Mercedes-Benz Inaugurates New Manufacturing Plant in Pune, India

[Merc1]

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Pune, India, Feb 24, 2009

* 100 acres of land, capacity for future expansion

* Among the fastest green-field operations ever to be created

* State-of-the-art facility

* Independent facilities for passenger cars and commercial vehicles

* Flexible manufacturing processes will allow the production of other
Mercedes-Benz products on the same assembly line

Mercedes-Benz India today formally inaugurated its new manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune. The new facility was completed within 13 months from the start of construction - among the fastest green-field projects to be created. With an area of 100 acres of land and independent assembly facilities for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, the infrastructure was created to address future expansion needs, underscoring the long-term growth plans of the company in India.


Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Chairman of the Board, Mercedes-Benz India: “A strong brand, committed employees, strong after-sales service network. A growing market, increasing demand and exciting products: these are the ingredients of Mercedes-Benz’ India story. And it all happens here - at the new home of Mercedes-Benz in India.”
Quality has all along been the strength of Mercedes-Benz India, and the new plant is set to take this success story even further. It successfully passed all quality gates within the first month of shifting production, and features some of the most advanced equipment available worldwide. While the plant was designed to manufacture the current local-production portfolio of the Mercedes-Benz C-, E-, and S-Class, it is also flexible enough to accommodate additional production of other models from the Mercedes-Benz model range on the same assembly line, if required by future market demand.

Prof. Dr. Eberhard Haller, Director of the Board, Mercedes-Benz India: “As the Plant Manager of the largest Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, I am impressed by the flexibility and the potential for expansion of this facility. It was created with a long-term perspective in mind, and I am sure that we will see many new products roll off the assembly line - both from the passenger car and the commercial vehicle segments.”

Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, added: “Over the years we have grown - and from the 600 units back in 1999, we sold 3,600 units in 2008, with growth doubling consistently in the last three years. I am convinced that this facility marks the beginning of a new era for the company in India - and today is a red-letter day for us all”.

As a responsible corporate citizen, Mercedes-Benz India has engaged in socially focused initiatives as well. Jobs in agriculture, eco-friendly mobility and wasteland recovery - these are the three points that the Jatropha biodiesel project focuses upon. The Mobile Kids road safety program and the Automotive Mechatronics program focus upon teaching and education to create citizens of a better tomorrow. The company is also helping disadvantaged children with scholarships and aid to help them continue basic and further education. Its association with NGO Cleft is also extending surgical and medical aid and assistance to disadvantaged families in Gujarat and Maharashtra. On this occasion, Mercedes-Benz India also announced its support towards re-building classrooms and providing assistance towards better facilities for students of a school in Chakan.

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of involvement with the country. Its first association in 1954 was a collaboration with Tata Motors for the production of trucks; subsequently it also cooperated with Force Motors in 1969. It was then the first luxury carmaker to set up local production on Indian soil in 1995. A year later, the Mercedes-Benz Research and Development unit was established in Bangalore. The Daimler group’s procurement organization has also been active since 1998 and is the local partner for Indian entrepreneurs and industries who offer their products and services to the company worldwide.


Mercedes-Benz Inaugurates New Manufacturing Plant in Pune, India


M

 

[Wolfgang]

predestrian crash simulation, Daimler R&D India



Mercedes Benz to enhance research ops in India

Press Trust of India / New Delhi

German luxury car maker Mercedes Benz today said it will be strengthening its research and development in India as it looks to enhance its position here.

"We have a 350-strong research and development team in Bangalore, which is the biggest outside of Germany and this will continue to grow... The growth will be substantial in Bangalore," Mercedes-Benz India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Wilfried Aulbur told reporters here.

He, however, declined to give details such as how many people the company plans to hire in the near future.

The company, which has another small R&D centre in Pune is carrying out all development works such as engine and suspension components in the Bangalore unit.

Besides, various simulation works for alternate fuel technologies are done in Bangalore, Aulbur said.

When asked if the company would consolidate the Pune centre, Aulbur said, "Currently we have 15 people and it will be 40 very soon, which will be new recruits."

Mercedes-Benz India today launched a new version of its luxury sedan S350 priced between Rs 80.5 lakh and Rs 82 lakh.

