Mercedes-Benz unveils advanced electric GLC vehicle at Chakan in the presence of Chief Minister
‘Make in Maharashtra’ to evolve into ‘Innovate in Maharashtra’
Pune, November 2026 : The Maharashtra government aims to transform the state from India's automobile manufacturing hub into a global centre for future mobility, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday. He emphasised that the state's transition from ‘Make in Maharashtra’ to ‘Innovate in Maharashtra’ would focus not only on manufacturing but also on research, engineering, technology development and innovation.
He was speaking at the launch of Mercedes-Benz's advanced electric GLC vehicle at its Chakan facility near Pune. Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Dr Martin Brudermüller, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Mercedes-Benz Group AG; Dr Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management and Global Head of Mercedes-Benz Group AG; Dr Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management and Chief Technology Officer; Pune Mercedes-Benz Executive Director Santosh Iyer, senior company officials and senior government representatives were present.
Fadnavis said the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad region had developed into a major automobile manufacturing cluster, with Maharashtra accounting for more than 20 per cent of India's total motor vehicle production.
He said the state's ambition extended beyond conventional automobile manufacturing. Maharashtra was seeking global leadership in electric vehicles, battery technology, power electronics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, automotive software, design and research and development.
The Chief Minister urged Mercedes-Benz to use its Chakan facility to manufacture vehicles not only for the Indian market but also for Asian and global markets. He also invited the company to consider Maharashtra as a preferred destination for future battery technologies, software engineering and mobility research.
State Promotes Electric Vehicle Manufacturing
Under Maharashtra's Electric Vehicle Policy, the state has set a target of ensuring that electric vehicles account for 30 per cent of new vehicle registrations by 2030.
The government is promoting the development of fast-charging infrastructure along highways, sustainable mobility corridors on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Samruddhi Mahamarg, and battery recycling facilities.
Fadnavis said the vehicle of the future would not merely be a four-wheeled mode of transport but an integrated mobility platform combining computing systems, energy technologies and artificial intelligence. He asserted that Maharashtra was prepared to lead this transformation.
Stronger Global Market Connectivity
The Chief Minister said the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the proposed Pune-Purandar Airport and Vadhavan Port would strengthen Maharashtra's connectivity with international markets.
Supported by a large consumer market, a strong manufacturing ecosystem, skilled engineers and technological capabilities, the state was emerging as a major investment destination, he added.
Fadnavis also revealed that approximately 650 customers had expressed interest in the electric GLC within just 36 hours. He said the development reflected Maharashtra's growing role in manufacturing, research and innovation for global markets.
Mercedes-Benz Investment of Rs 3,200 Crore
The Chief Minister said the Mercedes-Benz facility at Chakan had created direct employment for approximately 1,200 people. Including suppliers and the services sector, the project had generated employment opportunities for around 18,000 people.
He noted that the commencement of production of the advanced electric GLC at the facility, within a decade of its establishment and following its expansion, reflected the state's industrial and technological progress.
Pune Ready for Future Mobility: Deputy CM Sunetra Ajit Pawar
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar said Mercedes-Benz had made a significant contribution to Maharashtra's industrial development over the past three decades.
She described the commencement of local electric vehicle production as an important milestone in the state's industrial growth. The vehicle, combining electric power, artificial intelligence and environmentally sustainable manufacturing technologies, demonstrated Pune's readiness for the future of mobility, she said.
She added that the initiative was helping realise the dream of late Ajit Pawar to strengthen Maharashtra's position in the future transport sector through world-class electric vehicle manufacturing and technology in Pune district.
Sunetra Pawar said the state was committed to promoting modern mobility technologies and economic development, adding that the initiative complemented Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
She also called upon global industrial groups to support water conservation, groundwater research and water security initiatives in drought-prone regions of Maharashtra.
Assuring the industry of the government's support, she said that, as Pune's Guardian Minister, she would extend full cooperation to all stakeholders. The government would stand firmly behind industries and help resolve the challenges they faced, she added.
Dr Martin Brudermüller, Dr Ola Källenius and Dr Jörg Burzer also shared their views at the event. In his introductory remarks, Pune Mercedes-Benz Executive Director Santosh Iyer outlined the company's progress over the past 30 years and acknowledged the support extended by the state government.
