New Delhi: German carmaker Mercedes-Benz is looking to move the production of its GLC sports utility vehicles (SUV) that are US-specific, to Pune, according to a report by Moneycontrol.

Late last year, Ford started exporting made-in-Chennai EcoSport SUVs to the US, thereby making the country the second largest consumer of cars made in India.

This move by Mercedes-Benz highlights India’s growing popularity among global auto companies amid rising trade tensions. 

Other made-in-India products that are exported to the US are Bajaj Auto-made KTM and Eicher Motors-made Royal Enfield bikes.

Mercedes invested Rs 2,200 crore in its Chakan plant in Pune since building it in 2009. The factory has the largest production capacity for any luxury car in India.

The company has also set up a research and development center in Bengaluru, which is its biggest outside of Germany.

The first Indian-made GLC SUV is expected to hit the US roads next month.