The car will be available in both petrol and diesel variants. While the petrol variant will be priced at Rs 82 lakh, the diesel one will be priced at Rs 80.5 lakh.

Aulbur said Mercedes Benz has been profitable in India since 2000 and has been putting the profits back into the company to enhance operations in India to consolidate its presence.


Mercedes Benz to enhance research ops in India

 

[Wolfgang]

Mercedes-Benz India sales up fourfold in January

Press Trust of India / New Delhi

Luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz India, today reported an over-four fold jump in its monthly sales at 403 units, the highest ever recorded by the company in January so far.

Against 82 units sold during the corresponding month of last year, this is the highest ever sales registered in January by the company, Mercedes-Benz India said in a statement.

"Our sales numbers are a result of our customers appreciating the fascination of the Mercedes-Benz brand. This has been reinforced through a multi-pronged approach which heightens the customer experience," company Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Wilfried Aulbur said.

The car maker sold 245 units of the E-Class models, 130 units of the entry-level C-Class cars and 22 units of the luxury segment S-Class during January.

"We have revitalised our product line and in January alone we launched seven products in the Indian market. This takes our total offerings to 38 models in 10 product segments," Aulbur said.

Business-Standard.COM: Mercedes-Benz India sales up fourfold in January



From an earlier article:

Mercedes-Benz India which expects to post double-digit sales growth this year as it launches new models in Asia’s fourth-largest auto market.

Wilfried Aulbur, managing director and CEO of Mercedes -Benz India Limited, on the sidelines of the launch of two new cars, S 500L and GL 350CDI, told reporters, “We think that 2010 is going to be a very exciting year for Mercedes-Benz. We are looking at a significant double-digit growth going forward. And we think we have the product, we have the network, that we have the schemes that are necessary to leverage the economic upswing in 2010 to our fullest advantage,” Aulbur said.

Mercedes Benz India targets double-digit growth during 2010-WheelsUnplugged Automobile Industry News

 

[Wolfgang]

As a responsible corporate citizen, Mercedes-Benz India has engaged in socially focused initiatives as well. Jobs in agriculture, eco-friendly mobility and wasteland recovery - these are the three points that the Jatropha biodiesel project focuses upon.

Daimler released an update on the Jatropha project:

Jatropha plant opens up new prospects – Daimler remains committed to jatropha biodiesel

By Philipp Deppe | 4.Februar 2010

The seedlings for the first 100 hectares (250 acres) have been planted. Daimler AG has started a new project for the cultivation of the biodiesel raw material jatropha in the south of India.

The company is supporting several village communities in the state of Tamil Nadu with funds and expertise from its already successfully completed research projects. Jatropha plants are cultivated and their seeds will be harvested in cooperation with farmers from these village communities. The seeds provide the basic raw material for biodiesel production. Only non-arable land that is no longer suitable and used for the cultivation of food crops is cultivated with jatropha plants. Thus, the jatropha fuel does not compete with local food production.

“One of our core tasks is the engineering of sustainable mobility that is also viable for the future. By promoting fuels made from jatropha, we are making yet another contribution. At the same time, by supporting village communities we are also creating economic prospects for socially weak regions of this earth”, said Professor Herbert Kohler, VP of E-Drive & Future Mobility and Chief Environmental Officer of Daimler AG.

More: Jatropha plant opens up new prospects – Daimler remains committed to jatropha biodiesel | Mercedes-Benz Passion eBlog

 

[Wolfgang]

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of involvement with the country. Its first association in 1954 was a collaboration with Tata Motors for the production of trucks; subsequently it also cooperated with Force Motors in 1969. It was then the first luxury carmaker to set up local production on Indian soil in 1995. A year later, the Mercedes-Benz Research and Development unit was established in Bangalore. The Daimler group’s procurement organization has also been active since 1998 and is the local partner for Indian entrepreneurs and industries who offer their products and services to the company worldwide.

The Times reports Daimler might offer its interest in Tata Motors, probably to improve focus and simplefy operations?

