Force Motors Limited has announced the roll out of the 200,000th engine from its advanced engine manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. The milestone marks another major achievement in the long standing manufacturing partnership between Force Motors and Mercedes-Benz. Over the years, the collaboration has played an important role in localizing powertrain production and strengthening automotive manufacturing capabilities in India.
Force Motors and Mercedes-Benz India Partnership
The association between Force Motors and Mercedes-Benz in engine manufacturing dates back to 1997. What started as a manufacturing relationship has evolved into a broader partnership covering the production of engines and axles for every Mercedes-Benz car and SUV manufactured in India.
Over nearly three decades, Force Motors has established itself as a key partner for Mercedes-Benz India by supplying highly sophisticated powertrains that meet global quality standards. The Chakan facility has continuously expanded its capabilities to support the growing Mercedes-Benz portfolio in the country.
Force Motors and Mercedes-Benz India Engine Details
The latest milestone highlights a partnership built on trust, technological expertise and a shared commitment towards strengthening manufacturing operations in India. The special 200,000th engine manufactured by Force Motors has been installed in a Mercedes-Benz GLS 450. The engine is the six cylinder M256 petrol unit.
While the companies did not reveal detailed specifications of this particular engine, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is powered by a 3.0 litre six cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 375 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The engine is supported by the EQ Boost mild hybrid system which provides an additional 20 hp and 200 Nm of torque during short bursts of acceleration.
Power is sent to all four wheels through a 9 speed automatic transmission. The GLS petrol lineup is offered in three versions. The standard GLS 450 is priced at ₹1.28 crore ex showroom, while the GLS 450 AMG Line carries a price tag of ₹1.39 crore ex showroom. The top specification GLS 450 Night Edition is priced at ₹1.41 crore ex showroom.
Force Motors Celebrates Manufacturing Milestone
The occasion was commemorated in the presence of Mr. Prasan Firodia, Managing Director of Force Motors Limited, along with senior representatives from Mercedes-Benz Group AG. The delegation included Dr. Joerg Burzer, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Procurement, Mr. Michael Schiebe responsible for Production, Quality and Supply Chain Management, and Mr. Mathias Geisen responsible for Sales and Customer Experience.
Also present were Mr. Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, Mr. Vyankatesh Kulkarni, Executive Director and Head of Operations at Mercedes-Benz India, and Mr. Prashant Inamdar, Executive Director Operations at Force Motors Limited, along with several dignitaries and guests from both organisations.
Force Motors Strengthens Its Role in India
The achievement of producing 200,000 Mercedes-Benz engines underlines the growing capabilities of Force Motors in precision manufacturing. With nearly three decades of collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, Force Motors continues to play a significant role in supporting premium vehicle production in India while showcasing the country’s manufacturing strength on a global level.
Speaking on the significance of the milestone and Force’s long standing association with Mercedes-Benz, Mr. Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors Limited 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.
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’s unwavering commitment to engineering excellence and manufacturing precision. To have honoured that commitment 200,000 times is a moment of profound pride for us”.