Mercedes-Benz SA expands its East London production plant

Mercedes-Benz SA has embarked on expanding its East London factory because of its achievements.

In 2011 the plant was awarded the Gold Award of JD Power and Associates for the third time in a row. And for that reason, Mercedes-Benz SA believes the East London plant’s achievements as indicative of its long-term commitment not only to sell vehicles to local consumers, but also to use it as a production hub for the local consumer, as well as import its vehicles to the international market, which is great for SA's economy.

Annelise van der Laan, Corporate Communication Specialist at Mercedes-Benz SA, tells us more about the East London plant and the new generation C-Class.

Does the East London factory currently manufacture vehicles for the overseas market?
Mercedes-Benz SA builds the C-Class range for the South African market and for export to the United States. In 2011 the East London-based plant built 54 300 C-Class models, of which about 60% were exported.

Why expand the East London plant and what are the plans for the future?
In 2010, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, Daimler AG, announced that the SA plant would be building the next generation C-Class. This model range will be launched in 2014. To this end an investment of R2,5 billion has been made in this plant to gear up its infrastructure, prepare for the new technology and provide skills development and training.

What can we expect from Mercedes-Benz?
The next generation C-Class promises to continue the legend of the current C-Class, which sold over a million units world-wide. This has also been a record-setting model range locally.

What sort of impact will this have in the market?
Mercedes-Benz SA believes that their position as leading brand in the premium luxury segment on the local market will be further consolidated with the ever popular C-Class.