Merc CEO teases ‘many more launches’ here

By Sohail Khan 3 September 2026, 5:06 pm

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Business News›Industry›Auto›Auto News›Many more Mercedes-Benz launches coming in 'key growth market, tech hub' India: CEO Ola Kallenius

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Many more Mercedes-Benz launches coming in 'key growth market, tech hub' India: CEO Ola Kallenius
Synopsis

Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Kallenius said India has become a key growth market and technology hub for the company, with the automaker planning to introduce many more models in the country over the coming years.

India appears to be emerging not merely as a market for Mercedes-Benz, but as a place where the German luxury carmaker sees the ingredients for its next phase of global growth and technological development.

Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Kallenius said India has become a key growth market and technology hub for the company, with the automaker planning to introduce many more models in the country over the coming years.

Addressing the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) Annual Convention 2026 in Delhi virtually on September 3, Kallenius said the company had established a strong presence in India and intended to build on it with further product launches.

He also indicated that Mercedes-Benz would align its industrial operations with the company's long-term ambitions for the Indian market.

Also read | India's car safety testing won't depend on cars alone

The German automaker's focus on India extends beyond vehicle sales. Kallenius highlighted the country's talent pool, technological capabilities and expanding manufacturing and supply ecosystem as important strengths for a global original equipment manufacturer.

India's growing importance to Mercedes-Benz's technology operations has been evident in recent years. The company's Bengaluru research and development centre is its largest such facility outside Europe, with more than 8,500 engineers and technologists working on global projects. The centre has played a significant role in the development of MB.OS, the company's software platform for its next generation of vehicles.

Kallenius said India's capabilities in creativity, talent, intelligence, competence and technology, along with its expanding production and supplier base, provide the company with a broad ecosystem to support its global operations.

He drew a parallel between India and Germany, saying that while Mercedes-Benz's business originated in Germany, India now offers the range of capabilities required for a technology-focused global automaker to prosper.

The company's expanding product strategy also reflects its confidence in the Indian luxury vehicle market. Mercedes-Benz India plans 12 new model launches in 2026 across internal combustion engine and electric powertrains. The company has also begun local production of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, making India the first market outside the US to assemble the ultra-luxury SUV.

Also read | Maruti Suzuki CEO seeks balance between regulations and affordability for cleaner, safer mobility

Mercedes-Benz India reported record first-half sales of 9,768 units in 2026, up 9% from the year-earlier period. Demand for top-end luxury vehicles and electric models has supported the company's performance.

The growing technology role of India is also likely to become more significant as Mercedes-Benz accelerates its shift towards software-defined vehicles, artificial intelligence and autonomous-driving technologies.

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