Daimler-Chrysler anounces launch of new generation E-Class

Pune, Nov 6 (UNI) Daimler-Chrysler India today announced the launch of its new generation Mercedes-Benz E-class in the country with improved features in respect of safety, comfort, and security.

Daimler-Chrysler managing director and CEO Dr Wilfried Aulbur told reporters that the new generation'E' Class, priced at Rs 42 lakh, has been made available in India five months after its launch worldwide.

The E-Class comes in two designs and equipment lines to meet the wishes of many customers who seek to give their car a personal look.

The lines are called Classic and Elegance, and they accurately describe the different characters of the model variants, which are distinguished by special design features.

The new generation E-Class is offered in the E280 (petrol) and E280CDI (diesel in V-arrangement) as well as the E 200 Kompressor which features a modified engine management system, a more dynamic supercharger and improved pistons that results in increased output by 12.5 per cent.

To a query, Dr Aulbur said that Daimler-Chrysler had sold 10,000 units of the 'E' Class since it began business in India. Both the C and E Class versions have registered good growth in India, he informed. To another query, he said that this year, 685 units of the 'E' Class has sold so far while in 2005, around 825 units were sold against 667 in 2003. To another query on components, Dr Aulbur said that the components industry is growing at the rate of 20 per cent.

The company is presently operating from a 20 acre plot at Chikhli around 45 kms from Pune City and is thinking of shifting base very close to Pune, he said.

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