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Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Luxe just another car, big auto ups bling with Limited Editions
Luxury carmakers in India are sharpening their focus on exclusivity and personalisation to deepen their engagement with the lucrative and burgeoning pool of affluent buyers. By rolling out limited-edition variants and high-performance versions of core models, these automakers are not just seeking to unleash excitement and burnish brand prestige but also moving to unlock new, high-margin revenue streams in an intensely competitive marketplace. Overall, luxury cars-models priced at more than '50 lakh-scaled a record high of 51,500 units in FY25, according to industry estimates. However, at a 3.3% rise, it marked the slowest pace of growth in at least three years, largely due to economic uncertainties and stock market volatility. Sales had seen 16.7% growth in FY24 and 55.3% in the year before. With wealthy customers increasingly seeking cars that symbolise their identity and status, automakers such as Mercedes-Benz , BMW, Jaguar Land Rover ( JLR ), and MINI are responding with a flurry of special editions and hyper-customised versions of existing models. Mercedes-Benz leads the luxury car segment with a more than 45% share, followed by BMW, JLR and Audi. These innovations are spurred by the readiness of top-end customers to pay a premium for exclusivity. This March, Tata Motors-owned JLR unveiled Defender Octa - a special edition version of the standard Defender. Priced at ₹2.59 crore-nearly 50% more than the equivalent regular model-the Octa offers exclusive paint shades, tailored interiors, and performance upgrades. "These models combine high performance with finely crafted, bespoke interiors," said Rajan Amba, MD, JLR India. "These vehicles act as halo products that elevate the entire brand," Amba told ET. "The strategy of launching limited and special edition models is a win-win for both the company as well as customers," said Puneet Gupta, director at S&P Global Mobility. While it helps companies stretch the name plate lifecycle, buyers, on their part, retain that exclusivity - be it in terms of the overall look and feel, interiors or performance, he noted. "The high margins with minimal investments ensure that the cash registers keep ringing at the companies," said Gupta. Luxury brands are also enthused by India's expanding base of high-net-worth individuals-those with over $10 million in assets. The number of HNIs increased 6% to 85,698 last year, according to Knight Frank. At Mercedes-Benz India , personalisation is fast becoming a core differentiator. "Hyper personalisation is an emerging trend among our top-end luxury customers and collectors," said Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. "Our MANUFAKTUR range and special editions are witnessing unprecedented demand." All 25 units of the AMG G 63 Grand Edition, priced at ₹4 crore, sold out within minutes of launch, while the ₹4.2 crore Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series launched on March 17 this year, was fully booked the same evening it was announced. Later this month, the company is debuting an 'India Inspired' AMG G 63 'Collector's Edition.' BMW India is also leveraging limited editions to build emotional resonance with customers. "Limited editions fulfil bespoke aspirations perfectly. They celebrate heritage, milestones, and exclusivity," said Vikram Pawah, president and CEO, BMW Group India. "The BMW XM Label was limited to 500 units globally, with only one allocated to India-sold out on the day of launch," he said.
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Luxe just another car, big auto ups bling with Limited Editions
Luxury carmakers in India are sharpening their focus on exclusivity and personalisation to deepen their engagement with the lucrative and burgeoning pool of affluent rolling out limited-edition variants and high-performance versions of core models, these automakers are not just seeking to unleash excitement and burnish brand prestige but also moving to unlock new, high-margin revenue streams in an intensely competitive luxury cars-models priced at more than '50 lakh-scaled a record high of 51,500 units in FY25, according to industry estimates. However, at a 3.3% rise, it marked the slowest pace of growth in at least three years, largely due to economic uncertainties and stock market volatility. Sales had seen 16.7% growth in FY24 and 55.3% in the year before. With wealthy customers increasingly seeking cars that symbolise their identity and status, automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), and MINI are responding with a flurry of special editions and hyper-customised versions of existing models. Mercedes-Benz leads the luxury car segment with a more than 45% share, followed by BMW, JLR and Audi. These innovations are spurred by the readiness of top-end customers to pay a premium for exclusivity. This March, Tata Motors-owned JLR unveiled Defender Octa - a special edition version of the standard Defender. Priced at ₹2.59 crore-nearly 50% more than the equivalent regular model-the Octa offers exclusive paint shades, tailored interiors, and performance upgrades."These models combine high performance with finely crafted, bespoke interiors," said Rajan Amba, MD, JLR India. "These vehicles act as halo products that elevate the entire brand," Amba told ET."The strategy of launching limited and special edition models is a win-win for both the company as well as customers," said Puneet Gupta, director at S&P Global Mobility. While it helps companies stretch the name plate lifecycle, buyers, on their part, retain that exclusivity - be it in terms of the overall look and feel, interiors or performance, he noted. "The high margins with minimal investments ensure that the cash registers keep ringing at the companies," said brands are also enthused by India's expanding base of high-net-worth individuals-those with over $10 million in assets. The number of HNIs increased 6% to 85,698 last year, according to Knight Frank. At Mercedes-Benz India, personalisation is fast becoming a core differentiator. "Hyper personalisation is an emerging trend among our top-end luxury customers and collectors," said Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. "Our MANUFAKTUR range and special editions are witnessing unprecedented demand." All 25 units of the AMG G 63 Grand Edition, priced at ₹4 crore, sold out within minutes of launch, while the ₹4.2 crore Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series launched on March 17 this year, was fully booked the same evening it was announced. Later this month, the company is debuting an 'India Inspired' AMG G 63 'Collector's Edition.'BMW India is also leveraging limited editions to build emotional resonance with customers. "Limited editions fulfil bespoke aspirations perfectly. They celebrate heritage, milestones, and exclusivity," said Vikram Pawah, president and CEO, BMW Group India. "The BMW XM Label was limited to 500 units globally, with only one allocated to India-sold out on the day of launch," he said.