<p>Mercedes Benz, which was overthrown by BMW last year from its numero uno position, sold a total of 2,921 units in the January-July period, as against 1,629 units in the same period last year, as per data released by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.<br /><br />BMW on the other hand sold a total of 2,718 units in the seven-month period compared to 2008 units in the same period last year, a growth of 35.35 per cent.<br /><br />In 2009, BMW emerged as the top luxury car maker in India with a jump of 33.78 per cent at 3,619 units in 2009. It had sold 2,705 units in 2008.<br /><br />Mercedes on the other hand sold 3,247 units in 2009 against 3,625 units in 2008, a decline of 10.42 per cent.<br /><br />Industry watchers are keeping a close eye on the two auto giants, unsure who would ultimately end the year on the number one position.<br /><br />"It is really hard to tell who will become the number one as the difference between the two is not much," an analyst, who asked not to be identified, said.<br /><br />It was true that Mercedes had lost focus for some time, but it has come back strongly. On the other hand, BMW has just got a new India head and everyone is eagerly looking at him what new strategy he comes up with, he added.<br /><br />Another German firm, Audi is also gradually increasing its strength in the segment, selling 1,535 units in the January-July period, as against 981 units in the comparable period last year, a growth of 56.47 per cent.<br /><br />BMW has an assembly facility at Chennai having an annual production capacity of 3,000 units. It rolls out the 3 and 5-Series sedans in petrol and diesel variants from the plant. It also plans to start assembling the SUV X1, once it is launched by the end of the year.<br /><br />Mercedes Benz has its plant at Chakan in Maharashtra, where it produces models, including C Class, E Class and the S Class, with an annual output of 5,000 units.</p>
<p>Mercedes Benz, which was overthrown by BMW last year from its numero uno position, sold a total of 2,921 units in the January-July period, as against 1,629 units in the same period last year, as per data released by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.<br /><br />BMW on the other hand sold a total of 2,718 units in the seven-month period compared to 2008 units in the same period last year, a growth of 35.35 per cent.<br /><br />In 2009, BMW emerged as the top luxury car maker in India with a jump of 33.78 per cent at 3,619 units in 2009. It had sold 2,705 units in 2008.<br /><br />Mercedes on the other hand sold 3,247 units in 2009 against 3,625 units in 2008, a decline of 10.42 per cent.<br /><br />Industry watchers are keeping a close eye on the two auto giants, unsure who would ultimately end the year on the number one position.<br /><br />"It is really hard to tell who will become the number one as the difference between the two is not much," an analyst, who asked not to be identified, said.<br /><br />It was true that Mercedes had lost focus for some time, but it has come back strongly. On the other hand, BMW has just got a new India head and everyone is eagerly looking at him what new strategy he comes up with, he added.<br /><br />Another German firm, Audi is also gradually increasing its strength in the segment, selling 1,535 units in the January-July period, as against 981 units in the comparable period last year, a growth of 56.47 per cent.<br /><br />BMW has an assembly facility at Chennai having an annual production capacity of 3,000 units. It rolls out the 3 and 5-Series sedans in petrol and diesel variants from the plant. It also plans to start assembling the SUV X1, once it is launched by the end of the year.<br /><br />Mercedes Benz has its plant at Chakan in Maharashtra, where it produces models, including C Class, E Class and the S Class, with an annual output of 5,000 units.</p>