Successful production of the new CLA at the Rastatt plant
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Successful production of the new CLA at the Rastatt plant
Mercedes-Benz launches the next stage of automotive manufacturing with the production of the new CLA in the Rastatt plant. With the integration of artificial intelligence, the digital twin and, for the first time, the Mercedes-Benz Operating System( MB. OS) into the MO360 digital production ecosystem, the company is consistently implementing its“ Digital First” approach.
Several German Mercedes-Benz sites supply the Rastatt plant, where the new electric CLA will initially roll off the production line. Electric drive units and axles come from the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim plant and bodyshell components, structural and body parts from Kuppenheim. The batteries are built in Kamenz.
In line with the Mercedes-Benz business plan, the company has invested a mid triple-digit million euros amount in the production of the new model in Rastatt. Following the gradual ramp-up, Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd( BBAC) will also build the CLA, including the batteries and electric drive units, for the Chinese market. In the production network with the Hungarian Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét, further models of the new vehicle family will follow after the start of CLA production. The batteries for production in Kecskemét come from the company’ s own battery factory. The electric drive units for this come from the subsidiary plant in Sebes, Romania.
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG said:“ With the CLA, Mercedes-Benz is ushering in a new era. The best guarantee for the long-term success of electromobility is top-of-therange products like the CLA. We as a company are investing to ensure that these can be‘ made in Germany.’ A key prerequisite to make this possible is that framework conditions remain competitive.”
Winfried Kretschmann, Minister President of the State of Baden- Württemberg stated:“ The automotive industry is one of our leading industries. It is currently under enormous pressure due to changing market conditions, global uncertainties and crises. That’ s what drives me. Because Baden-
12 PECM Issue 75