Mercedes-Benz to start local assembly of GL-Class this month

Mercedes-Benz India has recently launched the new GL-Class SUV in the Indian car market for Rs. 77.5 lakh. At the launch, the company also announced the local assembly for the vehicle later, but the vehicle initially came in the country via CBU (Completely Built Unit) route. Now, the German automaker is all set to start the CKD assembly of the GL350 CDI from 26th August, 2013, at the company's Chakan manufacturing Unit.

Now, a total of five Mercedes cars will be locally produced at the plant, as sedans like E-Class, C-Class, S-Class and the ML-Class are already being developed at the plant, while GL-Class will join them by 26th August. Moreover, India will only be the second international market after the US to locally develop the GL-Class vehicle. This step will help the manufacturer to price the vehicles competitive, as high import duties cause price rise.

The new 2013 GL-Class is powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine, mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox and 4matic all-wheel drive system, develops 255bhp and 632Nm of top torque. We reported earlier that the German luxury car manufacturer is planning to invest Rs. 250 crore in its Indian production facility to double its production capacity to 20,000 vehicles by the end of this fiscal. 

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