After CLA launch, Mercedes-Benz unsure about 2016 sales target: Report

Mercedes-Benz recently announced a facelift version of its CLA sedan. The all new CLA was the 12th vehicle launch in the country this year but even with so many vehicles up on offer, the German automaker is unsure about meeting its 2016 sales targets in India. According to multiple reports, Mercedes-Benz India is concerned about the demonetisation process and that it was expecting a drop in sales. Like with every passing phase, the situation is expected to improve as the year end nears but like it or not it is expected to have an impact on the automaker’s sales targets. Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India told the the Economic Times that Mercedes-Benz India is getting a lower than expected turn out at some of its dealerships. The reason for this 60 percent drop in footfalls can easily be blamed on the customers holding on to their purchases, considering the government’s demonetisation process in mind. The CEO told The Hindu, “We would put our expectations to be may be less than last year. But again, you never know. December might be one of the strongest months even in our history. It is too early to say. It all depends on how quickly this issue of cash shortage is addressed by the authorities,” However, things are expected to improve. Folger told Money Control that he is hopeful that the upcoming Christmas season should make up for lost sales. This is keeping in mind that the impact of demonetisation is expected to reduce by then, compared to what the situation has been for a month. In the same report, Folger also said that the company would be launching one more new model before the year ends.