Under the leadership of Ola Kallenius, Mercedes-Benz has set its sights on substantial growth in the dynamic Indian market, labeling it a “tremendous success” for the luxury automaker. In line with their ambitious strategy, Mercedes-Benz intends to invest in critical infrastructure and introduce a range of well-suited products to capitalize on India’s impressive growth trajectory, as reported by The Economic Times. Following an exceptional year in 2022 marked by record-breaking sales, where Mercedes-Benz held nearly 50% of the luxury vehicle market in India, the company is poised for yet another prosperous year in 2023.
Kallenius, recognizing India’s potential for sustained growth, points to its demographic advantage and its commitment to policies promoting electrification. While Mercedes-Benz currently relies on a high-tech internal combustion engine portfolio, Kallenius acknowledges that the future in India is electric. The automaker has already introduced four electric car models in India and is actively investing in charging infrastructure to support the transition.
On a global scale, Mercedes-Benz has an ambitious plan to launch two all-electric vehicles based on the Mercedes Modular Architecture. The Concept CLA, slated for a 2025 release, will debut simultaneously in India and worldwide markets. The company’s extensive research and development endeavors, spearheaded by a substantial team based in Bengaluru, are contributing to global projects, particularly in data security, as the automotive industry undergoes a transformation towards electric, connected, and autonomous technologies.
Kallenius emphasizes India’s advantage in terms of available human capital, especially when compared to aging economies in the West. He also underscores the importance of adopting labor policies in Germany that foster growth, cautioning against imposing restrictions that could hinder competitiveness with countries like India, China, and the United States. Kallenius advocates for structured immigration policies in Europe to attract talent from around the world, addressing labor shortages and stimulating economic growth.
Mercedes-Benz’s forward-looking approach, under the guidance of Ola Kallenius, highlights the significance of India in the global automotive landscape and reaffirms its commitment to leveraging India’s potential as a pivotal growth engine in the years to come. With a strategic focus on electrification and collaboration with the Indian market, Mercedes-Benz is positioned for a promising future in India and beyond.