Daimler plans expansion of Mercedes-Benz Cars production network

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The Daimler AG Board of Management has decided to expand the Mercedes-Benz Cars powertrain production network. Following approval by the Supervisory Board, additional capacities for transmission assembly are now planned to be established at the Romanian Daimler subsidiary, Star Transmission. For the production of a new generation of automatic transmissions more than 280 million euros shall be invested in Romania. Overall, the company plans investments of more than 300 million euros there.

Andreas Renschler, Member of the Daimler Board of Management for Manufacturing and Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans, explains: "The expansion of our production network to include an additional location for transmission assembly is designed to perfectly complement our existing capacities. Our goal here is to serve the high customer demand with even greater flexibility in the future."

Additional capacities will be built up in view of the high capacity utilization as well as the lack of space for further expansion of transmission production in Stuttgart. "Star Transmission has been a reliable partner of our German powertrain locations for over 10 years. According to the current planning status and based on our excellent experience with Star Transmission, the preferred option for providing the additionally required assembly capacities in a flexible manner is to expand the activities there," explains Peter Schabert, Head of Powertrain Production and Head of the Mercedes-Benz Untertürkheim plant, referring to the plans for the future production network for transmissions. "Our Stuttgart transmission plant will remain the heart of transmission production for Mercedes-Benz Cars and will act as the center of competence in this production network."

Wolfgang Nieke, Chairman of the Works Council for the Mercedes-Benz Untertürkheim plant and Passenger Car Development: "The plant management and works council agreed two years ago, to set up the production of the new automatic transmission and an assembly module at the Stuttgart-Hedelfingen location. The Board of Management thus reaffirmed its commitment to the in-house production of our transmissions. The second assembly module in Sebes will be supplied from our production location. The increased demand for transmissions ensures the long-term capacity utilization of our transmission production at the Stuttgart-Hedelfingen location."

In order to transfer the Swabian expertise appropriately the Romanian employees will undergo a special qualification program. They spend several months at the Untertürkheim parent plant in quality, maintenance and logistics teams in addition to the production areas.

Daimler subsidiary Star Transmission was founded in 2001. At the moment, the company and the roughly 800 employees at the Cugir location produce components for current Mercedes-Benz car engines and transmissions as well as older generations of transmissions for the spare parts business. The decision has already been made to start production of the 5-speed automatic transmission from the middle of this year at the new location in Sebes until its discontinuation. Starting in 2014, the current generation of front dual clutch transmissions will also be assembled there. This will thus provide additional assembly capacities to complement Stuttgart, where the assembly has been concentrated to date. Subject to the support of the Romanian government for the expansion of the production capacities, it is planned that a new generation of automatic transmissions for cars will also be produced in the new production network involving the locations in Stuttgart (full production including assembly) and Sebes (assembly only) starting in 2016.

The reason for these plans is the expected, continually increasing demand for transmissions in line with the Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy. The Stuttgart-Hedelfingen transmission plant, which is part of the Untertürkheim parent plant from an organizational perspective, is today already at full capacity. All available space has gradually been developed in recent years so that the site – due to its special geographical location in the upper Stuttgart Neckar Valley – has reached its maximum possible expansion level and no meaningful options for further expansion of the facilities exist there.

At the same time, any type of capacity expansion at Mercedes-Benz Cars should also contribute decisively to increased profitability in light of the fierce global competition in the premium segment. This premise naturally also applies for transmissions, which are produced in-house in contrast to the approach preferred by the competition. Overall, the future production network for transmissions is designed to ensure that the required unit figures can – even in the future – be provided in a reliable and extremely flexible manner in line with customer expectations while fulfilling the set cost targets.

About the Mercedes-Benz Cars powertrain production network

The Mercedes-Benz Cars powertrain production network consists of several locations in Germany and is being complemented by international production plants in close connection with the increasing production of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in close proximity to markets and customers. The central location here is the Mercedes-Benz Untertürkheim plant, which produces engines, transmissions and axles in a total of six plant sections. In the past fiscal year, Daimler has invested over 900 million euros here alone in the expansion and conversion of the powertrain plant sections as well as in the startup of new products and production technologies and, as a result of high customer demand, has been able to create 350 new jobs. The company is investing more than 800 million euros at the location in 2013.

The Mercedes-Benz Berlin plant produces engines and powertrain components, while the Mercedes-Benz Hamburg plant is responsible for the production of axles and various additional components. Our subsidiary MDC Power in Kölleda/Thuringia is another important engine production location; it recently received the prestigious "Factory of the Year" award. When it comes to the international locations, the Romanian subsidiary Star Transmission is responsible for the production of engine and transmission components as well as replacement transmissions. Starting this year, the Beijing production location (BBAC – a joint venture between Daimler and the Chinese partner BAIC) in China will start engine production in order to supply local production of Mercedes-Benz cars and vans. Starting in 2014 in the USA, Daimler and Nissan will – as part of the strategic cooperation between Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance – start the joint production of 4-cylinder gasoline engines based on Mercedes-Benz technology at the Nissan plant in Decherd/Tennessee. One of the main customers for these engines will be the future C-Class production at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa/Alabama.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Limited edition of smart forjeremy goes into series production: Haute couture on four wheels

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The smart forjeremy is going into series production. At the Shanghai Auto Show (21 to 29 April 2013), smart will be showcasing the unique model created together with internationally renowned fashion designer Jeremy Scott, which will be available as an extremely limited special edition licensed for road use. With its striking wings at the rear, the vehicle retains a central design element of the original show car. Production is scheduled to begin in April 2013. The smart fortwo edition by Jeremy Scott is available as a coupé with either a local emission-free electric drive, BRABUS electric drive or a powerful BRABUS 75 kW petrol engine.

Jeremy Scott gives smart wings – the most eye-catching feature of the new smart fortwo edition by Jeremy Scott is the two vertical wings just above its rear lights. As Jeremy Scott explains: “I wanted to design something out of the ordinary, something that expressed my dreams and fantasies and that transferred my fashion ideas to automotive design. I see myself driving this car and can well imagine my friends and cool people all over the world loving the unique design of this smart.”

The tridion safety cell, door mirror caps and radiator grille are all painted in alubeam. By contrast, the bodypanels and 16”/17” Monoblock alloy wheels are finished in polar white in the BRABUS drive variants. The mirror triangle and rear lid are embellished by logos and lettering featuring the words “by Jeremy Scott”.

White is also the dominant colour in the interior, together with fine materials: the seats, door centre panels, gear knob (petrol version only) and kneepad are all tailor made with white, embossed leather complete with white stitching. The diamond stitching on the seat surfaces and backs is also found on the door centre panel. The top part of the instrument panel is covered with embossed black tailor made leather and also boasts white contrast stitching. The 3-spoke sports steering wheel is covered with white leather.

A pleasing contrast is created by the dashboard instruments, the trim to the side of the instrument panel and the gearshift trim, all of which are finished in alubeam. The classy look is underlined by black velours floor mats with white leather trim and “Jeremy Scott” in elegant lettering.

