 "Mercedes-Benz rolls out GL-Class from Chakan plant")
The GL-Class, launched in May this year at Rs 77.5 lakh, will now be available for Rs 72.58 lakh ex-showroom, Pune.
According to company, within 15 days of its introduction in May, hundred completely built units have been sold. The GL-Class adds the E, S, C and ML-Class cars to become the fifth locally produced Mercedes passenger model in India.
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Commenting on this, Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “Local production would bring speed, flexibility and cost benefits for customers. Daimler considers India as one of its key growth markets and the start of local production of the GL-Class SUV reiterates its long-term commitment and focus.”
He added, “The full-size luxury SUV is a fast growing segment in the Indian automotive industry and the new GL-Class that we launched in India in May 2013, has a strong presence and is already sold out. Local production of the GL-Class will provide immense value addition. We are expecting GL will be a volume seller for Mercedes-Benz. We might see one of two additional models coming from India.”
Built from locally sourced aggregates, the features of the new GL-Class include power of 258 hp at 3600 rpm, Mercedes patented 4-matic technology, and air-matic suspension. The new features include cross wind assist and 360-degree camera which will provide drivers with a bird’s eye view.
The company is also investing Rs 250 crore to double its annual installed capacity from 10,000 units to 20,000 units annually by January 2014. With this, the total investment of Mercedes-Benz India will be Rs 850 crore. Its 40% sale comes from E-Class model. The company is not exporting GL class from India and it is made only for India market.
Speaking on rupee depreciation and pricing, Kern said that the company has not taken any decision on it. M is adding 10 more dealers across India totaling to 68 dealers in 32 cities. GL-Class luxury SUV competes with BMW X5 and Audi Q7.