(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Sep 11 (KNN) Mercedes-Benz is planning to export cars manufactured in India to global markets, according to Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.

The luxury carmaker is exploring ways to increase production at its facility near Pune to support this expansion.

Gadkari revealed that the chairman of Mercedes-Benz is impressed with the quality of cars produced in India and is keen to enhance output so that the vehicles can be supplied not only within India but also to international markets.

This marks a significant shift for the company, which has so far focused solely on catering to Indian consumers.

Currently, the Pune plant assembles around 20,000 units annually. Over the past 30 years, Mercedes-Benz has invested nearly Rs 3,000 crore in its Indian operations. Until now, all production from the plant has been sold domestically. The move to begin exports would make the Indian facility a part of the company's global supply chain.

In a separate statement from Germany, Mathias Geisen, Board Member at Mercedes-Benz, reiterated that India remains a priority market for the company.

He confirmed that there is no change in the brand's commitment to strengthening local production and operations.

This development comes as India and the European Union are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which could potentially lower import duties on European cars entering the Indian market, further boosting automotive trade ties.

(KNN Bureau)

MENAFN11092025000155011030ID1110050000