PREVIEW: Mercedes-Benz starts an aggressive offensive of coupe vehicles

Don't Copy From This Blog...

In order to become leader in the premium automotive industry by the end of 2020, Mercedes-Benz has developed a solid growth plan which aims to offer new opportunities and the highest level of quality for the customers in search of a luxury vehicle. Despite the recent profit margin and prospect rectifications for the ongoing year and for 2013, as well as the uncertainty expressed by some of the investors at Daimler AG, the Stuttgart-based constructor is secretly mastering a complete portfolio of cars, in every class and covering any unfilled market niche. Apart from the compact model offensive, Mercedes-Benz will also start launching a comprehensive range of coupe vehicles in the medium, business/executive, high-luxury and SUV segments.

The German automotive constructor will start the renewal of its 2-door model portfolio with the 2013 E-Class Coupe, coming next year towards spring. The facelift generation of the C 207 will get a brand new visual identity, new safety systems and updated telematics, as well as more powerful engine in the high-end area: the E 350 BlueDIRECT V6 with 333 hp and the E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with 435 hp. There's still no word about a possible E 63 AMG performance version with V8 BITURBO power.

The next to come is the future S-Class Coupe (C 217) variant that is replacing the outgoing CL-Class (C 216) and tipped for world premiere in 2014. We have already about this car in a recent article, so we are not insisting too much on it. The entire technology pack comes from the forthcoming S-Class sedan (W 222), so expect a great level of safety and connectivity aboard the 2-door model. The design philosophy will combine classic elements preserved from the predecessors with a futuristic styling combining progressive and organic shapes and lines.

In around two years from this moment, Mercedes-Benz will also mark the launch of company's first Sports Utility Coupe (SUC) vehicle under the MLC moniker (C 292). The new addition to the family will be assembled at Tuscaloosa plant in the USA, being the fifth model to be built at the Alabama-located facility alongside the C-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and R-Class. The body will sport 5 doors, but the general design will be inspired by the sleek silhouette of the real Mercedes-Benz coupes. A rakish roofline, dropping dramatically towards the rear end, and an eye-catching progressive styling will convert the future MLC into a complete looker. Prior the official unveiling, we expect Mercedes-Benz to tease the series model with a concept showcar in early 2014.

The SUC family will further grow in 2015 with the advent of the middle class contender: the new GLC, in fact the GLK Coupe. The model will emphasize a dynamic design, similar in terms of general details to the bigger MLC. While we do expect at least minimal 4x4 capabilities from the 4MATIC system, the land where the GLC will feel at home is the road, either in the cities or outside them. Most certainly, the new all-wheel-drive powertrain, derived from MRA rear-driven platform of the future C-Class 205 series, will be tweaked to deliver sensational driving performance, with an accent on the sharp stability, agility and behaviour predictability.

There is also a possibility the engineers from Affalterbach will develop high sports variants for the MLC and GLC. Then, the future MLC 63 AMG and GLC 63 AMG could be scheduled to bow nearing 2016 and they should use V8 engines with direct injection and bi-turbocharging. Around 550 hp for the C 292 and near 480 hp for the other Merc.

Similar articles:

PREVIEW: Mercedes-Benz aims at BMW X6 with the new MLC

The new 2015 Mercedes-Benz SUV coupe previewed at the Tuscaloosa plant

Daimler to Produce Additional Model at the Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa Plant (USA)

PREVIEW - 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLC

PREVIEW: Future Mercedes-Benz compact SUVs - Further information

PREVIEW: New trademark filings paint an interesting future for Mercedes-Benz

Image Credits: Autobild

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More

Offensive in the Compact Segment Continues: Start of new Mercedes-Benz Plant in Hungary

Don't Copy From This Blog...

Daimler started production at its new passenger car plant in Kecskemét today. Passenger cars are now rolling off the assembly line in Hungary less than four years after the location decision was made in summer 2008. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Plant Manager Frank Klein and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán welcomed around 600 Hungarian and German guests at the opening ceremony.

At the press conference, Dr. Dieter Zetsche stressed the importance of the new location: “With the start of production in Kecskemét, the Mercedes-Benz offensive in the premium compact segment is shifting up a gear. With the production network of the Rastatt and Kecskemét plants, we now have the capacity to meet the demand from many existing – and new – customers in the premium compact segment.”

In this respect, Zetsche announced that another model series would also be coming to the new location – the 4-door coupé of the new generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars. As part of the ongoing plant development, headcount is to be increased from around 2,500 to more than 3,000 by the end of this year.