A choice of three engines

The exclusive special model is available with three different engine versions. All vehicles will be built by smart-BRABUS GmbH in a tailor made manufacturing process:

- smart fortwo edition by Jeremy Scott electric drive: with a 55 kW electric motor

- smart fortwo edition by Jeremy Scott BRABUS electric drive: with a 60 kW electric motor

- smart fortwo edition by Jeremy Scott BRABUS: with a 75 kW petrol engine

Exuberant creations: Jeremy Scott

Wings are one of the recurring design elements used by Jeremy Scott to great effect. Be it sweatshirts, sunglasses, watches or sneakers, winged motifs crop up again and again in his collections. Jeremy Scott is regarded as the last rebel of the fashion scene. When it comes to style and design, he knows neither boundaries nor conventions. His polarising impact has established him as a pop icon and a creator of exceptional fashion designs. Many stars from the music scene have embraced his avant-garde creations – they are worn by leading names such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Madonna, Björk and Kanye West.

Born in Kansas, Missouri, Jeremy Scott first went to New York in 1992 to study fashion design at the Pratt Institute, one of the leading schools of art and design in the USA. After graduating in 1996, he made a beeline for Paris to launch his design career at the tender age of 21. In 1996 and 1997, he won the “Venus de la Mode Award” for the “Best New Designer” and was nominated for the “Best Young Designer” award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 1999. In 2001, the award-winning wunderkind returned to the USA to take up residence in Los Angeles.

Here is an overview of the prices:

Credits: Daimler AG

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Production milestone at Bremen: One millionth roadster rolls off the line

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The first car with a star to roll off the production line in 1978 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen was the E-Class Estate. With the introduction of the SL series in 1989, the Bremen team gained know-how on the production of premium roadster. In 1996 came the "little brother" of the SL: the all new SLK. Both models have now reached the third model generation to be assembled at the Bremen factory. The ceremonial handover of the one millionth roadster to its owner gathered around 300 guests at the Mercedes-Benz Customer Center in the city on the Weser river.

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Sales and Marketing, and plant manager Andreas Kellermann handed over the keys of the anniversary vehicle, a black-coloured SL 63 AMG, to a customer from Diepholz / Lower Saxony. "We are very proud to have sent one million roadsters on the road. The three generations of the SL and SLK built at Bremen stand themselves for the technical vehicles advancement and for the of state-of-the-art technology in production. Unchanged remains the passion which the Bremen team manufactures the SLK and the SL with. It makes an important contribution to ensuring that our roadsters are highly sought after worldwide," Kellermann said.

Overview of the roadster production at the Bremen plant

- 1989: Start of production for the SL Series (R 129)
- 1996: Start of production of the SLK (R 170)
- 2001: A new generation of the SL is launched (R 230)
- 2004: The second generation SLK starts assembly (R 171)
- 2011: The new SLK celebrates world premiere (R 172)
- 2012: The new SL comes with an innovative all-aluminum body (R 231)

About the SL and SLK

In 1952, the forefather of the SL came as a racing car on the international circuits. In 1954, Mercedes-Benz launched the first production model: the legendary 300 SL Gullwing. 1963, 1971, 1989, 2001 and 2012 were followed by new generations of the SL roadster series. The early generations were produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen. Since 1989, the Bremen has joined the production network for open-top models. Over 675,000 units of the SL rolled off the band after production started in 1954. The iconic sports car finds more and more enthusiastic drivers: in 2012, 10.700 cars were delivered to customers, three times compared to 2011. The United States is by far the largest market for the SL, nearly half of the vehicles being sold there. The legendary roadster is also very popular on the home market in Germany and in Japan. For the assembly of the current series, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen expanded its technological expertise and introduced innovative all-aluminum shell construction standards for future-oriented automotive production. The new SL is up to 140 kg lighter than its predecessor.

In 1994, Mercedes-Benz showcased the compact SLK roadster at the Turin Motor Show as a study. World premiere of the serial model came in 1996 when the "little brother of the SL" celebrated official introduction in Turin. In 2000, the SLK received an extensive facelift. Four years later, the second generation of the SLK was presented at the Geneva Motor Show. 2008 brought the facelift for the second generation. In 2011, the third generation of the SLK hit the market. To date, the SLK has inspired more than 600,000 customers worldwide. In 2012, there were 31,800 deliveries, which makes the SLK the market leader in its segment.

The Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen

With over 12,500 employees, the Bremen plant is the largest private employer in the region. Currently at the site, eight models are produced: the C-Class Sedan, the C-Class Estate and the C-Coupe; the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet, the GLK, and the SLK and SL roadsters. In 2012, the plant has produced more than 316,000 vehicles - an all-time record. As a center of excellence for the new C-Class, which celebrates world premiere in 2014, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen also controls the entire production network of the new high-volume series which integrated further foreign factories in Tuscaloosa / USA, Beijing / China and East London / South Africa.

Credits: Daimler AG

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The new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: Multimedia Systems and Production

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XIII. Multimedia systems: A fresh look, more convenient operation, new functionalities

The latest multimedia generation deployed in the CLA boasts new functions, additional apps and a modified graphic colour scheme. The coupé is equipped as standard with the Audio 20 CD system, which features among other things a twin tuner and an MP3-capable CD player.

Daimler's Digital Drive Style app concept, which together with the Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® enables seamless integration of the iPhone® into the vehicle, has been extended. The highlights include Siri voice control and Glympse real-time location sharing. Glympse enables the user to share his or her current location with selected persons. Other functions are Facebook®, Twitter®, internet radio, AUPEO!™ Personal Radio and the advanced navigation solution from Garmin® with web-based real-time traffic information, online special destination search including Street View™ and 3D map display.

Overview of other multimedia systems

The COMAND Online multimedia system has also been extended to incorporate additional functions. The latest generation offers improved, photo-realistic map display, an additional Bluetooth profile (to enable the internet to be accessed by iPhone®, for example), the display of images additionally in bmp and png formats and the real-time transfer of traffic data.

COMAND Online offers internet access. Customers can either surf the web as they wish while the car is stationary or call up a Mercedes-Benz app whose particularly fast page loading and simple operation make it suitable for use while driving. Integrated apps include Google™ Local Search and Weather and the facility for downloading a route which has previously been configured on a PC using Google Maps and transmitted to the car. In addition, apps for Google™ Streetview and Google™ Panoramio are available for COMAND Online. Streetview enables locations all over the world to be seen in 360-degree perspective views and at street level. Panoramio allows access to millions of photographs which have been taken and uploaded by other uses at locations all around the globe. Streetview and Panoramio thus provide comprehensive means of studying routes and checking out sights and destinations before embarking on a journey. With the "News" app, news on politics, finance and technology can be called up online in the vehicle. Information is displayed in such a way that it is particularly easy to read. Further apps, such as stock market news or a parking space finder, can be also be accessed via the Mercedes online shop (www.shop.mercedes-benz.com).

The high-resolution colour display has a diagonal of 17.8 cm. The basic colour scheme of the central display is silver grey. Photos can be shown on the large screen and scrolled through manually, as in a slide show. Where the audio equipment is concerned, too, new types of representation bring a fresh look and more convenient operation. The new cover flow function, for instance, sorts the title images of the music albums stored in a carousel-like form, so that the CLA-Class driver can easily leaf through their music collection – even if it is rather on the large side: the memory for compressed audio files (mp3, wma and aac formats) is now 10 GB in size.

