Mercedes C-Class hits assembly lines

ANTICIPATION in the South African luxury vehicle market is high for the launch of the next generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which is tipped to surpass record sales of its predecessor.

On May 15, Mercedes-Benz South Africa took another step closer in realising this investment, marking the official start of production of the new model at their East London manufacturing plant.

Even in its final year, the previous model C-Class was a top seller. The model has a special place in the South African automotive industry due to the exceptional performance of the plant to produce these vehicles in East London, for both local and export markets.

A benchmark track record of superb quality has garnered the plant the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates Award in the US market for five consecutive years, achieving one platinum, two gold and two silver awards.

An increase in capacity on the plant’s C-Class production line has had a ripple effect on the contribution that Mercedes-Benz South Africa is able to make both directly, and through the component supply sector to the economy of the Eastern Cape and the country.

Speaking at the start of production, the minister for trade and industry, Rob Davies, said the automotive industry was critical for the economy of the country and contributed significantly to the country’s GDP.

He said the launch would benefit the country through employment creation and exports.

“This production launch is indicative of Mercedes-Benz’s continued drive to produce high quality products in South Africa and a supportive investment environment, enabled by significant levels of government support and initiatives to aid industrial upgrading. The economic benefit linkages arising out of the W205 project will continue to benefit both the regional Eastern Cape economy, as well as the South African economy in years to come,” said the minister.

In excess of 550 direct jobs have been created at the plant, with 10 new suppliers adding to the tally of new jobs created around the new C-Class.

Already regarded among the best in the industry, Mercedes-Benz South Africa plant employees have been groomed to work on advanced production technology. Close to R60 million has been channelled into training initiatives, with more than 1 200 training interventions, including assignments to various international plants. In addition, almost 900 unemployed people from the Border Kei region have been skilled.

Several new technologies will place the Mercedes-Benz South Africa plant at the cutting edge of global automotive production.

Many of these technologies also empower the local supply industry. The new C-Class boasts 10 new suppliers (including three sequencing operations), who have set up shop in the country.

Over the last five years, Mercedes-Benz South Africa has increased production capacity steadily, culminating in record production levels in 2012. This stable growth pattern will accelerate significantly with the introduction of the new C-Class and a capacity increase of more than 50% in 2015, the third shift being already implemented in 2014.

Davies added that the MIDP was successful in positioning the South African sector as a competitive supplier of exported autos products, and the APDP aims to consolidate those gains and significantly increase the volume of autos products being manufactured in South Africa. He highlighted that the new C-Class production would enhance South Africa’s automotive manufacturing capability and capacity. C-Class models produced in the East London plant will be exported all over the globe.