Daimler to quit Tata Motors - India Business - Biz - The Times of India

 

[Wolfgang]

Daimler sells equity interest in Tata Motors

Stuttgart, Germany, March 9, 2010

Cash inflow of approximately €300 million
Daimler Trucks and Mercedes-Benz Cars in very good positions and with increased activities in India
Excellent relations between Daimler and Tata remain unaffected

Daimler today sold all of its 5.34% of the ordinary shares of Indian automotive company Tata Motors to various groups of investors through the capital market. Tata Motors’ share price has risen significantly, especially last year, so Daimler will receive a substantial cash inflow of approximately €300 million from the sale of its shares.

The transaction will have a positive effect on Daimler’s EBIT of approximately €265 million and will be accounted for in the first quarter of 2010.

Daimler is today in an excellent position to capitalize on the growth potential of the Indian passenger and commercial vehicle markets and continues to intensify its own activities there. An equity participation of Daimler in Tata is therefore no longer necessary. This has been done in full consultation with Tata. Relations between the two companies are excellent and will not be adversely affected by this sale.

Significant growth potential of Indian market

Despite the global financial crisis, the Indian economy is clearly booming, accompanied by dynamic social developments and a corresponding need to catch up for the country’s automotive industry. Daimler is participating in these growth opportunities by strengthening its own activities in both, the car and commercial vehicle sectors.

Mercedes-Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz is firmly established in India. The wholly owned subsidiary Mercedes-Benz India has been producing Mercedes-Benz cars and commercial vehicles in Pune since 1995. In February 2009, a new plant was opened in Pune for Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class models. Meanwhile, the brand is represented with showrooms and service centers in 25 cities.

The brand with the star started successfully into 2010 in India: In the first two months, Mercedes-Benz almost doubled its sales to a total of 800 vehicles. Additional positive impetus is expected this year from the launch of the new E-Class. In 2010, Mercedes-Benz intends to gain market share and to grow at a double-digit rate. A total of more than 3,200 Mercedes-Benz cars were delivered to customers in India last year.

Daimler Trucks

Daimler Trucks sees India as one of the key markets of the future, because particularly strong growth in demand for commercial vehicles is expected in the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China). Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Ltd. (DICV) took over the marketing of Fuso branded commercial vehicles in India at the beginning of 2010. The first Fuso vehicle was sold to an Indian customer in January 2010.

For Daimler Trucks, India is not only a fast-growing market, but also the key to a completely new generation of products. In 2009, Daimler Trucks founded its own production company, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Ltd. (DICV), which is building a new plant in Chennai in the southeast of India. Starting in 2012, the new plant will initially produce light, medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles for the Indian volume market under a new brand name. The production of trucks for export to other emerging markets will follow at a later date.

In addition to its car and commercial vehicle activities, Daimler also established its biggest research and development center outside Germany in Bangalore in 1996.

http://www.daimler.com/dccom/0-5-7153-1-1279245-1-0-0-0-0-0-16694-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Random thought but, 'the brand with the Star,' is it just me or has the descriptive always sounded incredibly LAME!

 

[Wolfgang]

The GL CDI comes to India.

Mercedes-Benz launches two new variants of the GL-Class

GL 350CDI BlueEfficiency Executive and Luxury. Prices start from 63.57 lakhs. - BSM

Mercedes-Benz India today launched their premium SUV in Indian market- the GL 350 CDI BlueEfficiency. This luxurious seven-seat SUV is equally at home on asphalt and off it.

The GL 350CDI BlueEfficiency is equipped with off-road package, 7 G-TRONIC gearbox, 4Matic Permanent all-wheel drive, Electrically folding third row of seats, panoramic sunroof and a host of other features. Specialized features like Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), hill-start assist, off-road ABS assist, standard-fit AIRMATIC air suspension, the precise speed-sensitive power steering, ADS Adaptive Damper System, COMAND system with integrated 6–disc DVD changer and reversing camera, and 19-inch alloys are also offered by Mercedes-Benz India.

Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said “The GL-Class is clearly head-and-shoulders above competition and sets benchmarks in areas of luxury, safety and performance. It is built for ensuring extraordinary performance both on and off the road. In its segment the GL-Class is largest SUV and the only one that offers full size third row seats with independent with AC vents. Its on-road poise, muscular appeal and attractive 19” alloys coupled with a enhanced ground clearance of 307mm- the best in its segment, makes the GL-Class a very attractive proposition, while BlueEFFICIENCY tag is a statement of its environmental compatibility.”

