Production delays for the new Mercedes-Benz electric GLC due to a shortage of components

Mercedes-Benz is having trouble ramping up production of the new electric GLC at its Bremen plant. According to a recent report, the shortage of key components, such as batteries and wiring harnesses, has slowed the pace of production, which has resulted in a notable delay in deliveries of this highly anticipated SUV from the German manufacturer.

In May, the company announced the start of series production of this model in Bremen, where it is assembled on a flexible line alongside hybrid and combustion versions. The Stuttgart-based brand has on several occasions highlighted strong demand for the vehicle. In fact, in its first three months, the electric GLC received more orders than any other electric model in the company’s history.

However, complications have arisen during the production ramp-up. A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz has acknowledged problems with a small number of suppliers. The main bottlenecks are apparently occurring in the supply of batteries from CATL and in the wiring harnesses from Kromberg & Schubert.

Why has this situation arisen?

In the case of the batteries, CATL’s new production plant in Hungary has suffered delays related to stricter environmental certifications imposed by the new Hungarian government. This has forced batteries to be shipped from China by sea, a much slower process. It should be noted that this situation is also affecting electric commercial vehicle production at the Spanish plant in Vitoria.

On the other hand, the problems with the wiring harnesses originated at the Kromberg & Schubert plant in Morocco, which was damaged by flooding in the spring.

These difficulties have directly impacted customers, who currently have to wait around six months to receive their vehicle. Although Mercedes-Benz claims that the problems have already been resolved and that it plans to recover the lost production in a short period of time, it is still unclear whether it will be able to meet its targets before the end of the year.

As might be expected, registration data reflects this situation. Since deliveries began on 14 May, only around 3,300 electric GLCs have been registered in Europe. By comparison, the BMW iX3, which went on sale two weeks later, has already accumulated nearly 15,500 registrations.