Mercedes Begins Production of the E-GLA in Rastatt; Expansion to Follow

Mercedes-Benz Start of Production of the New GLA in Rastatt

2026-09-18 By Thomas Günnel | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

Mercedes has officially begun production of the all-electric version of the GLA in Rastatt (Germnay). In addition, the manufacturer is investing in a new assembly line for the model at the plant.

Ceremonial launch of Mercedes-Benz GLA production in Rastatt; among those in attendance was plant manager Marco Zwick (second from the right).(Source: Thomas Günnel – Automotive Industry) — Ceremonial launch of Mercedes-Benz GLA production in Rastatt; among those in attendance was plant manager Marco Zwick (second from the right).
(Source: Thomas Günnel – Automotive Industry)

Mercedes-Benz has begun series production of the new all-electric GLA. Hybrid models featuring 48-volt technology and an internal combustion engine are set to follow later this year. The car is currently being built in Assembly Hall 4.0. Mercedes is investing “a low three-digit million amount” in the renovation of the adjacent Assembly Hall 4.1. The GLA is scheduled to roll off the assembly line there starting in January 2027, for a period of six to eight years.

For the conversion, Mercedes is using a digital twin to configure and optimize the new production line through digital simulation. This reduces construction time and saves money. As early as 2023, the plant was the first at Mercedes-Benz to use these methods for the conversion of Hall 4.0.

Components from Untertürkheim, Kamenz, and Kuppenheim

The Untertürkheim plant, together with its Mettingen and Hedelfingen facilities, supplies the electric drive units and axles for the new GLA. Specifically: the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission components; as well as the power-transmitting wheel set and other components such as the control system.

Employees in Untertürkheim (Germnay) assemble the components into a complete system. In Mettingen, the electric axles for the GLA are also manufactured as a complete system. The high-voltage batteries for the new GLA are supplied by the subsidiary Accumotive in Kamenz, Saxony. Since 2009, the Kuppenheim plant site—located about ten kilometers away—has been supplying body-in-white components, structural parts, and body panels—now also for the new GLA. Since early 2026, the Kuppenheim plant site has been part of the Rastatt plant from an organizational standpoint.

"It's All Thanks to our Team"

“With the GLA, another model from a completely new generation of vehicles is rolling off the assembly line in Rastatt. The fact that the transformation of our plant and the production ramp-up are going so smoothly is a testament to our team,” said Marco Zwick, Site Manager and Head of Production at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt.

“We tackle challenging tasks with a high level of expertise, flexibility, and passion. I am very proud of the Rastatt team and would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our employees!”

About the Mercedes-Benz Plant in Rastatt

The Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt has been in operation since 1992 and, with approximately 7,000 employees, is the region’s largest employer. The plant manufactures hybrid and all-electric vehicles on the same production line as vehicles with internal combustion engines. In 2025, the plant produced 275,000 cars. A similar production level is planned for this year. According to plant manager Marco Zwick, the plant is operating at full capacity in conjunction with the plant in Kecskemét, Hungary.

Mercedes-Benz is recalling approximately 24,000 vehicles worldwide. (Image:Mercedes-Benz AG)

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