Mercedes-Benz unveils the new C-Class, CLK-Class at Auto Expo

New Delhi: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was launched at the Auto Expo today by Dr Joachim Schmidt, president and CEO, Daimler Central / Eastern Europe, Africa & Asia, and Dr Wilfried Aulbur, managing director and CEO, DaimlerChrysler India.

"25 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," said Dr Schmidt. "Just like the Mercedes-Benz 190 introduced 25 years ago, the new C-Class has set new trends in design and technology or driving pleasure."

"To date, around six million C-Class vehicles have been sold all around the globe. In fact, the C-Class is the world wide leader in its segment and has been an immensely popular vehicle since it was first launched. In India, as in all parts of the globe, the C-Class has been an immensely popular vehicle.

With a length of 4596 millimetres, the new C-Class is 68 millimetres longer than its predecessor. The body width has increased by 42 mm to 1770 millimetres, and the wheelbase by 45 mm to 2760 millimetres.

During his speech, Dr 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 an 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.

Dr Aulbur also disclosed that the company achieved record sales of 2,491 units in 2007, a growth of 18 per cent over the previous year.

The event also witnessed the India-debut of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class super luxury coupe. The CLK 350 version features powerful 6 cylinder V-6 engine; the torque is 350 Nm at 2400 - 5000 rpm, and delivers an output of 272 hp at 6000 rpm. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in only 6.4 seconds!