Pune, Nov 4 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday that the state government aims to transform the state from being just a national automotive hub into a global hub for future mobility.
Moving from ‘Make in Maharashtra’ to ‘Innovate in Maharashtra’, the state government is actively promoting research, engineering, technology development, and innovations alongside manufacturing.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the launch of Mercedes-Benz’s state-of-the-art Electric GLC vehicle at Chakan.
He highlighted that a massive automotive industry cluster has developed in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad regions, with Maharashtra contributing more than 20 per cent to India’s total motor vehicle production.
“The state’s ambition is not limited to vehicle assembly alone but extends to achieving global leadership in electric vehicles (EVs), battery technology, power electronics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, automobile software, design, and research and development (R&D).”
The Chief Minister urged Mercedes-Benz to manufacture from Chakan for both Asian and global markets alongside the Indian domestic market, while prioritising Maharashtra for future battery technology, software engineering, and mobility research.
Under the state’s Electric Vehicle Policy, a target of 30 per cent EV adoption in new vehicle registrations has been set by 2030, CM Fadnavis said, adding that fast-charging infrastructure along highways, sustainable mobility corridors along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Samruddhi Mahamarg, and battery recycling initiatives are actively being promoted.
The Chief Minister noted that future vehicles will no longer merely be four-wheel transportation, but rather an integrated mobility platform combined with computers, energy systems, and artificial intelligence.
Maharashtra is fully prepared to lead this transformation, he added.
He also said that connectivity to global markets will be enhanced further through the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the proposed Pune-Purandar Airport, and the Vadhavan Port.
Driven by a large market, a robust manufacturing ecosystem, skilled engineers, and advanced technology, Maharashtra has emerged as a premier investment destination.
He said that around 650 customers expressed interest in the Electric GLC vehicle within just 36 hours.
Manufacturing, research, and innovation are being actively developed from Maharashtra for the world, the Chief Minister added.
“Mercedes-Benz’s Chakan plant with an investment of Rs 3,200 crore has provided direct employment to around 1,200 people, while creating job opportunities for nearly 18,000 individuals through supplier networks and service sectors. The rollout of the state-of-the-art Electric GLC from this plant within ten years of its expansion stands as a testament to the state’s industrial and technological progress,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said that Mercedes-Benz has contributed significantly to Maharashtra’s industrial growth over the past three decades.
“The commencement of localised production for electric vehicles marks a critical milestone in the state’s industrial development. This manufacturing effort—combining electrical energy, artificial intelligence, and eco-friendly manufacturing technologies—shows that Pune is ready for future mobility systems.”
Former Deputy CM late Ajit Pawar’s vision of empowering Maharashtra in future transportation through world-class EV manufacturing and technology in Pune district is being realised, she noted.
She emphasised the state government’s commitment to promoting modern mobility technology and economic growth, noting that this initiative complements Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
She urged global industrial groups to collaborate on water conservation, groundwater research, and water security in drought-prone areas of Maharashtra.
As the Guardian Minister of Pune, Sunetra Pawar assured full cooperation to all stakeholders in the industrial sector, reaffirming that the state government stands firmly behind industries to address their challenges.
Martin Brudermuller (Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Mercedes-Benz Group AG), Ola Kallenius (Chairman of the Board of Management and Global Head, Mercedes-Benz Group AG), and Jorg Burzer (Member of the Board of Management and CTO) shared their remarks.
Santosh Iyer, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz India, provided an introductory overview of the company’s progress over the past thirty years and expressed appreciation for the state government’s strong support.
–IANS
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