German automaker Mercedes-Benz is reconfiguring its network of plants to manufacture a new class of luxury electric vehicles.
Mercedes aims to halve CO2 emissions per passenger car over the life cycle by the end of this decade compared to 2020.
“We are ready for the rapid scaling of electric vehicles volume,” said Joerg Burzer, board member for production and supply chain, adding the new setup followed talks between management and worker representatives.
“The local production of battery systems is a key success factor for the Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles ramp-up and a decisive component in being able to meet the global demand for electric vehicles flexibly and efficiently,” he said in a statement.
Plants in Sindelfingen, Bremen, Rastatt – all in Germany – and Kecskemet, in Hungary, will start production of new models in the top-end luxury, core luxury and entry-luxury segments from the middle of the decade, said Mercedes.
Battery systems will be supplied by a production network with factories in three continents, it said.