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Luxe just another car, big auto ups bling with Limited Editions
Luxury car companies in India are now focusing on unique and personalized features. They aim to attract wealthy buyers with limited-edition models. Mercedes-Benz and BMW are launching special versions of their cars. These exclusive cars cost more but offer unique designs and better performance. This strategy helps companies increase profits and satisfy customers who want something special. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Luxury carmakers in India are sharpening their focus on exclusivity and personalisation to deepen their engagement with the lucrative and burgeoning pool of affluent rolling out limited-edition variants and high-performance versions of core models, these automakers are not just seeking to unleash excitement and burnish brand prestige but also moving to unlock new, high-margin revenue streams in an intensely competitive luxury cars-models priced at more than '50 lakh-scaled a record high of 51,500 units in FY25, according to industry estimates. However, at a 3.3% rise, it marked the slowest pace of growth in at least three years, largely due to economic uncertainties and stock market volatility. Sales had seen 16.7% growth in FY24 and 55.3% in the year wealthy customers increasingly seeking cars that symbolise their identity and status, automakers such as Mercedes-Benz , BMW, Jaguar Land Rover ( JLR ), and MINI are responding with a flurry of special editions and hyper-customised versions of existing models. Mercedes-Benz leads the luxury car segment with a more than 45% share, followed by BMW, JLR and innovations are spurred by the readiness of top-end customers to pay a premium for March, Tata Motors-owned JLR unveiled Defender Octa - a special edition version of the standard Defender. Priced at ₹2.59 crore-nearly 50% more than the equivalent regular model-the Octa offers exclusive paint shades, tailored interiors, and performance upgrades."These models combine high performance with finely crafted, bespoke interiors," said Rajan Amba, MD, JLR India. "These vehicles act as halo products that elevate the entire brand," Amba told ET."The strategy of launching limited and special edition models is a win-win for both the company as well as customers," said Puneet Gupta, director at S&P Global Mobility. While it helps companies stretch the name plate lifecycle, buyers, on their part, retain that exclusivity - be it in terms of the overall look and feel, interiors or performance, he noted. "The high margins with minimal investments ensure that the cash registers keep ringing at the companies," said brands are also enthused by India's expanding base of high-net-worth individuals-those with over $10 million in number of HNIs increased 6% to 85,698 last year, according to Knight Mercedes-Benz India , personalisation is fast becoming a core differentiator. "Hyper personalisation is an emerging trend among our top-end luxury customers and collectors," said Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. "Our MANUFAKTUR range and special editions are witnessing unprecedented demand."All 25 units of the AMG G 63 Grand Edition, priced at ₹4 crore, sold out within minutes of launch, while the ₹4.2 crore Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series launched on March 17 this year, was fully booked the same evening it was announced. Later this month, the company is debuting an 'India Inspired' AMG G 63 'Collector's Edition.'BMW India is also leveraging limited editions to build emotional resonance with customers. "Limited editions fulfil bespoke aspirations perfectly. They celebrate heritage, milestones, and exclusivity," said Vikram Pawah, president and CEO, BMW Group India."The BMW XM Label was limited to 500 units globally, with only one allocated to India-sold out on the day of launch," he said.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
JLR aims to double biz in India over next 3-4 years
HighlightsJaguar Land Rover India achieved a record retail sales of 6,183 units in fiscal year 2025, marking a 40 percent increase from fiscal year 2024. The company aims to double its business in India within the next 3-4 years, driven by expanding its product portfolio and increasing its sales network to around 50 outlets by 2030. Rajan Amba, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover India, forecasts significant growth in the luxury car market in India, predicting that annual luxury car sales could double due to increasing wealth and entrepreneurship. Bullish on growth prospects, Jaguar Land Rover aims to double its business in India over the next 3-4 years amid plans to bolster its product portfolio and sales network, according to a top company executive. With the Indian luxury car market expected to grow consistently over the next few years, Jaguar Land Rover ( JLR ) India anticipates breaking into the top ten markets of its parent. In an interaction with PTI here, JLR India Managing Director Rajan Amba stated that demand and appreciation for bespoke or differentiated car models remain very high in India promoting it to offer such products in the country. He noted that JLR India has witnessed better growth rate than the rest of the domestic luxury car industry over