Mercedes Benz inaugurates Centre of Excellence at Chakan Plant

Mercedes Benz India today inaugurated “Centre of Excellence” within its production facility at Chakan, Pune. The ribbon cutting honours were done at the hands of Matthias Luhrs, Chairman of the Board of Management (MB India) and VP (Global Sales) and Eberhard Kern, MD and CEO (MB India). Post a champagne popping ceremony, Eberhard Kern stated that the Mercedes Benz Centre of Excellence is targeted at high end luxury seeking customers who are passionate about Mercedes Benz as a brand and its products.

Adding further Eberhard Kern said “2013 has been the ‘Year of Offensive’ for Mercedes Benz India and we are pleased with the numerous fascinating experiences we have created for our customers this year. Our product offensive, network spread, financial programmes and after-sales offerings have created excitement for our customers and also added immense value. The increased customer confidence and traction amidst difficult market challenges, reiterates the fact that we continue to remain a fundamentally strong brand which is trusted and valued by customers and brand enthusiasts across markets”.

Matthias Luhrs adding to Kern’s comment stated “We are delight to inaugurate the ‘Centre of Excellence’ in India. This one of its kind experience for our customers will ensure that they live our complete brand experience and are able to personalize our specialty cars to suit their tastes and preferences”.

The Centre of Excellence would be retailing high end Mercedes Benz AMG lineup of cars that include the CLS, E63, SLK, SLS and the G63. Mercedes Benz has even built a helipad at its Chakan plant facilitating to fly in potential AMG customers, from Mumbai to the facility to have a look at the AMG offerings from the manufacturer. Though similar facilities already exist in countries such as the United States, but is first of its kind for the Indian market. Also customers would be treated to an adrenaline gushing off-roading experience with expert drivers at a specially prepared off-road track within the facility premises. (Read about our EXPERIENCE here).

In addition to regular sales, the Mercedes Benz Centre of Excellence would also allow customers to personalize their favourite car before making their purchase. Customizations would range from choices on leather upholstery and their stitching to choosing various styles of pedals. Also showcased was the i-Configurator that would enable prospective customers to digitally preview the entire range of Mercedes Benz and AMG portfolio getting a virtual feel of the exterior paints, upholstery and alloy wheels. Customers can configure/customize and have an on-road view of the car.