<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/54170556.cms" />German luxury automobile manufacturer, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=audi&amp;sortorder=score">Audi</a> created unrest in the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=luxury%20car%20market&amp;sortorder=score">luxury car market</a> section today by launching the all new A4 with the base model price starting from Rs. 38.1 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi and Maharashtra). 
 
With quite a successful run by A4 in the past few years, it has now been launched at Rs. 38.1 lakh in India, to give both the brand and the model a much needed boost. 
 It is bigger, far more comfortable, and equipped with a better technology as compared to the existing model. The new A4 comes strapped with a 1.4 litre TFSI four cylinder engine which goes 0-100 kmpl in 8.5 seconds. The new <keyword id="6363321" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Audi">Audi</keyword> will have two variants- Audi A4 Premium Plus: ₹ 38.1 lakh and Audi A4 Technology: ₹ 41.2 lakh 
 "The Audi A4 has been a leader across the world and the all new A4 is even more attractive, therefore I am sure it will bring in many new members to the Audi family", <keyword id="1636962" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="joe-king">Joe King</keyword>, head of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=audi%20india&amp;sortorder=score">Audi India</a> told ET. 
 
(Image Credits: Sacrededen.co)

Audi A4 2016, launched with the much needed boosted features at Rs. 38.1 lakh.

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/49046963.cms" />To increase its sales in India, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=German+luxury+carmaker+Audi+" target="_BLANK￿￿￿￿">German luxury carmaker Audi</a> is focusing on smaller cities and towns. It has now come out with a new initiative that would enable customers to buy its vehicles via <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=mobile+showrooms+" target="_BLANK￿￿￿￿">mobile showrooms</a> '<keyword id="6363321" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Audi">Audi</keyword> Mobile Terminal'. 
 
This terminal is a fully functional mobile showroom and has been designed to provide a full Audi experience to customers - whether in a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=mobile+showrooms+" target="_BLANK￿￿￿￿">metropolis</a> or a smaller city. 
 <keyword id="148913" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi-India">Audi India</keyword>'s Head <keyword id="1636962" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="joe-king">Joe King</keyword> is of the opinion that the company has already established itself as a choice for young achievers, with its progressive design, advanced engineering and innovative customer engagement approach. 
 
"The Audi Mobile Terminal brings the showroom right to the customer's doorstep, especially in tier II and tier III cities in India, where the emergence of a progressive and discerning set of customers is contributing to the transformation of the luxury landscape in India," he added. 
 
This is where the next phase of growth will come from and we are now future-ready, King said. 
 
In the next 12 months, the terminal is slated to visit over 30 cities and will target around 2,000 customers across the country. 
 
Besides displaying <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Audi+cars+" target="_BLANK￿￿￿￿">Audi cars</a> and accessories, the mobile showroom concept serves as a hub for conducting test drives and enables customers and prospects to connect with Audi dealers for enquiries, new bookings and after sales support. 
 
(Image: Reuters)

Audi India to focus on smaller towns and cities via 'Audi Mobile Terminal'

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48555898.cms" /> 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=German+luxury+carmaker+Audi+">German luxury carmaker Audi</a> launched an updated version of A6 Matrix sedan on Thursday in India, priced at Rs 49.5 lakh. It is the company’s sixth launch so far this year. 
 
So what’s new in the updated version? <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Audi+A6+Matrix+">Audi A6 Matrix</a> will now have a new engine comprising seven-speed S-tronic transmission, Matrix LED headlights and an advanced infotainment system. 
 
It will also features eight airbags and advanced <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=voice+dialogue+system">voice dialogue system</a>, reported PTI. 
 
"We have seen increasing demand and success with our launches and are confident of setting new benchmarks for the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=luxury+car+">luxury car</a> industry in India," <keyword id="6363321" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi">Audi</keyword> India Head <keyword id="1636962" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="joe-king">Joe King</keyword> said in a statement. 
 <keyword id="421269" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="audi-a6">Audi A6</keyword> Matrix sets new standards in technology that makes the sedan even more efficient, more powerful, more intuitive and more sophisticated than ever, he added. 
 The German company has launched <keyword id="529178" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Audi-R8">Audi R8</keyword> LMX, Audi RS 7 Sportback, Audi TT Coupe, Audi RS 6 Avant and the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Audi+Q3+">Audi Q3</a> so far this year. 
 
