Pune, June 6, 2014: Mercedes-Benz India today commenced the local production of the New S-Class 350 CDI from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. The new S-Class 350 CDI was launched in the company’s unique Centre of Excellence which is situated within the Mercedes-Benz India premises and is known for its fascinating retail infrastructure showcasing the dream cars, having a one-of-its-kind world class Helipad facility and also an adrenaline rushing off-road track. In line with the Year of Excellence strategy, the decision to commence the local production of the new S-Class 350 CDI will boost the company’s effort to cater to the overwhelming demand of the S-Class for the Indian customers and will offer a diesel engine in the new S-Class. The new S-Class remains one of the most coveted luxury saloons across the globe and the recent accolade of it’s winning the ‘World Luxury Car of the Year’ authenticates the S-Class’ claim of being the Best Car in the World. Continuing the spirit of creating excellence in its operations, Mercedes-Benz India also strives to create excellence in conserving environment as part of its environmental sustainability mission. On the occasion of World Environment Day, Mercedes-Benz India took a significant step towards conservation of energy by installing a unique Roof Top based Solar Plant based on the ‘Grid Tie System’. The Roof Top solar plant will be instrumental in generating 150,000 units of power annually.
Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented “True to its legacy the new S-Class has emulated its global success in India as well and has been a phenomenal success. We are delighted to manufacture the new S-Class 350 CDI at our state-of-the-art production facility in Chakan, Pune, and offer the much awaited diesel option of the new S-Class for our discerning customers. Quality has all along been the strength of Mercedes-Benz India, and the new S-350 CDI production in India is set to take this success story even further. The installation of solar power plant also reiterates our commitment to achieve excellence in manufacturing by introducing environment friendly initiatives in India.”
Kern further added, “The team working on the production of the new S-Class 350 CDI comprises the most experienced colleagues at Mercedes-Benz India and they are extremely proud of their accomplishment in producing the S-Class over the years. Mercedes-Benz India for the first time is commencing the body manufacturing for the new S-Class and this is an important step towards local value addition for the new S-Class. We are confident that with the manufacturing of the new S-Class 350 CDI in India, we will be able to create a new benchmark and also meet the rising demand for the car in India.”
The new S 350 CDI features a 3 litre V6 engine mated to a 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7 speed automatic transmission. The new S-Class 350 CDI also features Direct Select Lever with Paddle Shifters for rapid gear shifts and smooth operations. The new S-Class 350 CDI produces 190 Kw of power @ 3600 rpm and 620 nm @ 1600-2400 rpm and accelerates from 0-100 in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 250km/hr.
The new S-Class 350 CDI offers power packed hot stone massage function with six different programs ranging from relaxing and stimulating to an energizing effect. Occupants can choose from two intensities –low and high and the rear seat backrest comes with a massage mat with 14 air chambers which can be inflated or deflated via fast responding solenoid valves, developing a wave-like massage effect. The massage function can be operated via remote with durations ranging from 12 – 15 minutes. The new S-Class also comes with a Chauffeur package, which creates up to 77mm more rear leg room on the front passenger side with electrically extending footrest and has easy adjustable luxury head restrains for driver and passenger.
The manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune was completed within 13 months from the start of construction and is among the fastest green-field projects to be created. With an area of 100 acres of land and independent assembly facilities, the facility was created to address future expansion needs, underscoring the long-term growth plans of Mercedes-Benz in India. The current expansion plan which aims at doubling the capacity to 20,000 units annually will ensure Mercedes-Benz India is ‘future ready’. The plant manufactures the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class, S-Class sedans and the ML-Class and GL- Class SUVs. It is also flexible to accommodate additional production of other models from the Mercedes-Benz model range on the same assembly line, if required by future market demand.
