Thursday Nov 07, 2024
FT
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Friday, 7 November 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Interbrand, one of the most respected and world’s leading brand consultants, with a network of 33 offices in 27 countries carried out their annual brand study recently – the highly influential annual Best Global Brands Ranking for 2014.
The study showed that leading automotive brands continue to rethink the future of mobility. A combined focus on energy-efficient products and integrated technology is helping leading auto brands drive brand loyalty and value. This also reinstated Mercedes-Benz as the most valuable luxury automobile brand in the world.
This year, the collective brand value of the automotive brands appearing on the Best Global Brands ranking increased 14.6%. All 14 automotive brands collectively make up a combined brand value of $ 211.9 billion.
With three out of the five Top Risers hailing from the automotive sector, the past year proved to be a record-breaking one. This year’s top 14 automotive brands include: Toyota (#8, +20%), Mercedes-Benz (#10, +8%), BMW (#11, +7%), Honda (#20, +17%), Volkswagen (#31, +23%), Ford (#39, +18%), Hyundai (#40, +16%), Audi (#45, +27%), Nissan (#56, +23%), Porsche (#60, +11%), Kia (#74, +15%), Chevrolet (#82, +10%), Harley-Davidson (#87, +13%), and Land Rover (#91, NEW).
Mercedes-Benz, Germany’s automotive pioneer revitalized itself with new models and fresh expressions of its brand, resulting in a record 14% increase in sales. Sales rose 9.5% in the US (Mercedes-Benz’s largest market), demand has been revived in Europe, and the brand is closing in on competitors in China.
Continuing to provide the comfort, performance, and safety consumers have come to expect from the brand, while also offering dramatic styling and innovative new features, it’s no wonder Mercedes-Benz’s models still captivate.
Demand for the flagship luxury S-Class line has surged 60%, and its E-Class models, CLA-Class Coupe, and GLA-Class SUV shook up the entry-level luxury market by attracting younger consumers. The timeless appeal of the Mercedes brand, currently summed up by its tagline ‘The best or nothing,’ is seductive the world over and appeals to drivers of all ages.
In terms of the latest models and marketing, the new-generation S-Class is also making history with the most successful and the fastest market launch. Within less than twelve weeks the S-Class went on sale in all three-core markets—Germany (end of July 2013), China (end of September 2013) and the USA (mid-October 2013). Within just one year after the launch in all its core markets, Mercedes-Benz was able to deliver over 100,000 S-Class models worldwide.
“The sales figure of 100,000 S-Class models in just one year is the ultimate proof: the combination of high-class quality, exemplary efficiency and a host of innovative assistance and safety systems delights our customers and meets their highest demands,” says Ola Källenius, Member of the Divisional Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Marketing and Sales. However, not all variants of the S-Class is suitable for Sri Lanka due to country specific conditions.
DIMO has currently sold approximately 80 S-Class sedans in Sri Lanka. DIMO is the only authorized distributor in Sri Lanka for Mercedes-Benz automobiles and their latest showroom and service centre is located at ‘DIMO800’ at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Mawatha, Colombo 15.
This facility is the largest and the most modern service facility in this part of the world. This facility was developed to deliver the same level of luxury, comfort, reassurance and peace of mind that is experienced when you purchase and maintain a Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart, Germany.
Mercedes-Benz is the most recognised and aspired luxury automobile brand in Sri Lanka, and is the bestselling luxury automobile brand in Sri Lanka. This year also marks a milestone for DIMO as they celebrate their 75th anniversary – reflecting more than seven decades of partnership with the three-pointed star.
