Daimler Hires Valmet to Boost A-Class Output

Finnish contract assembler Valmet Automobile has agreed to make more than 100,000 next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class minicars between 2013 and 2016 to help Daimler AG meet rising demand for the vehicles.

Daimler says it needs to supplement its own production of the A-Class at plants in Rastatt, Germany, and Kecskemet, Hungary, because both are operating at full capacity building A- and B-Class models. The company says it has received more than 40,000 orders for the revamped A-Class, which goes on sale in mid-September.