On whether Merc will launch more SUVs here, Folger

said the company already has the largest number of SUVs in its portfolio with seven models which include the GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS and the AMG GLA45, AMG GLE 43 and the AMG G 63.

On the performance of the sports car and performance brand Mercedes-AMG, he said both the divisions had double- digits growth in 2016 along with the Dream Cars portfolio and the new generation cars.

On the impact of the GST implementation on the luxe car industry, Folger said "any additional tax by whatever term it is referred to, will defeat the very purpose of GST, wherein all taxes are supposed to be subsumed into GST rate.

"If the luxury cars are charged at higher rates, then the presumption that GST will bring down prices will not be true in case of luxury cars, and hence the demand may not increase. Still I hope the new tax regime will help recover the momentum that the auto industry in general, and luxury car industry in particular, lost in 2016".

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)