Mercedes CBU plan into top gear

Automakers are scrambling to meet rapidly growing demand which is mirroring people’s increasing living standards

Last week, Honda Vietnam confirmed it would import complete-built units (CBUs) from 2009.
Udo Loersch, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam’s general director, said customers would now be able to buy Mercedes-Benz vehicles from genuine sources and felt totally assured of the origins and verification of the cars.
He said customers could enjoy post-sale services and spare parts provided by Autohaus Mercedes-Benz, the firm’s agents, nationwide and this would help them avoid the problems facing those who buy imported products from other sources.

The firm will import saloons, coupés, SUVs, off-roaders, roadsters and Cabriolets which include the S350 L, S500 L, CLS350, R350 L, ML350, SLK350, GL320 CDI, and GL450 models.
Mercedes-Benz Vietnam will announce sale prices by February. Customers will need to wait between four to five months for vehicles that are not in stock or have custom requirements.
Under Vietnam’s commitments to the World Trade Organization, in 2009 the country will open the retail market to foreign-invested automobile manufacturers.

Last year, under a tariff rate of 60 per cent and the right to import second-hand vehicles, import companies drew in record sales as local car-makers failed to meet demand.
Four years ago, Toyota Vietnam and Ford Vietnam asked government agencies to ban the import of CBUs. Both Toyota and Ford have opened assembling plants in the country.
Michael Pease, Ford Vietnam’s general director, said global car firms would take advantage of weak after sales service by domestic firms.
He said local importers did not invest in post-sale services strongly enough but this was a competitive edge of global companies who would serve customers better.