Amit Saraswat 
Mercedes-Benz India kickstarts the year 2024 with the annual press conference, which saw the price announcement of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift and a couple of interesting announcements. Speaking about the future product line, Mercedes-Benz revealed that over 50% of the upcoming models in the year 2024 will fall in its top-end vehicle range.
Furthermore, the year 2024 will see the launch of 3 all-electric Mercedes-Benz offerings. While the German marque is tightlipped about the details of these upcoming models, we are confident that the EQS SUV is going to be one of these 3 electric vehicles. In addition to electric mobility, Mercedes-Benz is also likely to increase its AMG line of portfolio, with the possible launch of the AMG GT coupe.
Mercedes-Benz India will also launch its bread and butter model — the E-Class — in its latest 2024 avatar. Following the history, India is likely to be the only right-hand-drive market to receive the long-wheelbase E-Class, suiting the buyer preferences. The long-wheelbase E-Class is already on sale in the Chinese market, albeit in left-hand-drive configuration.
In order to support the exhaustive launch plan, Mercedes-Benz India has announced a fresh investment of INR 200 crore for its manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. The investment will be utilised to facilitate assembly line modifications and advancements. In addition, Mercedes-Benz India will further boost its dealer network, with the addition of 20 new workshops and entry to 10 new cities. These cities include Jammu, Kannur, Kottayam, Udaipur, Amritsar, Agra, Valsad, and Patna to name a few.
The press conference also shed light on sustainability, diversity and school transformation. The German marque has committed to secure every second hiring for women for a better diversity ratio. In addition, the carmaker also launched the Green School Transformation project in association with Yuva Unstoppable, as part of its commitment to sustainable development and empowering girls by providing quality education. The Bertha Benz Scholarship and Green School Transformation project together will benefit more than 4000 female students, boosting their aspirations for a successful career.
