No takers for India's most expensive car

[quote:cde30eddac]No takers for India's most expensive car

By Binoo Nair
Friday, 04 June , 2004, 09:41

Two months after they sent out exclusive gilt-edged invites to the city's rich and famous and launched their luxury saloon here, the dealers of Maybach, the world's most expensive car, have not made a single sale. In keeping with their philosophy worldwide, the Rs 6 crore car can only be sold by invitation. In March, invites were sent to film stars, corporate czars and some very, very rich inheritors.

The cost factor
(All figures approximate)
Cost of car: Rs 2.35 crore
Import duty: Rs 2.50 crore
Registration and insurance: Rs 50 lakh
Customising costs: Rs 75 lakh
Total: Rs 6 crore

After the oohs and the aahs came the excuses. One plainly admitted it was 'too much of an investment', another said he would prefer to ?defer purchase for a while?. One ultra-glam couple said they?d like to coincide the purchase of the car with the purchase of their new house. Yet another top-notch industrialist wanted to buy the car when his new industrial unit opened.

So, has Mumbai lost the moolah? The two dealers for Maybach in the city, Sanghi Motors and Auto Hangar, of the Mariwala group, insist that?s not the case. Both say they have received 'advanced stages of interest from prospective buyers'.

'It is not meant for everyone after all. The target customer is one who is very successful, well informed, techno-savvy and well-travelled.

Therefore these would be captains of industry, highly networked people and personalities in the entertainment sector,' says Mohan Mariwala, managing director, Auto Hangar, who believes the festive season will bring in sales.

News that Reliance Group Chairman Mukesh Ambani and R M Dhariwal, the owner of Manikchand, have both bought the car, though neither purchase was made through city dealers' only adds to Mariwala?s optimism.

'We realise it's a special car and people obviously need more time to decide on the purchase,? adds Harish Wahi, general manager, sales, Sanghi Motors, The Maybach, which is individualised to the smallest detail, so that no two limos are exactly alike, is furnished with business class-style reclining seats and sunroofs with photo-transparent panels that change day into night at the touch of a button.

The customer is also flown to Germany so that every specification can be incorporated, in terms of interior, colours, etc. Meanwhile, one of the two buyers, R M Dhariwal awaits his beauty, 'The vehicle should be delivered by the first week of October. I'm eagerly waiting for it.? [/quote:cde30eddac]
The car can be seen on the manufacturer's site - http://www.maybachusa.com/

Looks fine.. but 6 crores? That's about USD1.3m :S

Dinesh