(Image: Reuters)

New version of Audi’s A6 Matrix sedan available at Rs 49.5 lakh

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/47722840.cms" />German luxury car-maker <keyword id="6363321" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi">Audi</keyword> has launched a new version of its popular SUV Q3 in India at Rs 28.99 lakh. There are two additional trims - Premium priced at Rs 33.99 lakh and Premium Plus at the cost of Rs 37.5 lakh, (ex-showroom Delhi). 

	The new Q3, powered by a 1968 cc diesel engine, is the fourth of five vehicles Audi India plans to launch in five months, according to a PTI report. 
 

	There are some changes made to the old version such as, new headlamps which are now LED-powered, new front and rear bumpers, chunky looking new-design alloy wheels as well and at the rear, and LED lamps.
 Before the launch of new Audi Q3, the <keyword id="92990" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="German-company">German company</keyword> had launched Audi R8LMX, the new <keyword id="2822589" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi-TT-Coupe">Audi TT Coupe</keyword>, the new Audi RS 7 Sportback and <keyword id="2883432" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="RS-6-Avant">RS 6 Avant</keyword>. "We are confident that the new Q3 will bring in many new members to the Audi family much like it did since its launch and will further strengthen our dominance in compact luxury segment in India," Audi India Head <keyword id="1636962" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="joe-king">Joe King</keyword> told reporters here. 

	While the top-end price of the new Q3 has gone down Rs 1.09 lakh, the base variant price has moved up Rs 1.16 lakh compared with the earlier version. The mid variant has become costlier by Rs 1.49 lakh. 
 

	Earlier, Audi had launched its super sports car RS 6 Avant priced at Rs 1.35 crore (ex-showroom Delhi). 
 Audi plans to launch a total of 10 products in India this year as it looks to fend off stiff competition from rival <keyword id="25952" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Mercedes-Benz">Mercedes-Benz</keyword>. 

	The company, which sells various popular brands including A3 sedan and Q5 sports utility vehicle, was overtaken by Mercedes-Benz in January-March this year. 
 

	While Audi posted a growth of 15% in the March quarter at 3,139 units, Mercedes-Benz sold 3,566 units, up 40%, from the year-ago period. 

	 
	(Image: Indiatimes)

The new Audi Q3 SUV priced at Rs 28.99 lakh

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/47327372.cms" />

	When Indian car makers including <keyword id="44883" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maruti-Suzuki">Maruti Suzuki</keyword> is introducing the budget car buyers to automatic transmission, <keyword id="6363321" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Audi">Audi</keyword> is pushing for manual transmissions even in its new SUV Q3. As per the news report by The Economic Times, the manual transmission Q3, which costs 3 lakh less than the automatic version, is part of the German carmaker's strategy to counter the new generation compact cars from rivals <keyword id="6381274" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mercedes-Benz">Mercedes Benz</keyword> and <keyword id="6355119" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="BMW">BMW</keyword>.

	Q3 accounts for 25-30% of Audi's sales in India, and of that 10-12% comes from the manual version, industry insiders told ET. People aware of Audi's plans said the automaker is exploring the possibility of launching the manual versions of its A3 and A4 sedans too. For this, the company may use the MQ 350 transmission from Q3.<o:p></o:p>

	Although no official statement has been made by Audi, India's <keyword id="6411847" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="head">head</keyword> <keyword id="1636962" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="joe-king">Joe King</keyword> in an interview with the financial daily has said that the A3 is the right size for the <keyword id="47445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-market">Indian market</keyword> and that the company has no plans of launching an entry hatchback to take on Mercedes Benz A Class and BMW 1 Series. However, people associated with Ingoldstadt-headquartered Audi say that apart from creating a new entry-level model, the idea is to offer the control in the hands of the user, which people "enjoy" driving, confirms the ET. <o:p></o:p>

