Mercedes Benz India has started local assembly of the GLA compact SUV at the Chakan plant in Pune. The GLA200 CDI Style variant is priced at Rs. 31.31 lakh while the Sport variant is priced at Rs. 34.25 lakh. Both prices are ex showroom Pune. The GLA200 petrol will still be imported as a CBU.
The GLA will be assembled at Mercedes new production facility at Chakan and is the first new generation Mercedes to be assembled in India. The facility has new assembly lines, synchronised conveyer systems, latest technology, roller tester, dynamic shower tester etc. Other technology enabled processes like EMS-Transfer, production lines with controllers, X-road for dynamic testing and programming of cars, frequency controlled measurements for accuracy, shower testing cabin for simulation of real rain test, high pressure jets and dynamic movement of cars, etc. are also part of the facility. This new production plant has taken the annual production capacity to 20,000 units per year from the earlier 10,000 units with an investment of over Rs. 1,000 crore. The GLA built at Chakan will come with 40 percent local content.
The GLA 200 CDI is powered by a 2,143cc four cylinder turbo charged diesel engine that develops 136 bhp between 3600-4400 rpm and 300Nm torque between 1600-3000 rpm. It goes from 0 to 100 kph in a claimed 9.9 seconds and has a top speed of 205 kph. The engine is mated to a 7G DCT 7 speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.
The new production facility was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Maharashtra Mr. Devendra Fadnavis who also drive off the first locally assembled GLA off the production line. Other dignitaries present were Mr. Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Mr Subhash Desai, Industry Minister Maharashtra, The Chief Minister emphasised on ‘Make in Maharashtra’ during his speech at the inauguration. He spoke about how it would help generate jobs for the young population of the state and expressed his interest in inviting more investment from companies Mahrashhtra. He also said that the new Mercedes facility gave a big shot in the arm to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign.
The GLA is the sixth model from the Mercedes stable to be locally produced. The three pointed star also makes the C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, ML-Class and GL-Class at the Chakan plant.
