Production of Daimler’s updated Merc G-Class has started at contract assembler Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.
Magna Steyr has built the G-Class since 1979 and most assembly is predominantly by hand.
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Some employees have produced the model from the start. The proximity to Daimler subsidiary Mercedes-Benz G, also based in Graz, and the Magna Steyr plant facilitates numerous synergies thanks to the well-functioning high degree of networking between development, engineering, the prototype workshop, testing and series production. The highlight of the plant is the test track on the local mountain of Graz, the Schoeckl, one test kilometre on the test track corresponds to 50 kilometres in actual operation.
“With the model change the new G-Class experienced the biggest transformation in its 39 year history. At the same time we have kept the familiar and popular features of the design icon and further optimised the G where ride comfort and robustness are concerned. The superior development goal for the new G-Class was to improve the off road capabilities even more,” said Gunnar Guthenke, head of the off-road product group.
The then Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch agreed on G-Class series production in 1975 and decided to construct a new plant in Graz. Production started on 1 February 1979. Over 300,000 vehicles have been produced.