You will surely ‘enjoy’ driving Audi Q3. It comes with manual transmission

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/46793502.cms" />The battle for leadership in India's luxury-car market has become fiercer, as the margin that separates the top two, <keyword id="6363321" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi">Audi</keyword> and <keyword id="25952" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Mercedes-Benz">Mercedes-Benz</keyword>, narrowed to razor-thin in the just concluded fiscal year when both reported record sales. 
 Audi beat its global arch rival to the No. 1 spot by selling just 79 more vehicles in India in fiscal 2015: Audi sold 11,292 units, compared with Mercedes-Benz's 11,213 according to The Economic Times. The global front runner, <keyword id="6355119" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="BMW">BMW</keyword>, lags the two rivals in India by a huge margin. 
 "We managed to outsell our competitor, despite having a limited product portfolio, on superior brand image and astounding consumer confidence," <keyword id="148913" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi-India">Audi India</keyword> head <keyword id="1636962" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="joe-king">Joe King</keyword> told ET. 
 
"We aim to maintain our leadership with an impressive line-up of new products in 2015." Mercedes-Benz remains India's fastest growing luxury car brand - it posted stellar sales performance in both the January-March period and fiscal year, helped by an array of new launches. Its last quarter sales of 3,566 units were 40% higher compared with the same period in 2014 and the best ever for the company in this market. 
 
In the fiscal year, sales grew 17.5%. Mercedes-Benz claimed that its sales tally in the January-March quarter was at least 385 units more than the nearest rival, taking it to the top position based on quarterly sales. 
 <keyword id="1406117" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Eberhard-Kern">Eberhard Kern</keyword>, MD and <keyword id="5645" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="CEO">CEO</keyword> of Mercedes-Benz India, said the company has posted multiple sales records in 2015, including the best March sales when volume grew more than 50% from a year earlier. The performance has been the result of "a series of initiatives", he said. BMW, the other major player in the luxury car market, didn't disclose sales numbers for FY15. 
 
Tata Motors-owned British luxury brand JLR refused to share sales data with ET. The Indian luxury-car market has witnessed an adrenaline rush with manufacturers launching a slew of new models and upgrades. 
There are more in the offer this year. Audi will introduce its new sports car TT and also debut the next generation of its flagship Q7 SUV. Mercedes-Benz plans to bring 10 new products.

Audi is India's favourite luxury car! But Mercedes isn't far behind!

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/46688172.cms" />German luxury carmaker <keyword id="6363321" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi">Audi</keyword> is set to announce a major investment for the <keyword id="47445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Indian-market">Indian market</keyword> in 3-4 months to expand business and double sales to 20,000 units by 2018. 
 "An internal discussion is going on to <keyword id="47916" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="invest">invest</keyword> in India for the expansion of our capacities. The detailed announcement will be made in the next three to four months," <keyword id="148913" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi-India">Audi India</keyword> Head <keyword id="1636962" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="joe-king">Joe King</keyword> said today. 
 
When asked about the quantum of investment, he refused to divulge, but said that "this is going to be a major investment by the company". 
 Asked if Audi India will be setting up a new facility or expanding capacities at the existing plant of <keyword id="166267" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Volkswagen-Group">Volkswagen Group</keyword> company <keyword id="6361542" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Skoda">Skoda</keyword> in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, King said: "It can be anything." 
 
Audi currently has an installed capacity to produce 14,000 units annually on a single shift basis in India. 
 
He said the company is looking for a long-term strategy for the Indian market and hopes to maintain its leadership position in the luxury car segment. 
 
"Conservatively, we should cross 20,000 units sales mark by 2018. It can be done before also. We are confident of retaining the leadership position till then," King said. 
 
Audi had sold 10,851 units in 2014 and remained the largest luxury carmaker for the second consecutive year. 
 "Currently, 96 per cent of our sales are assembled in India. This helps us in offering products at a competitive prices. Because of this, we have been able to capture a <keyword id="34527" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="market-share">market share</keyword> of 34 per cent in the luxury segment and we will maintain this in future," King said. 
 
The market share that the company enjoys in India is the highest for Audi across all its operations in the world, he added. 
 
King said the company is looking to increase its sales by 10-15 per cent during 2015. 
 
 
"Last year, the luxury car market grew by 3 per cent, but we grew by 9 per cent," he added. 
 
King said there has been some positive momentum seen in the market after the new government came to the power at the Centre and the company hopes that this will continue for some time in future. 
 