Greatest convenience is afforded by the Music Search function, which enables drivers and passengers to search the hard disc, SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for specific music tracks and artists. The search can be according to various criteria, for instance album, music category or composer. If a name needs to be entered, the software will also tolerate spelling mistakes. The driver is therefore able to devote their full attention to the traffic. As a further advantage, the occupants are able to search all the connected media and devices simultaneously.

The fast hard-disc navigation system of COMAND Online also has added functions. New features include a 3D display with three-dimensional city views. Also new: routes covered can be recorded and repeated later, specific personal destinations can be imported via an SD card and four alternative routes can be displayed on the navigation map, one of them a particularly economical variation. Mercedes-Benz customers in Europe receive the current cards for their COMAND Online multimedia system free of charge for three years. Authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers upload the updates for navigation data in 39 European countries into the navigation system when the customer visits their premises.

In Europe, COMAND Online also comprises Speed Limit Assist, which receives its information for traffic sign recognition via a camera and navigation database. COMAND Online also includes the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system for audio, telephone and navigation. The new "one shot" input function for the navigation system is particularly convenient, whereby the place and road can be spoken directly after one another. This function is currently available in seven languages and significantly enhances ease of operation. With COMAND Online and LINGUATRONIC, music can also be conveniently searched for in the CLA-Class via voice control. The system first asks in which category it should conduct the search (artist, title, year). The category is selected by saying it or by saying the row number of the relevant category which appears on the screen. This is then followed by further questions about title, artist or album.

The standard specification includes the Audio 20 CD system. It features a twin tuner, mp3-capable CD player and a USB connector in the centre console. The colour display has a diagonal of 14.7 cm. Thanks to a "cover art" function, the title images of the music albums currently being played are shown if their details are stored in the audio file.

A top line in the Audio 20 CD’s menu navigation makes orientation easier and can be operated via the controller. The settings for the air conditioning are also displayed on the telematics screen (when in use), as is the fuel consumption over the past 15 minutes. Bluetooth® functions have also been extended: the mobile’s phone book can now be automatically transferred en bloc when connected, and wireless music reproduction is possible from Bluetooth-capable terminals. Plus text messages can also be displayed. As an optional extra the Audio 20 CD can be combined with a 6-disc CD changer, Media Interface, harman/kardon® sound system, Convenience Telephony in the armrest, digital radio (DAB) and the new Becker® MAP PILOT entry-level navigation solution.

The Becker® MAP PILOT makes a low-cost navigation function, which can also be retrofitted, available for the entry-level Audio 20 CD radio. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integrated operation via the central controls, voice output via the vehicle's loudspeakers, display on the Audio 20 screen, a concealed location in the glove compartment and updating via an internet portal.

Mercedes-Benz developed the "Logic7®" surround sound system together with audio specialists harman/kardon®. Based on technology never before seen in a car, this high-end system delivers three-dimensional sound as a natural 360-degree musical experience for all passengers. The audio signals are distributed via a 450-watt multi-channel DSP amplifier connected to twelve high-performance loudspeakers. In conjunction with COMAND Online a multichannel listening experience with Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS is possible.

The Media Interface is available as an optional extra. The universal interface enables mobile audio devices such as an mp3 player or iPod® to be connected to the vehicle's telematics system. These devices are then operated via the head unit, the central control unit or the steering wheel buttons. By making use of USB 2.0, the new generation of the Media Interface provides quicker display and an expanded data selection.

XIV. Production: A new car from a new factory

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is the first car to be built exclusively at the new production facilities in Kecskemét, Hungary. The factory was inaugurated in the spring of 2012, and production of the CLA started in January 2013.

On the occasion of the start of production Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars said: "You are doing a great job at the plant here." Before the start of production of the CLA-Class over 40,000 B-Class vehicles rolled off the assembly line at the Hungarian production facilities, helping to make 2012 the best sales year for the B-Class so far (sales worldwide: 145,649 units, over 11 percent more than the previous record year of 2006). Plant manager Frank Klein added: "The plant's entire team can't wait to get the CLA to our customers as perfectly as the B-Class cars we build in Kecskemét."

The Kecskemét plant and the Rastatt plant together form the production network for the new generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars. That network significantly contributes to the overall economies of compact car production and allows the flexible and optimum management of the capacity utilisation of both plants. The Kecskemét plant was opened in March 2012, less than four years after the initial decision was made in the summer of 2008 in favour of the location. It has since produced the B-Class, which is also built in Rastatt, using state-of-the-art, environmentally sound technology. Since its inauguration, the number of staff has grown from about 2,500 to more than 3,000, in line with the further development of the plant and the preparations for production of the CLA. The plant is the most attractive employer in the region, not least due to the high attention given to the qualification of its employees. The pioneering efforts of the plant and its Hungarian partners to establish dual vocational and university education based on the German model further contribute to this. In 2012 Daimler AG and the Hungarian Government also signed a joint partnership agreement to establish and reinforce the region of Kecskemét as a centre of the Hungarian automobile industry on a long-term basis.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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REPORT: Dr. Z confirms future SLS replacement supercar

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This week's major event that held the media and public attention was undoubtfully the Geneva Motor Show. As always at these occassions, there's chance hot insight on certain upcoming models is revealed during interviews with the press.

It was also the case for Mercedes-Benz as company's head Dr. Dieter Zetsche admitted a replacement for the current SLS AMG supercar is already on the development table. Moreover, Zetsche further mentioned Mercedes-Benz will release a concept car that teases the future so-called SLC AMG (project C 190) anytime soon.

Arriving on the market towards 2016, the new rocket will be the opera of Affalterbach engineers like the SLS AMG. The styling will be more dynamic and modern, thus dropping the classic, retro design of the current model. There will be no Gullwing doors, as they add quite an impressive weight to the car and can affect dynamics.

Expect a new 4.0-litre V8 engine featuring direct injection and twin-turbocharging technology. As initial reports indicate, the new powerplant will be available in two power stages - 485 hp and 585 hp. The entry-level SLC AMG will likely be powered by the new V6 engine rated at 333 hp. The model could also feature an all-wheel-drive chassis as standard equipment instead of the rear-driven solution.

Extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminium for the development of the chassis and components will ensure the kerb weight stays as low as possible. Aimed at Porsche 911, the new supercar from Mercedes-AMG should boast a purchase price below 100,000 euros to stay competitive and attractive to clients.

More details:

- REPORT: Future Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG supercar arriving in 2016

Note: SLS AMG pictured.

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Start of production at Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen: The first new E-Class rolls off the line

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On the first day of March, the first new E-Class 2013 generation rolled off the production line at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen. Since the assembly of this model series has begun at Sindelfingen about 60 years ago, the E-Class has been widely recognized as the benchmark in its segment. With over 13 million units sold up to date, it easily is the most successful business limousine in history.

