Brands
India to build Mercedes-Maybach GLS, price cut over Rs 40 lakh
PUNE: India has just parked itself firmly in the global fast lane of luxury motoring. Mercedes-Benz will begin local production of its ultra-luxury Maybach GLS in India, making the country the first market outside the United States to assemble the flagship SUV. Until now, the model rolled out only from the brand’s Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama.
The move reflects India’s growing appetite for high-end automobiles. The country has entered the top five global markets for Mercedes-Maybach in 2025, a milestone that surprised even seasoned industry watchers.
“India is now among the top five Mercedes-Maybach markets globally,” said Santosh Iyer, managing director and chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz India, speaking to CNBC TV18. “Localisation allows us to pass on pricing benefits directly to customers.”
Those benefits are substantial. The locally assembled Maybach GLS will be priced at Rs 2.75 crore ex-showroom, sharply lower than the earlier fully imported version that cost Rs 3.17 crore.
Luxury, it seems, is no longer niche. Cars priced above Rs 1.5 crore now make up over a quarter of Mercedes-Benz India’s total sales. The company’s top-end portfolio grew 11 per cent in 2025, delivering one of its strongest revenue years in the country.
Customers at this end of the market are not just buying cars, Iyer said. They are buying personal statements. While locally built Maybach GLS models promise quicker deliveries, fully imported versions will remain available for buyers seeking bespoke customisation or enhanced security features.
Electric luxury is also quietly picking up speed. While EVs still form a small slice of the overall Indian car market, they account for nearly 20 per cent of Mercedes-Benz’s top-end sales. To ease charging anxiety, the company has rolled out MB.Charge in India, bringing together more than 9,000 DC charging points on a single platform, with in-car payment functionality planned for future models.
Despite a sluggish luxury market growing at just 1 to 2 percent, Mercedes-Benz is steering clear of heavy discounts.
“We are not playing the price game,” Iyer said. “Residual value and brand integrity matter more than short-term volumes.”
Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be busy. Mercedes-Benz plans to launch 12 new vehicles in India across petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. Among them will be the new CLA, set to become the brand’s entry point into electric mobility.
In short, the Maybach may be built for the elite, but its local assembly signals something broader. India is no longer just buying global luxury. It is helping build it.
Brands
Devyani International names Sandeep Anand, Robinder Singh in key roles
Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee businesses see leadership refresh from April
MUMBAI: Devyani International has strengthened its senior leadership bench with a fresh set of appointments across its key brands, Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee, signalling a sharper focus on growth and brand momentum.
The company has appointed Sandeep Anand as chief marketing officer and business head for Pizza Hut. His appointment, approved by the board via a circular resolution on April 3, follows a recommendation by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, as reported by CNBC-TV18. Anand will officially step into the role on April 6, 2026.
He takes over from Vijay Gogate, who currently serves as chief executive officer for Pizza Hut within the company’s operations. The move marks a strategic transition as the brand looks to sharpen its marketing and business playbook in a competitive quick service restaurant market.
Anand brings over two decades of experience across the food and FMCG sectors, with a strong track record in brand building and innovation. His career spans roles at major consumer-facing companies including Domino’s, Zydus Wellness, Zomato, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Reckitt and Ranbaxy, giving him a well-rounded perspective on both scale and agility.
Alongside this, Robinder Singh has been appointed business head for Costa Coffee and the company’s airport operations. He too will assume his new role on April 6, bringing more than 18 years of experience in operations, business expansion and customer experience transformation.
The twin appointments come at a time when Devyani International is doubling down on leadership depth to steer its portfolio through evolving consumer preferences and heightened competition. With fresh faces at the helm of two key verticals, the company appears set to brew up its next phase of growth with renewed energy.
