Mercedes-Benz GLC is already the second all-new SUV to be assembled in China after the compact GLA.
Inaugurated in 2005, Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd (BBAC) has become the second plant in the world which produce the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC, after Bremen plant.
The all-new GLC is the second Mercedes-Benz SUV to be produced in China after the compact GLA which was already assembled in China since April 2015.
The start of production for the GLC also puts the plant’s second phase of development for new rearwheel architecture – MRA platform – vehicles into full operation.
The new production facilities cover a total area of almost 250,000 sqm and comprise a new assembly and body shop in addition to an all-new paint shop completed for the GLA already this April. The new assembly facilities meet the Mercedes-Benz highest standards of modern production.
China is number one market for the GLA and former GLK, which was also assembled by BBAC since 2011.
In 2015 BBAC will produce for the first time over 200,000 units. The engines used in the all-new GLC are locally produced at BBAC too in Mercedes-Benz’ first ever passenger car engine plant outside of Germany.
The first “built in China, for China” GLC models will be launched during the upcoming Guangzhou Auto Show this month.
BBAC, a joint venture between Daimler and Chinese partner BAIC Motor, has producing Mercedes-Benz passenger cars since 2006 and engines since 2013. The plant produced 150,000 vehicles in 2014, accounting for more than one-half of Mercedes-Benz’ total sales volume in China.
The current production include the new C-Class, GLA and the all-new GLC. 700,000 units were produced since the launch of the production in 2006.
BBAC produced also the 4 and 6-cylinder engines used in locally produced cars from BBAC and vans that are built by Daimler’s local joint venture Fujian Benz Automotive Co. Ltd (FBAC). In the first phase, 250,000 engines can be produced yearly on a very flexible line.
Last year, BBAC Research & Development centre became fully operational, being the largest of its kind in any of Daimler’s joint venture worldwide.