"The start of production for our new E-Class represents a milestone in our growth strategy. With the E-Class we set new standards in the luxury class, to optimally meet our customers' demands," said Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, member of Daimler AG management board in charge with production and procurement for Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans. "In just 45 minutes, we made the transition from the previous generation to the new E-Class - that is the benchmark."

With the new E-Class, the changeover time between the past and the new model series was significantly reduced - only 45 minutes to ensure that about 2,000 new parts are seamlessly integrated into the new production process. This was made possible by an excellent collaboration between development, planning, logistics and production departments. The entire process chain is located at Sindelfingen and is fully geared to the requirements of the new E-Class: from the pressing plant in charge with the production of the new body panels to assembly and paint finish. In this specific way, the typical Mercedes-Benz top build quality is ensured right from the start.

Dr. Willi Reiss, Head of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen commented: "What our team has done with the launch of the E-Class is great. Only shortly after the release of the new CLS Shooting Brake, we succeeded again in providing a new Sindelfingen top product on the wheels. For this achievement, I wish to thank all the employees involved."

The most visible changes are present on the new front end. The new Elegance and Avantgarde variants are now even more striking and distinguishable. One of the major advantages customers of the new E-Class have is the versatile production process that allows numerous customization options. This means that, throughout the entire life cycle of the model, there will not be any completely identical vehicles. In addition to the new E-Class sedan, the assembly of the the E-Class wagon, E-Class hybrid variants and also the CLS and the CLS Shooting Brake takes place on the same line. Over 500 of some 1,500 jobs were changing the framework conditions for the installation of the new vehicle parts. In total, around 3,400 people were intensively prepared and trained for a period over ten months in advance to the 1st March 2013, the date of transition between the two E-Class model generations.

The new E-Class

With the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is not only setting a new standard in the luxury class, but it is also revolutionizing the entire segment. With new and efficient engines, new assistance systems and a new design philosophy, Mercedes-Benz reaffirms its leading position. Both the sedan and the station wagon celebrate world premiere of eleven new or enhanced assistance systems. They combine comfort and safety. The new E-Class also takes a significant step forward in terms of efficiency and ecology with the new powerful BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines with direct fuel injection. The strong technical package is also reflected in the design. With its new styling, the new E-Class brings efficiency, intelligence and emotion under the same roof.

The Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen

The Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen is the world's largest production facility of Daimler AG and the competence center for passenger cars in the upper and luxury class of the global production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars division. In recent years, the staff of more than 22,000 employees has assembled over 420,000 combined units of the C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CL, CLS Coupé, CLS Shooting Brake and SLS AMG​​.

Credits: Daimler AG

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First Mercedes-Benz CLA Rolls off the Production Line at the Kecskemét plant in Hungary

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Less than ten months after the opening of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét, the location has reached the next milestone. With the official start of production of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, the first model exclusively built in Kecskemét is now rolling off the production line as the plant's second product along with the B-Class. On this occasion, plant manager Frank Klein took special pleasure in welcoming Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán and Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler Board of Management and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, who both had also attended the plant's grand opening in March 2012.

In his speech, Dr. Dieter Zetsche explained the background of the product decision: "The CLA is based on the Concept Style Coupe, which we introduced last year. The most frequent comment by far was 'Please put this car into series production.' That's precisely what we are doing now." With respect to the excellent performance of the Kecskemét plant's team, Zetsche said: "More than 40.000 B-Class vehicles built here prove that you know how to build great cars. You are doing a first-class job here at the plant." Zetsche also expressed the company's special thanks to all Hungarian partners in the political, administrative and social areas for the continuous, constructive partnership: "We're on a good way to reach our common goal – Kecskemét is developing as a center of the Hungarian automotive industry."

Plant manager Frank Klein added: "The plant's entire team can't wait to get the CLA to our customers as perfectly as the B-Class cars we build in Kecskemét. We aim to follow up seamlessly on what we achieved in our first, very successful production year of 2012." Last year, the Kecskemét plant had reached the first goal to produce more than 40.000 vehicles as planned, thus making an important contribution to the B-Class' best-ever annual sales (worldwide sales of 145,649 units, more than 11 percent over the previous sales record in 2006).

About the Mercedes-Benz Kecskemét plant

The Kecskemét plant and the Rastatt plant together form the production network for the new generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars. That network significantly contributes to the overall economies of compact car production and allows the flexible and optimum management of both plant's capacity utilization. The Kecskemét plant was opened in March 2012, less than four years after the initial decision for the location, and has since produced the B-Class, which is also built in Rastatt. State-of-the-art, environmentally sound technology is used at the plant. In the meantime, the number of staff has grown from about 2,500 to more than 3,000, in line with the further development of the plant and the preparations for production of the CLA. The plant is the most attractive employer in the region, not least to due to the high attention given to the qualification of its employees. The pioneering efforts of the plant and its Hungarian partners to establish dual vocational and university education based on the German model further contribute to this. Daimler AG and the Hungarian Government in 2012 also signed a joint partnership agreement to establish and reinforce the region of Kecskemét as a center of the Hungarian automobile industry on a long-term basis.

About the Mercedes-Benz CLA

The CLA is set to establish a new segment, with world-leading aerodynamics (Cd = 0.22), avant-garde coupé design and 4MATIC all‑wheel drive (optional). As a new four-door coupé it follows the idea of the CLS, whose design concept has spawned more than its fair share of imitators since its debut in 2003. With its frameless doors, the coupé adopts the design of the Concept Style Coupé into series production.

The newcomer features a radar-based braking system (COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST) as standard which is able to warn the driver of an obstacle from a speed of 7 km/h and to initiate precision braking when the driver steps on the brake pedal. The new CLA is available for ordering with immediate effect and will be delivered to dealerships beginning in April.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Continued positive sales development: Mercedes-Benz on the Way to New Production Record

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After the production record of the previous year, Mercedes-Benz continues its success track this year. For the year 2012 the brand with the star expects to post another record with more than 1.34 million produced vehicles. The positive development of sales led to very good capacity utilization at the plants in 2012 as well.

Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Manufacturing and Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans: "Our products are received so well by customers that we will post a new record also this year. At the same time we are setting the foundation for the future: We are continuously investing in our production network to accommodate our growth strategy.”

High capacity utilization, three-shift operations and numerous special shifts

The Mercedes-Benz production network operated at high capacity utilization in the current year thanks to the high customer demand. From January to November 2012, Mercedes-Benz already sold 1,194,904 cars (+5.1%) worldwide, thus achieving a new sales record. The excellent response to the new models among customers contributed significantly to this success. Thus, well above 100,000 vehicles of the new B-Class are already on the roads, and 90,000 orders for the new A-Class had already been posted five months after the start of sales. The demand was also particularly strong for the SUVs of Mercedes-Benz. Especially the new M-Class has seen excellent customer response in 2012, growing by over a third with 100,000 produced vehicles. The Rastatt and Tuscaloosa plants are therefore working in three-shift operations. In addition, these plants, as well as the Powertrain production network, introduced numerous special shifts also on Saturdays to enable meeting all customer wishes as promptly as possible.

