DaimlerChrysler launches Mercedes-Benz S320 CDI, CL cars

New Delhi, Apr 6 (UNI) German-auto major DaimlerChrysler today unveiled the latest editions of Mercedes-Benz S-Class diesel -- S 320DI L -- and the premium CL-Class for the Indian market and said will launch the C Plus model early next year.

The S 320DI L (diesel) has been priced at Rs 72.33 lakh and the Mercedes-Benz CL class will be available in the range of Rs 1.19-1.65 crore (ex-showroom Delhi).

''Bouyed by a strong 11 per cent sales growth in 2006 in India, the company is looking forward to a significant sales outlook in 2007 powered by a comprehensive portfolio of products, well-entrenched sales-service network and strong traction with local markets,'' DaimlerChrysler India CEO Wilfried Aulbur told reporters here.

The company sold 690 units during the first quarter this year comprising 195 units of S Class, 352 of E Class, 226 of C Class and remaining commercial utility vehicles (CUVs).

It sold 2,121 units in the last calender year including 248 units of S Class, 922 of E Class and 883 units of C Class.

Mr Wilfried said the company is open to introducing commercial vehicles in the country.

''We are analysing the commercial vehicles market,'' he said and added that if volumes grow, company will go for further expansion.

The brands launched today featured the complete range of Mercedes-Benz cars in India -- the debutante S-Class and the CL-Class as well as its other products including the E-Class, the C-Class, and its fully-imported range which include the SLK-Class, CLS-Class and the M-Class.

As a positive step to cater to the demands of the company's India operations, DaimlerChrysler has recently signed an MoU with the Maharastra government for a new plant at the Chakan area in Pune.

UNI