KUALA LUMPUR: German automaker Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBM) is confident of maintaining its leading position in the local sport utility vehicle (SUV) premium market following the launch of new generation Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Vice president, sales and marketing passenger cars Michael Jopp said the marquee was redefining the standards of luxury SUV segment in Malaysia by combining a different level of mobility and innovation.
“As part of our product offensive strategy, the line-up offers our customers comfort and luxury beyond what you would expect from an SUV, in addition to the spaciousness, practicality as well as the performance,” he said at the launching ceremony here today.
MBM today unveiled the latest generation of its locally-assembled SUVs with three variants: the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200, Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé.
The retail price without insurance of the GLC 200 is at RM299,888, GLC 300 4MATIC at RM350,00 (estimated) and GLC 300 Coupe at RM419,888.
Jopp said the SUV segment has primarily boosted MBM’s sales as consumers began to see the growing awareness and benefits.
"However, we see Malaysia is slightly lagging behind other markets where we have seen stronger growth of SUV.
"Going forward, we still see increasing number for SUV sales. We have a strong product portfolio and will continue to aggressively expand our portfolio in the next year,” he added.
Jopp said MBM sold over 6,500 units of the GLCs since it was launched in January 2016.
"This has helped us to expand our portfolio into the growing segment of the SUV in Malaysia.
"We are not worried about any competition, especially for future launches by other marquees," he said.
Jopp said MBM expected to continue to sustain in the premium auto segment with the continuation of more offensive products next year assuming positive change in the mindset and consumers sentiment.
MBM sold about 7,700 units in the third-quarter (Q3) of 2019. About 70 per cent of the company’s sales volume derived from the sedan segment comprising the C and E as well as contributed by the GLC.
Jopp said MBM anticipated a lower sales volume this year due an aberration on the consumer sentiment and downturn in the local economy.
“2019 has developed into a challenging year. But we are confident in our refreshed products portfolio and the improvement in consumer sentiment, 2020 should be a better year than 2019,” he said.
Jopp expected MBM’s 2019 sales volume will be lowered than the previous year as consumers held their purchases with the absence of tax holiday.
“We see the luxury market this year is more challenging year than last year. But the year is not over yet as we still have a full December and we will have a full steam going ahead,” he said.
MBM today unveiled the latest generation of its locally-assembled SUVs with three variants - the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200, Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé.
The retail price without insurance of the GLC 200 is at RM299,888, GLC 300 4MATIC at RM350,00 (estimated) and GLC 300 Coupe at RM419,888.
Powered by the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine (M264), the GLC 200 and GLC 300 4MATIC produce 197hp and 320Nm of torque and 258hp and 370Nm of torque, respectively.
Meanwhile, the GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe produces 258hp and 370Nm of torque. All GLC variants are mated to a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.