Powered by a 3-litre V6 diesel engine, it has 52 kgm torque to get you moving along very nicely indeed. It also has Mercedes-Benz’s BlueEfficiency technology to reduce fuel consumption.

The GL is available in two variants: GL- Executive at Rs. 63.57 lakhs, GL-Luxury at Rs. 68.48 Lakhs (ex-Showroom Mumbai)

Mercedes-Benz launches two new variants of the GL-Class

 

[Wolfgang]

And here comes the E coupe.

Mercedes E-Class Coupe launched in India for Rs. 55 lakhs

Mercedes-Benz India has launched a new model in the market today.

The company launched Mercedes E-Class Coupe and it has been priced at around Rs. 55 lakhs.

Mercedes said: “We have launched our new E-Class Coupe, the most aerodynamic series production car in the world. It comes with an aggressive price tag of Rs 54.83-lakh onwards ex-showroom in Mumbai.”

The company is aiming to target this new model at the young professionals in India who needs something exciting yet unique.

Mercedes E-Class Coupe launched in India for Rs. 55 lakhs

 

[Wolfgang]

Sales in India increased quite a bit, mainly due to C and E:

Mercedes Benz Car Sales India April 2010: Growth Of 80%

Mercedes Benz C300

May 1, 2010. Pune: Continuing the high-octane start of 2010, Mercedes Benz India today announced a sale of 321 units in April 2010 taking the cumulative sales for January- April 2010 to 1603 units. This marks a growth of 80% as compared to April 2009 and 69% as compared to Jan- April 2009.

More: Mercedes Benz Car Sales India April 2010: Growth Of 80% | Indian Cars & Motorcycles Blog

 

[Wolfgang]

250 engineers needed for Bangalore R&D center

by Keiichi (RSS feed) June 28th, 2010 at 6:22 am

Looking for work? Then maybe you’re interested in knowing about Daimler Group’s plans to hire around 250 engineers for their research and development center in Bangalore. The move is aimed to improve the Mercedes-Benz global facility to support their global development center back in their home country Germany.

Mercedes-Benz India General Manager Prakash Vermali says that by the end of 2010, the R&D center should house around 650 engineers total during a SIAM summit held in New Delhi. Right now, that plant solely manufactures Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, as well as working overtime in conjunction with Germany in developing engines, says Vermali.

You could say that Daimler is putting a lot of effort in the Asian markets, especially China and India. China was Mercedes-Benz’s biggest market for the first quarter of this year, increasing a hundred percent compared to their earnings the same quarter of last year.

Back in Europe meanwhile, the company has introduced new tech, specifically a new line of diesel filters to improve emission reduction in their diesel engines, says Daimler Emission Manager Michael Anger. They’re now considering introducing these filters to the market in India, but they still have to figure out feasibility of this tech under shortage of clean diesel fuel.

 

[Wolfgang]

Picture source: BenzInsider.com - A Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog

Mercedes Benz to invest Rs 200 cr to set up paint shop

Luxury car-maker Mercedes-Benz India today said it will invest Rs 200 crore to set up a paint shop at its manufacturing plant near here over the next 18 months.

"We will have our own paint shop with a capacity of 20 thousand units annually, which is expandable up to 40 thousand units. For this purpose we will invest Rs 200 crore over the next 18 months," Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Wilfried Aulbur told reporters here.

The paint shop will be operational by the second half of 2012 and with this additional amount, the company's total investment on its Chakan facility, in Maharashtra, would go up to Rs 600 crore.

At present, the company utilises Tata Motors' paint shop located at Chikhli, near Pune.

Aulbur said the company will also commence operations at its body manufacturing unit next year.

Mercedes-Benz India registered an over 85 per cent growth in sales to 5,416 units during the January-November period this year. Out of this, over 5,000 units were assembled locally.

"Our plant has an annual capacity to produce 5,000 units in single shift and we are running over full capacity. We have just started the second shift operations on a permanent basis and from the next year, we will have an annual capacity of 10,000 units a year," Aulbur said.

The company currently employs 700 people at its Chakan plant. The headcount will double by next year following operationalisation of the paint shop and body manufacturing unit, he added.

The Indian luxury car market has grown by about 60 per cent to about 15,000-16,000 units this year, the company said.

