Mercedes-Benz sharpens India focus

Mercedes-Benz sharpens India focus, announces start of local production of New M-Class; inaugurates state-of the-art Paint Shop at Chakan, Pune

•  India attains the elite status within Mercedes-Benz world to start local production of the M-Class outside its SUV plant in USA
• M-Class production sets benchmarks: New assembly lines, synchronised conveyor systems, latest technology roller tester, dynamic shower tester, etc.
• The state of art paint shop further bolsters Mercedes-Benz India’s production quality, flexibility and agility. Features fully equipped labs, intelligent conveyor systems and automated robotic painting among other highlights

Pune: Mercedes-Benz India announced a double whammy in the Indian luxury automobile industry by rolling out its first locally manufactured M-Class from its world-class facility in Chakan, Pune and also declared the start of operations of its state-of-the-art technologically advanced paint-shop, capable of environment friendly water based painting. The roll-out of the M-Class and the inauguration of the Paint shop were done by Mr. Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, Mr. Ralf Mungenast, Director, International Productions, Daimler AG and Mr. Piyush Arora, Director, Technical, Mercedes-Benz India.

New M-Class 250 CDI:

The M-Class was one of the first luxury SUV in the world and pioneered the segment in India just like in other world markets. Till date an estimated 2000 units of the M-Class have been sold in the Indian market as Completely Built Units (CBU) since its launch in India. The M-Class remained the undisputed leader in the luxury full-size SUV segment by selling close to 600 units in January- December 2011 and also an equal number in the first nine months of 2012.

The new M-Class 250CDI production involves the use of latest technology in Mercedes-Benz India’s world class production facility. The production involves using synchronized conveyor systems, use of latest generation PLC control units for all equipments which provide adaptability with different models on common production lines, thus increasing the flexibility of the production. Standard processes from across the value chain right through the finished car production are followed under stringent quality environment. The use of technology enabled processes like EMS–Transfer, production lines with latest generation controllers, X-road–Dynamic testing and programming of cars, Frequency controlled measurements for accuracy, shower testing cabin–for simulation of real rain test, high pressure jets and dynamic movement of cars, etc are a benchmark and helps deliver the highest quality products that roll out of the assembly lines of the company’s plant at Chakan.

Product Details: The launch of the locally produced M-Class is expected to add a further boost to the popularity of the product. Available now in the 250 CDI variant, the new M-Class combines the characteristic aggressive looks, enhanced dimensions, refined performance and has a significant green footprint. The popular 2.2 litres W166 engine powers the new M-Class 250 CDI and boasts a maximum torque of 500 Nm at 1600-1800 rpm and a rated output of 151.5 kW at 4200 rpm. The M-Class accelerates from 0-100 km/h in mere 9.0 seconds before touching the top speed of 210 km/h. Two-stage turbocharging produces high torque even at low engine speeds and further enhances the driving dynamics.

The M-Class, now in its third generation, sets benchmarks in SUV design, technology and performance. The new M-Class sports powerful exterior and interior design featuring high–quality details, following the interpretation of a contemporary SUV.  The vehicle leads the field in safety, comfort, quality feel over its competitors. Its edgy design, the agile suspension and the aggressive dynamics makes the new M-Class an extremely nimble car both in appearance and performance. The new M-Class 250 CDI has Bi Xenon Head lamps with LED daytime running lamps, an Intelligent Light System (ILS) including cornering lights, headlamp washer and adaptive high beam assist. The Electric Sunroof, 18” ten spoke light alloy wheels and Aluminium Running boards gives the car a distinctly aggressive look. The plush interiors of the new M-Class 250 CDI with electric powered seats with 4 way lumbar support provides ample seating comfort for long drives.  The interior of the M-Class attracts with POPLAR wood trim, a soothing Ambient Lighting and the Storage Package further adds to the convenience.

 

A true off-roader having 7G- TRONIC PLUS transmission with 4WD,  the New M-Class 250 CDI combines the best of technologies for engine performance, automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Acceleration Skid Control, Brake Assist, etc. The new M-Class is packed with host of safety technology features. It has seven strategically located air–bags that ensure the safety of its passengers upon collision/accident. Additionally it is built with a PRE-SAFE technology that helps prevent such instances.

The vehicle comes with the ECO start-stop function, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions. The new M-Class boasts of the ATTENTION ASSIST, an Electric Parking Brake and Active Parking Assist that increases comfort and provides a real safety plus. The new M-Class sets the bar higher for a Luxury SUV in driver’s delight, passenger convenience and overall safety, a testimony of which is the prestigious EURO NCAP 5 Star rating awarded to the vehicle. The new M-Class also offers innovative assist feature like the Reverse Park Assist which enables the car to seek a parking space and parks itself automatically.

Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented, “The luxury SUV is the fastest growing segment in the Indian automotive industry and the new M-Class is the leader in its category. The benefits of local production have been realized in the form of aggressive pricing, easier production availability and flexible production scheduling- each of these will benefit the discerning customers and ensure greater appeal of the M-Class in the high growth luxury SUV segment. The M-Class 250 CDI priced at Rs. 45.64 lakhs (ex-showroom Pune) is the first M-Class ever to be offered from a local production outside Mercedes-Benz’s SUV plant in Tuscaloosa, USA. India becomes the ‘first’ market in the world to enjoy this elite status and further highlights Daimler AG’s focus and commitment on the Indian market.”

Paint Shop Operational:

Mercedes-Benz India also announced the start of operations of its state of art technologically advanced paint-shop located within its Chakan facility. The Paint Shop is capable of water based painting using highly sophisticated and environment friendly water based painting technology. The paint shop of Mercedes-Benz India is fully automated and maintains identical painting standards in line with stringent global standards of Daimler. The key highlights of Mercedes-Benz’s technologically superior paint shop include the flow of cars with latest communication systems for conveyors and tracking of each and every car at every stage with RFID systems. The control of all the equipment are through a central server and automated feedback loops for equipment ensures optimum settings according to the process and environmental conditions.

The paint shop also boasts of sophisticated checking laboratories with the latest equipment. The automated selections of colors are enabled for robots and an online status of input and output offers flexibility and complete control in production sequencing.

Mr. Piyush Arora, Director, Technical, Mercedes-Benz India commented, “The new Paint Shop at Mercedes-Benz India Chakan facility now positions us as a global benchmark within Mercedes-Benz world. This underscores our bullish outlook for Indian market and we look forward to introducing more locally produced vehicles for the discerning Indian customers. The paint shop and the additional assembly lines will be the cornerstone in Mercedes-Benz’s product offensive for the foreseeable future.”

The paint shop has an annual capacity of 20,000 units which is extendable to 40,000 units annually. The level of refinement, implementation of advanced technology and flexible processes positions this amongst the most sophisticated in India. With an approximate total area of 17000 square meters, the new paint shop of Mercedes-Benz India was created within a record time of 16 months.