Force Motors Ltd has achieved a major manufacturing milestone with the rollout of the 200,000th Mercedes-Benz engine from its engine manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune, reinforcing a partnership that has spanned more than five decades.
The milestone highlights the long-standing collaboration between Force Motors and Mercedes-Benz in India and underscores their shared commitment to engineering excellence, manufacturing precision and localisation.
Landmark achievement in engine manufacturing
The association between Force Motors and Mercedes-Benz in engine manufacturing began in 1997 and has since evolved into a broader partnership encompassing the production of engines and axles for all Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs manufactured in India.
The 200,000th engine produced at the Chakan facility is a six-cylinder M256 engine, which has been fitted into a Mercedes-Benz GLS 450.
The milestone was commemorated in the presence of senior leadership from both organisations, including members of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and executives from Mercedes-Benz India and Force Motors.
Partnership built on trust and precision
Force Motors Managing Director Prasan Firodia said, “As Mercedes-Benz continues to expand its presence in India, Force Motors remains committed to supporting its growth through best-in-class manufacturing, operational excellence and by contributing to the production of world-class automotive components in India.”
He added, “The 200,000th engine is more than a production milestone; it is the living story of a half-century-long partnership built on trust, precision and shared purpose. The Force Motors Chakan facility was purpose-built to meet Mercedes-Benz’s exacting global standards, and every engine that has rolled out of it reflects Force Motors’ unwavering commitment to engineering excellence and manufacturing precision.”
Supporting Mercedes-Benz production in India
Over the years, the Chakan facility has played a critical role in supporting Mercedes-Benz’s manufacturing operations in India by supplying engines and axles that meet the luxury automaker’s global quality standards.
The partnership has enabled the localisation of advanced automotive manufacturing while helping strengthen India’s position within the global automotive value chain.
Showcase of Indo-German collaboration
Force Motors said the milestone reflects one of the most enduring examples of Indo-German industrial cooperation in the automotive sector.
The company noted that the collaboration has consistently contributed to raising manufacturing standards in India through technology transfer, process excellence and quality-focused production practices.
Aligned with ‘Make in India’
According to the company, the achievement also highlights India’s growing capability to manufacture globally benchmarked automotive components.
With global supply chains increasingly prioritising quality, reliability and localisation, Force Motors said its ability to deliver German-quality engineering from India aligns with the broader objectives of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The company added that the Chakan facility continues to serve as a key manufacturing hub supporting Mercedes-Benz’s growth in India while showcasing the strength of advanced automotive manufacturing capabilities developed within the country.