Daimler’s South African Mercedes-Benz plant in East London, Eastern Cape province, has built its one millionth passenger car – a white, right hand drive, C-Class sedan.
The latest generation has been produced since May 2014 in East London – one of four factories world wide making the model line – and this is the fourth generation to be built in South Africa. Bremen, Germany, is the lead plant and the others are Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Beijing Benz.
Go deeper with GlobalData
M-B production and supply chief Markus Schäfer said: “One million cars made at the East London plant illustrate the remarkable development this location has seen over the years.”
Daimler said the plant had been recognised six times by JD Power for manufacturing excellence, including a platinum award for manufacturing quality.
Production began in 1958 when independent Car Distributors Assembly (CDA) became contract assembler of the W121 series for the local Mercedes importer. Daimler-Benz bought 50.1% of the company’s shares in 1984 and Mercedes-Benz South Africa became a wholly-owned Daimler subsidiary in 1998.
See Also:
The plant has built 24 passenger car model lines with many exported. It was initially right hand drive versions only but has added LHD output as needed in recent years. Today’s workforce is around 3,000.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData
