Digital, efficient and future-oriented.

The start of production marks an important milestone and, at the same time, the beginning of a new phase for Mercedes-Benz Vans in Vitoria. With the VLE, the Vitoria site is, for the first time, manufacturing a vehicle based on the newly developed, modular and scalable Van Architecture. In future, this architecture will form the technological basis for the entire Mercedes-Benz Vans product portfolio – in both the private and commercial sectors. The Vitoria plant is therefore the first site in Mercedes-Benz’s global production network to build the new VLE in series. The Fuzhou plant in China will follow at the end of the year, producing vehicles specifically for the Chinese market.

The start of series production of the VLE is an important step in the comprehensive transformation of the Vitoria plant – one of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ largest industrial future projects in Europe. Extensive investments in the new body shop, paint shop and assembly areas, as well as modernised logistics and IT structures, now enable highly flexible, multi-powertrain production on one line – digital, efficient and future-oriented. The comprehensive transformation of the site took place while existing models, including the V-Class, Vito and eVito, continued to be produced.

The site is therefore playing a key strategic role within Mercedes-Benz Vans’ global production network. In addition to the all-new electric VLE, further models based on the new architecture will also be produced here in future. The start of series production of the VLE thus strengthens the long-term competitiveness and future viability of the Vitoria site and underlines Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to the region.

The successful transformation of the site is due in no small part to the high degree of flexibility and commitment shown by its workforce of approximately 5,000 direct employees. This commitment also forms the foundation for the successful ramp-up of the VLE. Through more than 160 training programmes, employees were prepared for new technologies, materials, IT standards, and processes. National and international qualification and training measures are ensuring quality, stability and an excellent start to series production.