Mercedes-Benz, the epitome of luxury in the automotive world, proudly marks its 30th anniversary of operations in India. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the iconic three-pointed star logo lies a rich history intertwined with India’s economic transformation.
The story begins with the winds of change blowing in 1991 when Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Manmohan Singh spearheaded the Economic Liberalisation, a landmark reform that dismantled the restrictive License Raj in India. This pivotal moment opened the doors for foreign companies to enter the Indian market, and brands like Suzuki, Hyundai, and Honda seized the opportunity, eager to establish themselves in the land of opportunities which is India.
Mercedes-Benz had already left its mark on Indian soil since 1957, albeit in the realm of trucks and buses through a joint venture with Tata known as Tata-Benz. However, it wasn’t until the sweeping economic reforms that the luxury automaker turned its gaze towards the passenger vehicle segment.
In 1994, just a couple of years after the reforms, Mercedes-Benz made a grand entrance into the luxury passenger vehicle market with the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz E220 (W-124 E-Class) in 1995. Priced at Rs 19 lakh and assembled at the Telco plant near Pune as a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit, this marked the inception of the brand’s journey towards becoming the preeminent luxury automobile manufacturer in India.
A significant turning point came in 2000 when Mercedes-Benz repurchased its shares from Tata, paving the way for the establishment of its fully-owned subsidiary, Mercedes-Benz India. The creation of a manufacturing plant in Chakan underscored the brand’s commitment to localized production and to reduce import duties.
Fast forward to the present – after three decades of operations, Mercedes-Benz India contributes approximately 17 thousand units annually, further solidifying its position as a prominent player in the luxury automobile sector. This milestone not only reflects the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence but also its ability to adapt and thrive in the dynamic Indian market.