the last few years and it retains momentum for sustainable growth going ahead. "So clearly, there's a vacuum or a demand that we are kind of meeting and fulfilling and we have not even hit our peak running speed," Amba stated. The automaker has a natural demand potential for excess of 8,000 units per year having already crossed the 6,000 annual sales mark in FY25, he said. "And therefore, we expect that in the next 3-4 years, we should be able to double our business in the country both in terms of volumes and revenue," Amba said. Jaguar Land Rover India reported its best-ever performance in a fiscal with retail sales of 6,183 units in FY25, a growth of 40 per cent over FY24. Similarly, dispatches to dealers rose 39 per cent year-on-year to 6,266 units last fiscal. Amba noted that the company would expand its product range as well as sales network to grow its business in the country. "We plan to double our sales network to around 50 outlets by 2030," he stated while sharing that new dealerships would come up in places like Rajkot, Goa and Nagpur. The JLR sales network is currently spread across 21 cities in India, through 25 authorised outlets. Amba said the automaker plans to invest more and more towards 'halo' models to make the brand more aspirational. The British marquee brand also aims to introduce brand extensions of existing nameplates and encourage customers to go for more personalised touches on their units. Amba said the future product action would focus both on battery electric vehicles and internal combustion engine models in the Indian market. The company plans to drive in various models, including Range Rover BEV, in the country. JLR India currently sells Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar, Range Rover Evoque, Defender, Discovery and Discovery Sport in the country. Earlier this year, Range Rover announced the local manufacturing of Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, which has received an unprecedented response. When asked about the growth prospects of the luxury car market in the country which currently remains miniscule in terms of the over 40 lakh per annum passenger vehicle segment, Amba said that the segment is expected to grow over the next few years. "Certainly from a 4-5 year horizon perspective, we certainly believe that this 50,000 odd number (annual luxury car sales) is likely to double because of the sheer amount of wealth that is being created in India, with the entrepreneurship that is happening, and with more and more Make in India and localisation," Amba said. "JLR India has been the beneficiary of the growth for the last two years, and we hope and expect that we'll continue to be the beneficiary of that," he added. JLR FY25 revenue remained flat at 29 billion pounds. Its fourth-quarter revenue stood at 7.7 billion pounds, a dip of 1.7 per cent year on year. The company said that in April 2025, it implemented a series of short-term actions to address the immediate impact of trade tariffs introduced by the US Administration on the global automotive sector. JLR has lined up an investment spend of 18 billion pounds over a five-year period which would be funded by operational cash flows. The automaker aims to develop individual growth strategies for its four brands: Jaguar, Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender, each catering to a specific audience and retail landscape.
Entrepreneur
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Entrepreneur
Jaguar Land Rover Bets Big on India, Confirms No U.S. Manufacturing Plans Despite Tariff
The momentum, according to JLR India managing director, Rajan Amba, is not an anomaly but part of a deliberate push to entrench the brand deeper in the Indian market You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is setting its sights firmly on India as it doubles down on electric mobility and expands its footprint in one of the world's fastest-growing luxury car markets. Even as the company confirms it will not manufacture vehicles in the United States, citing the continued impact of tariffs, India has emerged as a key growth frontier, bolstered by a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that favors electric vehicles. JLR India has reported its strongest fiscal year to date, retailing 6,183 units in FY25, a 40 per cent jump over the previous year. Dealer dispatches saw a near-identical 39 per cent rise, touching 6,266 units. The momentum, according to JLR India managing director, Rajan Amba, is not an anomaly but part of a deliberate push to entrench the brand deeper in the Indian market. Amba told PTI that with demand and appreciation for bespoke or differentiated car models remaining very high in India, the company sees a clear path to sustained growth. The company currently sells over 8,000 units annually and anticipates doubling both volume and revenue within the next three to four years. India's luxury car market—still a sliver of the country's 4-million-unit passenger vehicle segment—is poised for expansion. "Certainly from a 4-5 year horizon perspective, we believe this 50,000-odd number (annual luxury car sales) is likely to double because of the sheer amount of wealth that is being created in India," said Amba. He pointed to rising entrepreneurship, localization, and government initiatives like Make in India as catalysts for the segment's expected surge. As part of its broader transformation strategy, Jaguar is moving fully to electric vehicles. JLR's future in India will balance battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with internal combustion engine models. The Range Rover BEV is among several new offerings lined up for the Indian market. "We plan to double our sales network to around 50 outlets by 2030," Amba said. The company plans to expand into cities like Rajkot, Goa, and Nagpur, adding that the network currently spans 21 cities through 25 authorized dealerships. Earlier this year, the company began local manufacturing of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport—models that have already seen overwhelming demand. With strong performance and ambitious plans, JLR is gearing up to make India one of the top ten global markets for its parent company in the years ahead.
