases a CNG variant would hardly push up the sales.

 

[Zinam]

Hmm.. I am not sure how far CNG variant will be a success!

I think its based on demand basis they bring in the CNGs here :)

 

[Dcargod]

I don't think people buying such costly cars are unaware of running that they may incur. This may only help travel operators, who can heave a sigh of relief when renting pout premium luxury cars.

 

[350Z]

I don't think people buying such costly cars are unaware of running that they may incur. This may only help travel operators, who can heave a sigh of relief when renting pout premium luxury cars.

Exactly.
The CNG Model of Merc will be much popular among Taxi & Travel Operators who rent the luxury cars, Especially in Metro Cities such as Mumbai and Delhi where CNG is not much difficult to find.


Drive Safe!
350Z

 

[350Z]

Mercedes Benz has abandoned its plans to market compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles in India because it doesn’t want the owners of its expensive cars queing up behind commercial vehicles to re-fuel. CNG may be cleaner and greener and Mercedes has the technology to roll out CNG variants of the Mercedes E-Class, but the shortage of fuelling stations resulting in likely discomfort for its customers has led to the cancellation of alternate fuel plans.

The automaker was testing a CNG variant of the E-Class till last year whose mileage would have been 18-20 kilometers per kilogram of CNG costing Rs 21. Petrol sells at Rs. 46 per litre in Delhi. For a car costing at Rs. 38 lakh, more Indian customers prefer the diesel variant, which accounts for about 60% of sales of the E-Class. Mercedes in India is also involved in a jatropha plant-based biodiesel project for the last six years in association with the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute and the University of Hohenheim.
(Source: Motorbeam.com)

Drive Safe!
350Z

 

[Zinam]

Hmm.. I am not sure how far CNG variant will be a success!

I think its based on demand basis they bring in the CNGs here :)

Great!!

I am happy now

 

[Crazy cat]

It'd be interesting to see how many richies pick CNG option.

 

[Umang]

It'd be interesting to see how many richies pick CNG option.

Please read the post again, Mercedes is not bringing the CNGs now.

 

[cooldhaya]

good move!!!! it will be good if they come out with a good efficient diesel engine.