DaimlerChrysler lays the foundation stone for its new facility in Pune
Pune, India Wednesday May 9, 2007 (DriveInside.com)
Location: Chakan-MIDC, Pune (Maharashtra)
Area: 100 acres
Production: Start of 2009
Investment: Approximately Rs. 275 crores
DaimlerChrysler today began construction of its new plant for Mercedes-Benz vehicles at Chakan in Pune. The foundation stone of the new facility was laid by the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh in presence of Minister of Industries Mr. Ashok Chavan, Minister for Water Resources and Water Supplies Mr. Ajit Pawar as well as Minister of State for Industries Mr. Rana Jagjitsinh Patil. Representing DaimlerChrysler India was Dr. Joachim Schmidt Chairman of the Board, DaimlerChrysler India, Prof. Eberhard Haller Member of the Board, DaimlerChrysler India, and Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO of DaimlerChrysler India.
DaimlerChrysler India had signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Maharashtra on January 4, 2007 and within a remarkably short period of four months has commenced work on the new site. The new manufacturing facility will produce the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, E-Class and C-Class cars for Indian market and start of production is expected around beginning 2009. The new Chakan plant will initially employ around 350 workers, matching the level of the current facility.
“Our confidence in the Indian market is reflected in our long association with the country. Our engagement with India dates back to 1954 when we started collaboration for trucks in India. Subsequently, we were also the pioneers of the luxury car market in India”, said Dr. Joachim Schmidt.
In 2006 DaimlerChrysler India sold 2,121 vehicles, achieving strong growth of 11% (2005: 1915). In the first quarter of 2007 DaimlerChrysler India already recorded further growth of 17%. “As a company, we have enjoyed steady and profitable growth in India and we are looking forward to continue our success story here in our own premises”, Dr. Wilfried Aulbur underscored the rapid change of the luxury car market since DaimlerChrysler entered India in 1994.
DaimlerChrysler India started out on a quality journey in 1997 with ISO 9001 which culminated in the Integrated Management System that the plant has in operation since 2004. The results are obvious: five times during the last seven years DaimlerChrysler India won the coveted Mercedes-Benz ‘Best Plant outside of Germany’ award. DC India consistently exceeds the very demanding global quality standards, a clear indication of the commitment to deliver the best products to customers. “To be successful, you have to invest consistently in people. Our training initiatives cover not only technical education but also take care of the broader needs of our employees – leading a healthy lifestyle, improving effectiveness at work and at home are just some of the areas that we work through with our employees. As a consequence, we are not only top in quality but we are also proud that, for example, 95% of our blue collar workers have their own homes.” commented Prof. Haller.
Dr. Aulbur further added: “DaimlerChrysler was also the first auto company in India to complete ISO9001: 2000 certification for its entire dealer network in India. Our endeavor is to offer our Indian customers the best and latest products from the Mercedes-Benz stable, in the least possible time- and reinforce the ownership experience through impeccable sales and service. Towards this, we have a world-class network spread across 27 cities in India. The result of such initiatives is reflected in our heightened customer satisfaction and growing sales volumes. I am sure this facility that is being founded today will outlast all of us, and will be an inspiration for generations to come.”