Daimler, Audi report higher Jan sales in India

The Indian units of German luxury car makers Daimler AG (DAI) and Audi AG (NSU.XE) said Wednesday their local sales surged in January thanks to rising demand.

Daimler's unit, Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd., reported an almost fivefold jump in its local sales to 403 vehicles in January from 82 a year earlier while rival Audi India said sales nearly tripled to 306 vehicles from 109.

"We look forward to keeping this momentum through the rest of the year," said Benoit Tiers, managing director of Audi India.

Luxury car makers such as Daimler, BMW AG, Audi and Porsche Automobil Holding SE are introducing vehicles in India to tap the growing number of millionaires in the world's second-fastest growing major economy. Shrinking demand in the U.S. and Europe has also led these auto makers to diversify into higher-growth markets such as China and India.

Tiers said Audi India expects to sell 2,300 cars in 2010, about 40% more than last year's 1,658 cars.

Wilfried Aulbur, managing director and chief executive of Mercedes-Benz India, said the company launched 7 products in the Indian market in January. "This takes our total offerings to 38 models."

Mercedes-Benz India's sales in 2009 had fallen 10% to 3,247 vehicles. This helped BMW surpass Mercedes-Benz to become the largest seller of luxury cars in India with its 2009 sales jumping 24% to 3,619 cars.

"While sales numbers (for January) are an encouraging story, we will continue to focus upon profitable growth as part of our long-term strategy for the country," Aulbur said.