Force Motors celebrates production of 200,000th Mercedes-Benz engine in India

Force Motors Limited has announced the roll-out of the 200,000th engine from its state-of-the-art engine manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune, marking a significant milestone in its long-standing manufacturing partnership with Mercedes-Benz.

The association between Force Motors and Mercedes-Benz in engine manufacturing dates back to 1997 and has steadily evolved into a comprehensive collaboration encompassing the production of engines and axles for every Mercedes-Benz car and SUV manufactured in India.

The production of the 200,000th engine represents far more than a numerical achievement. It reflects a relationship forged through trust, technological excellence, shared values and an unwavering commitment to advancing automotive manufacturing capabilities in India. The landmark powertrain – a 6-cylinder M256 engine manufactured by Force Motors has been fitted to a Mercedes-Benz GLS 450.

The milestone was commemorated in the presence of Mr. Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors Limited, alongside a distinguished Mercedes-Benz delegation that included Members of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

The visiting dignitaries included Dr. Joerg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement; Mr. Michael Schiebe, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG responsible for Production, Quality & Supply Chain Management; and Mr. Mathias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG overseeing Sales & Customer Experience.

They were joined by Mr. Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India; Mr. Vyankatesh Kulkarni, Executive Director & Head of Operations, Mercedes-Benz India; and Mr. Prashant Inamdar, Executive Director, Operations, Force Motors Limited, along with other dignitaries and guests from both organisations.

Speaking on the significance of the achievement and the enduring association between the two companies, 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 Motors’ unwavering commitment to engineering excellence and manufacturing precision. To have honoured that commitment 200,000 times is a moment of profound pride for us”.

Beyond the factory floor, the achievement carries broader significance for India’s automotive sector. The Force Motors–Mercedes-Benz relationship stands as one of the most notable examples of successful Indo-German industrial collaboration, consistently contributing to the elevation of manufacturing standards across the country.

At a time when the global automotive industry is undergoing rapid transformation and supply chains increasingly prioritise reliability, quality, precision and localisation, Force Motors’ ability to deliver German-quality engineering from Indian soil continues to distinguish the company. Anchored by the vision of Make in India, the partnership has emerged as a compelling example of how world-class manufacturing excellence can be achieved through sustained collaboration, technical expertise and a shared pursuit of perfection.

The roll-out of the 200,000th Mercedes-Benz engine therefore serves not only as a testament to a successful partnership but also as a powerful endorsement of India’s growing capability to deliver premium automotive engineering on the global stage.