Maharashtra will become a global hub for future mobility, state will move from ‘Make in Maharashtra’ to ‘Innovate in Maharashtra’ – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Pune, (City News Mumbai)

The state government's objective is to make Maharashtra not just the country's vehicle production center, but a global hub in the field of future mobility. Moving beyond 'Make in Maharashtra', work is now being done in the direction of 'Innovate in Maharashtra'. Under this, along with production, research, engineering, technological development, and innovation are also being encouraged. This was stated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

He was speaking at the launch ceremony of Mercedes-Benz's state-of-the-art electric GLC car in Chakan. On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, senior officials of Mercedes-Benz Group AG Dr. Martin Brudermüller, Dr. Ola Källenius, Dr. Jörg Burzer, Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz Pune Santosh Iyer, along with the company's global and Indian officials and senior administrative officers were present.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that a large network of the vehicle industry has developed in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad area. Maharashtra's share in the country's total motor vehicle production is more than 20 percent. The state's goal is not limited to vehicle manufacturing alone, but also to achieve global leadership in the fields of electric vehicles, battery technology, power electronics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, automobile software, design, and research.

He urged Mercedes-Benz to manufacture for Asian and global markets along with the Indian market through the Chakan plant, and to give priority to Maharashtra for future battery technology, software engineering, and mobility research.

Boost will be given to electric vehicle production

Under the state's electric vehicle policy, a target of 30 percent electric vehicles in new vehicle registrations by the year 2030 has been set. For this, fast charging facilities on highways, a sustainable mobility corridor on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Samruddhi Mahamarg, and battery recycling are being promoted.

The Chief Minister said that the vehicle of the future will not merely be a means of transport running on four wheels, but a modern mobility platform connected with computers, energy systems, and artificial intelligence. Maharashtra is ready to lead this transformation.

Better connectivity with global markets

Through the Navi Mumbai International Airport, proposed Pune-Purandar Airport, and Vadhavan Port, Maharashtra's connectivity with global markets will become stronger. Due to large markets, industrial networks, skilled engineers, and technical capabilities, the state is becoming an important center of investment.

The Chief Minister informed that around 650 customers showed interest in the electric GLC vehicle in just 36 hours.

Mercedes-Benz's investment of Rs 3,200 crore

Direct employment has been provided to about 1,200 people from Mercedes-Benz's Chakan plant, while employment opportunities have become available to nearly 18 thousand people, including suppliers and the service sector. The start of production of the state-of-the-art electric GLC vehicle after the expansion of the plant is an important proof of Maharashtra's industrial and technological progress.

Pune will be prepared for the transportation system of the future through electric vehicle manufacturing – Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said that Mercedes-Benz company has made an important contribution to Maharashtra's industrial development for the last three decades. The start of local production of electric vehicles is an important achievement in the state's industrial development.

He said that the confluence of electricity, Artificial Intelligence, and environment-friendly production technology is preparing Pune for the transport system of the future. The late Ajit Pawar's dream of making Maharashtra capable in the future transport sector through world-class electric vehicle industry and technological development in Pune district is coming true.

He said that the state government is committed to accelerating modern mobility technology and economic development. This initiative also strengthens Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.

The Deputy Chief Minister appealed to global industrial groups to collaborate for water conservation, groundwater research, and water security in the drought-affected areas of Maharashtra. As the Guardian Minister of Pune, he also assured full support from the government to solve the problems of the industrial sector.

Senior officials of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Dr. Martin Brudermüller, Dr. Ola Källenius, and Dr. Jörg Burzer, also shared their views at the event. In the introductory remarks, Santosh Iyer, Executive Director of Pune Mercedes-Benz, gave details of the company's progress over the last 30 years and said that the company is receiving good cooperation from the state government.