Daimler has built its first GLA compact premium SUV at the Rastatt plant. It’s fourth of five new Mercedes-Benz compact models.
M-B chief Dieter Zetsche said: “There is a very strong demand from our customers for SUVs and compact vehicles. The GLA allows us to combine these two segments and appeal to new customers: it is the next milestone in our Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy.”
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After EUR1.2bn was spent since 2009, readying the plant for compact cars, Rastatt can produce them flexibly on the same production line. They are also made in Kecskemét, Hungary complemented by contract manufacturer Valmet Automotive in Uusikaupunki, Finland which will build 100,000 A-Class until 2016.
The GLA was introduced during the three-shift operation of the A-Class at Rastatt without any reduction in cycle times. Up to 70% of parts are common with the other compact models.
