Force Motors Limited has achieved a significant milestone in its long-standing association with Mercedes-Benz, rolling out the 200,000th engine from its advanced manufacturing facility at Chakan, Pune. The achievement highlights nearly three decades of collaboration between the two companies and reinforces India’s growing role as a global hub for precision automotive manufacturing.
The landmark engine, a six-cylinder M256 powertrain, has been installed in a Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, symbolizing the strength of a partnership that has steadily expanded since it began in 1997. What started as an engine manufacturing arrangement has evolved into a broader collaboration covering the production of engines and axles for Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles manufactured in India. The occasion was marked by the presence of senior leadership from both organizations, including Prasan Firodia, Managing Director of Force Motors, alongside members of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and senior executives from Mercedes-Benz India.
Speaking on the occasion, Prasan Firodia said the milestone reflects years of commitment to engineering excellence, manufacturing discipline, and operational precision. He noted that the Chakan facility was established specifically to meet the stringent global quality standards of Mercedes-Benz and has consistently delivered world-class products for the luxury automotive brand.
According to Mr Firodia, every engine produced at the facility represents the company’s focus on quality, reliability, and technological capability. Reaching the 200,000-engine mark demonstrates Force Motors’ ability to consistently meet international manufacturing benchmarks while supporting the growth of premium automotive production in India.
The achievement also highlights the success of Indo-German industrial cooperation in the automotive sector. Over the years, the partnership has contributed to strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem by introducing advanced production systems, quality processes, and engineering practices aligned with global standards.
As the automotive industry undergoes rapid transformation driven by new technologies, evolving customer expectations, and changing mobility trends, reliable manufacturing partnerships continue to play a critical role in sustaining growth. Force Motors’ ability to manufacture highly sophisticated engines for leading global brands from Indian facilities demonstrates the country’s increasing capability to serve demanding international markets.
Founded in 1958, Force Motors has grown into a fully integrated automotive manufacturer with expertise spanning vehicle development, powertrain production, and component manufacturing. The company operates multiple manufacturing facilities across India and serves both domestic and international markets. Headquartered in India, Force Motors operates five advanced manufacturing facilities across the country and employs more than 10,000 people. Its state-of-the-art research and development centre in Pune, supported by a team of over 1,000 engineers and specialists, drives innovation across product development and manufacturing technologies.
The company serves a wide range of domestic and international markets through a portfolio that includes light commercial vehicles, multi-utility vehicles, and specialized transportation solutions. Force Motors exports its products to more than 25 countries across the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and other global regions, offering market-specific solutions tailored to customer requirements.
Force Motors has also established itself as a trusted manufacturing partner to some of the world’s leading automotive brands. The company manufactures and tests engines for all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and SUVs produced in India at its Chakan facility in Pune. Similarly, its dedicated manufacturing plant in Chennai, developed to meet BMW’s global production standards, produces engines for every BMW vehicle manufactured in the country.
Expanding beyond automotive applications, Force Motors has strengthened its presence in the power generation and industrial engine segments through Force MTU Power Systems Pvt Ltd, a joint venture with Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG. The venture manufactures advanced 10-cylinder and 12-cylinder Series 1600 engines ranging from 545 hp to 1,050 hp at its Chakan facility. These high-performance engines are supplied to global markets for power generation and rail transportation applications.