Yesterday, the company entered the North Eastern market by opening its first dealership in Guwahati, which is expected to sell 150-200 units in the first year. 
 
Yesterday, King had said Audi India is targeting 2,500- 3,000 units this year in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odhisa and North East. 
 
Earlier this month, the company had stated that it was focusing on long-term sustainability of its business in India while maintaining the top slot. 
 "The important part is the foundation that we are building to ensure long-term leadership of Audi in India and not just rather looking at monthly volumes and competition," Member of the Board of Management of <keyword id="147139" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi-AG">Audi AG</keyword> <keyword id="1592691" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Luca-de-Meo">Luca de Meo</keyword> had earlier said. 
 
The maker of popular brands like sports utility vehicles Q3, Q5 and sedan A3 also wants to maintain a bigger presence in the premium luxury segment.

Audi is loving the attention its getting in India,
and this is how it plans to reciprocate

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/47037211.cms" /> If you love luxury cars, this news must be quite exciting for you. <keyword id="6363321" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Audi">Audi</keyword> has planned to introduce five new models in the next five months in a bid to hold on to its leadership position even as rival <keyword id="25952" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Mercedes-Benz">Mercedes-Benz</keyword> has significantly reduced its lead last fiscal. 
 As per a news report by The Economic Times, The <keyword id="6361865" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Volkswagen">Volkswagen</keyword> owned Audi is facing stiff challenge from Mercedes that outsold the markleader in the last quarter of last fiscal, selling 3,566 vehicles, 385 more than Audi. For the whole 2014-15, Audi sold 11,292 cars and SUVs, less than 1% higher than Mercedes-Benz's 11,213 units sold in the same period. 
 "We see a huge potential to grow in the <keyword id="47445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-market">Indian market</keyword>," <keyword id="148913" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Audi-India">Audi India</keyword> head, <keyword id="1636962" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="joe-king">Joe King</keyword> told the ET. "The GDP is likely to improve as the fundamentals of the <keyword id="6356076" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-economy">Indian economy</keyword> are strong and softening <keyword id="37018" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="interest-rate">interest rate</keyword> will propel demand for the luxury cars." He said Audi targets double digit growth this fiscal, "aided by new models coming in different body shapes originating from several new segments". 
The competition in luxury car segment will become a cut throat one as Mercedes would also launch 10 cars in 2015. 
 (Image: <keyword id="-101" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India-Times">India Times</keyword>)

Audi is doing everything to ensure Mercedes stays behind it in the auto race

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/49468052.cms" />Audi launched the five-door coupe 'S5 Sportback' model in India. The swanky model is priced at Rs 62.95 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and can achieve a top speed of 250 km/h. 
 "The <keyword id="3107399" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Audi-S5-Sportback">Audi S5 Sportback</keyword> brings cutting edge technology in an efficient, sporty and powerful style while ensuring an exhilarating driving experience with no compromise on fuel efficiency," said Audi India Head Joe King, adding the model is an extremely attractive proposition for customers desiring sportiness with practicality. 
 
The Audi s5 Sportback is fitted with several advanced infotainment systems. 
 "We introduced the first compact luxury open top convertible the Audi A3 Cabriolet, the limited edition <keyword id="2685509" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Audi-R8-LMX">Audi R8 LMX</keyword>, first super sportscar with an Avant body type, the Audi RS 6 Avant and now the Audi S5 Sportback, a first in its segment will further strengthen our performance car portfolio in India," said King. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

Audi’s swanky 'S5 Sportback' launched in India at Rs 62.95 lakh

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48913647.cms" />German luxury <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=carmakers" target="_BLANK￿￿￿￿">carmaker</a> <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=audi" target="_BLANK￿￿￿￿">Audi</a> unveiled its swanky, new A6 35 TFSI priced at Rs 45.90 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi and Mumbai). 
 "The new <keyword id="6363321" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Audi">Audi</keyword> A6 Matrix, the new <keyword id="3049745" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Audi-A6-35-TFSI">Audi A6 35 TFSI</keyword> takes our success in the executive sedan segment a notch higher. The new 1.8 L turbocharged engine which is 200cc smaller than the outgoing engine offers a unique combination of power and also efficiency at the same time," said Audi India Head Joe King. 
 