Highlight of the year 2012: Opening of the Kecskemét plant

The most important milestone of the year 2012 was the opening of the new Mercedes-Benz plant in the Hungarian city of Kecskemét in March. Since that time, together with the Rastatt plant it is part of a production network for the new generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars. The plant, which took overall capital investments of 800 million euros to build and meanwhile employs a workforce of 3,000 employees, has mastered excellently the challenges associated with the production of a new model in a new country with a new workforce. The continued ramp-up of B-Class production is progressing according to schedule and preparations for the production of the new four-door compact CLA coupe, which is to begin in the coming year, are in full swing.

Continuous expansion of the production network

With investments in the expansion of the Mercedes-Benz Production network Daimler is creating the conditions for achieving the objectives of the Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy also in terms of production.

Through substantial investments, the company is clearly underlining that the locations in Germany will continue to be at the heart of the worldwide Mercedes-Benz production network. Around 3 billion euros were invested for the plants in Sindelfingen, Untertürkheim, Rastatt and Bremen in the year 2012 alone.

At the same time, the international production locations are also being expanded in a targeted manner to enable an even stronger orientation to production in close proximity to the markets and customers primarily in the growth regions. Thus, together with its Chinese Partner BAIC, Daimler is investing around 2 billion euros within several years in the expansion of the local passenger car production at the Beijing location. In the USA, the company is investing around 2.4 billion US dollars within several years in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant primarily for the future production of the next generation of the C-Class from 2014, as well as for a completely new Mercedes-Benz model series, which will roll of the lines in 2015 as the fifth product at the location. Also in the USA, starting in 2014, Daimler and cooperation partner Nissan will produce four-cylinder engines at Nissan’s powertrain plant in Decherd, Tennessee, enabling a direct supply of engines for the C-Class production in the Tuscaloosa Plant from there.

Credits: Daimler AG

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High demand for new compact model: Additional shift for the assembly of the new A-Class at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt

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For Mercedes-Benz, the launch of the new A-Class was the most successful premiere in history. Since sales release in June, more than 70,000 orders have been received. Due to the positive response, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt starts up the installation on a three-shift operation beginning this week.

"We have expanded our full-time work force by 500 permanent staff and are now well positioned to deliver the cars to our customers as soon as possible. After the successful launch, we are now producing in three layers so that we can build more A-Class vehicles for our customers," said Peter Wesp, head of the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt Plant. Thus, this facility, as well as its sister plant in Kecskemét, are fully occupied with the production of the new compact models. In order to provide additional capacity for the A-Class, Daimler has also commissioned the Finnish supplier Valmet Automotive with the production of more than 100,000 units between 2013 and 2016.

The Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant employs more than 6,500 people. The new generation of Mercedes-Benz premium compact cars includes A-and B-Class three more sporty, emotional models, including a coupe and an SUV. The five models of the new compact car will be produced in the production network of the Rastatt plant and the new plant in Kecskemét, Hungary. A-and B-Class, as well as the compact SUV will be built at Rastatt. For the production of the new compact car in Rastatt, Daimler invested a total of around 1.2 billion euros.

Credits: Daimler AG

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REPORT: Mercedes-Benz reorganizes the S-Class production schedule

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The European market is facing yet another major hit after the economic downturn began in late 2008. The situation is worsening constantly, as clients lose their initial capabilities to afford buying a personal vehicles. Not only the mass automobile producers are suffering from this illness, but also the premium constructors are faced with the challenge of staying afloat and not deepening into the crisis.

After parent company Daimler officially announced it has revised the profit figures for the end of 2012 and the next year, executives from the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen have taken decision to reduce the current production plan for S-Class W 221 generation and cut away one shift in order to meet the declining sales for the high luxury model.

According to market researchers JATO Dynamics, the German carmaker managed to sell only 5,227 units in eight months during 2012, which is 27 percent less compared to previous year figures. Even though the S-Class brings Mercedes-Benz the highest revenue vale per each unit sold, the Sindelfingen facility will now focus most of the activity on the production of C-Class models.

It is obvious that some mistakes have been made in postponing the launch of a new generation S-Class. Initially, the W 222 was programmed to be officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, but the current crisis led German bosses to act cautiously and demand a delay, to make sure everything is entirely perfect with the new luxury limousine.

According to recent rumors, the new S-Class could show up at the Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of November at a private event where select automotive journalists and global dealers will be invited to get a preview. However, others speculate the S-Class will be first introduced at next year's NAIAS Detroit during the press days, while the public premiere will take place at Geneva automotive salon in March 2013.

No matter which path is approached, we will not be seeing the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class any time soon. However, one argument is certain: the Stuttgart-based carmaker needs to bring the new W 222 once and for all, if they want to avoid more headaches in the future. The future now rests on the shoulders of the upcoming S-Class generation, already seen as the major revolution since the birth of the automobile in 1886.

P.S.: We get the information that the most prominent Mercedes-Benz CEOs in the world, including Steve Cannon, have already got their first look at the new vehicle. The head of the MBUSA division is quoted as tweeting on his official Twitter account: "Incredibly successful dealer meeting in Vegas! We showed the all-new S-Class: the sum total of 126 years of leadership!"

Info Credits: Automotive News of Europe

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Official: Future 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet (A 205) gets approved for serial production

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Speculation over a possible convertible version of the C-Class have been on since 2008, just one year after the market release of the current 204 model generation. At that time, we were bringing to your attention the possibility that Mercedes-Benz would launch this variant together with the advent of the revised lineup (read more HERE). However, it was not the case when the C-Class Facelift arrived on the market in 2011, as the Germans concentrated on developing an all new C-Coupe, that was regarded as a better option to boost sales given the difficult economic situation.

The big change is about to happen with the release of the future 205 model series, as Steve Cannon, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, recently confirmed during an interview. Towards the end of 2014 or in spring 2015, we will see the addition of the new member to the mid-class family of vehicles. The C-Class Cabriolet (probably, internally tipped as the A 205) will sport a dynamic and very youthful exterior design, unlike any other Mercedes-Benz model from the past. Moreover, as in the case of the Coupe (C 205), the interior will receive an attractive layout, with lots of gadgets, new comfort and assistance technologies and increased connectivity through state-of-the-art telematics.

The introduction of the upcoming C-Class Cabriolet will sort things out in the Mercedes-Benz model portfolio, as the medium-sized range will have its own complete lineup with up to five different variants (including the GLK) in addition to helping the E-Class Coupe and Cabrio (currently, engineered on a modified technical platform comprising more C-Class components than E-Class ones) become evenly integrated into the future E-Class 213 generation, bound to arrive during 2015.

Details are few at the moment, but some rumors suggest that the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet (A 205) will boast four comfortable seats that are to be protected, upon request, by a fully automated, electrically-manouevred segmentary steel folding roof.

As the first camouflaged test prototype should appear any time soon given the approach of the winter season, stay tuned to Mercedes-Benz-Blog to be the first to know to hottest gossip on the new top-less C-Class!

