Latest news with #Burzer
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Mercedes CLA sees strong demand as production scales for EV and petrol models
Mercedes-Benz has already started boosting production of the new CLA just a few months after its world premiere due to strong demand. Notify me As SUVs remain the best-selling vehicle type in the world, Mercedes-Benz is doubling down on the sedan bodystyle with its completely new, third-generation CLA. The German luxury marque has already started boosting production of the new CLA just a few months after its world premiere due to strong demand. A third production shift has been added at the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim facility to keep pace, a report by Carscoops stated. This resurgence of interest comes at a time when most rivals have trimmed sedan offerings in favour of high-riding crossovers. But the CLA bucks the trend—especially with the introduction of its first-ever all-electric variants alongside traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) options. Also Read : Mercedes-Benz cars in India to be dearer by 1.5% in September, third price hike in 2025 Electric CLA sees strong early orders According to Mercedes' production chief Jorg Burzer, the company has received a 'very encouraging" number of orders for the new CLA, particularly for the electric versions. Speaking at a recent event at the automaker's headquarters, Burzer confirmed that supply chains remain stable and production is scaling up as planned. Around 200 units are currently being built each day, which translates to roughly 50,000 cars annually, assuming a 250-day work calendar. However, the plant's flexible production line, based on Mercedes' Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, is capable of scaling further to accommodate 'hundreds of thousands" of units, including other future EV models. Long wait times reflect global enthusiasm Despite the increased output, Mercedes may face challenges in meeting short-term demand. Many customers who placed early orders in April may not receive their cars until 2026. According to a report by Automobilwoche, Mercedes is even considering pausing employee orders to prioritise retail customers. This is seen as a positive challenge—proof that the CLA nameplate still commands strong brand equity, even in a market shifting towards SUVs and electric crossovers. Also watch: Mercedes Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series | Launched at ₹ 4.20 crore | Most expensive Merc in India? New variants, new tech, new identity Two fully electric variants are on offer: the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology. They are both driven by an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery and powered on an 800V electric architecture. The CLA 250+ provides 268 hp and 335 Nm of torque on a rear-mounted motor, whereas the more powerful CLA 350 comes in a dual-motor variant with 349 hp and 515 Nm of torque. ICE variants are also on the cards, with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Though performance numbers on these petrol CLAs are yet to be announced, the emphasis seems to be more on fuel economy and smoothness. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 06 Jul 2025, 13:00 PM IST
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Mercedes says no supply chain disruptions after China export concerns
STUTTGART: There has been no disruption to production due to limited raw material exports from China at German carmaker Mercedes-Benz, a senior executive said on Monday. Joerg Burzer, head of production at Mercedes, said the company remained vigilant over supply chain risks, particularly a shortage of rare earths, but had not experienced any issues to date. 'There's been no incident so far - I expect it will stay that way,' Burzer told reporters, adding that the automaker had a clear view of its supply chain exposure and was prepared to act if necessary. China restricted exports of seven rare earths and related magnets in April in retaliation for U.S. tariffs. But the threat of mass shutdowns across the automotive supply chain is fading as the supply of Chinese rare earth magnets begins to flow again. Mercedes is continuing to assess whether further investment in parts or engine production is needed to support manufacturing in the United States, which would enhance supply chain stability and sustainability, Burzer said.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mercedes says no supply chain disruptions after China export concerns
STUTTGART (Reuters) -There has been no disruption to production due to limited raw material exports from China at German carmaker Mercedes-Benz, a senior executive said on Monday. Joerg Burzer, head of production at Mercedes, said the company remained vigilant over supply chain risks, particularly a shortage of rare earths, but had not experienced any issues to date. "There's been no incident so far - I expect it will stay that way," Burzer told reporters, adding that the automaker had a clear view of its supply chain exposure and was prepared to act if necessary. China restricted exports of seven rare earths and related magnets in April in retaliation for U.S. tariffs. But the threat of mass shutdowns across the automotive supply chain is fading as the supply of Chinese rare earth magnets begins to flow again. Mercedes is continuing to assess whether further investment in parts or engine production is needed to support manufacturing in the United States, which would enhance supply chain stability and sustainability, Burzer said. Sign in to access your portfolio
Reuters
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
Mercedes says no supply chain disruptions after China export concerns
STUTTGART, June 30 (Reuters) - There has been no disruption to production due to limited raw material exports from China at German carmaker Mercedes-Benz ( opens new tab, a senior executive said on Monday. Joerg Burzer, head of production at Mercedes, said the company remained vigilant over supply chain risks, particularly a shortage of rare earths, but had not experienced any issues to date. "There's been no incident so far - I expect it will stay that way," Burzer told reporters, adding that the automaker had a clear view of its supply chain exposure and was prepared to act if necessary. China restricted exports of seven rare earths and related magnets in April in retaliation for U.S. tariffs. But the threat of mass shutdowns across the automotive supply chain is fading as the supply of Chinese rare earth magnets begins to flow again. Mercedes is continuing to assess whether further investment in parts or engine production is needed to support manufacturing in the United States, which would enhance supply chain stability and sustainability, Burzer said.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mercedes-Benz begins using AI robotics to make its cars
Mercedes-Benz is planning the roll-out of humanoid robots and new artificial intelligence (AI) software across its US and European manufacturing lines to streamline processes, increase efficiency and save money. The Apollo robots from American company Apptronik and AI software from Google DeepMind are currently being tested at the car maker's Digital Factory Campus at its factory in Berlin, Germany. Apollo, a bipedal humanoid robot designed to mimic human actions, is being tested for logistics tasks, such as transporting components and assisting workers on the production line. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which are fixed in place and perform repetitive tasks, Apollo is capable of navigating factory floors and handling a variety of different, non-repetitive functions, speeding up manufacturing processes. Mercedes is initially deploying the robot in intra-logistics, moving materials between workstations to support human workers. It has also confirmed an investment of more than £85 million in Apptronik, signalling a deeper partnership that is expected to expand into other areas of manufacturing automation. Jörg Burzer, Mercedes' director of production, quality and supply chain management, told Autocar: 'We're training tasks away from the workforce. We're thinking hard about how we're going to implement it. It's important to choose the right tasks: repetitive and hazardous.' The investment in Apptronik, which has worked closely with NASA since its founding in 2016, allows Mercedes to leverage the company's recently announced partnership with Google and its DeepMind technology. This includes two new AI models: Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics Extended Reasoning. Both models run on Gemini 2.0, which Google describes as its most capable AI model to date, going beyond text and image output into physical action and commands to control robots. The AI-enhanced automation processes are being deployed in Mercedes' quality control and production monitoring, where assistants can analyse production anomalies, detect defects and optimise workflows. 'AI takes over the tasks we enjoy less, giving us time to focus on value-adding activities. It's a huge efficiency gain,' said Burzer. Together with these robotic advancements, Mercedes has also updated its digital production system with new AI-driven software tools, including a revised Chatbot Ecosystem. Although Mercedes operates a global network of manufacturing sites, its initial focus for the introduction of AI and humanoid robots is on its European and American factories. 'We don't have plans to introduce it to China,' Burzer told Autocar when questioned on the geopolitical implications of adopting the new production technology. This step from Mercedes follows other car makers in making similar moves towards integrating next-generation technologies into its manufacturing processes. In 2023, Autocar visited Hyundai's new AI-run factory in Singapore, which also uses robots to undertake many of its everyday tasks. And in 2024, JLR bought a robot dog to patrol its EV facility in Coventry, checking that equipment is working properly. ]]>