When asked if Mercedes will be the market leader in the segment this year, Aulbur said: "We are not concentrating to be the number one. Our focus is on profitable growth and we are investing heavily on customer relationship."

On whether the company will assemble more models in India, he said: "By 2013, we will see more vehicles coming into the country that will be produced locally." He, however, did not disclose details.

Mercedes-Benz India manufactures C Class, E Class and S Class models at its Chakan plant, while high-end models such as the M Class are imported. Asked if Mercedes-Benz would consider exporting cars made in India to other countries, on the back of expansion of its manufacturing facilities, Aulbur said: "Currently our focus is on the domestic market. However, I see potential in exports also in the long run." "We are investing this money (Rs 600 crore) to make India as a major hub in the mid-term," he added.

The company has fifteen dealerships in the country at present and is in the process of opening two more at Rajkot and Baroda. It today rolled out its 30 thousandth unit, an E- Class sedan, from the Chakan facility.

Mercedes-Benz has sold 14,000 E Class models in India since 1996.



Mercedes Benz to invest Rs 200 cr to set up paint shop

 

[Wolfgang]

Mercedes rolls out 30,000th locally assembled car in India

The 30,000th locally produced Mercedes-Benz today rolled out of the Mercedes Benz India assembly plant. The Managing Director and CEO of the company, Dr. Wilfried Aulbur ceremonially crowned the Mercedes-Benz logo on the shimmering black E350CDI Avantgarde in presence of the leadership team of the company at their manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune.

Mercedes had reached the mark of 20,000th locally produced car in 2008, 13 years after start of operations in India. However the landmark of 30,000 was achieved within a short span of less than 3 years. It is indicative not just of the explosive growth of this segment but also of the company’s growth.

“Take 2010 as an example. The luxury car market grew by approximately 65% in Jan-Nov 2010 while Mercedes-Benz India grew faster than the market at 86% in the same period,” said Dr Aulbur.

Mercedes rolls out 30,000th locally assembled car in India

 

[Wolfgang]

Mercedes-Benz launches ML 250 CDI for Rs 46.50 lakh

Mercedes-Benz launches ML 250 CDI for Rs 46.50 lakh

 

[Yaz]

So who will get the Indian produced ML's? Europe, Asia and the Middle East?

And the AL plant will remain for the US only?

 

[Wolfgang]

They are for the local Indian market and based on kits shipped from Vance.

Mercedes-Benz rolls out M-Class luxury SUV from Pune facility

 

[Wolfgang]

Mercedes G63 AMG launched in India at Rs. 1.46 crore!
Read more: Mercedes G63 AMG launched in India at Rs. 1.46 Crore

 

[Mr.Link]

Yaz,

India has a huge Import duty on CBU (Imports, About 127% of car value) So to avoid that Mercedes and others sell cars using the CKD / SKD Route which attract lower duties, CKD being the lowest. Further if the Engine / Transmission are made / assembled in India there is a further 15% duty cut.

Above this after the car value which is Car Cost + 127% Duty there is Road tax which is 12% for CBU while it's only 6% for CKD/SKD cars, so overall there is a huge saving for the end users and as the market grows most companies are trying to assemble their volume sellers.

So any car made / assembled in India by Mercedes is only for the local market, and believe me they at this point have done the most, even the S350 / 350CDI / 500 & S300 are all made here, they also have a paint shop here and get their engines assembled locally too, including the 4.7L V8 Block for S500.

Current lines assembled here are : C / E / S / B / ML
By Mid - 2013 : GL and A
By End - 2013 / Early 2014 : CLA
Early 2014 is the W222 S-Class (Sucks because the MB India CEO was so sure that W222 was going to come in June 2012, something which I did post on this forum in confidence and clearly was wrong)

Regards,

So who will get the Indian produced ML's? Europe, Asia and the Middle East?
And the AL plant will remain for the US only?

Wolfgang,

You sure are good with Mercedes and it's posts, do you work / are associated with them in any ways? Best thing along with this launch is Mercedes India is taking a few prospective customers for the G63 AMG for a 2 day trip to Graz, Austria, includes the factory tour and also various Driving condition tests in the G63 AMG.