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The new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: Development and production - Digital worlds in real vehicles

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With the new Mixed Reality development tool, which Mercedes-Benz fully implemented for the first time during the development of the new GL-Class vehicle, it was possible to link data from the "Digital Prototype" development program to real experimental vehicles directly for the first time. The advantage of this new method – also known by the generic term Augmented Reality – lies in the ability to speed up the entire development process significantly. However, Mercedes-Benz does not just use this accelerated process to shorten development times. The Mixed Reality engineers use it to conduct far more trials within the same time span, which significantly improves the quality of the overall development process.

Previously, digital and real processes ran consecutively: early studies were conducted during the initial development phase in the virtual environment. To ensure that these solutions could be put to the test in real-life situations, mock-ups and part builds, such as seating configurations for ergonomic studies or complete vehicle prototypes, were then produced. Engineers then made decisions either using computers in the virtual world or directly affecting the real builds. Mixed Reality linked these two worlds, the digital and the real, thus introducing completely new development perspectives. Modifications and new concepts from the virtual world can now be visualised, checked and assessed directly in the real-life environment.

Combining a virtual engine with a real vehicle

Mixed Reality first uses a camera to capture photos of a particular area of the prototype, such as the engine compartment. The precise spatial relationship between the real-life and digital world is established using tracking systems, which precisely determine the current position of the video camera in relation to the overall vehicle. These video images are then displayed on a monitor and a variety of different components are "installed" virtually. Typical examples of application include positioning new electrical components such as wiring harnesses or control units, optimised heat shields or hydraulic functional units such as the brake force booster with corresponding lines. However, it is also possible to conduct installation tests with new engine configurations. In this case, the engineers assess whether a modified engine will fit in the existing installation space or if it can be easily mounted during the production process. Special spatial analyses are used by developers to assess the accessibility of individual components within the engine compartment to ensure that installation and maintenance work can be easily carried out on the vehicle at a future date. The first validation of virtual models is taking place in the real world with the use of Mixed Reality. This process has meanwhile been firmly integrated into the Mercedes-Benz development program.

15 years of production in Tuscaloosa

With the start of production of the new GL-Class in the US automotive plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, an inspiring success story that began 15 years ago is being updated. Production in the plant started in 1997 following the ground-breaking ceremony in 1995. The site manufactured the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and later added the GL-Class and R-Class SUVs. In 2009 the plant employees had the opportunity to celebrate a very special anniversary: the one-millionth SUV, an ML 350 BlueTEC, left the production plant. In 2011 the plant produced more than 148,000 vehicles and employed approximately 2,800 people by year's end.

Starting in 2014, the next generation of the current C-Class for the North American market will also be produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, and in 2015 a fifth Mercedes-Benz model series will be added to the production portfolio.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Daimler AG Extends Local Production of Mercedes-Benz SUVs in Emerging Markets

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For the first time, Daimler will start the final assembly of the SUV model series for the new Mercedes-Benz M- and GL-Class outside the SUV parent plant in Tuscaloosa/Alabama, USA. The necessary preparations at the selected three production sites in India, Thailand and Indonesia are proceeding full steam ahead: Later on in the year, final assembly of the M-Class using SKD kits (semi-knocked-down – complete bodywork and further vehicle components) will start there for the respective local market. These kits are produced in Tuscaloosa, prepared for shipping and sent on their journey to the final assembly plants.

Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Manufacturing and Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans: “Our new SUVs are very popular with our customers. We expect high growth rates also in the emerging markets and therefore extend our local production. Thus, we open up new potential as part of our growth strategy.” The company is expanding its range of vehicle kits available for local final assembly in different markets with two additional, highly attractive model series by the new Mercedes-Benz M- and GL-Class. Following the start of production of the M-Class in India, Thailand and Indonesia this year, the first units of the new GL-Class made from SKD kits will roll off the assembly line in India and Indonesia in the course of 2013.

The Mercedes-Benz plant Tuscaloosa is responsible for the provision of the M- and GL-Class vehicle kits – from the bodywork and gathering the assembly parts together to preparing them for shipping and up to the global supply of the assembly plants. A new SKD logistics center recently entered operation for this purpose. It is operated by the logistics service provider BLG and works closely with the Mercedes-Benz plant as well as with Daimler’s central international manufacturing control in Sindelfingen. Further vehicle parts such as engines and transmissions are delivered directly to the relevant destination via the Powertrain plant’s logistic center in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim.

About the kit assembly of Mercedes-Benz vehicles

The kit assembly has a long tradition at Mercedes-Benz. As far back as the 1950s, the first vehicle parts kits were delivered from Sindelfingen to all over the world. Up to the present day, final assembly of kits for Mercedes-Benz cars has taken place in Europe, Central and South America, Africa, Australia and Asia.
The set of assembly sites currently covers Egypt (C-, E-, S-, GLK-Class), India (C-, E-, S-Class; M- and GL-Class to be added in the future), Indonesia (C-, E-, S-Class; M- and GL-Class to be added in the future), Malaysia (C-, E-, S-Class), Thailand (C-, E-, S-Class; M-Class to be added in the future) and Vietnam (C-, E-, GLK-Class).

The cost effectiveness of this production model is ensured by a high degree of standardisation as well as by the use of existing tried-and-tested Daimler processes and systems.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Daimler Expands Production Capacities for the New Mercedes-Benz A-Class

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Due to the very positive resonance of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Daimler will expand production capacities for the model. The company thus signed an agreement with the Finnish Supplier Valmet Automotive. According to the agreement, Valmet will produce more than 100,000 units for Daimler from 2013 through 2016.

Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Manufacturing and Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans: “Our new compacts are so popular with our customers that the Rastatt and Kecskemét plants are completely utilized. We will even switch to three-shift operations in Rastatt this fall. We thus signed Valmet as an experienced production specialist who will provide us with additional A-Class capacities as of 2013. Our aim is to optimally serve customer demand and keep delivery times of our new A-Class as short as possible in the interest of our customers.” The company has received more than 40,000 A-Class orders to date. Market launch will be in mid-September.

Production sites of the new generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars

The new Mercedes-Benz compacts are produced in a network of the Mercedes-Benz plants in Rastatt, Germany, and Kecskemét, Hungary. The B-Class rolled off the line as the first product of the new generation at both sites, the new A-Class has been built at Rastatt since July 2012. Next product from the Rastatt plant will be the compact SUV, and from the Kecskemét plant the four-door coupe of the new generation of compact cars. Moreover, Daimler invests massively in the German powertrain plants: Almost 400 million Euros will be invested in 2012 and 2013 in components that will only be used for the new compacts. It is furthermore planned to build premium compact cars for the Chinese markets locally and close to the customers in the future.

About the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class sets new standards in the compact segment: exceptionally emotive in its visual design, dynamic with engine power ratings ranging from 80 kW (109 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp), highly efficient with emissions from 98 g CO2/km and a best-in-class Cd value of 0.27. The new A-Class underlines at the same time that safety is not a matter of price at Mercedes-Benz – among others, the radar-supported COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system comes as standard equipment. Prices in Germany start from 23,978.50 euro (incl. 19% VAT) for the A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Start of production at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant - Offensive in the Compact Segment: First New A-Class Rolls Off the Production Line

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In the light of the motto "the pulse of a new generation", the first new Mercedes-Benz A-Class rolled off the production line today at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant. The A-Class is the company's second new compact model, following the start of production of the new B-Class at Rastatt in September 2011 and at the new Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét, Hungary at the end of March 2012.

