German automaker, Mercedes-Benz, which fell behind BMW in the luxury car segment in India last year, managed to regain its number one position in January 2010 by selling 403 cars. BMW sold 341 cars in the same month, while Audi sold 306.

Mr Wilfried Aulbur, Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and Chief Executive, told media persons that even though sales numbers were an encouraging factor, the company’s focus, in the coming months, would remain on profitability. Mercedes didn’t seem to rest at all during the month, launching as many as seven new models and variants. BMW too launched three new models – the 760 Li, the Gran Turismo and the X6 M, while Audi introduced a limited edition version of the A6.

Audi is also planning to launch the Q7 SUV, with a 4.2 litre diesel engine, sometime soon. Audi India Managing Director, Mr Benoit Tiers, said that the company would continue with its expansion efforts this year and would open more dealerships in ‘mini-metros’. The company sold 1,658 cars in India in 2009, and is aiming to sell 2,300 units in the current year.