Mercedes-Benz Sets New Production Record in First Half of 2013
More than 700,000 passenger cars were built by Mercedes-Benz in the first six months of 2013, putting the company on track to surpass its previous annual record.
Mercedes-Benz assembled more than 700,000 passenger cars in the first half of 2013, exceeding any previous half-year total in the brand’s history. The record output reflects both strong global demand and the rapid rollout of new models across the range.
The company had already set a record in 2012, building more than 1.34 million vehicles. With the pace set in the first half of 2013, Mercedes-Benz expected to surpass that figure by year end. The growth was fuelled by a wave of new product launches and expanded production capacity at several key sites.
New models drive volume
Production of the CLA coupé began at the Kecskemét plant in Hungary in January 2013. In March, the Sindelfingen facility started building the updated E-Class saloon and estate, while Bremen added the new E-Class coupé and convertible. June saw the Sindelfingen plant launch the new S-Class, further boosting output. Each of these launches contributed to the record production figures seen in the first half of the year.
To meet rising customer demand, Mercedes-Benz introduced special shifts at several plants. The Rastatt factory scheduled 21 extra shifts for A- and B-Class models, while the Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama added production on 10 Saturdays to increase SUV output. The Untertürkheim powertrain plant also operated with weekend shifts throughout the year, ensuring a steady supply of engines and components.
Preparations for new launches
The production ramp-up in 2013 was not limited to existing models. Plants in Bremen, Tuscaloosa, East London (South Africa) and Beijing were making preparations for the next-generation C-Class, scheduled for launch in 2014. The GLA compact SUV was also set for its world premiere at the IAA International Motor Show in September 2013, with production to follow.
- Kecskemét: CLA coupé production start
- Sindelfingen: New E-Class saloon, estate and S-Class launched
- Bremen: E-Class coupé and convertible production
- Rastatt: 21 special shifts for A- and B-Class
- Tuscaloosa: 10 extra Saturday shifts for SUV production
- Untertürkheim: Ongoing weekend shifts for powertrain output
The company’s global production network was key to handling the increased volume, with flexibility and coordination allowing Mercedes-Benz to respond quickly to market demand. The new launches and capacity increases were part of a broader strategy to expand the brand’s presence in key segments and regions.
As of mid-2013, Mercedes-Benz was on course to break its annual production record, supported by both a refreshed product line-up and intensified manufacturing activity across its plants. For more on subsequent launches, seeMercedes-Benz Begins GLA SUV Production in Rastatt.
