Mercedes Benz’s latest offering in India, the new E-class sedan, could well reclaim the top spot within the Germany luxury car makers’ stable in eastern India. Since 2007, the automobile giant's lower-priced C-class model has dominated the Kolkata market by selling substantially more, especially during 2008.

While in 2007, C-class and E-class sales were 21 units and 28 units respectively, the following year, E-class sales in the East remained stable at 26 units even as 44 C-class vehicles were sold.

Also Read   Related Stories News Now - Merc may lose top spot to BMW in India - Sales of luxury cars robust in Gujarat on Dussehra - Mercedes unravels its new E-Class - My favourite things: Amit Burman

Also Read   Related Stories News Now - Markets end lower ahead of May F&O expiry - Rupee closes at new low of 56.24 - Wall Street opens 1% lower on Europe - Shashi Ruia steps down from board of Essar Ports - Sebi allows firms listed on RSEs to migrate to main bourses More

“Although there is a Rs 20 lakh price difference between these vehicles, the customers of each class are distinct with minimal overlap. "The competition between the models is expected to be neck and neck and the new E-class could be back on the top,” Interkrafts CEO Hiteshwar Singh said.

So far, in 2009, the C-class is continuing to dominate with 39 units compared to 14 E-class vehicles.

Singh indicated that sales of the E-class would benefit from existing Mercedes Benz owners looking to upgrade their vehicles. “Of the 45 enquiries that we have got so far, almost 50 per cent of them are from existing owners of E-class vehicles. Considering there are about 200 E-class vehicles in the region, upgrades could add to our overall sales,” he explained.

However, with other German car makers upping the ante, Mercedes Benz could come under fire. But Singh felt that the luxury automobile market in the region would be able to absorb more players without affecting the sales of individual car makers. “The market here has trebled over the last three years and is still expanding. Considering we haven't even tapped 50 per cent of the market so far and this being the largest territory geographically, for Mercedes Benz, we should be able to grow comfortably,” Singh said.

New Ipad Application :Business Standard's all new IPad App Click here to download for free Other Stories      - Markets end lower ahead of May F&O expiry - Rupee closes at new low of 56.24 - Wall Street opens 1% lower on Europe - Shashi Ruia steps down from board of Essar Ports - Sebi allows firms listed on RSEs to migrate to main bourses

Tags : Mercedes Benz | E-class sedan | Hiteshwar Singh |   Read Business news in  Advertisements -  India's no. 1 Property Site. Click here to know more -  "Discover The Power of One" -  Journey on, We are by Your Side. Click here to know more -  Help a Child Achieve her. Click to know more -  Benefits Upto Rs. 2.36 Lakhs on the Fully Loaded TJet Petrol. -  The Best Seller is Also the No. 1 in Mileage. Click here -  Watch The Film Here. Click here to know more.. -  Leader in Passenger Car & Automobile Tyres. Click here -  Learn How One City is Running on FOOD SCRAPS. -  1 billion in saving for Unilever without any tangles. -  A Brand New Server at a Price That Fits Your Budget. Click here -  One Partnership Endless Possibilities. Click here to know more -  Helping doctors detect diseases earlier, saving costs & extending lives. -  36 Lakhs can get you a pool of Luxuries. Click here -  Which is the best plan for your daughter -  Check out the TRUE COLOURS of your Stocks, Now for FREE! -  One of the leading business schools in the world.Know More -  2 Lac Apartments, 1 Lac House / Plots. Click here