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Mercedes-Benz has begun building the B-Class at its new factory in Kecskemét, Hungary. The factory opened on March 29, and it will also be producing a yet-unnamed four-door coupe version of a next-generation Mercedes compact car. Chairman of the Board at Daimler Dr. Dieter Zetsche, plant manager Frank Klein and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán were on hand to open the factory.
The new Hungarian plant currently employs 2,500 people and will employ 3,000 people by the end of the year. It is a major part of Mercedes 2020 plan to be the world's largest premium automaker by 2020, which it is on track to do.
“With the start of production in Kecskemét, the Mercedes-Benz offensive in the premium compact segment is shifting up a gear. With the production network of the Rastatt and Kecskemét plants, we now have the capacity to meet the demand from many existing – and new – customers in the premium compact segment,” said Zetsche.
Mercedes spent €800 million to build the plant. It will work together with the Mercedes plant in Rastatt, Germany, that will build similar vehicles as Kecskemét. They are linked logistically thanks to a recently opened rail line. Components can be transferred to Hungary by train and finished vehicles are shipped back the same way.
EncyclopediaMercedes-BenzB-ClassB-ClassB200 CDI SE | Engine -- Displacement 122 cu in Top Speed 124 mph Transmission -- Maximum power 138 hp @ 4200 rpm Type Multi-purpose vehicle Fuel Diesel Fuel consumption (combined) 45.23 US MPG | price $ 38.159* based on United Kingdom prices annual ownership cost $ 1.715 |