Force Motors entered into a manufacturing partnership with Mercedes-Benz in India in 1997, a collaboration that has since expanded significantly.
Nearly three decades later, that association has reached another landmark. The company has now produced its 200,000th Mercedes-Benz engine at its Chakan manufacturing facility near Pune.
The engine that marked the occasion is the six-cylinder M256 petrol unit. It sits at the heart of a Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 SUV. For Force Motors, this is another chapter in a relationship that has continued to grow year after year.
The achievement is not just about production numbers. It also reflects a long-standing partnership built on trust, manufacturing expertise and a shared commitment to delivering world-class automotive components in India. Over the years, the collaboration has become one of the notable examples of Indo-German industrial cooperation in the country’s automotive sector.
A Journey That Started In The 1990s
What began as an engine manufacturing arrangement has expanded significantly over time. Today, Force Motors not only manufactures engines but also produces axles for Mercedes-Benz vehicles assembled in India.
The Chakan facility was developed specifically for this work. Production processes, testing methods and quality checks follow standards set by the German luxury carmaker.
A special event was organised at the plant to mark the achievement. Executives from Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Mercedes-Benz India and Force Motors attended the occasion.
Mercedes-Benz Engines Built By Force Motors
| Engine | Specification | Models |
|---|---|---|
| M256 | 3.0-litre turbo petrol, 6-cylinder | GLS, GLE, E-Class, previous S-Class |
| M254 | 2.0-litre turbo petrol, 4-cylinder | C-Class, GLC, E-Class |
| OM654 | Turbo diesel | C-Class, GLC, E-Class, GLE |
Operations Extend Beyond One Brand
Many people know Force Motors for its vehicles, but the company is also deeply involved in powertrain manufacturing. Apart from Mercedes-Benz, it manufactures and tests engines for BMW models produced in India.
The company has five manufacturing facilities across the country and a large engineering team based in Pune. Its products are supplied to more than 25 international markets as well.
Force Motors is also part of a joint venture that builds Series 1600 engines used in sectors such as power generation and railway applications.