Freshly manufactured: cutting-edge electric Mercedes-Benz CLA model
The Mercedes-Benz Group has announced that the next-generation CLA has entered series production at its Rastatt plant in Germany. This marks a significant step forward in the company's electric-first generation strategy.
The Rastatt plant, which is powered entirely by green electricity, has been wrapped in a "Digital First" philosophy and supported by AI and simulation technology. New-generation robots are used on the production line, and the manufacturing process is highly efficient thanks to the use of digital twin simulations for efficient manufacturing.
One of the key features of the CLA's production line is its top-coat painting, which is monitored by AI to reduce energy use by 20%. Solar panels at the Rastatt plant generate up to 8MWp, and heat recovery systems are also used for further energy reductions.
The CLA's batteries, drive units, and body components are all sourced within Germany. The batteries are produced at the Kamenz plant, while the electric drive units and axles are sourced from Stuttgart-Unterturkheim. The body components are sourced from Kuppenheim, and local recycling loops for battery and metal scrap have been established near the Kuppenheim plant.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group, stated that the CLA marks the start of a new era for the company. He added that top-of-the-range products like the CLA are crucial for the long-term success of electromobility.
Once the CLA vehicles are manufactured, they are transported 600km to Zeebrugge via electric trucks. Mercedes-Benz is also piloting a large-scale organic battery storage system at the Rastatt plant.
Production of the CLA will eventually expand to Hungary and China, but Rastatt remains the launchpad for the model. The new CLA is the first model to integrate MB.OS into full-scale production, further demonstrating the company's commitment to digitalisation and electrification.
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