- From 2017, the new GLC will also roll off the line in Uusikaupunki, Finland.
- The Bremen plant continues to be the main production plant.
- Markus Schäfer, Member of the the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, Produktion and Supply Chain Management: “Working with contract manufacturers is an important factor in our global production strategy at Mercedes-Benz Cars.”
Mercedes-Benz is continuing its growth strategy and expands production capacities for the new GLC. The main production facility continues to be the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany, where the GLC has been produced since July. The Finnish contract manufacturer Valmet Automotive will produce additional volumes of the new mid-range SUV from 2017, at its plant in Uusikaupunki.
“Working with contract manufacturers is an important factor in our global production strategy at Mercedes-Benz Cars,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain Management. “We respond flexibly to the level of demand in our markets, and can satisfy our customers’ preferences more rapidly.”
As the main production facility for the GLC, the utilization of the Bremen plant’s capacity is high. That is why Mercedes-Benz is leveraging additional capacities offered by contract manufacturing. “Following a strong launch in Europe, a right-hand drive version of the GLC will also be available for the first time from December. We expect this to be another strong contributor to growth,” said Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales. In October, 47,379 customers decided in favour of an SUV from Mercedes-Benz (+26.1%). This record was set with strong contributions from the GLC which recorded double-digit growth as well as a new sales record last month.
“With Valmet Automotive we have an established and reliable partner offering state-of-the-art technology,” stresses Dr. Klaus Zehender, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, Procurement and Supplier Quality. “We have been producing the A-Class there since 2013. We aim to continue this success story with the GLC.” Valmet Automotive has been producing additional A-Class volumes under contract for Mercedes-Benz in Uusikaupunki since 2013. The order comprises a total of more than 100,000 units through 2016. The GLC order has a comparable volume.
As the global lead plant for the GLC, Bremen will support the ramp-up of the model series at Valmet Automotive in the same way as the already successful ramp-up at BBAC in Beijing in October 2015. The lead plant concept allows Mercedes-Benz to ensure top quality at all of its locations and production facilities around the world.
