Mercedes Benz
has announced that the company has now commenced local production of the GLA
class in India. The GLA 200 CDI Style and Sport both will be produced in
Chakan, Pune.
Due to the
local production of the GLA Class, the price of the compact SUV from Mercedes
has been slashed. The GLA 200 CDI Style will be priced Rs. 31.31 lakh and GLA
200 CDI Sport at Rs. 34.25 lakh (all prices ex – showroom Pune).
With a total
investment of Rs. 1,000 crore since inception, and new assembly line in place
with synchronised conveyor systems, latest technology roller tester, dynamic
shower tester, the new facility has a capacity to produce 20,000 units
annually. Now Mercedes-Benz’s local manufacturing fleet consists of six models
made in India: S-Class, E-Class, C-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and the now GLA.
Chief Minister
of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the new production facility of
Mercedes-Benz and drove out the first-ever locally produced GLA. Present on the
occasion were Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Environment, Forest&
Climate Change; Subhash Desai, Industry Minister, Maharashtra; Eberhard Kern,
Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Piyush Arora, Executive
Director, Operations, Mercedes-Benz India.
Kern
commented, “Rolling out our first ever locally manufactured GLA and commencing
production from India’s largest installed luxury car production facility are
two very significant accomplishments for Mercedes-Benz in India. These
accomplishments are a result of our long-term vision for the Indian market and
our relentless efforts towards creating a strong foundation for our business in
India. Our endeavors are all driven by our customer centric approach, as we
believe in creating enhanced value for them. The GLA has been a sensation in
the compact luxury SUV segment in India and has witnessed an increasing demand
from across the markets. Buoyed by this rising demand for the GLA, we took the
decision to commence its local production and cater to even more customers
wanting to own this stylish vehicle. The GLA would be the first of the New
Generation Cars to be rolling out of our plant. The local manufacturing of the
GLA and the commencement of production from our new facility, not only makes us
‘future ready’ but also gives us a competitive advantage in the dynamic Indian
luxury car market. Mercedes-Benz India is on the right growth path and we are
confident that we are creating a better future for the brand in India.”
Source:
Mercedes-Benz India