JULY 12- Luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz India today launched the new generation diesel engine-equipped version of the B-Class car.
The price of the new B 180 CDI Style (Diesel) is fixed at Rs.22.60 lakh, ex-showroom Mumbai.
“With the B-Class we have pioneered the luxury tourer segment in India and the launch of the B-Class diesel will further enhance the options for the new age customers who aspire to own a luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Eberhard Kern told reporters after the launch here.
This new vehicle targets successful professionals in corporate sector and the second generation entrepreneurs, Kern said.
The company hopes that the response for the B-Class petrol launched last year was encouraging and expects that the new B-Class diesel will add to the demand of the car.
“We have seen a substantial demand for our new generation cars like the B-Class petrol and the A-class in India and the B-class diesel is a step ahead, Kern said.
Globally, the B-Class has been a run-away success within the first few months of its launch. It is the first of Mercedes-Benz’s new generation cars, and boasts the extremely sporty design coupled with 7G-DCT, dual clutch transmission with paddle shift in combination with a multi-function steering wheel.
The company claims that the B 180 CDI diesel engine is cleaner, more efficient and more powerful and ensures increased fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions. The B-Class diesel has a 50 liter tank capacity and an impressive mileage of 18.98 Kmpl.
Commenting on price hike, Kern said: “We are closely monitoring the developments. If the rupee continues to remain at current level for long, it may be forced to pass on cost pressure to consumers for specific models to protect margins.”
He also said the company follows a long-term forex hedging policy and that has provided it a cover against the steep rupee slide this year.
INDIA TODAY
