Daimler Launches Small-Car Factory in China

Daimler AG has begun making Mercedes-Benz GLA small crossovers at a new €720 million ($768 million) factory outside Beijing.

The 1.5 million-sq-meter (16.1 million-sq-ft) facility joins an existing plant that assembles Mercedes GLK small crossovers. Daimler says the new plant will increase its annual passenger-vehicle capacity in China to 250,000 units by the end of 2015.

The complex, which also produces 4- and 6-cylinder engines, is operated by Beijing Benz Automotive Corp., Daimler's venture with Beijing-based BAIC Motor.