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 together with Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Chairman of the Board of DaimlerChrysler India, Prof. Eberhard Haller, Member of the Board of DaimlerChrysler India and responsible for CKD plants of the Mercedes Car Group, and Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO of DaimlerChrysler India in presence of further Indian Government Representatives.
In January 2007, DaimlerChrysler India had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Maharashtra to build the new plant at a 100-acre plot near an already existing plant. The new manufacturing facility will produce the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, E-Class and C-Class for the Indian market. Start of production is expected in early 2009. Over the next few years, DaimlerChrysler plans to invest around €50 Million Euros in connection with the new production facility. The new Chakan plant will initially employ around 350 workers, matching the level of the current facility.