The new GLA model rolling off the assembly line.

Rastatt plant

Production launch of the new GLA.

September 17, 2026 – Mercedes-Benz has commenced series production of the new GLA at its Rastatt plant, as production of its all-electric version is already in full swing. The high-tech hybrid models, featuring 48-volt technology and a state-of-the-art internal combustion engine, will follow later this year. The GLA now joins other models from the new generation of vehicles being produced in Rastatt. The plant is further strengthening its role as a centre of excellence for the production of compact vehicles.

Production start GLA (from left): Marco Zwick (Plant Manager Raststatt), Monica Müller (Mayor Raststatt) and Board Member Michael Schiebe.
Production start GLA (from left): Marco Zwick (Plant Manager Raststatt), Monica Müller (Mayor Raststatt) and Board Member Michael Schiebe.

With the start of production of the new GLA and the investments in Rastatt, we’re strengthening the site’s role within the Mercedes-Benz global production network. The production process demonstrates how we are consistently utilising digital technologies: MB.OS, artificial intelligence and our MO360 production ecosystem are closely integrated and enable even more flexible and efficient production. I’d like to thank all my colleagues in Rastatt who, with their passion and innovative spirit, have made this successful launch possible

Michael Schiebe
Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, responsible for Production, Quality and Supply Chain Management

Rastatt: a pioneer in flexible and digital production

The Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant has been in operation since 1992 and, with around 7,000 employees, is the region’s largest employer. Production is drive-system-flexible: hybrid and fully electric vehicles are manufactured on the same production line as vehicles with conventional drive systems. This enables the plant to respond quickly to demand in global markets

The new GLA  is currently being built in Assembly Hall 4.0. Mercedes-Benz is now investing a low-three-digitmillion sum in the conversion of the neighbouring Assembly Hall 4.1, where production of the model will take place starting in 2027. Mercedes-Benz is using digital twins for this conversion: with the aid of high-precision digital simulation techniques, the new production line can be configured and optimised, realising significant potential savings in construction time and costs. The use of digital twins has already led to a record-breaking completion time during the successful conversion of Hall 4.0 in 2023.

The start of production of the new GLA marks the beginning of another important chapter for the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant. This vehicle embodies modern mobility and the successful transformation of our production. The decision to manufacture the GLA in Rastatt strengthens our competitiveness and secures future prospects for our colleagues. Especially during the year of Mercedes-Benz’s 140th anniversary, it’s clear just how important innovation, expertise and team spirit are for the long-term success of our company

Torsten Höink
Chair of the Works Council at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt

Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) in production

The Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) also plays a central role in the production of the new GLA: the chip-to-cloud architecture transmits the vehicle software via a central server in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud rather than via various hardware modules, ensuring that vehicles always roll off the production line with the latest software.
Mercedes-Benz has started series production of the new GLA at the Raststatt plant.
Mercedes-Benz has started series production of the new GLA at the Raststatt plant.
The GLA is another model of the new vehicle generation to be produced at the Raststatt plant.
The GLA is another model of the new vehicle generation to be produced at the Raststatt plant.
The new GLA is currently being built in Assembly Hall 4.0.
The new GLA is currently being built in Assembly Hall 4.0.
Mercedes-Benz has started series production of the new GLA at the Raststatt plant.
The GLA is another model of the new vehicle generation to be produced at the Raststatt plant.
The new GLA is currently being built in Assembly Hall 4.0.

A strong network: components from Untertürkheim, Kamenz and Kuppenheim

Rastatt forms part of a flexible global production network. The electric drive units and axles for the new GLA come from Untertürkheim, including its plant sites in Mettingen and Hedelfingen. A drive unit essentially consists of three subsystems: an electric motor, power electronics and the transmission component for power transfer. The power-transmitting wheel set and other components, such as the control unit, are also manufactured there. The assembly of these components into a complete system takes place at the Untertürkheim plant. Mettingen is also responsible for assembling the electric axles for the GLA, which are delivered to Rastatt as complete systems.

The high-voltage batteries for the new GLA are supplied by the Mercedes-Benz subsidiary Accumotive in Kamenz, Saxony. In-house battery production is a key success factor for Mercedes-Benz’s strategy. Accumotive has 13 years’ experience in the efficient production of highly complex battery systems and acts as a centre of excellence within the global battery production network, which comprises sites on three continents.

The Kuppenheim plant site, situated some 10 kilometres away, has been supplying body-in-white components as well as structural and body parts to Rastatt since 2009 – and now also for the new GLA. Since early 2026, the Mercedes-Benz sites in Rastatt and Kuppenheim have also been more closely linked organisationally. The Kuppenheim plant site has been part of the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant ever since.
The Mercedes-Benz Kuppenheim plant provides the Raststatt plant with bodyshell components, structural parts, and body parts.
The Mercedes-Benz Kuppenheim plant provides the Raststatt plant with bodyshell components, structural parts, and body parts.
The electric drive units and axles for the new GLA come from Untertürkheim, including its Mettingen and Hedelfingen subplants.
The electric drive units and axles for the new GLA come from Untertürkheim, including its Mettingen and Hedelfingen subplants.
The Mercedes-Benz Kuppenheim plant provides the Raststatt plant with bodyshell components, structural parts, and body parts.
The electric drive units and axles for the new GLA come from Untertürkheim, including its Mettingen and Hedelfingen subplants.
GLC production at Bremen plant.

Mercedes-Benz Production.

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