Mercedes to assemble M, GL-Class in India

For the first time, Daimler will start the final assembly of the SUV model series for the new Mercedes-Benz M- and GL-Class outside the SUV parent plant in the US. Following the start of production of the M-Class in India, Thailand and Indonesia this year, the first units of the new GL-Class made from SKD kits will roll off the assembly line in India and Indonesia in the course of 2013. According to a Daimler press note, the necessary preparations at the selected three production sites in India, Thailand and Indonesia are proceeding full steam. Later on in the year, the final assembly of the M-Class using SKD kits (semi-knocked-down – complete bodywork and further vehicle components) will start there for the respective local market. These kits are produced in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (US), prepared for shipping and sent on their journey to the final assembly plants. Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Manufacturing and Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans: “Our new SUV’s are very popular with our customers. We expect high growth rates also in the emerging markets and therefore extend our local production. Thus, we open up new potential as part of our growth strategy.” The company is expanding its range of vehicle kits available for local final assembly in different markets with two additional model series by the new Mercedes-Benz M- and GL-Class. A new SKD logistics center recently entered operation for this purpose. It is operated by the logistics service provider BLG and works closely with the Mercedes-Benz plant as well as with Daimler’s central international manufacturing control in Sindelfingen. Further vehicle parts such as engines and transmissions are delivered directly to the relevant destination via the Powertrain plant’s logistic center in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim. The set of assembly sites currently covers Egypt (C-, E-, S-, GLK-Class), India (C-, E-, S-Class; M- and GL-Class to be added in the future), Indonesia (C-, E-, S-Class; M- and GL-Class to be added in the future), Malaysia (C-, E-, S-Class), Thailand (C-, E-, S-Class; M-Class to be added in the future) and Vietnam (C-, E-, GLK-Class). The cost effectiveness of this production model is ensured by a high degree of standardisation as well as by the use of existing tried-and-tested Daimler processes and systems.