By Quoc Hung - The Saigon Times Daily
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| Customers view the famous SUV convenient for both individual and family use at Mercedes-Benz Haxaco City showroom at 104 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1, HCMC - Photo: Vinh Nam |
HCMC - Along with positive business growth of Mercedes worldwide, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam (MBV) obtained good business results in the first half of the year in tandem with the local economy’s recovery. And the passenger vehicle segment alone posted sales growth of 30%.
The Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) says aggregate first-half sales in the car industry expanded 5% year-on-year to 50,278 units, a positive sign for the auto market.
Demand for luxury cars in the first half ran high. As a VAMA member, Mercedes-Benz achieved total sales of 1,224 units in the first six months, including passenger cars and sport utility vehicles (SUV).
While VAMA members posted average growth of 9% in the passenger car segment, Mercedes-Benz attained a staggering increase of 30%.
“The positive sales figure shows our right strategy to product portfolio diversification, continual improvement of sales and after-sales services, and interesting customer care programs and activities,” Udo Loersch, general director of Mercedes-Benz Vietnam, says in a statement.
This year is also a special milestone of the company as it marks its 15 years in Vietnam. Mercedes-Benz has been a part of the country’s economic development since it has generated jobs for more than 1,000 local people.
The German carmaker’s growth is driven mainly by GLK 4MATIC, C-Class, E-Class and 16-seater Sprinter and premium imported models.
In particular, the new SUV model, GLK 4MATIC, has not only opened up a new segment in Vietnam but also inspired great demand for the 5-seat sport utility vehicle that is comfortable for both individuals’ and families’ purposes, with high flexibility both on-road and off-road.
Another success is the CGI BlueEfficiency model, of which 441 units have been handed over to customers since its debut late last year. The series of C200 CGI, C250 CGI, E250 CGI is part of the green approach the company is aiming at to offer fuel saving solutions to customers.
US$60,000 is good for a Mercedes
If someone has around US$60,000, he or she can think of owning a luxury Mercedes C200. And Mercedes-Benz is offering a wide range of products for different customer needs. The upper-range E300 Elegance – the most luxurious car model assembled in Vietnam – is the top choice for entrepreneurs and leaders.
Such imported models as S-Class, E Coupe, E Cabriolet, SLS, SLK, CLS, R-Class, GL-Class, and AMG tuned models are also in the favorite list.
The commercial vehicle, the 16-seater Sprinter, continues to be the most convenient and safest minibus for public transportation.
To realize its vision of gaining the No. 1 position in customer care services, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam has given a focus on dealer network expansion this year. The firm started with Danang showroom
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Mercedes-Benz worldwide recorded the best month of June in the history of the company. With 113,300 units delivered (2009: 100,300), sales increased 13% worldwide, surpassing expectations. In the first half, sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars were up 15% year-on-year, with 556,700 vehicles sold. Compared to last year, Mercedes-Benz sales were up in every region, e.g. the United States (22 %, 103,700 passenger cars) and China (with a sales increase of 177% in June and 120% for the first half to 60,500 units).
Other countries in the Asia/Pacific region or Western Europe also post a high volume. For example, sales in Japan climbed 27% in June, and 15% in the first half of the year, South Korea 174%, Australia 22%, South Africa 23%, the UK 9%, and Spain 12%.
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early this year and is furthering investment in that central area. In Can Tho and Haiphong, it is working on plans to open Autohaus dealerships, apart from the current outlets in HCMC and Hanoi.
There are 12 new and upgrading projects in progress which will expand aggressively the Mercedes-Benz dealer network throughout Vietnam till the end of 2010.
“Premium also means close to the customer,” Loersch says, indicating a luxury brand besides its luxury products needs to be close to customers for the best service.