Mercedes-Benz launches its pre-owned car brand in India

In order to encash the booming pre-owned cars business in India, Mercedes-Benz started its pre-owned car business with 12 dealerships.

The latest carmaker to understand the potential of pre-owned cars in India is Mercedes-Benz. The German auto giant recently launched its pre-owned car business in India and has named it Mercedes-Benz Certified. The company will spread its wings through 12 dealerships and 150 display points in India which will aim at providing better services to its customers.

With this new initiative, Mercedes-Benz will try to make pre-owned car buying experience as good as new one by providing better facilities, infrastructure, tailor-made financing options, warranty and service packages. Customers can also avail finance options on these cars being offered by Daimler Financial Services.

Mr. Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “We are delighted at launching this new brand which is designed specifically for the Indian market. There is immense potential in this segment and it will be a key to future growth of the auto industry. Mercedes-Benz witnessed 39 per cent growth in 2014 in the pre-owned cars segment. With attractive trade-in and financing options and complete peace of mind on offer from Mercedes-Benz Certified, we anticipate this segment to grow further driving the sales of new cars as well.”

Mercedes will have a stringent protocol before taking any car from the sellers. The cars bought will be less than five years and 1,00,000 kms old, free from any accidental history and should not have more than two previous owners. Mercedes cars will be sold with one year or 20,000 kms warranty, but the cars from other makers won’t come with any such benefits.

Mercedes-Benz sold 1,700 pre-owned cars in India till September which it wants to go higher now onwards with a dedicated umbrella under which this business will flourish. The overall size of luxury pre-owned cars business in India is expected to be 4,000-5,000 units a year, and by next year Mercedes plans to have 250 display points across India under the Mercedes-Benz Certified banner.