SRINAGAR: Mercedes-Benz India on Friday flagged off its global “140 Years of Innovation” expedition from Leh, with a specially designated S-Class sedan embarking on a high-altitude journey to Umling La in Ladakh in an attempt to become the first S-Class to reach the world’s highest motorable road.
The expedition was flagged off from Shanti Stupa by Sanjit Rodrigues, Administrative Secretary, Tourism and Culture, UT Ladakh, in the presence of representatives of Mercedes-Benz India.
The drive forms part of Mercedes-Benz’s global campaign marking 140 years of automotive innovation. According to the organisers, 140 destinations worldwide have been selected for the commemorative expedition, including only 11 locations in India. Leh is among the Indian destinations chosen for the initiative.
The expedition will travel through some of Ladakh’s most challenging mountain terrain before concluding at Hanle and Umling La, situated at an altitude of more than 19,000 feet.
If successful, the journey will mark the first time a Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan has reached Umling La, a route typically associated with specialised off-road and sport utility vehicles.
Officials said the expedition is expected to draw international attention to Ladakh’s high-altitude road network and its growing profile as a destination for adventure and motoring tourism.
Speaking at the flag-off, Rodrigues said Ladakh’s inclusion among the selected global destinations reflected its appeal as a destination for adventure and exploration. He said the expedition would provide an opportunity to showcase the region’s landscapes and culture to a global audience.
Mercedes-Benz India said the expedition celebrates the company’s engineering legacy while highlighting destinations associated with exploration and endurance. It said Ladakh’s terrain and internationally recognised mountain roads made it a natural choice for the programme.
The expedition has been organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the UT Ladakh Department of Tourism and Mercedes-Benz India.