The new 1.8 litre TFSI <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=car+engine" target="_BLANK￿￿￿￿">engine</a> is the new entry-level unit for Audi A6. 
 
"It combines high output of 190 hp with high efficiency of 15.26 kmpl and boasts superb responsiveness. With the seven-speed S-tronic transmission customers can change gears almost instantly while experiencing smooth, uninterrupted power," it added. 
 
Audi A6 35 TFSI also has features like auto LED head and tail lamps, memory-enabled electrically folding external mirrors, auto wipers, auto dimming interior mirror, new retractable MMI interface and electrically adjustable front seats. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

Audi’s executive sedan segment gets swankier, launches A6 35 TFSI at Rs 45.90 lakh

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/47244425.cms" /> If you’ve been noticing too many <keyword id="6363321" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Audi">Audi</keyword>s in roads these days, know that the Ingolstadt-based luxury car maker is confident of extending its market leadership in 2015 and maintaining double-digit growth momentum this year. Thanks to its new generation models, Audi has clocked the sales of 11,292 units in FY 15. 
 As per a news report by The Economic Times, Audi’s competition with <keyword id="6381274" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mercedes-Benz">Mercedes Benz</keyword> is just a difference of 29 units with Mercedes clocking the sale at 11,213. 
 Spea<keyword id="28161" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="king">king</keyword> on the sidelines of the Audi RS 7 Sportback launch (Rs 1.4 crore ex-showroom, New Delhi) Joe King, <keyword id="6411847" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="head">head</keyword> of Audi India told the ET, "We are slightly surprised that we maintained our leadership through last year as we had only one new product A3. Now, with the product lifecycle coming in at the right time for us, we will continue to grow by strong double digits this year and we will be No.1 by the year-end." 
 The Indian luxury car market has remained range bound at around 33,000 to 35,000 units. Audi has a <keyword id="34527" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="market-share">market share</keyword> of 34% and King is confident of holding on to the market share without introducing an entry-level luxury hatchbackin India " a segment that rival <keyword id="25952" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mercedes-Benz">Mercedes-Benz</keyword> has created with the A and B Class and has garnered a sizeable volumes. 
 
"We don't feel the need to enter the hatchback space. We think the A3 sedan is the right size product for the Indian market. We have a clear product strategy, our dealers are very profitable and volumes have come through attraction of our brand. With the new products lined up we will grow," said King. 
 
“There is undoubtedly enormous amount of the wealth, but accessibility is important and that is what we are trying to achieve this year by penetrating deeper into the country. It is not unrealistic to say that we are looking at a rapid growth in this country. The point really is are we able to take a sizeable market share. We have a 34% share, which is amongst the highest in the world," the ET learnt from King.

See who’s narrowing the race in Indian luxury car market

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/47026686.cms" />German luxury carmaker <keyword id="6363321" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi">Audi</keyword> today launched a new version of its <keyword id="6356028" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sports">sports</keyword> car <keyword id="-163" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi-TT">Audi TT</keyword> in India priced at Rs 60.34 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) as it tries to retain top position in Indian luxury market. 
 "This is the first of the five launches that we have planned in the next five months. Despite economic downturn last year we have grown," <keyword id="148913" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi-India">Audi India</keyword> Head Joe King told reporters here. 
 
Audi plans to launch a total of 10 products in India this year as it looks to fend off stiff competition from rival Mercedes-Benz. 
 
The company, which sells various popular brands including A3 sedan and Q5 sports utility vehicle, was overtaken by Mercedes-Benz in the January-March period of 2015. 
 
While Audi posted a growth of 15 per cent in the March quarter at 3,139 units, Mercedes-Benz sold 3,566 units, up 40 per cent from the year-ago period. 
 
Audi posted a record sales in 2014-15 by selling 11,292 units, up 11.51 per cent from 10,126 units sold in 2013-14 and retained its top position in the Indian luxury car market ahead of rival Mercedes-Benz, which also clocked record sales in FY15 at 11,213 units, up 17.5 per cent from 9,548 units sold in the previous year.

