After a terrible April-June quarter last year, because of the pandemic-induced lockdown, Mercedes Benz India Limited (MBIL) has witnessed a gradual recovery of sales and is upbeat on 2021, having drawn up 15 launches for the year.

“We have witnessed a strong return of demand since quarter three and in the fourth quarter our sales were more than the corresponding quarter in 2019. We feel this is not just pent-up demand. The overall indicators of the economy showed substantial sales momentum in quarter four that can be carried forward in 2021,” said Martin Schwenk, MD and CEO of Mercedes Benz.

In the pandemic year, 2020, the German company managed to sell 7,893 units. In the first quarter, the company sold 2,386 units; in the hardest hit second quarter it sold 563 units; in the third quarter, its numbers were up to 2,058 units and in the fourth quarter it sold 2,886 units.

The company will focus on its product line-up with 15 launches in 2021 starting with the much awaited A-Class limousine and the GLA Class in the second quarter (April-June). Among the 15 launches, there will be facelifts as well as new vehicles in new categories. If 2020 was the year of SUVs for Mercedes, having launched the GLC, GLE, GLS facelifts, this year it will be a push for sedans, said Schwenk.

Apart from product launches, it will also redesign its dealership facilities with a new architectural layout though it ruled out any additions to its existing 100 outlets.

“We will also stress on keeping inventory levels down at dealerships,” said Schwenk, adding that Mercedes will be aiming for 40 per cent growth in the next two years.