German luxury car maker Mercedes Benz today said it will be strengthening its research and development in India as it looks to enhance its position here.
"We have a 350-strong research and development team in Bangalore, which is the biggest outside of Germany and this will continue to grow... The growth will be substantial in Bangalore," Mercedes-Benz India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Wilfried Aulbur told reporters here.
He, however, declined to give details such as how many people the company plans to hire in the near future.
The company, which has another small R&D centre in Pune is carrying out all development works such as engine and suspension components in the Bangalore unit.
Besides, various simulation works for alternate fuel technologies are done in Bangalore, Aulbur said.
When asked if the company would consolidate the Pune centre, Aulbur said, "Currently we have 15 people and it will be 40 very soon, which will be new recruits."
Mercedes-Benz India today launched a new version of its luxury sedan S350 priced between Rs 80.5 lakh and Rs 82 lakh.
The car will be available in both petrol and diesel variants. While the petrol variant will be priced at Rs 82 lakh, the diesel one will be priced at Rs 80.5 lakh.
Aulbur said Mercedes Benz has been profitable in India since 2000 and has been putting the profits back into the company to enhance operations in India to consolidate its presence.
