Mercedes to Assemble SUVs in India by Next Year

Auto giant from Germany, Mercedes-Benz has yesterday said that they are aiming to assemble their SUVs M and GL-Class in India by next year. Except India, Thailand and Indonesia will be the two markets where the sports utility vehicles will be manufactured locally.It further said, "For the first time, Daimler will start the final assembly of the SUV model series for the new Mercedes-BenzM-and GL-Class outside the SUV parent plant in Tuscaloosa/ Alabama, USA," Commenting on the same the company said, “The necessary preparations at the selected three production sites in India, Thailand and Indonesia are proceeding full steam ahead. Later on in the year, Final Assembly of the M-Class using SKD kits will start there for the respective local market”

The first units of the India made GL-Class will be rolled out from the facilities in India and Indonesia in 2013. Currently Mercedes-Benz develops its C, E and S-Class sedans at its facility, near pune in Maharashtra.

Speaking about the plans, Wolfganag Bemhard, Dailmer AG Member of the board of Management said, "Our new SUVs are very popular with our customers. We expect high growth rates also in the emerging markets and, therefore, extend our local production. Thus, we open up new potential as part of our growth strategy."

Source: ET