Now an Audi for just over Rs 60 lakh in India

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/46539762.cms" /><keyword id="25952" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Mercedes-Benz">Mercedes-Benz</keyword> plans to sell more compact cars to tap the fastest growing part of India's premium car market, a move analysts say could help the German automaker overtake rival <keyword id="6363321" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi">Audi</keyword> as the country's top luxury car seller.

	Mercedes launched on Wednesday a refreshed version of its entry-level, compact car -- the B-Class -- and it plans to increase sales of such models by 50 percent this year. Compact cars made up a fifth of Mercedes' total sales in 2014.
 The share of compact cars in India's luxury market is expected to rise to 50 percent by 2022 from about 25 percent now, according Delhi-based Emerging <keyword id="2761928" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Markets-Automotive-Advisors">Markets Automotive Advisors</keyword> (<keyword id="2351057" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="EMMAAA">EMMAAA</keyword>).
 Part of <keyword id="128620" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Daimler-AG">Daimler AG</keyword>, Mercedes is closing the gap with Volkswagen-owned Audi. Last year it sold 10,201 cars in India, just 650 fewer than Audi.
 "What has helped (Mercedes grow) is the launch of new products at the bottom of the pyramid, and that is where customers are going to enter the segment in the future," said EMMAAA <keyword id="303" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Director">director</keyword> <keyword id="234942" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Deepesh-Rathore">Deepesh Rathore</keyword>.

	"This is probably the year when Mercedes would be able to overtake Audi."

	GRAPHIC: German luxury car sales in India:<a href="http://link.reuters.com/nym34w">link.reuters.com/nym34w</a>


	Mercedes plans to launch 15 models this year -- its most ever in India in a year -- and open 15 dealerships. It has also invested 10 billion rupees ($159 million) in doubling local production capacity to 20,000 vehicles a year.

	Among new launches is the CLA, its cheapest compact sedan unveiled in January to rival Audi's A3 launched last year.
 Last September, Mercedes launched the GLA, a compact luxury crossover pitted against Audi's Q3 sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and <keyword id="6355119" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="BMW">BMW</keyword>'s X1 compact car.
 "We are on full speed, we have our foot on the throttle," said <keyword id="1406117" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Eberhard-Kern">Eberhard Kern</keyword>, <keyword id="24973" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="managing-director">managing director</keyword> of Mercedes-Benz India, adding sales in January and February were already 25 percent higher than the same period last year.

	Audi plans to launch 10 models in 2015, including a refreshed model of its Q3 compact SUV and the TT Coupe.

	In 2013, Audi toppled BMW as India's top-selling luxury carmaker mainly because of strong sales of the Q3, as well as the A4 and A6 sedans.
 Its A3 compact sedan, launched last year, is expected to keep growing, Joe <keyword id="28161" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="king">King</keyword>, <keyword id="6411847" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="head">head</keyword> of the carmaker's India unit said.
 "Audi has always been very aggressive but given Mercedes' focus on compact cars, it is on the right track to give Audi a tough fight," said Puneet Gupta, senior associate at <keyword id="17182" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Consultant">consultant</keyword> IHS Automotive.

Auto: This is why you will see more Mercedes on Indian roads, than other luxury cars

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/46596255.cms" /> Have you turned your head when a red <keyword id="16120" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Ferrari">Ferrari</keyword> passed you on a busy road recently? Well, be prepared to spot many more <keyword id="6357420" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="mercedes">Mercedes</keyword>, Audis and BMWs as well. A recent Economic Times report reveals that India's luxury car market has grown eight times in the last seven years from 4,000 units in 2007 to 33,000 units in 2014. Luxury car experts are expecting this number to reach 100,000 units by 2020. 
 Recovering from the slowdown of 2012 and 2013, the luxury car market in India has shown stronger growth than the mass market segment, like other high-growth emerging markets such as Brazil, Mexico and Russia. Even during the lean period, top luxury brands like <keyword id="6363321" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi">Audi</keyword> and Mercedes Benz have grown at double-digit pace, making India one of the "strategic markets" in Asia. 
 
