Mercedes-Benz India launches GL-class, SKD operations to start in September

New Delhi, May 16, 2013: India is set to be the second market after the US to locally produce the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV starting September 2013. The premium SUV will be produced at Mercedes-Benz India’s Chakan plant that is in the process of ramping up capacity from 10,000 units to 20,000 units per annum by the year end.

Mercedes-Benz has rolled out a limited edition of its second- generation, all-new GL-Class for the Indian market priced at Rs 77.50 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The SUV was launched by tennis star Boris Becker earlier today.

Eberhard Kern, managing director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said that the new GL-class will come in semi-knocked down (SKD) kits and will be assembled at the Chakan plant. The price for the locally assembled SUV will be decided at the time production starts at the plant.

“2013 is the year of the offensive for Mercedes-Benz India. Exclusivity and dynamism are two of the most enigmatic features of an ultimate SUV and the GL-class imbibes both these as it established the SUV image of Mercedes-Benz in India with its launch in 2010. We have already succeeded with the new M-class and now the introduction of the new GL-class will further strengthen our dominance in the luxury large SUV segment,” he added.

The GL-Class will target off-roading customers in India and comes with a segment-first 360deg camera, cross-wind stabilisation, open pore trim, active park assist and sunroof for all three rows of passenger seats. “It is a true-blue SUV and the ultimate machine for off-roading. My association with Mercedes-Benz goes back to more than two decades. I enjoy going for off-roading with my family and I believe the GL-class is a perfect companion on those tracks,” said Boris Becker.

The new second-generation GL-Class offers 14.8 percent lower fuel consumption. The ECO start-stop feature reduces fuel consumption and emissions by automatically switching off the engine life in traffic. The new GL is powered by the upgraded V6 diesel engine which, coupled with 7G-TRONIC plus automatic transmission, helps the car to go from 0-100kph in 7.9 seconds.

More Mercs coming
The next model to roll out from the Mercedes-Benz stable will be the A-class within the next 2 weeks followed by the B-class diesel. According to Kern, the B-class petrol version has already sold out and even the limited edition of the GL-class that will sell 100 units has been almost completely booked.

Meanwhile, the M-class has a long waiting list till September. The carmaker launched 8 new models in 2012 and expects to record double-digit growth in 2013 riding on the back of its new models. It sold 7,138 units wholesale to its dealers in 2012 and posted sales of 2,009 units between January-March 2013, a 5.3 percent growth over the corresponding period in 2012.

As Mercedes-Benz expands its product range, its dealer network will keep pace with around 10 new outlets to be opened during the year. The carmaker currently has 57 outlets in 32 cities with company dealers investing Rs 500 crore. A company statement says that Mercedes-Benz has increased its investments in India to Rs 850 crore.

SHOBHA MATHUR