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Mercedes-Benz is advancing its next phase of electric vehicle manufacturing with the successful production ramp-up of the all-new electric GLC at its Bremen plant, reinforcing the importance of flexible manufacturing systems and integrated production networks in the transition to electrification.
Bremen Plant Expands Multi-Powertrain Production Capabilities
The Bremen facility is now producing the electric GLC alongside combustion-engine and hybrid GLC models, as well as the EQE, on the same production line. The approach highlights how automotive manufacturers are increasingly relying on mixed-model production environments to balance evolving EV demand with operational efficiency.
The electric GLC has already generated strong market momentum. Mercedes-Benz said the vehicle received more orders in its first three months than any electric model in the company’s history.
“Our colleagues in Bremen have once again successfully delivered,” said Michael Schiebe, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Production, responsible for Quality & Supply Chain Management. “With the ramp-up of the all-new electric GLC, they are mastering its complex integration into ongoing production with the utmost professionalism, supported by our consistent digital transformation.”
Flexible Automotive Manufacturing Drives EV Production Strategy
The launch strengthens Bremen’s position within the Mercedes-Benz global production network as a center of excellence for core-segment vehicle manufacturing. Hall 9, the site’s largest production hall, has operated on a three-shift basis for more than a decade and now supports multiple drivetrain technologies within a single manufacturing footprint.
Mercedes-Benz first integrated a fully electric vehicle into series production at Bremen in 2019 with the EQC. Since then, the plant has expanded production capabilities across combustion, hybrid, and battery-electric platforms. The electric GLC is now the third fully electric series model produced at the site.
“In 2019, we were the first plant to integrate an electric vehicle into ongoing series production,” said Michael Frieß, Site Manager and Head of Production at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant. “Plug-in hybrids and fully electric models are now an integral part of our product portfolio.”
Integrated EV Supply Chain Supports Electric GLC Production
The production ramp-up is supported by a tightly integrated manufacturing and supply chain ecosystem across Europe.
Battery systems for the electric GLC are supplied by ACCUMOTIVE in Kamenz, which began delivering the next-generation battery platform in 2026. The batteries are based on an 800-volt electrical architecture designed to improve charging efficiency and vehicle performance.
Electric drive units are manufactured at the Sebeș plant in Romania, which expanded its production scope to support electric vehicle components. Meanwhile, the Hamburg plant supplies electric axles and additional key drivetrain components for both the EQE and electric GLC programs.
The coordinated production model reflects how automotive manufacturers are restructuring supply chains and component manufacturing operations to support scalable EV production while maintaining manufacturing flexibility across global networks.
Digital Transformation and Workforce Expertise Enable Production Ramp-Up
Mercedes-Benz credits the successful launch to both digital manufacturing capabilities and workforce expertise across the Bremen facility.
“With the start of production of the GLC, we’ve not only made a successful start to this year but have also taken a first and very important step towards the future of our plant,” said Michael Peters, Chairman of the Works Council at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant.
The Bremen plant currently employs approximately 10,500 workers and manufactures 11 vehicle models, including the EQE, GLC family, CLE models, Mercedes-AMG vehicles, and the Mercedes-Maybach SL. Seven of those models are produced exclusively at the site.
This article was produced by the editorial team at EME Outlook and published as part of the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
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