"This start of production marks a further milestone in our Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy. The A-Class represents our offensive in the compact segment", said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "And there is more to come: The compact SUV will be the third model we will build here in Rastatt."

Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Manufacturing & Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans: "We are on a roll in manufacturing as well: Hard on the heels of the new B-Class, we are now producing the totally new A-Class for our customers. Thanks to the joint architecture, we can flexibly produce all models of our new compacts on the same production line at the respective site."

Daimler is investing a total of around €1.2 billion in the Rastatt plant for the production of the new compact models. In a first wave of expansion, €600 million were used e.g. for the construction of a new bodyshell building and for tools, and a further €600 million will follow this and next year for a second wave of expansion. These new investments are slated for modifications of the assembly and corresponding equipment installations in the bodyshell production.

Another €400 million will be invested in the powertrain plants this and next year for production of components solely used in the new compact models. A total of 900 new permanent jobs have been created at Rastatt since 2010, 500 of them in 2012 alone. The plant is thus responding to the ongoing high demand, and continues to grow with the new generation of compact cars.

Since the start of sales in mid-June more than 40.000 customers have already ordered the new A-Class. More than 70.000 vehicles of the new B-Class were delivered to customers since its market launch in November 2011, "Demand for our premium compact cars is so strong that we are going to to introduce a third assembly shift in October 2012", said Peter Wesp, Head of the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant. "Our team in Rastatt is doing a fantastic job, and we are very proud of their achievements." The number of trainee positions has been increased to 70 per year.

About the new A-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class sets new standards in the compact segment: exceptionally emotive in its visual design, dynamic with engine power ratings ranging from 80 kW (109 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp), highly efficient with emissions from 98 g CO2/km and a best-in-class drag coefficient value of 0.27. The new A-Class underlines at the same time that safety is not a matter of price at Mercedes-Benz – among others, the radar-supported COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system comes as standard equipment. Prices in Germany start from €23,978.50 (incl. 19% VAT) for the A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY.

About the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt

The Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant was inaugurated in 1992. The first production model was the E-Class, made until 1996. Series production of the A-Class, which established the premium compact car segment, began in 1997. Unit sales of the A-Class reached 1.1 million until 2004, when the second generation was introduced.

The team at Rastatt has now made more than a million units of the successor generation. 2005 saw the arrival of another model, the B-Class, over 700,000 of which were supplied to customers all around the world over the following six years. The Rastatt plant is the company’s centre of competence for Mercedes-Benz compact cars.

In September 2011 the new B-Class went into production at Rastatt as the first of the new compact car models. The new generation of compact cars comprises the A-Class, the B-Class and a further three sporty and emotive vehicles, including a coupé and an SUV. These five new compact models are built in a production network of the Mercedes-Benz plants in Rastatt and Kecskemét, Hungary, which opened at the end of March 2012. The Rastatt plant will produce three of the five models: the new A-Class, the B-Class as well as the compact SUV.

Credits: Daimler AG

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First CLS Shooting Brake comes off the line at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen

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Premiere at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen: the first production model of the CLS Shooting Brake rolled off today. With the all-new vehicle that combines the emotional style of a coupé with an innovative concept of space and a comfortable atmosphere, Mercedes-Benz is further expanding its premium product range to a new level. The CLS Shooting Brake is assembled at the Sindelfingen plant, with the production running in conjunction with the CLS Coupé and the E-Class sedan on the same line.

"We are pleased to produce another dream car from Mercedes-Benz at the Sindelfingen plant: the CLS Shooting Brake. The production of this innovative vehicle concept strengthens our position and reinforces our role as a center for the upper class cars," said Dr. Willi Reiss, head of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen. "The perfect integration of the CLS Shooting Brake in our manufacturing processes reflects the flexibility of our production and pf our team of specialists."

The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake

With the new CLS Shooting Brake, Mercedes-Benz is once again setting an example when it comes to creativity of design, and as such highlighting its leading role in this area: in terms of its proportions, the new CLS is quite clearly a coupé, but with five doors and a roof which continues through to the rear, it promises some remarkable new possibilities. The idea of the four-door coupé – successfully introduced in 2004 with the first CLS and long imitated in the meantime – has now been taken to new heights and to innovative effect. The result is automotive independence at its most beautiful.

Credits: Daimler AG

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The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class: Production - At home in the centre of competence for compact cars

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The first new A-Class vehicles will be rolling off the production line in Rastatt (Baden, Germany) from the September 2012. The entire factory has beenextended and modernised for this purpose, developing it into a centre of excellence for compact vehicles from Mercedes-Benz at an investment volume of 600 million euros. In addition, a new factory has been built in Kecskemét, Hungary at a cost of 800 million euros. This is where the B-Class will initially be produced, in addition to Rastatt, to create more capacity for the A-Class at the plant in Baden and allow for more flexibility overall in the production of compact class vehicles. The company is thus investing a total of around 1.4 billion euros in the two plants. This follows on from Daimler AG's investment of around 900 million euros in the Rastatt factory for the second-generation A-Class and B-Class between 2002 and 2005.

A new production building has been installed alongside the existing buildings in Rastatt. The new building houses the body shell shop. The body shell shop has a direct rail link, enabling the direct delivery and unloading of parts at the production shop. The additional body shell shop covers an area of around 66,000 square metres.

Parts from the local region are also to be installed here: after a construction phase of only twelve months, a new press shop opened in nearby Kuppenheim in May 2011 as part of Mercedes-Benz's Gaggenau plant. This entailed investments totalling around 70 million euros.

The new press shop is equipped with an interlinked press line, two gripper transfer presses and 24 welding lines with a total of 130 industrial robots for the purposes of component production. The new building has been provided with a sound-absorbing wall and double sound-absorbing doors on the side facing the local residents. All presses are additionally fitted with state-of-the-art vibration dampers which prevent the emission of vibrations into the surrounding environment. The shop also incorporates an air-conditioned measuring centre, where the quality of the pressed parts and welded components undergoes continuous monitoring.

Around 600 different components are produced in Kuppenheim: outer skin components, structural components and welded components for the generations of the A- and B-Class and for Mercedes-Benz trucks. The press shop currently has a workforce of around 130. If production is running to full capacity in 2015, around 280 people will be employed at the plant. Pressed parts for the A and B-Class are also supplied by the Sindelfingen factory.

Integrated production set-up comprising Rastatt and Kecskemét factories

The completely new factory in Kecskemét, Hungary. was inaugurated in March 2012. It comprises a press shop, body shell shop, paint shop and assembly shop. The two factories form an integrated production set-up under the direction of the Rastatt plant manager. Rastatt will serve as the headquarters for compact class production, with four model variants of the new compact class to be manufactured in Baden and two in Hungary. This set-up provides Mercedes-Benz with the necessary flexibility to respond to shifts in demands and to cope with the expected growth in the production volume. The Rastatt factory had a workforce of around 6100 at the start of 2012, and a further 500 will be employed in the course of the year. When the set-up is running to full capacity, Kecskemét will employ around 3000.