Audi India MD Joe King believes that the Indian luxury car market will "at least double" by 2020 and should actually do much better than that. "The market has grown eight times in the last seven years," he told the Economic Times. "Typically, the premium segment displays a better dynamic than volume segment in many BRIC markets including India,” he added. 
 The experts believe a chunk of the future growth could come from non- metro cities."Along with the metropolitan centres, we foresee growth potential among the young achievers, predominantly from tier 1 and tier 2 cities, which have a dynamic attitude and are technology savvy," Philipp Von Sahr, president, <keyword id="6355119" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="BMW">BMW</keyword> Group India told ET. 
 
Understandably, India's rise in luxury car segment is prompting the big guys in the business to do some strategic thinking. Mercedes Benz, for example, has doubled production capacity to 20,000 units annually and with fresh investments, increased its total tally to Rs 1,000 crore. "This makes Mercedes-Benz the luxury car brand with the highest installed capacity in India," said Kern. And while Audi officials are still tight-lipped on the investment question, sources say it's a matter of time before the details are firmed up. 
 
Audi global head of marketing and sales Luca de Meo, while discussing the issue with the financial daily said, "India is a strategic market for Audi and the fourth top market in Asia after China, Japan and South Korea. We have a 34% share of the Indian market which is among the highest for us globally." Audi has a similar market share in China where as Brazil its other growth market, is lower at 32%, said de Meo. That's the reason Audi is taking a "long-term" position on India. 
 
As for BMW, India may not be among its high-volume single markets yet, but Von Sahr believes, "the future belongs to India. If you want to benefit from the dynamics of the Indian market later, you need to act today." 
 BMW already has a manufacturing plant in <keyword id="12864" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Chennai">Chennai</keyword> and has so far invested over 51.8-million euros in India. 
 
 (Image: Reuters)

Wondering why you spot many more Mercedes, Audis and BMWs on Indian roads than before? Read this

