Mercedes-Benz India begins local production of new C220 CDI

Mercedes-Benz India today rolled-out the all-new C 220 CDI from its manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune.

Local production of the new C 220 CDI commences within three months of the car’s India debut. While the C220 CDI Style is priced at Rs 37.90 lakh, the C220 CDI Avantgarde bears a sticker price of Rs 39.40 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The carmaker says it has now increased the localisation content in the new C220 CDI to 60 percent in line with its aim to support the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Speaking at the rollout today, Eberhard Kern, managing director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said: “We are delighted that the ‘World Car of the Year’, the new C-class, will now be ‘Made in India’ at our world class production facility, here in Pune. Backed by sophisticated manufacturing process and cutting edge technology, Mercedes-

Benz has the most experienced team working on the production of the new C220 CDI. This team is immensely proud of their accomplishment of achieving the most stringent global standards in terms of quality, in making a world-class luxury sedan like the C-Class in India. We are confident that with the production of the new C220 CDI in India, we will be able to create a higher benchmark in terms of local production of high-end luxury cars in India.”

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The new C-class’ 4-cylinder diesel engine is claimed to be the most fuel efficient in the segment with a fuel efficiency of 19.27 km per litre. The engine produces 125 kW at 3000-4200rpm with a maximum torque of 400 Nm between 1400-2800 rpm, which is highest in the segment. The car accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 233kph.

Rated as one of the top-most production facilities of Mercedes-Benz globally, the manufacturing plant at Chakan has an installed capacity of 20,000 units per annum. The plant currently produces five models: C-class, E-class and S-class luxury sedans along with the M-class and GL-class luxury SUVs.

Continuing its growth momentum into 2015, Mercedes-Benz India has this year launched five products – the CLA-class, the C220 CDI, the new B-class, the E-class Cabriolet and the CLS 250 CDI.

In Q1 2015, Mercedes-Benz India registered 40 percent growth year on year, selling 3,566 units and also opened a new 3S dealership in Jamshedpur. Currently, the company has  72 outlets located in 39 Indian cities including three standalone Mercedes-Benz Certified outlets.