Everything points to Mercedes-Benz keeping production of the new-generation GLA in Rastatt

Mercedes-Benz will unveil the third generation of its successful compact SUV, the GLA, at the end of this month. The global presentation is scheduled for July 29, according to the latest reports. This new model will mark an important step in the brand’s strategy, as with the new GLA the German manufacturer will launch a new approach that starts with fully electric versions and then moves on to those that incorporate a combustion engine, even if only as a support.

The new GLA will be built on the MMA modular platform –Mercedes Modular Architecture-, the same one already used by the CLA. It will arrive first in a fully electric version this same year, and from 2027 onwards we will see plug-in hybrid versions with petrol engines. The new-generation GLA will thus succeed both the current combustion-engined GLA and the electric EQA, consolidating the brand’s offering in the premium compact SUV segment.

Mercedes-Benz maintains its confidence in its German plant specialising in compact models

Good news for the future of the Rastatt plant in Germany and for the employees who work there is that production of the new GLA will remain at these facilities. This had previously been in doubt due to production cost considerations. The fact that the CLA, also based on the MMA architecture, is already in production at this same plant, and that this latest model shares synergies with the GLA, has probably been a decisive factor in making this decision.

The Rastatt plant has an annual production capacity of around 200,000 vehicles. While production of models such as the A-Class and B-Class is gradually being moved to Hungary, the CLA and GLA will become the pillars of local production. The CLA, in particular, is currently produced on three shifts and is in strong demand: in Germany alone, more than 16,800 units were sold in the first half of the year.

The new GLA will reach the market this autumn and will begin rolling off the assembly lines at the Rastatt plant shortly before that. It remains to be seen whether the future successor to the A-Class, which will position itself as the brand’s entry-level model, will also be produced at this same German plant.