Mercedes-AMG Moves V12 Engine Assembly to Mannheim Amid Surging Demand

Mercedes-AMG will transfer assembly of its 12-cylinder engines from Affalterbach to Daimler’s Mannheim plant in February 2016. This decision follows a surge in demand for AMG’s V12-powered models, which has pushed the current Affalterbach engine facility to full capacity. The move allows AMG to boost output and reduce delivery times for customers seeking these high-performance vehicles.

Mercedes-AMG Expands V12 Engine Production Amid Strong Demand

Reasons for the Production Shift

AMG cites strong demand for its 12-cylinder models as the main reason for expanding V12 engine assembly. The S 65, S 65 Coupe, G 65, and SL 65 have all contributed to this increased demand, filling production slots faster than the Affalterbach plant can accommodate. With no room for further expansion at Affalterbach, the company will use available capacity at Daimler’s Mannheim site to meet customer needs more efficiently.

Impact on AMG’s Workforce

The shift in production has implications for staff at Affalterbach. Workers currently assembling V12 engines will move to the eight-cylinder engine lines, which continue to see strong demand across AMG’s broader model range. At Mannheim, the V12 engines will be built using AMG’s “one man, one engine” philosophy. Each unit will be hand-assembled by a single technician, maintaining the brand’s established approach to craftsmanship. This mirrors assembly practices at both Affalterbach and the MDC Power facility in Kolleda, where AMG’s four-cylinder engines are produced.

Continued Development at Affalterbach

While the physical assembly of the V12 engine moves to Mannheim, development and final sign-off for the 12-cylinder biturbo will remain at AMG’s Affalterbach headquarters. This ensures that engineering expertise and quality control stay closely linked to AMG’s core operations, even as production scales up at the new location.