Maharashtra aims to become a global future mobility hub by expanding its focus beyond vehicle manufacturing to research, engineering and technology development, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the launch of Mercedes-Benz’s locally produced Electric GLC at Chakan, Fadnavis said the state was moving from ‘Make in Maharashtra’ to ‘Innovate in Maharashtra’.
He said the government’s ambition was to build global capabilities in electric vehicles (EVs), battery technology, power electronics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, automotive software, design and research and development (R&D).
Maharashtra accounts for over 20% of India’s vehicle production
Fadnavis highlighted the automotive industry cluster across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Maharashtra contributes more than 20 per cent of India’s total motor vehicle production, he said.
He urged Mercedes-Benz to use its Chakan facility to serve Asian and global markets alongside domestic demand. He also asked the company to prioritise Maharashtra for future investments in battery technology, software engineering and mobility research.
The Chief Minister said around 650 customers had expressed interest in the Electric GLC within 36 hours of its launch.
He added that the company’s Chakan plant, backed by an investment of Rs 3,200 crore, provides direct employment to around 1,200 people. Its supplier network and service sector have created employment opportunities for nearly 18,000 people.
The rollout of the Electric GLC from the plant, within ten years of its expansion, reflected the state’s industrial and technological progress, he said.
State targets 30% EV adoption by 2030
Under Maharashtra’s Electric Vehicle Policy, the state has set a target of 30 per cent EV adoption in new vehicle registrations by 2030.
Fadnavis said the government was promoting fast-charging infrastructure along highways, sustainable mobility corridors along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Samruddhi Mahamarg, and battery recycling initiatives.
He described future vehicles as integrated mobility platforms combining computers, energy systems and artificial intelligence, rather than simply four-wheel transportation.
The state is also looking to strengthen connectivity to global markets through Navi Mumbai International Airport, the proposed Pune-Purandar Airport and Vadhavan Port.
Sunetra Pawar highlights localised EV manufacturing
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said Mercedes-Benz had contributed to Maharashtra’s industrial growth over the past three decades.
She described the start of localised EV production as a milestone for the state’s industrial development. The manufacturing programme combines electric powertrains, artificial intelligence and environmentally focused manufacturing technologies, she said.
Pawar also referred to former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s vision of developing Pune district as a centre for future transportation through advanced EV manufacturing and technology.
She said the state government remained committed to modern mobility technology and economic growth, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Pawar also urged global industrial groups to collaborate on water conservation, groundwater research and water security in drought-prone parts of Maharashtra. As Pune’s Guardian Minister, she assured industrial stakeholders of the state government’s support in addressing their challenges.
Mercedes-Benz Group supervisory board chairman Martin Brudermuller, board chairman and global head Ola Kallenius, and board member and CTO Jorg Burzer also addressed the event.
Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director Santosh Iyer outlined the company’s progress in the state over the past 30 years and acknowledged the Maharashtra government’s support.
