Daimler will decide this week where to build a new assembly plant for the next generation A- and B-class.
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According to Automobilwoche, a decision will be made at the supervisory board meeting on Tuesday. Sites in Poland, Romania and Hungary are currently being considered.
The newspaper reports that the respositioning of the A- and B-Class is a key element of Mercedes’ future strategy. The new compact models are critical to growth plans for western Europe as well as emerging markets such as China and Russia. In addition the cars could go on sale in the USA, where there is a strong trend towards smaller cars.
The A- and B-Class should also help bring down average fleet CO2 emissions for the manufacturer, and help it avoid future fines to be imposed by the EU if fleet average CO2 emissions levels are not met.
Rainer Schmückle, COO Mercedes-Benz Cars, told Automobilwoche a few months ago, that the new plant is needed to help reach cost targets for the models. For cost reasons, Mercedes will abandon the ‘sandwich’ floorpan construction of the current model, and engines will all come from existing line-ups.
There will be at least four variants of the new front-drive platform – a sporty three-door version, a compact SUV, a van and a five-door.
The new model is due out around 2012. The new plant will produce at least 100,000 units, in addition to the 280,000 units built at the existing plant in Rastatt.