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="Nathaniel Bell for Netflix" title_caption="Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright return to Netflix at the end of February." class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54ada13869bedd7241ba7177-960/house-of-cards-season-2-frank-underwood.jpg"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54ada13869bedd7241ba7177-1200-924/house-of-cards-season-2-frank-underwood.jpg" border="0" alt="house of cards season 2 frank underwood" /></a>Nathaniel Bell for NetflixKevin Spacey and Robin Wright return to Netflix at the end of February.</div></div></div>February is nearly upon us, so you know what that means, we're that much closer to a new season of "House of Cards."
Netflix has announced its list of February releases.
In addition to the long-awaited return of Kevin Spacey to the streaming site, we're also getting every season of Starz hit "Spartacus" and five seasons of "M.A.S.H." 
The movie pickings look a bit slim at the moment, but we'll continue to update this list and re-run it at the top of the month.
<h3 class="p1">Here's what you should check out on Netflix in February:</h3>
<h3 class="p1">TV</h3>
<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="Starz" title_caption="Relive Andy Whitfield's masterful performance in " Spartacus.="" class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54c04585eab8ea5861271d7f-960/spartacus-blood-and-sand-1.jpg"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54c04585eab8ea5861271d7f-1200-600/spartacus-blood-and-sand-1.jpg" border="0" alt="spartacus blood and sand" /></a>StarzRelive Andy Whitfield's masterful performance in "Spartacus."</div></div></div>"M.A.S.H." Seasons 1-5 (available 2/1) We're kind of bummed there are only five of the Emmy winning series' 11 seasons to stream.
"Spartacus" The Complete Series (available 2/1) If you've never seen the hit Starz show, there are only three seasons of the series which follows the famous Gladiator. "Spartacus" carried on even after lead actor Andy Whitfield died from a battle with cancer in 2011.
"Hawaii Five-0" Seasons 1-4 Sorry guys, this isn't the original series. The remake of the original long-running CBS series follows a new task force led by Alex O'Loughlin and Daniel Dae Kim ("Lost").
"House of Cards" Season 3 (all 13 episodes available 2/27 at 12:01 a.m.) Now that Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) is president will his secrets come back to haunt him in the White House?
<h3 class="p1">Movies</h3>
The pickings are pretty slim so far.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="Kerry Hayes / Sony Pictures" title_caption="Did you skip out on the " RoboCop="" reboot="" last="" year="" class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54c04695ecad04550befa7db-960/robocop-remake-3.jpg"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54c04695ecad04550befa7db-1200-600/robocop-remake-3.jpg" border="0" alt="robocop remake" style="line-height: 1.5em;" /></a>Kerry Hayes / Sony PicturesDid you skip out on the "RoboCop" reboot last year?</div></div></div>
"Joe" (available 2/1) Nicolas Cage may have had one of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/worst-movies-2014-2015-1#1-left-behind-2-10">worst-reviewed movies</a> of last year; however, he also had this gem where he played a role model to an abused 15-year-old boy. 
"Proof" (available 2/1) Gwyneth Paltrow received a Golden Globe nod for her performance as a grieving daughter to her recently deceased mathematician father, Anthony Hopkins.
"RoboCop" (available 2/21) If you missed out on Sony's reboot last year, here's your chance to check it out.
"Dwight Howard: In the Moment" (2014) (available 2/10) 2014's Epix documentary follows Howard's life from high school to when he first started out with the Houston Rockets. 
For the kids: "Mr. Peabody &amp; Sherman" (available 2/11) One of DreamWorks Animation's <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/dreamworks-animation-will-lose-57-million-on-mr-peabody-and-sherman-2014-4">latest movies</a> which follows the adventures of the characters from "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show." 
Here's the full list of February releases so far:
Available 2/1
"Bleach the Movie: Hell Verse" "Dark Ride" "Departures" Seasons 1-2 "Gimme Shelter" "Gucci: The Director" "Hot Pursuit" "Houseboat" "Into the Blue 2: The Reef" "Joe" "King Arthur" "Magic City" Seasons 1-2 "MASH" Seasons 1-5 "Naruto Shippuden: The Movie" "Now: In the Wings on a World Stage" "Proof" "Spartacus" The complete series "The Brothers Bloom" "We Could Be King" "We're No Angels" "Zapped"
Available 2/5
"The Little Rascals Save the Day"
Available 2/6
"Ever After High: Spring Unsprung" "Danger 5"
Available 2/7
"Dead Snow: Read vs. Dead" "Elsa &amp; Fred"
Available 2/8
"Blood Ties" "Catch Hell"
Available 2/10
"Dwight Howard: In the Moment"
Available 2/11
"Mr. Peabody &amp; Sherman"
Available 2/12
"Young Ones" "The Two Faces of January" "Scary Movie 5"
Available 2/13
"Mako Mermaids" Season 2
Available 2/16
"Save the Date"
Available 2/17
"The Overnighters"
Available 2/18
"Earth to Echo" "In Secret" "The Fluffy Movie"
Available 2/19
"White Bird in a Blizzard"
Available 2/20
"Richie Rich" Season 1
Available 2/21
"RoboCop"
Available 2/24
"Hawaii Five-0" Seasons 1-4 (the CBS update) "1,000 Times Good Night"
Available 2/26
"Open Windows" "Russell Brand: Messiah Complex"
Available 2/27
"Ralphie May: Unruly" "House of Cards" Season 3 "Boys"

You Searched For "joe king" and got 15 results

Audi A4 2016, launched with the much needed boosted features at Rs. 38.1 lakh.

BI India Bureau

Audi India to focus on smaller towns and cities via 'Audi Mobile Terminal'

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New version of Audi’s A6 Matrix sedan available at Rs 49.5 lakh

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The new Audi Q3 SUV priced at Rs 28.99 lakh

BI India Bureau

You will surely ‘enjoy’ driving Audi Q3. It comes with manual transmission

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Audi is India's favourite luxury car! But Mercedes isn't far behind!

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Audi is loving the attention its getting in India, and this is how it plans to reciprocate

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Audi is doing everything to ensure Mercedes stays behind it in the auto race

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Audi’s swanky 'S5 Sportback' launched in India at Rs 62.95 lakh

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Audi’s executive sedan segment gets swankier, launches A6 35 TFSI at Rs 45.90 lakh

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See who’s narrowing the race in Indian luxury car market

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Now an Audi for just over Rs 60 lakh in India

BI India Bureau

Auto: This is why you will see more Mercedes on Indian roads, than other luxury cars

Reuters

Wondering why you spot many more Mercedes, Audis and BMWs on Indian roads than before? Read this

BI India Bureau

Here's What's New On Netflix In February

Kirsten Acuna