A new era for Mercedes-Benz has just begun with the production of the very first EQC all-electric SUV. The EV will roll off the company's factory in Bremen where also the conventional C-Class (sedan and wagon), as well as the GLC and GLC Coupe are assembled. A huge investment in the plant ensures production of vehicles with various powertrains is possible on the same line – a process that can be adapted efficiently according to market demand, Daimler says.
"With the Mercedes-Benz EQC, we are entering a new era of mobility," Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales, comments. "It is part of the growing family of all-electric vehicles at Mercedes-Benz and combines brand-defining features such as quality, safety, and comfort. We offer our customers progressive design and unique ride comfort – and this with a range absolutely suitable for everyday use."
In traditional automobile assembly, the process of coupling the body to the suspension and powertrain is called "marriage." For the production of the EQC, Mercedes introduces a new process called the second "marriage" – it's when the battery pack is installed into the vehicle after the electric motors and the rest of the powertrain system. It's very similar to the installation of an ICE in a conventional car – support arms raise the battery to the SUV's flor from below and an employee monitors the automatic bolting.
The plant in Bremen will also act as the center of competence for the production of EQC in China. In the People's Republic, Mercedes will assemble the electric SUV from later this year through the Beijing Benz Automotive Co joint venture. In the future, the automaker also plans to produce other EQ-branded models in Rastatt (Germany), Sindelfingen (Germany), Tuscaloosa (USA), and Hambach (France). A wholly owned Daimler subsidiary Accumotive delivers the batteries for all EQC vehicles.