Hungarian employees have been undergoing extensive training in Rastatt for some months now, while experts from Rastatt are on site in Kecskemét to ensure a smooth start-up of operations at the factory. The two plants are linked by a regular bus service.

The plant in Rastatt commenced production operations in May 1992. Up until 1996 it initially produced the E-Class, and from 1997 it became home to the new A-Class. More than 2,100,000 vehicles making up the first two generations of the A-Class have been sold.

Credits: Daimler AG

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New Generation of the GL-Class: Mercedes-Benz Plant Tuscaloosa Celebrates Start of Production

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Mercedes-Benz today celebrated another milestone as production of the new-generation GL-Class was officially started at the Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant (MBUSI – Mercedes-Benz U.S. International). Markus Schaefer, President and CEO of MBUSI, welcomed more than 3,500 team members and numerous guests, among them state and local officials, along with Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Daimler AG Board of Management member responsible for manufacturing and procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans.

Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard: “Quality is our first priority. The team in Tuscaloosa is doing a great job in executing a flawless launch of the GL - just like last year with the M-Class. That puts us into a very good position for the important launches here in Tuscaloosa in the future.“

MBUSI President and CEO Markus Schaefer added: “The new GL is yet another shining star from the Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant and our latest contribution to the Mercedes-Benz growth strategy. While we are taking the time to celebrate this milestone today, we have a lot on our plate and must continue to forge ahead with full steam.” Referring to the production launch of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class in 2014, Schaefer said: “We will now more and more shift our focus on the preparations for the C-Class, which will challenge us as an entirely new product for our plant. At the same time, I am convinced we are very much on track to maintain and further improve our level of production excellence.”

About the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class demonstrates leadership qualities in all the decisive SUV disciplines. Innovations such as the standard-specification Crosswind Assist, the STEER CONTROL steering assistance system, the load recognition and the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) increase the active safety. With excellent driving dynamics and high levels of ride comfort – both on the road and on difficult terrain – the GL-Class offers the first-class comfort of a luxury sedan and an excellent amount of space for up to seven passengers. More than 200,000 vehicles of its predecessor were sold since the first GL hit the market in 2006.

About MBUSI
The Tuscaloosa plant was founded in 1995 and started production in 1997. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class was the first product and has been built ever since the start of production in 1997, later joined by the SUVs of the GL- and R-Class. In 2011, the plant produced more than 148,000 vehicles and employed more than 2,800 team members at the end of the year. As of 2014, the Tuscaloosa plant will be one of the four global production locations of the successor generation of the current Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and will build these vehicles for the North American market. In 2015, an entirely new Mercedes-Benz model will roll off the production line as the Tuscaloosa plant’s fifth product.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Start of Production and Sales of the new smart fortwo electric drive

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Daimler AG started production of the new smart fortwo electric drive at the smart Hambach plant. Like the models with combustion engines, the electric vehicle is now rolling off the production line in the standardised production process. Furthermore, Daimler invests more than €200 million to upgrade the site and secure its future.

"The new smart electric drive and the expansion of the Hambach plant are two important milestones for the future of smart", said Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. "With the new smart electric drive we are further expanding our leading position in urban mobility and making fully electric driving accessible to everyone. For this – and for the successor generation to the current smart – we are making significant investments in the Hambach site. And I am convinced that this is money extremely well invested."

Dr. Joachim Betker, Head of the smart plant in Hambach, emphasised the ground-breaking integration of the electric version in the production process: "For the first time we have realised the consistent and perfectly integrated production of models with electric drive and those with combustion engines. In production, we are now optimally utilising the smart vehicle concept’s immanent potential for different drive systems."

Goodbye, filling stations – the new smart fortwo electric drive

12 June 2012 – this date marks the start of sales* for the first real alternative to the usual refuelling stops. With the launch of the new smart fortwo electric drive, in future smart customers can enjoy even more fun at the wheel of an attractively priced vehicle that has the familiar compact dimensions - as a coupé or a cabriolet. The most important feature distinguishing it from its siblings with conventional engines is the fact that it has no exhaust, which means that it does not produce any emissions on the road.

With its 55kW electric motor the smart fortwo electric drive accelerates from 0 - 60 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and with a maximum speed of 125 km/h driving pleasure is also guaranteed on urban motorways. The 17.6 kWh battery enables the urban two-seater to travel approximately 145 kilometres in city traffic without producing any local emissions. As those components each come from joint ventures with the German companies Bosch (EM-motive) and Evonik (Deutsche ACCUmotive) and as the vehicle is built in the plant in Hambach (France), the new smart fortwo electric drive is the first true European electric car.

The new sale&care model makes opting into electric mobility particularly attractive: it offers customers an opportunity to buy, finance or lease the vehicle at an attractive price and to rent the battery for a monthly fee. Purchase, financing or leasing of the vehicle including the battery is also possible.

Prices in Germany (including 19% VAT):

sale&care: Coupé / Cabrio
smart fortwo electric drive - 18.910,00 € / 22.000,00 €
Battery - rent 65,00 €/month

Vehicle including battery: Coupé / Cabrio
smart fortwo electric drive - 23.680,00 € / 26.770,00 €

Delivery in Germany starts in late summer, all other markets - a total of more than 30 - will follow successively.

*may vary in individual markets

Significant investments in expansion and modifications

The company is making significant investments in the plant to secure its future. The total investments for the expansion and modification of the plant plus preparatory measures for the successor series to the current smart exceed €200 million. The largest individual project with a total investment of more than €50 million is the new paint shop where an environmentally-friendly liquid painting process that meets the current Daimler Group standard for passenger car plants will replace the present powder painting process. The new paint shop will thus greatly expand the variety of paint colours that can be realised, which means that in future smart customers will also be able to choose the colour of the tridion safety cell of their smart from all available paint finishes.

A success story: the smart plant in Hambach

The smart plant in Hambach was inaugurated in 1997 and has produced the smart fortwo since 1998 – in its second generation since 2007. In 2011 more than 103,000 vehicles rolled off the production line. Approximately 1,500 people work at the site, consisting of about 800 employees at the plant itself and a further 700 at the seven local system partners. The one millionth smart fortwo was built in September 2008, coinciding with the tenth birthday of the brand. To date more than 1.3 million vehicles have left the plant.

The plant in Lorraine has always stood for an innovative production concept. The assembly line has the shape of a "plus" symbol to enable it to optimally meet assembly and logistics requirements, ensuring highly efficient production processes. This principle enables system partners and suppliers to deliver modules right to the assembly line. Transport and logistics are therefore reduced to a minimum – an advantage not least also in ecological terms. In addition, the construction principle of the vehicle and a modern energy concept ensure that the smart brand's ecological product responsibility is translated into the production: For example, smartville has its own thermal power station that produces heat for the plant and covers approximately 25 per cent of its demand for electricity. In the site’s sewage treatment plant, the wastewater is immediately treated at its origin, using a membrane filter system. The quality of the treated wastewater is superior to the quality of the natural waters it is discharged into.

Credits: Daimler AG

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