Mercedes-Benz could launch the B-Class in India, as soon as June, 2012. The German automaker will bring its B-Class hatchback to the 2012 Auto Expo to gauge customer response and has pre-poned the launch to counter BMW’s X1. The Indian subsidiary is in talks with German headquarters to assemble the B-Class in India and thus position it more aggressively, pricing it around Rs. 18 lakhs. Mercedes-Benz doesn’t have any car which can compete with the X1 currently and is developing the GLC, which will fight the X1 by 2014. Till the GLC arrives, the company wants to offer the B-Class which will come at a cheaper price than the X1 and help the German automaker attract first time luxury car buyers. The B-Class has done decent numbers internationally and will be available in both petrol and diesel variants.
“The idea is to give an option to the customers against BMW’s X1 sports utility vehicle (SUV) before we bring in a right-hand drive (version) of the GLC – the X1’s global competitor in 2014. The car can be cost-competitive only if it is assembled locally. Talks are at an advanced stage with headquarters, and a final decision is expected by the end of this year,” a person familiar with the development said.
Source – Live Mint
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