Pune, November 4 (IANS). Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the state government aims to transform the state from just a national automotive hub to a global hub of future mobility.
Moving from 'Make in Maharashtra' to 'Innovate in Maharashtra', the State Government is actively promoting research, engineering, technology development and innovations along with manufacturing.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the launch of Mercedes-Benz's state-of-the-art electric GLC vehicle in Chakan.
He highlighted that a huge automotive industry cluster has developed in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad regions, with Maharashtra contributing more than 20 per cent of India's total automotive production.
He said the state's ambition is not limited to vehicle assembly but extends to achieving global leadership in electric vehicles (EVs), battery technology, power electronics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, automobile software, design and research and development (R&D).
The Chief Minister urged Mercedes-Benz to produce from Chakan for the Indian domestic market as well as Asian and global markets, and to give priority to Maharashtra for future battery technology, software engineering and mobility research.
Chief Minister Fadnavis said that under the state's electric vehicle policy, a target has been set to achieve 30 percent adoption of electric vehicles in new vehicle registrations by 2030. He further said that fast-charging infrastructure on highways, sustainable mobility corridors along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Samruddhi Mahamarg and battery recycling initiatives are being actively promoted.
The Chief Minister said that the vehicles of the future will not be just four-wheelers, but will be an integrated mobility platform consisting of computers, energy systems and artificial intelligence.
He said that Maharashtra is fully prepared to lead this change.
He also said that connectivity to global markets will be further enhanced through Navi Mumbai International Airport, the proposed Pune-Purandar Airport and Wadhawan Port.
Maharashtra has emerged as a major investment hub on the strength of its huge market, strong manufacturing system, skilled engineers and advanced technology.
He said that within just 36 hours, around 650 customers showed interest in the electric GLC vehicle.
The Chief Minister further said that manufacturing, research and innovation are being actively developed from Maharashtra to the global level.
He said Mercedes-Benz's Chakan plant, built with an investment of Rs 3,200 crore, has provided direct employment to about 1,200 people, while creating employment opportunities for about 18,000 persons through the supplier network and service sectors. The production of state-of-the-art electric GLCs within ten years of expansion of this plant is a testament to the industrial and technological progress of the State.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said that Mercedes-Benz has contributed significantly to the industrial development of Maharashtra in the last three decades.
–IANS
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