Mercedes-Benz Restructures Manufacturing Operations

Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz Cars unit is scrapping its autonomous factory production system and adopting a leaner architecture based on vehicle platforms and powertrain systems.

The new structure, dubbed Mercedes-Benz Operations, is part of a €3 billion investment program that will combine global production networks with centralized responsibility for logistics and quality.

MBO will operate four production networks, each with its own executive leader:

• Front-wheel drive (MFA). This group will lead output of A-, B- CLA and GLA models and will be headed by Michael Gobel.
• Rear-wheel drive (MRA). Responsible for C-, E- and S-Class cars, this team will be directed by former Bremen plant manager Andreas Kellermann.
• SUVs (MHA) and sports cars (MSA). This unit will produce G-, GL, M- and R-Class SUVs and SL and SLK sport coupes. Heading the team is Jason Hoff, who continues as CEO of the company's U.S. factory in Alabama.
• Powertrain (MPA). Peter Schabert, who has been responsible for global powertrain production since 2010, will lead this unit.

The C-Class production Mercedes launched earlier this year in Germany, South Africa, China and the U.S. marks the first application of the latter production strategy.