Mercedes-Benz India today commenced the production of the GL Class in India. This makes the Chakan plant of the manufacturer the first plant in the world outside the mother plant in Alabama, USA to produce the car.
The Mercedes GL, now assembled locally will be available to customers with shortened delivery times. The local assembly has also led to a decrease in cost of the car, with the GL now costing 72.58 Lakhs (ex-showroom Pune), a reduction of nearly 5 lakh rupees over the launch edition of the machine.
It was also revealed that the 100 units of the Launch edition of the GL were sold out within 15 days of being launched by the company in May. The GL is now the fifth car assembled in India after the E, S, C and ML class vehicles which are already under production.
Speaking at the event, 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.”
The GL will only be available with one engine option for now, the 350 CDI. This diesel unit produces 258bhp and the car also features innovative features such as the Crosswind assist and a unique 360 degree camera providing the driver with a unique bird's eye view of the car.
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