Merc to invest Rs 150-cr for expansion

Mercedes-Benz India has indicated to invest Rs 150 crore (Rs 1.5 billion) in network expansion and upgradation of network partners during this financial year.

After inaugurating the state-of-the-art workshop Adishwar Auto Diagnostics (P) Limited-Mahavir Motors at Secunderabad MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India Dr Wilfried Aulbur told reporters that the company has an extensive netowrk with its presence across 25 cities across India represented by more than 45 touch points.

Hyderabad and the adjoining areas have around 1,200 Mercedes-Benz cars. This is a step to further enhance the experience the patrons of the three-pointed star in the region, Dr Aulbur said.

Equipped with high quality Mercedes-Benz test equipment and trained manpower, the workshop has been built on the same standards as those of Mercedes-Benz across the globe. It can service a total of 16 cars daily ensuring on time service and maintenance support to customers in Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Vijayawada and neighbouring areas, Dr Aulbur said.

Additionally, the workshop offers a broad suite of functionalities such as body and paint repair, wheel alignment etc. Technical support staff from Adishwar Auto Diagnostics has undergone extensive training by Mercedes-Benz to prepare for this initiative.

Dr Aulbur said, "Our customers appreciate that they can get the latest and the best from the Mercdes-Benz, backed by the most extensive after-sales service network as compared with any luxury player in India."

"More than 10 years of our association with Mahavir Auto offers us an excellent opportunity for extending that commitment towards delivering optimum value and establishing a world-class car ownership experience for our customers in the state of Andhra Pradesh," Dr Aulbur said.

In reply to a question Dr Aulbar said that during 2008 around 4,000 vehicles were sold in India and expect that due to economic recession the number is not going to superceed the last year sales. However,he was confident that the second half of the FY would have better sales results as compared to the first half during which 1,500 cars were sold.

Speaking on the occasion, managing director of Adhishwar Auto, Yashwant Jhabakh, said that last year they have sold 220 vehicles in Andhra Pradesh. Beginning with the market launch of Mercedes Benz E class in 1995, the company has sold more than 23,000 vehicoles till date, Dr Aulbur said.

Located at Bownepally main road, close to Secunderabad, the workshop embodies all the brand attributes of Mercedes-Benz. Spread over a sprawling area of 30,000 sqft with a team of over 30 trained personnel, the workshop has been set-up with an initial investment of Rs 60 lakhs (Rs 6 million).