Mercedes-Benz Cars pushes electric initiative in South-East Asia.

Thanks to a standardized production and plant concept, the battery production concept of Mercedes-Benz Cars can be scaled in such a way that various value-added stages as well as production concepts can be implemented flexibly and in line with the markets worldwide.

Daimler will electrify the entire portfolio of Mercedes-Benz, offering customers at least one electrified alternative in all segments from compact cars to large SUVs. Mercedes-Benz will be continuously supporting the development of Plug-In Hybrids and the introduction of 48-volt-systems. The first EQ series model- the EQC - will go into production in 2019 in Bremen, Germany.

The battery production in Bangkok will be part of the global battery production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars for local demand and export. In total, Daimler will invest more than one billion Euros in the battery production network, which will also include production facilities in Germany, the U.S., China and Poland. As in vehicle production, the battery production network will react flexibly and efficiently to market demand. This strategy ensures the ongoing availability of modern battery technology through local production hubs and puts Mercedes-Benz in a highly competitive position for its electric initiative. Local production of batteries in Thailand is planned to start by 2019.

Part of the joint investment of Mercedes-Benz Cars and local partner TAAP is the extension of the existing car plant leading to a substantial increase in the production portfolio, adding new models.

Mercedes-Benz has a long history in Thailand: The first car with a star was delivered to the King of Siam as early as 1904. In 2018, Mercedes-Benz sold more than 12.000 units (+8.6%) in Thailand – a new sales record. The best-selling models were the C- and E-Class sedans and the CLA Coupé. Also our Plug-in-Hybrid-models are very popular in Thailand. A broad portfolio of locally produced vehicles will continue the success story of Mercedes-Benz in Thailand in the future. Currently the brand with the three-pointed star offers ten locally produced models including the brand new CLS.

Crucial for the success story of Mercedes-Benz in Thailand is the close cooperation of Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Thailand and partner TAAP, who operates the plant in Bangkok. The plant currently employs over 1.000 people. It is expected that, once completed, the investment will create more than 300 additional jobs at the site, thereof nearly 100 for battery production alone.