Is the famed Mercedes-Benz A-class on its way to a production line at Chikali near Pune? Yes, seems to be the answer. Now that Mercedes-Benz has total control over their Indian operations, plans are afoot to ensure that there is life beyond the new E class. While the C-class and even the V-class is also being considered, the thinking at the MBIL office at Pune seems to be favouring the baby Merc.
The move is significant as the all new plant will have an initial installed capacity of around 25,00,000 per year and it will need more than one model to make financial sense out of it. The A-class has an edge over other models as it is more easier to build and is financially viable with volumes.
Auto industry sources say MBIL can expect higher volumes with the A-class which will be targeting the mid-size car buyers who will no have an option to buy a Mercedes for more or less the same money.
Mercedes Benz officials are also toying with the idea of building the MCC (Micro Compact Car AG) Smart, the first small car developed by Daimler Benz and the makers of Swatch watches. MCC is now developing a four door version of the Smart that goes on sale this year in Europe and only then will it be feasible for production anywhere outside `Smartville' in the suburbs of France.
The A-class Mercedes is the smallest ever car to wear the famed three pointed star, and has recently emerged triumphant after going through what can be termed as the worst nightmare for any new car.
The car created media interest when it failed a lane change test, also known as the `elk test', conducted by a Swedish magazine and repeated by a few other publications. But now the car is back in showrooms with various improvements and is again climbing the sales charts.
Despite the ultra-compact exterior dimensions, the A-class combines the positive features of four different types of cars; it has the agility of a city-run about, the spaciousness of a family car, the comfort of a medium-sized saloon and the practicality of a multi purpose vehicle (MPV).
Though the car is presently offered only with two petrol engine options (1400CC 60 bhp and 1600CC 102 bhp), a brand new 1700CC turbo diesel sporting direct injection technology based on common rail principle and 16 valves, is due this year.
The diesel motor can stretch a litre to 20 kpl plus and is bound to be the favoured engine option as the A-class is readied for India.
While many an Indian will be eager to lay hands on a car that sports the Mercedes badge, how much he or she would be ready to spend on this car is being explored.
If a slightly de-speced version can be priced at around Rs 8,00,000 and a loaded version at Rs 10,00,000, MBIL can expect many a mid-size car owner thronging the showrooms.
As for now, it is clinic time for the first A-class cars in India, and if everything goes well, expect the first A-class, assembled in India to roll out early next year.
