Mercedes and the emerging markets

Mercedes has announced it will proceed with the installation of M-Class and GL outside the Tuscaloosa plant in the U.S. in three units in India, Thailand and Indonesia.

Later this year, the final assembly of the Mercedes-benz M-Class, using SKD kits, acronym for semi-knocked-down, ie full body and other vehicle components, will begin in each of these markets. The kits are produced in Tuscaloosa, prepared for shipment and sent to the factory for final assembly.

After the start of production of the M-Class Mercedes in India, Thailand and Indonesia later this year, the first units of the new GL-Class produced from SKD kits will leave the assembly line in India and Indonesia during 2013.

The local assembly include SKD current system in Egypt (Classes C, E, S and GLK), India (C, E and S, which will be added soon the M and GL), Indonesia (C, E and S); Malaysia (C, E and S), Thailand (C, E and S), and Vietnam (C, E, and GLK).