Daimler invested €670 million (US$873 million) in 2011 and plans to spend more than €980 million ($1.3 billion) in 2012 on its main Mercedes-Benz powertrain plant in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, Germany. The funds are being invested in the extension and conversion of various parts of the plant and in the launch of new products and production technologies.
“With full order books behind us, we are investing in our powertrain production to ensure it is fit to face future competition,” said Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, member of the Daimler AG Board of Management responsible for Manufacturing and Procurement, Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans. “These investments represent an important contribution to the implementation of our Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy.”
The investments will be allocated to extension and conversion measures and to new manufacturing technologies in the area of axle, transmission and engine production — for the new generation of compact cars. Daimler said €270 million ($352 million) are earmarked at the Hedelfingen subplant for the ramp-up of a new dual clutch transmission, which is being deployed in the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class.
“Untertürkheim is the birthplace of the automobile,” noted Peter Schabert, head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Powertrain production and head of the Untertürkheim plant. “These investments will ensure that we continue to play a role in shaping the ongoing evolution of mobility from our base here.”