Mercedes-Benz
sharpens India focus, announces start of local production of New M-Class;
inaugurates state-of the-art Paint Shop at Chakan, Pune
,+Director,+Technical,+MBIL+and+Mr.+Ralf+Mungenast(R),+Director,+International+Productions,+Daimler+AG+at+the+roll+out+of+the+first+locally+produced+M-Class+250+CDI+.JPG)
- 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.
