Bremen. Production of the new generation of the GLC and the GLC Coupé has started at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. The most popular SUV model of the Mercedes-Benz brand is built flexible on one line together with the C-Class Saloon, the C-Class Estate and the all-electric EQC (combined power consumption: 20.8 – 19.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km)[1]. As the lead plant, Bremen also oversees the worldwide ramp-up of the model series. Dr Markus Keicher, Site Manager of the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant, and Michael Peters, Chairman of the Works Council at the Bremen location, received the first vehicle of the new generation and were impressed by the off-road capability of the GLC on the obstacle course “The Rock” next to the plant in Bremen.
“The GLC is one of the most successful volume models for Mercedes-Benz and the Bremen plant. With today’s start of production of the revised model series, our team once more demonstrates what it stands for: highest quality, flexibility, passion and motivation. The colleagues do everything in their power to fulfil the wishes of the customer perfectly. We are proud of that”, said Dr Markus Keicher.
Flexible production using state-of-the-art technology
Statistically, no two GLCs are alike due to the myriad of different equipment variants and optional features. That is why the production operations have a highly flexible design. Digital processes support the employees in their daily work.
So-called shopping carts ensure the variance and the high level of individualisation of the vehicles produced in Bremen: The add-ons ordered by the customers are picked just-in-sequence and delivered directly to the assembly line with driverless transport systems (DTS).
In the production operations, we rely on a culture that puts people at the heart. That is why the ergonomics for the employees play an important role in the production of the GLC: The employees use different mechanical structures, so-called “exoskeletons”, for assembling the vehicles, which relieve the strain on the shoulder and neck area when working overhead, and on the upper body and thighs when working from a bent position.
“The GLC continues to secure many jobs with its unwavering demand. With it, we create planning security for many families in the region and our Bremen team has once more demonstrated that start-ups and model updates are our specialities. Bremen remains the world champion of start-ups. Many thanks to all the colleagues for this successful ramp-up from here as well”, said Michael Peters.
As the main production site for all models of the C-Class and the GLC, the Bremen plant oversees the production of these model series in the global production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars. Since 2011, the preceding model GLK has also been built in Beijing, with the GLC series being added in 2015. In addition, the GLC is also being built at Finnish contract manufacturer Valmet Automotive since 2017 due to the high demand.
The success model GLC: Articulate and versatile
Since the market launch in 2008, more than 1.5 million units of the GLK and its successful successor, the GLC, have been sold. Over the last ten years, the GLC including the preceding model has thus been the best-selling SUV from Mercedes-Benz. In 2018, it even set a global sales record.
In addition to a distinctive design, the latest generation of the model series shines with the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system as well. It also has a more striking design of the lights at the front and rear, more chrome elements, revised bumpers, expanded driving assistance systems as well as new engines. The result is an SUV that sets new standards, on the road as well as in terrain.
