CKD assembly of ML Class to commence in late 2012, while GL class assembly could begin in 2013

We heard of late that Mercedes Benz India is planning to double their manufacturing plant capacity by 2013. The German auto major will amplify completely knocked down kits assembly operations in the country by starting assembly of the new and improved 2012 Mercedes Benz ML Class SUV, which is expected to be launched soon in the Indian car market. The SUV will be primarily brought to India as completely built unit and the assembly would be done locally later. At the beginning, the Mercedes Benz ML 350 DCI will come with a 3 liter, V6 diesel engine. By the end of this year, a smaller diesel variant featuring 2.2 litre diesel engine will be launched that will be assembled through CKD route. The Mercedes Benz ML Class with 2.2 litre CDI diesel motor will directly target the entry level cars in the luxury SUV segment of the Indian market, such as Audi Q5 crossovers and BMW X3 SUV.

This smaller engine in ML class will churn out 204 BHP of power along with 500 Nm of torque.On the other hand, the Mercedes Benz GL Class SUV assembling will also begin by early 2013. The assembly of GL Class will be done at company’s Chakan plant. The completely knocked down assembly will certainly aid the firm in bringing down the cost substantially and give a tough fight to it’s yet to be launched rival, Audi Q7 crossover. Therefore, with Mercedes Benz India joining the bandwagon with the completely knocked down assembly of GL Class by 2013 end, there is a chance that BMW could also follow Merc’s footsteps and plan to assemble its much hyped and admired BMW X5 SUV in the country itself.