Force Motors has reached a major milestone in its association with Mercedes-Benz by announcing the production of its 200,000th engine at the company’s manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. The achievement marks another chapter in a partnership that has been steadily expanding for nearly three decades in India. The engine celebrating this milestone is the six-cylinder M256 gasoline unit installed in the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450. The event was celebrated in the presence of high-level representatives of both organizations, including the top management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Force Motors.Relations between the two companies in the field of power unit production began in 1997. Since then, the partnership has grown significantly with Force Motors manufacturing not only engines but also axles for the complete range of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and SUVs assembled in India. Today, the Chakan plant provides components built to Mercedes-Benz’s global specifications, as well as serving as a major manufacturing hub supporting the luxury carmaker’s operations in the country.Commenting on the achievement, Force Motors Managing Director Prasan Firodia said the production milestone represents years of mutual trust, engineering expertise and shared commitment to quality. I noted that the Chakan plant was specially created in accordance with the world standards of Mercedes-Benz, and every engine produced there reflects the company’s attention to accuracy and consistency. Among the high-ranking people who participated were Dr. Mercedes-Benz Group AG Board Member and Chief Technology Officer for Development and Procurement. Joerg Burzer; Michael Schiebe, Responsible for Manufacturing, Quality and Supply Chain Management; and Mathias Geisen, who heads Sales and Customer Experience. They were joined by Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, Vyankatesh Kulkarni, Executive Director and Head of Operations, and senior officials from both the companies.More than just a numerical achievement, the milestone highlights the successful Indo-German industrial partnership that has contributed to the upliftment of manufacturing performance in the Indian automotive sector. At a time when global automakers are increasingly focusing on sustainable and high-quality local supply chains, the collaboration between Force Motors and Mercedes-Benz demonstrates India’s ability to deliver world-class engineering and manufacturing standards.Currently producing 200,000 Mercedes-Benz engines, Force Motors continues to strengthen its position as a trusted manufacturing partner, highlighting the progress of advanced automotive manufacturing in India.