For anyone who needs an Idea on that cost, it's almost 285000.00 USD Ex-Showroom and add another 12% as road tax and another 3% as Insurance

They are paying for Air Tickets, Hotel Stay, and everything else, a pretty amazing thing, the only other company that does this is TATA Motors who took a few to Morocco for the new Range Rover. Besides niche brands like Lamborghini who did a all included trip for Aventador Spyder to Hong Kong in December.

Regards,

Mercedes G63 AMG launched in India at Rs. 1.46 crore!
Read more: Mercedes G63 AMG launched in India at Rs. 1.46 Crore

 

[Wolfgang]

An update.

Daimler strengthens international research and development network with new site in India

Pooling of the activities of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) in Whitefield, Bangalore
MBRDI is largest Daimler research and development centre outside Germany
Close networking of the international R&D network with German sites ensures future viability

Bangalore, India – Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) formally opened its new site in Bangalore today. With 1,200 employees, MBRDI is the largest Daimler research and development centre outside Germany, and it also is the largest and ultramodern centre run by any German car manufacturer in India.

The company's Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development unit is strengthening its international knowledge network as part of the Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy. Already today, research and development staff is working at 22 sites in eight countries in order to meet the challenges of the future. Around 21,000 people work in research and development within the Daimler AG, including 4,300 outside Germany, creating a vast pool of knowledge covering a wide range of disciplines.

"Our new centre of competence in Bangalore gives us direct access to a highly qualified workforce and excellent networking with the locally based international and national supply industry," states Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "With enormous growth potential, India is one of the core markets within our global strategy Mercedes-Benz 2020. With our new research site MBRDI we are further expanding our presence on the market, in order to be closer to the customer also in terms of research and development."

MBRDI started off with just ten employees in 1996 and has since transformed itself from a purely research-based site for IT and vehicle electrics/electronics into a centre of competence with know-how in the fields of design (Computer Aided Design), simulation (Computer Aided Engineering), electrics/electronics (EE) and information technology (IT) for all divisions across the Daimler AG. The Indian site MBRDI filed 50 patent applications in 2012 alone.

"Our international research and development sites are the perfect complement to the R&D activities in Germany, helping to ensure the long-term success and the competitiveness of our traditional research and development sites," adds Professor Weber.

One project that exemplifies the cooperation between the world-wide sites is the "Human Body Modelling" (HBM) simulation tool, which was developed in close collaboration with the German research and development sites. In accident simulations, HBM enables a wide range of parameters to be taken into account, such as biomechanics, physical properties of the human body and many different crash situations. This globally unique system therefore allows evaluation of very complex accident situations and thus helps to make vehicle designs even safer by considering numerous different factors.

Wilfried Porth, Management BoardMember for Human Resources, Labor Relations Director and responsible for IT at Daimler AG:“The close cooperation between our global R&D sites is of major strategic importance. It is only possible with a strong and integrated IT structure. Bangalore is a crucial part of our global IT landscape, both in engineering and non-engineering. We will use this IT know-how of the Indian “Silicon Valley” for the whole Daimler Group in order to support our profitability and growth.“

Global knowledge network

The company has representation wherever the centres of competence for relevant fields of knowledge are based – with highly qualified researchers and the appropriate "scientific community". Other local focal points of development are situated near the key production plants. These international activities focus on creating direct benefit for the customer through greater innovative pace and strength as well as shorter development times. This enables tailored solutions for particular growth markets.

The global knowledge network and the high level of investment in research and technology are essential investments in the future of the automobile and, therefore, in the competitiveness of the entire Daimler AG. In 2012, as in the prior year, Daimler invested €5.6 billion in research and development, with further investment totalling €10.8 billion planned for the period 2013 to 2014.

http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-656505-1-1576312-1-0-0-0-0-0-439-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html

Pictures: MB Passion -- Mercedes-Benz passion Blog

 

[Mr.Link]

Some more data on Indian Operations,

1. Mercedes is the first and only Luxury car maker that has begun engine / gearbox assembly in India.
2. With the upcoming A class they are doing extra high level of localization which includes even getting seat fabrics, leather sourced locally.
3. Mercedes India estimates India to be the world's top 3 markets for them by the year 2020.
4. We have been one of the first and only countries to have a full blown Mercedes-Benz academy which includes programs which take you across the globe in a G63 etc.

Regards,

An update.
Pictures: MB Passion -- Mercedes-Benz passion Blog