Daimler launches C-Class, introduces all new CLK 350

New Delhi, Jan 13 (UNI) Daimler Chrysler India launched its Mercedes-Benz C-Class, priced at Rs 27-31 lakh and introduced the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class at a price of Rs 60 lakh at the ninth Auto Expo here.

Daimler Chrysler India Managing Director and CEO Wilfried Aulbur underscored the presence of the Mercedes-brand in India for over 50 years.

''As pioneers of the luxury car segment in India, Mercedes-Benz has the widest product range and the most extensive sales and support network spread across 28 Indian cities. The company is also the first automobile manufacturer in India to have completed ISO 9001: 2000 certification,'' Mr Aulbur said.

The result of close and continuous engagement with customers is reflected through our growing sales figures as well. This year, we achieved record sales of 2,491 units from Jan-Dec 2007. This marks a growth of 18 per cent over 2007, he added.

Mr Aulbur said the company would now like to increase its sales to 3,000 car by next year.

President and CEO Daimler Central/Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia Joachim Schmidt said, ''Twenty five years ago, Mercedes-Benz introduced the Model 190 and laid the foundations for what has become the bestselling model series in the history of the brand: the C-Class. To date around six million C-Class vehicles have been sold all around the globe.'' The petrol version of C-class will cost Rs 27 lakh, while the diesel version will be worth Rs 31 lakh.

With a length of 4,596 millimeters, the new C-Class is 68 millimeters longer than its predecessor. The body width has increased by 42 mm to 1770 millimeters, and the wheelbase by 45 mm to 2760 millimeters.

On the other hand, the CLK 350 version features powerful six cylinder V-6 engine; the torque is 350 Nm at 2,400-5,000 rpm, and delivers an output of 272 hp at 6,000 rpm.

UNI PBB BJR RN1505