Mercedes-Benz has commenced volume production of the redesigned C-Class sedan at its plant in East London, South Africa, adding left-hand drive versions for the first time.
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East London began building the C-class in 1994 and exports of its right-hand-drive models began in 2000. It will now build the new third-generation model in left-hand-drive form as well, becoming fully integrated into Mercedes’ global supply network.
“South Africa has been an important component of our global production network for one and a half decades now”, said Rainer Schmückle, chief operating officer of the Mercedes Car Group.
“The fact that we decided to expand capacities and add production of left-hand drive models with this latest generation C-Class demonstrates that we are confident in the capabilities of East London as a manufacturing location,” Schmückle added.
To upgrade the plant for production of the latest-generation C-Class, Mercedes-Benz invested continuously in its facilities over the last two years.
“Our products must deliver top quality, no matter where they are built; that is why we apply the same manufacturing targets and requirements around the world”, Schmückle said.
A completely new assembly line was installed in South Africa to implement the standard assembly concept of the automaker’s global production network.
Over 100 South African employees spent three months training at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany.
