With the Mercedes-Benz Electric Architecture Mid-Size Vehicle, we are launching the “First of the New”, the first derivative of our first all-electric mid-size platform. We have been producing vehicles in the mid-range segment for over 40 years and the bestseller GLC is the cornerstone of our product portfolio in this segment. He is the first to get his electric counterpart. It will be launched in early 2026.
The MB.EA-M supplier forum heralds the countdown to the start of production!
The MB.EA-M clearly sets the standard and ambition: The success story of the GLC and the C-Class, which is already being built in the 7th generation, must be continued. We also want to produce the most desirable vehicles in this segment and be a driver of innovation. And that in times that are challenging for the automotive industry. Electrification, digitization, profitability and economic as well as trade policy developments are just a few examples. Reliable partners with high flexibility and best cost/product and quality performance are therefore key success factors.
The Supplier Forum hosted by Gaby Petersson, Head of Project Steering and Planning Procurement & Supplier Quality and Jessica Weber, responsible for model series management for the mid-range segment, offered the nearly 350 guests at the Mercedes-Benz Event Center in Sindelfingen a good platform to learn about the next milestones until the start of production. In addition to information, the event focused on the exchange on key success factors such as product quality, observance of scheduled deadlines, flexibility and maturity level and capacity validation, which heralded the countdown to the start of production.
Information & discussion at eye level
Highlights of the supplier forum were the panel discussion with the heads of Procurement & Supplier Quality, Strategy and the Bremen plant, followed by a Q & A session, the exchange of guests and the keynote speech by Rob Halloway, responsible for Corporate Communications Cars & Vans for our new brand campaign "Because it's Mercedes-Benz ". At four market stands, the guests were able to obtain detailed information on current topics such as Best Efficiency & Automotive Transformation, Supplier Quality, Start-up Logistics and Catena X, the digital ecosystem for data exchange in the value chain.
Enthusiasm at first glance
Pure enthusiasm triggered our new electric stars, which the guests were able to experience first-hand. The red CLA, the MMA Concept Car attracted the guests right at the start of the event. During the sneak peak of the MB.EA-M electrified SUV prototype, the guests were able to take a first look at the vehicle and the product manager Marijan Celig provided an interesting overview of the interior design, exterior, many features and impressive spatial concept.
Spaceship Enterprise and Star Trek is considered one of the most successful inventions of science fiction genre and has delighted with more than 700 TV episodes and a good dozen movies and many more.
We also want to inspire our customers with our future all-electric volume models, the new GLC and the C-Class. Our aim is for both to become best performers again. To this end, we are investing heavily in our new portfolio and are laying the foundation for our continued success in the future of electric mobility with the greatest desire for success, commitment, and passion.
The countdown is on. We are ready!
„For us it is clear that the mobile future is electric. The challenges are great, so goal-oriented collaboration is essential. Top quality must be ensured, because quality has always been part of our corporate DNA and a decisive sales and success factor of Mercedes-Benz. At the same time, the greatest possible cost efficiency must be achieved. High flexibility, open and precise communication as well as uncompromising identification and evaluation of potential errors and risks are key success factors. These are instrumental in mastering a successful launch and in penetrating the market with the GLC as successfully as with its predecessor.“
„The mid-size segment is a highly competitive segment, and the current market conditions are challenging. We are raising the future all-electric GLC to a completely new level. With its product substance and spatial concept, we can also score points. Range, operating comfort, technical innovations, and the design in the interior & exterior are uncompromisingly customer oriented. The overall concept and driving feel already inspire today. Until the start of production (SOP), we must continue to put the best vehicle in this segment on the road with maximum dedication and focus on success.“
„Our Bremen plant is well positioned for the start-up. Plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles have been an integral part of production for several years. A new feature is that MB.EA-M is the first MB.OS to enter the vehicle. Software competence is important, because software is now crucially responsible for vehicle innovations and becomes the supreme discipline. But we should never lose sight of the hardware world. The levers for a successful start-up are also the same in Bremen: Flexibility, product quality at the highest level and communication, which is particularly important when challenges arise at short notice.“
