Against the backdrop of continued SC ban on over 2000cc diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR and its likely repercussion in other parts of the country, German luxury carmaker has put on hold its investment in India
“Most of the decisions are postponed rather than completely cancelled. If the ban continues, then certainly cancellations will come into play,” said Mercedes Benz India Managing Director and CEO Roland Folger.
He also added that it a flawed approach that only big vehicles should be punished in order to control pollution while leaving out mass segment cars.
“If you want to clear air, you will have to address many things besides automobiles,” he added.
Folger, however, said: “We discussed with the Government SC ban on over 2000cc diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR and it is alive to the need of car companies,”
Suggesting a holistic approach to solve the pollution problem, Folger said advancing implementation of more advanced Bharat Stage-VI emission standards in a staggered manner must be considered.
“We can bring BS-VI vehicles as early as 2018 but we need fuel availability,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mercedes Benz on Wednesday launched GlS 350 d in India priced at Rs80.40 lakhs ex-showroom Pune. It is popularly known as the S-Class of SUVs.
“With the launch of the GlS, we are glad to provide the most comprehensive luxury SUV portfolio in the country to our discerning customers. India has a growing penchant for the SUVs and at 100 per cent growth achieved in 2015; it was the highest growing segment for us,” said Folger while launching the product.
“The GlS has contributed to the success of our SUV portfolio in a significant way. India has also emerged as one of the top 10 markets for the GlS, globally,” he added.
The company announced commencement of local production of GlS 350d at its Chakan plant.
“The GlS will be locally manufactured in our world-class production facility in Pune from its India launch. We are confident that the local production will make the GlS 350d attractive for the eminent buyers with additional value propositions and increased availability. This is yet another illustration of our vision of ‘Make in India’, and gives us the opportunity to provide the newest products for our elite customers here,” he addled.