Mercedes Starts Manufacturing Hybrid models in Hungary

The production of the CLA 250 e Coupé and CLA 250 e Shooting Brake hybrid models begins at the Mercedes plant in Kecskemét, southeast of Budapest.

Christian Wolff, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary Ltd. emphasized that "the Kecskemét plant will gradually switch to the use of green energy", so, from 2022, the factory will be practically carbon dioxide-neutral.

He also talked about having to shut down production for five weeks due to the pandemic, but thanks to precautions, production could be restarted in April, which is currently in two shifts, he said. From the first week of August, production will take place in three shifts again. According to Christian Wolff, "the summer break scheduled for August is not another sign of a weakening automotive industry." The production-free period is needed because of another new 'green model'. The introduction of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hybrid model requires a certain changeover. With this move, they will achieve that all their models will be produced with both hybrid and internal combustion engines, the Managing Director added.

Production started at Mercedes-Benz's Kecskemét plant on March 30, 2012. Built for EUR 800 million, the factory's first model was the B-Class, followed in 2013 by the four-door compact CLA and in 2015 by the CLA Shooting Brake. The latter two models are manufactured exclusively here for world markets. The product range has been complemented by the new A-Class since May 2018.