Zetsche expressed his special thanks to Daimler’s Hungarian partners in the political, administrative and social areas: “They welcomed us like a friend and actively supported us through every stage of the plant development. Their tireless commitment was one of the main reasons for the positive outcome of this project, and will continue to be a key factor in the success of the Mercedes-Benz Kecskemét plant.”

Zetsche also praised the outstanding work of the Hungarian, German and international employees in developing the new plant: “This team has provided the perfect example of how we will expand our passenger car production capacity in the years ahead. We are thus laying the foundations for implementing our Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy.”

Frank Klein, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary Kft., said: “We are making history today: less than four years after the location decision was made, ‘Mercedes-Benz Made in Hungary’ has become a reality. From now on, we can show that we are a key pillar of the Mercedes-Benz production network. Our intensive preparations have enabled us to produce the established Mercedes-Benz quality right from the very first vehicle.”

The first vehicle from the plant is to be auctioned off. The proceeds will be donated to the Hungarian aid organization Nemzetközi Gyermekment ő Szolgálat (International Children’s Safety Service).

Additional capacity for B-Class production

The first product in the new generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars, the B-Class is now built at the new plant. It went into production at the plant in Rastatt, Germany back in September 2011. With this increased production capacity, it is now possible to fully address the overwhelming customer response: Mercedes-Benz has already received more than 100,000 orders for the B-Class since its launch in November 2011.

Efficient production in the Rastatt-Kecskemét network

In total, Daimler has invested €1.4 billion in production of the new generation of Mercedes-Benz cars: €800 million for construction of the Kecskemét plant and €600 million for expansion of the Rastatt plant.

The joint production of the B-Class in Rastatt and in Kecskemét enables flexible and optimum management of both plants’ capacity utilization. This volume flexibility is a key factor of the economic efficiency of the production network. In addition, the joint architecture of the new generation of compact cars ensures complete type flexibility in production: in principle, all models at the location can be produced on the same assembly line, in all variants of the product range and in any sequence.

The production network also includes the efficient logistical link between the two plants, which are part of the Daimler Rail Net network. The recently opened east-west rail link supplements the existing north-south links between the powertrain and vehicle plants in Germany. In particular, body parts, engines, transmission systems and other components are delivered from the German locations to Kecskemét by rail. From 2013, most of the completed vehicles will also be transported by rail in the opposite direction. Overall, when completed, this will save up to 60,000 tons of CO2 per year.

Perfect planning and green production from the outset

The plant in Kecskemét was the first passenger car production plant in the Group to be entirely digitally planned and to receive three-dimensional backup. This was an essential requirement for the perfectly-timed workflows and adherence to all deadlines and cost targets.

State-of-the-art, environmentally sound technology is used at the plant. For instance, the paint shop is one of the most modern and resource-friendly facilities of its kind with its innovative dry separation method. The overall energy concept is particularly geared towards efficiency, e.g. the ventilation system of the production shops with heat recovery, the use of highly efficient strip-lighting systems for illumination and the use of two district heating plants to supply electricity and heat.

The most attractive employer in the region

The plant is the most attractive employer in the region, especially since employee training is a top priority. All new employees undergo intensive training programs, which are available at the in-house training center in Kecskemét and at the German locations, particularly at the Rastatt plant. This thorough, high-grade training is the key success factor in producing top-quality vehicles to Mercedes-Benz standards at the location from the outset.

Innovative dual training in Hungary, strategic partnerships in the area of education

The Mercedes-Benz Kecskemét plant is also covering future requirements for qualified staff through strategic partnerships in the area of education. In particular, the plant is breaking new ground by offering high-grade dual vocational training based on the German model, which is being delivered in conjunction with Kecskemét City Council and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of the county of Bács-Kiskun. The first 34 trainees started their courses in 2011, and the next intake of 36 trainees will start their training in September 2012.

In the tertiary education sector, the Mercedes-Benz plant and Kecskemét University of Applied Sciences have joined forces to enable practically-oriented, dual university education. The first students in this new training format will commence their studies in September 2012. With this offering, the partners are aiming to make the University for Applied Sciences the number one centre in Hungary for training of extremely well-qualified specialists for the automobile industry.

Hungarian companies benefit from the project

The Hungarian economy has benefited significantly from the choice of location. For instance, over 90% of the order volume for construction of the plant was placed with Hungarian companies. Operation of the plant also provides wide-ranging opportunities for Hungarian partners, for example service providers and craftsmen. Regarding the production materials for the new generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars, 17 Hungary-based suppliers have been awarded a substantial order volume worth running into nine figures of euros.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More