Will the high-tech nature of the new E-class be a challenge for your service network?
We are aware that the new E-class comes with technology not seen in the country before and are thoroughly prepared for it. There is a routine at Mercedes-Benz we have to follow when we introduce a new model and it involves all departments of the company. On the service side, we will update our tooling and software but this is the easy part. The main challenge is on training and we have spared no effort in ensuring that our technicians are completely familiar with the car.

Did you need to test and adapt the W211 for Indian conditions?
This was done in the development stage of the car where it had gone through all kinds of conditions from -40deg to +60deg and the toughest road conditions.
So whatever road conditions the new E-class will meet in India, it has already been tested for. I would even go one step further and say that in India where you have rough conditions, the E-class with its very advanced suspension system is ideally suited. What we needed to do was optimise our processes in the plant to suit the new E-class.

Are we going to see more growth products from DaimlerChrysler India?
We want to grow in value.
The value that this company is representing and the value we give to the customer. We are not focused on rapid growth in terms of volumes but will aim for sustainable and stable growth. I don't see any immediate change in our present portfolio. The core models will remain the E, C and S-class that are assembled here and around these models will be the halo of CBUs that are high in image and profitability.