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DaimlerChrysler for expansion in Maharashtra
DaimlerChrysler India Private Limited will soon expand its existing facility, report Dharmendra Jore and Suprotip Ghosh.
DaimlerChrysler India Private Limited, the makers of premium luxury car Mercedez Benz, will soon expand its existing production facility in Maharashtra.
The company plans to boost the production of cars as well as commercial vehicles and therefore is assessing the availability of landsites in Pune region for Rs 250 cr project.
The official announcement to this effect came from Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Tuesday. “I just came to know that the company’s board has approved our request for expansion in Maharashtra instead of some other state,” Deshmukh said.
“I’m very happy that one of the best companies in the world has preferred Maharashtra a few days after new industry policy was announced. We’ll sign the memorandum of understanding very soon,” Deshmukh told The Hindustan Times.
“Considering the potential of the Indian market, we are in the process of evaluating our expansion needs which might occur in future. We are conducting assessment of the availability of landsites in Pune region and around,” DaimlerChrysler Senior Manager (Corporate Communications) Manas Diwan said corroborating CM”s announcement.
Mantralaya sources said Chakan near Pune could be the company’s most possible destination.
Presently, DaimlerChrysler assembles Merc cars at Pimpri Chinchwad’s Chikhli facility situated on a piece of land leased from an Indian automobile major. Sources said the lease expires in year 2008 and hence DaimlerChrysler needs it own land for expansion as demand for its heavy commercial vehicles like dumpers/tippers is rising.
As leader in premium car segment, it has successfully completed more than ten years in India with an overwhelming marketshare.
Dewan added: “We have developed very good network in the country and are today present in more than 27 Indian cities through our network of showrooms and service centers.”
