Mercedes Benz recharges with 4 new models for Nigeria market

Luxury car maker, Mercedes-Benz has added four new models to its model line up in Nigeria to boost its market share. This probably marks the first time the company is introducing this number of new models at a launch in the country.

Briefing newsmen at the launch, the managing director, Weststar Associates, representatives of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, Mr. Mirko Plath described the new models as trendy and exciting. "We are very excited to present an excellent fireworks of new products in one go aimed at meeting customers needs. The four models include the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-class, B-class, C-class and E-class.

The managing director explained that Mercedes-Benz has invested so much in the new products. "Mercedes-Benz is a premium brand and we are playing in the premium segment.

Speaking specifically on the models being introduced, he said that the all-new A-class debuted in March this year with an entirely new concept."The A-class was first launched in 1997 as a mini car with safety as its core feature but today the car's concept has changed to make it a market leader in its segment. It now has a trendy design and luxury features of a typical Mercedes with powerful engine and exceptional fuel efficiency.

The B-class he said is another great car launched in Nigeria in 2009 but due to the economic down turn the car could not hit the right volume, though it was well accepted by the few who tested it. It is being relaunched because it has transformed and has a sustainable character as a family car.

On the C-class, he said, though it was introduced last year, it has made a considerable progress in the market. The E-class has remained Mercedes-Benz cash cow in Nigeria hence Weststar introduced the E-200 version this year to consolidate its position as the segment's number one. According to the Weststar boss, the E-class accounts for 55 per cent of their sales while the S-class holds 20 per cent of the sales record.

"The E-class is the market leader in its segment while the S-class is leading its segment with 79 per cent market share. The E-class belongs to Nigeria, hence we are bringing the various engine variants.

On why some Mercedes models are not available in Nigeria, Mirko Plath said: "We have a range of models but not all models are specified for every country due to quality of fuel and other technical factors".

On their after-sales network, he said a network of nine authorised dealers with many branches across the country are spread all over the country. In addition to this, are mobile workshops that could get to the customers at any point in the country while continuous training and retraining of their technical staff is a regular programme in the company.

Generally, he said their after sales service is  very satisfactory but added that there is room for improvement.

 

 

 

[Vanguard]