Rastatt/Germany, October 23, 2012

High Demand for the New Compact Model

Additional shift at the Mercedes-Benz A-Class production plant in Rastatt

Enlarge

Production of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class at the plant in Rastatt

The market launch of the newMercedes-Benz  A-Class was the most successful  premiere at dealerships that Mercedes-Benz has ever experienced. Since the sales release in June, over 70,000 orders have already been placed. As a result of the positive resonance, the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant will increase the number of production shifts to three as of next week. "We have increased our team by 500 permanent positions and are thus well-prepared to deliver our vehicles as quickly as possible. Following the successful start, we're now producing in three shifts so that we can build more A-Class vehicles for our customers", explains Peter Wesp, Mercedes-Benz Rastatt Plant Manager. As a result, both the Rastatt plant and its sister plant in Kecskemét are now operating at full capacity to produce the new compact model. To create additional capacity for the A-Class, Daimler has additionally commissioned Finnish supplier Valmet Automotive with the production of more than 100,000 units between 2013 and 2016.

The Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant currently employs more than 6500 staff. Besides the A-Class and B-Class vehicles, the new generation of Mercedes-Benz premium compact cars comprises three further sporty, emotive models, including a Coupé and an SUV. The five models of the new compact class will be produced by the production network at the Rastatt plant and the new plant in Kecskemét, Hungary. A-Class and B-Class vehicles, as well as compact SUVs will be built in Rastatt. Daimler has invested a total of around € 1.2 billion in the production of its compact vehicles.