Mercedes plant in Vitoria enters electric age with VLE model
The German company has chosen the Alavesa factory to start global production of its new electric vehicle, a model it considers key to the company's industrial future.
The Mercedes-Benz plant in Vitoria-Gasteiz has begun the serial production of the new VLE vehicle, which the company has presented as "the beginning of a new era", as a "cornerstone" of the distribution of vans and future strategy. The event was attended by the President, Imanol Pradales, the Minister of Industry and Tourism of the Spanish Government, Jordi Hereu, and the leaders of the German multinational.
Mercedes-Benz has highlighted that the Alavesa factory is the world's first serial VLE production plant . The vehicle is based on the new modular platform Van Architecture, which will become the technological base of the brand's next generation of models.
At the event, the president of Mercedes-Benz Group, Ola Källenius, said the VLE is the company's commitment to innovation and electrification. According to him, the model has been developed in record time thanks to the work of international teams and the role of the Alavesa plant.
Importance of the project
The start of manufacturing at the Vitoria-Gasteiz facility comes after several years of industrial transformation in which investments have been made in new body, paint and assembly areas, as well as modernizing logistics and technological systems, changes that Mercedes-Benz says allow for more flexible, digital and prepared production for different propulsion systems.
The multinational believes that the VLE strengthens the competitiveness and long-term viability of the plant, where some 5,000 people work , and that other models developed in Vitoria on this new architecture will also be manufactured in the future.
The VLE, presented in March, combines the characteristics of the berline and minivan, can carry eight passengers and offer a range of more than 700 kilometres , according to data provided by the manufacturer. The vehicle has an electric architecture of 800 volts and ultra-light charging systems.
Mercedes-Benz says the launch of VLE production consolidates the Vitoria plant as one of the most important industrial projects for the future of the company in Europe and reaffirms its commitment to maintain and develop its activity in the Basque Country.
Third round starting in July
The multinational believes that the VLE has strengthened the competitiveness and long-term viability of the plant, where some 5,000 people work, and that other models developed in Vitoria on this new architecture will be developed in the future.
In response to the increase in production, Mercedes-Benz will introduce a third round starting on July 13. The company plans to combine permanent and temporary workers to adjust manufacturing capacity to market demand.
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