Prof. Dr. Eberhard Haller

Prof. Dr. Eberhard Haller

Mercedes-Benz India today formally inaugurated its new manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune. The new facility was completed within 13 months from the start of construction - among the fastest green-field projects to be created. With an area of 100 acres of land and independent assembly facilities for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, the infrastructure was created to address future expansion needs, underscoring the long-term growth plans of the company in India. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Chairman of the Board, Mercedes-Benz India: 鈥淎 strong brand, committed employees, strong after-sales service network. A growing market, increasing demand and exciting products: these are the ingredients of Mercedes-Benz鈥?India story. Quality has all along been the strength of Mercedes-Benz India, and the new plant is set to take this success story even further. It successfully passed all quality gates within the first month of shifting production, and features some of the most advanced equipment available worldwide.

Prof. Dr. Eberhard Haller, Director of the Board, Mercedes-Benz India: 鈥淎s the Plant Manager of the largest Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, I am impressed by the flexibility and the potential for expansion of this facility. Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, added: 鈥淥ver the years we have grown - and from the 600 units back in 1999, we sold 3,600 units in 2008, with growth doubling consistently in the last three years. I am convinced that this facility marks the beginning of a new era for the company in India - and today is a red-letter day for us all鈥? As a responsible corporate citizen, Mercedes-Benz India has engaged in socially focused initiatives as well. Jobs in agriculture, eco-friendly mobility and wasteland recovery - these are the three points that the Jatropha biodiesel project focuses upon. The Mobile Kids road safety program and the Automotive Mechatronics program focus upon teaching and education to create citizens of a better tomorrow. The company is also helping disadvantaged children with scholarships and aid to help them continue basic and further education. Its association with NGO Cleft is also extending surgical and medical aid and assistance to disadvantaged families in Gujarat and Maharashtra. On this occasion, Mercedes-Benz India also announced its support towards re-building classrooms and providing assistance towards better facilities for students of a school in Chakan. Mercedes-Benz has a long history of involvement with the country.

There are also a plethora of options to choose from, ranging from premium materials, trim elements, and a smorgasbord of safety and tech equipment that makes you feel like you鈥檙e sitting inside a more premium luxury sedan. Speaking of sitting inside a more premium luxury sedan, the 2019 Mercedes C-Class invites that feeling, too. It has arguably one of the best trim options in its segment, including Natural Grain Walnut Wood and Natural Grain Grey Oak. Upholstery options also include colors like Gray and Black, as well as Saddle Brown. Opt for the AMG Line trim, and you can get the Silk Beige/Black upholstery. If there鈥檚 one thing that sets the C-Class back relative to the 3 Series, it鈥檚 that the Merc鈥檚 fully digital instrument display is available as an option, not as a standard feature. Then there鈥檚 that stand-up display. The standard unit is smaller 鈥?7.0 inches 鈥?compared to the 3 Series, though Mercedes is also offering a 10.25-inch unit as an option. The BMW 3 Series holds the advantage with the available tech. But if you want a more luxurious cabin, the Mercedes C-Class is the way to go.

Every luxury car these days has a good amount of tech offerings. The key is figuring out which ones you like and which models have them. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a good example. It鈥檚 basically BMW鈥檚 version of Amazon鈥檚 鈥淎lexa鈥?and Google鈥檚 鈥淗ey Google.鈥?It鈥檚 a program that spontaneously learns a driver鈥檚 routines and habits apply the information for future references. The freedom this program gives to drivers shouldn鈥檛 be underestimated, nor should it be taken advantage of. It鈥檚 potential to become the best thing to happen to the all-new 3 Series is right there for the taking, provided that it鈥檚 used wisely. Speaking of using wisely, BMW鈥檚 Digital Key also makes its debut on the all-new 3 Series, following in the footsteps of the G05 X5 SUV and the 8 Series. The Digital Key effectively turns your smartphone into the key that runs the 3 Series. You can lock or unlock your sedan using your smartphone.