2014-15 mixed bag for luxury automobile manufacturers

Luxury automobile manufacturers on Friday reported mixed-bag results for the 2014-15 fiscal as the industry struggled with high base, fuel and interest costs.

The sales of German luxury car manufacturer Audi India soared by 11.51 percent during 2014-15 -- 11,292 units sold, up from 10,126 in 2013-14.

According to the company, in 2014-15 it introduced the most powerful Audi models, the limited edition R8 LMX. The company opened new showrooms in Guwahati, Ranchi and Bengaluru and a second service facility in Kolkata.

"We are very happy to retain the leadership position in the luxury car market for two consecutive years despite having only one major launch (Audi A3) in the last fiscal year," said Joe King, head of Audi India.

"This clearly demonstrates the strength of the brand. We are now looking forward to an exciting 2015 with 10 new models, including the Audi TT and new Audi Q3 coming up," King added.

Mercedes-Benz reported an increase in sales of 17.5 percent during 2014-15, which stood at 11,213 units from 9,548 units sold during 2013-14.

The company said that the January-March quarter of 2014-15 clocked its best-ever sales of 3,566 units - an increase of 40 percent over 2,554 units sold in the corresponding period in 2013-14.

"The robust 40 percent growth along with other multiple sales records achieved in the first quarter of 2015, is a clear indication of our commitment to a strong customer focus," said Eberhard Kern, managing director and chief executive, Mercedes-Benz India.

"Our product offensive across the spectrum, the value added services and finance programmes, the unique customer engagement initiatives have all been well appreciated, resulting in Mercedes-Benz's best ever month," Kern added.

Another luxury car major, BMW had earlier released its calendar year sales number. Its sales, including those of its other brand Mini, during 2014 fell by seven percent and stood at 6,812 units from 7,327 units sold in 2013.

Volvo Cars owned by Chinese major Geely reported a 27 percent sales growth during 2014 at 1,202 units from an off-take of 943 units in 2013.