Mercedes Ramps Up A-Class Production
Emmanuel P November 13, 2012
In what must be more than welcome news for Mercedes and its parent Daimler, sales for the compact A-Class are exceeding expectations, to the point that its Rastatt plant will be running three shifts to cover demand. Indications for very strong demand were already evident since the launch of the A-Class in June, when more than 70,000 units were ordered following the market release.
With the demand, the Rastatt plant has employed an additional 500 workers on a permanent basis. Already, the Rastatt complex employs 6,500 people where, apart from the A-Class, the B-Class is also being produced. Mercedes’s upcoming compact SUV is also slated to be built there. In addition to the Rastatt plant, the Kecskemét plant is also manufacturing Mercedes’ compact models. In anticipation of demand and to reduce waiting periods for existing orders, Mercedes has also contracted with Valmet Automotive to produce 100,000 A-Class vehicles from 2013 to 2016.
