Car-mic connection

There is an almost boyish enthusiasm in Wilfried Aulburs deportment as he shows off one of the models in Mercedes Benz AMG range,which have recently been launched in India.

Wilfried Aulbur,head of Mercedes-Benz India,explains what the company stands for and reveals why Indian traffic doesnt scare him

There is an almost boyish enthusiasm in Wilfried Aulburs deportment as he shows off one of the models in Mercedes Benz AMG range,which have recently been launched in India. This is my favourite, he declares as he clambers into a silver sports model and flips a few switches to pull down the hood of the car. Aulbur,whos the CEO and Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz India,is an example of why it isnt enough to just be passionate about cars,especially if youre helming one of largest manufacturers of luxury cars in the worldyou have to live and breathe cars.

Aulbur was in the city on Sunday,to tee off the western regional round in the ninth edition of the Mercedes Trophy golf tournament. The evening also saw a fashion show where clothes created by ace designer Gayatri Khanna,especially for Mercedes,were on dislay. This tournament has become one of the most prestigious events in the golfing calendar in India, he says with satisfaction. He explains that golf and Mercedes-Benz are natural allies,because golf is about perfection and that is our philosophy as well. In fact,globally were associated with sports like Formula 1,golf,and in some cases,tennis,because typically these sports fit in with the lifestyle of our customers. As for fashion,that too is a natural partner as,it represents luxury and elegance which is what we represent as well. Besides, he smiles,it appeals to the wives of our clients.

Aulbur is an old India hand. He informs that hes been in the country off and on for about nine years now in a professional capacity. Indian consumers are very knowledgeable, he says,theyre well-travelled and they know what the global standards are. So they demand,and we give them,only the best. Our cars on offer here have attained the optimum point between comfort and ground clearance and theyre also very comfortable with the fuel available here.

Aulbur has a high opinion of the car manufactured in India. Indian manufacturers have done a good job,

especially the Tatas. They started out with making trains and then they moved into making trucks,in which theyre globally the fourth or fifth best. And I really admired the way theyve transitioned into creating passenger cars. Unlike many non-Indians,he doesnt seem particularly fazed by Indian traffic. You cant avoid it,especially if,like me,you travel a lot. And when asked if hell ever risk traveling by the infamous Mumbai local trains,he laughs and asks,Wheres the risk?

Pooja Pillai

Pooja Pillai is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, working with the National Editorial and Opinion section. Her work frequently explores the intersection of society, culture and technology. Editorial Focus & Expertise Pooja’s writing spans several key domains, often blending analytical commentary with cultural critique. Art & Culture: She writes extensively on cinema, books, and the evolving landscape of arts and entertainment. Technology & Society: Her work examines the human impact of the gig economy, the rise of AI in creative fields, and the cultural shifts driven by digital platforms. Food & Lifestyle: She often uses food as a lens to explore history and politics, covering everything from the origins of pantry essentials to the impact of nutrition policy. Politics: She closely tracks political developments in South and West India and provides commentary on international political transitions, including the shifting landscape of American politics. Multimedia & Podcasting Pooja is a prominent voice in the Indian Express’s digital ecosystem. She is the host of 'DeshKaal with Yogendra Yadav', weekly video podcast where she facilitates deep-dive conversations on Indian democracy, social movements, and current political affairs. Notable Recent Works Cinema & Identity: “SRK@60: Why Shah Rukh Khan is Bollywood's last, and only, superstar” – an analysis of stardom and the changing face of Indian identity Global Politics: Commentary on the Trump administration’s misguided “war on woke culture” via typography and analysis of the visual semiotics of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s attire during successive visits to the White House. Art & AI: “An unequal music: AI is lowering barriers at the cost of music itself” – a critique of how technology is redefining artistic value. Professional Presence Pooja is active on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where she shares her latest columns and editorial insights. Her full archive and latest updates can be found on her Indian Express Author Profile. ... Read More

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Car-mic connection

There is an almost boyish enthusiasm in Wilfried Aulburs deportment as he shows off one of the models in Mercedes Benz AMG range,which have recently been launched in India.

There is an almost boyish enthusiasm in Wilfried Aulburs deportment as he shows off one of the models in Mercedes Benz AMG range,which have recently been launched in India.