The New C-Class Launched Under The Mercedes-Benz Global Production Network

Assembled with maximum flexibility, efficiency and digital networking, the new C-Class has been launched under the Mercedes-Benz Global Production Network (GPN).

Mercedes-Benz AG’s member of the board of management for production and supply chain management Jorg Burzer said, “With the start of production of the new C-Class, our global production network is once again demonstrating its great flexibility. Our teams at three plants on three continents have shown first-class cooperation with their ability to master the sequence of production ramp-ups. This is how our modern plants are able to produce outstanding vehicles like the new C-Class.”

Its plant in Bremen will be the forefront in the global C-Class production network, and is already seeing the sedan and station wagon models of the new C-Class leaving its production line.

The production of the company’s bestselling model series over the past decade will shortly be followed by start-ups at other international plants in Beijing, China and East London, South Africa.

"Our Bremen team has done a great job in the last few months. Despite the challenges imposed this year, our employees have successfully managed the start-up of the new C-Class and at the same time provided optimal support to our colleagues in the other C-Class plants. We are proud of this, and are already looking forward to more Bremen start-ups in 2021," commented the Mercedes-Benz’s location manager and head of production at the Bremen plant Michael Frieb.

Ever since 2016, the company’s local production in China has been the largest sales market for the C-Class sedan. In particular, the plant in Beijing, which produces the long-wheelbase version of the model exclusively for the Chinese market.

However, moving over to East London, both the right-hand and left-hand drive sedan models of the C-Class have a production that caters to worldwide exports. 

Other hybrid models will trail on right after to be in tune with the company’s efforts in moving toward e-mobility, their ‘Electric First’ strategy.

On that note, now Mercedes-Benz’s production at the aforementioned sites follows the latest assembly methods and processes that consist of a new body shop system, improved flexibility, efficiency and sustainability.

Also, with current innovative technologies, the paint shop at the plant in East London reduces energy consumption per vehicle by 25 percent, which further enhances Mercedes-Benz’s e-mobility directions.