India has been remarkable in terms of learnings’

Martin Schwenk, the Managing Director of Mercedes Benz India is all set to finish his four years’ stint on a high. He is leaving with record sales and a strong fundamental business operation for his successor Santosh lyer. He shared his experiences with Ketan Thakkar and Manobhava Baruah.

MARTIN SCHWENK HAS had a busy time in India and has seen it all the ups and downs in business, a pandemic-struck operation and a strong bounce back after opening up of the market post Covid. Mercedes-Benz India is at the top of its game and the German Tristar brand has been the Number One luxury carmaker for the past seven years. None of its rivals have been able to keep pace with the company’s growth in India. In his farewell interview with Autocar Professional, Schwenk shares insights on how the Indian market has evolved and the role of electrification in the future and how the Free Trade Agreement could help the country build scale and reduce cost and make more cars accessible

What is your take on the stint in India and what do you take back with you? 

Everyone who comes to the country can be certainly overwhelmed with first impressions. But one core impression for me was the warmth of the people and how easy it was to get access to people and develop a connection with them. And that is, for sure, something which I will take with me.

I have also learnt that in many countries you have either a personal relationship or a business relationship. In India, you almost always have both. So, if you have a business relationship, it will often be complemented with a personal relationship. And also, personal relationships can offer business opportunities.

India is a very warm country, and I have developed very strong connections in all these years. While that makes it very nice for me, on the other hand, it makes it a little bit difficult for me to leave, but also a good feeling to leave with.

What are the highlights of your stint here?

Professionally, there are many highlights. First is that we are back on track now with our sales numbers led by many new products. This year we should have our best year ever after a really difficult time.