Mercedes-Benz kicks production of the new CLA

Mercedes-Benz has started production of the new CLA-Class at its Rastatt plant in Germany. With the integration of AI and, for the first time, the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) into the MO360 digital production ecosystem, the company is consistently implementing its "Digital First" approach.

Several German Mercedes-Benz sites supply the Rastatt plant where the new electric CLA will initially roll off the production line. Its electric drive units and axles come from the Stuttgart-Unterturkheim plant, its bodyshell components and body parts come from Kuppenheim, and its batteries are built in Kamenz.

Production at the Rastatt plant is fundamentally drive-flexible - hybrid and EVs roll off the same production line as vehicles with conventional drive systems

In line with the Mercedes-Benz business plan, the company has invested a multi-million euro amount in the production of the new model in Rastatt. Following the gradual ramp up, Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd will also build the CLA, including its batteries and electric drive units for the Chinese market.

The Rastatt plant started production in 1992 and like all locations in the Mercedes-Benz production network, is carbon neutral. With around 6,000 employees, it is the largest employer in the region. The A-Class and B-Class, as well as the GLA crossover and the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQA are built there.

With combustion engines, PHEVs and EVs, the Rastatt plant's production covers the entire range of modern drive technologies.