- E-Class is the 30,000th car to roll out of the Mercedes-Benz plant. This best-selling model range h as already sold close to 14,000 units in India since introduction in 1996
- Mercedes-Benz announces start of second shift in its production facility with immediate effect. “Within only two years since start of our new facility we have already exceeded first shift capacity. Due to high demand of our vehicles we are now moving into permanent two shift operation” explained Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India
- Mercedes recorded year-on-year growth of 86% in Jan-Nov 2010. Considering aggressive growth, the company has decided to set-up its own technologically advanced paint shop capable of water based painting going forward. The paint shop is targeted to be operational by the second half of 2012 with an annual capacity of 20,000 units (which can be extended up to 40,000 units annually). This paint shop carries substantial investment, taking Mercedes Benz’s total investment in Chakan plant to more than Rs 600 crores
Pune – The 30,000th locally produced Mercedes-Benz today rolled out of the Mercedes Benz India assembly plant. The Managing Director and CEO of the company, Dr. Wilfried Aulbur ceremonially crowned the Mercedes-Benz logo on the shimmering black E350CDI Avantgarde in presence of the leadership team of the company at their manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune.
From left to right: Mr. Puneet Chug (GM - Network Development), Mr. Srinivas Chilukuri (GM - Bus Sales, Mercedes Buses), Mr. Manas Dewan (GM - Strategy, Communications, Product Management), Mr. Suhas Kadlaskar (Director, Corporate Affairs, IT & Human Resources) along with Dr. Wilfried Aulbur Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India.
Mercedes had reached the mark of 20,000th locally produced car in 2008, 13 years after start of operations in India. However the landmark of 30,000 was achieved within a short span of less than 3 years. It is indicative not just of the explosive growth of this segment but also of the company’s growth. “Take 2010 as an example. The luxury car market grew by approximately 65% in Jan-Nov 2010 while Mercedes-Benz India grew faster than the market at 86% in the same period” elaborated Dr. Aulbur.
Mercedes-Benz’s strategy for the Indian market have been focused upon offering a comprehensive product portfolio, delivering the highest value to the customer as well as ensuring world class sales, after sales and vehicle ownership experience. These initiatives coupled with aggressive product launches and network enhancement to smaller towns and cities have reinforced the strong traction with Indian market in 2010. This is also reflected in the growth of the company. “Our plant is regarded among the best CKD plants of Mercedes, globally. Within two years of moving into the new facility we have already fulfilled our first shift capacity. Start of our second shift will cater to the increased market demand as we foresee in the years to come.” commented Dr. Aulbur.
Envisaging continued strong growth, Mercedes-Benz is gearing itself to harness the additional growth opportunities. “We plan to indigenize more and more products in India, focus upon local sourcing and optimize local value addition. We have decided to increase the portfolio of locally produced cars beyond the S-, E- and C- Class range starting 2013” commented Suhas Kadlaskar, Director Corporate Affairs and Human Resources.
With state of the art manufacturing facility and start of second shift catering to the demand from this burgeoning market, Mercedes-Benz decided that time was right for it to establish its own paint-shop in its facility at Chakan. Piyush Arora, Director-Technical, elaborates: “The rapidly growing market makes it a strong case for our own paint-shop. We have taken the decision to invest in a state-of-the-art technologically advanced paint-shop, capable of environment friendly water based painting going forward. This facility, set-up with a substantial investment will be ready by the second half of 2012 with the capability to paint all models from the Mercedes cars range.”
