Mercedes-Benz starts production of new GLB model in Hungary

Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new GLB model at its Kecskemet plant in Hungary on Monday (January 19), marking the start of production for what the company calls its largest product offensive in history.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and Mercedes board member Michael Schiebe ceremonially activated production by placing LED columns that turned green to signal the launch.

The German automaker plans to produce more than 40 different models over the next three years globally, with the Hungarian facility playing a key role in this expansion.

"With the start of production of the new GLB, a new chapter of the Kecskemet plant actually begins here," Schiebe said during the ceremony.

The plant will produce both traditional and hybrid variants of the GLB on the same flexible production line, using artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve efficiency.

Schiebe emphasised that all production at the facility will be based on a net carbon-neutral vehicle production process.

Szijjarto highlighted Hungary's automotive ambitions, noting that the Kecskemet facility is now the country's largest car factory and the second-biggest Mercedes plant worldwide.

The plant's capacity will soon reach 350,000 cars per year, supporting Hungary's strategic goal of manufacturing one million vehicles annually.

The ceremony comes as Mercedes-Benz relocates production of its entry-level A-class series from Germany to Hungary, taking advantage of lower production costs and flexible manufacturing capabilities at the Hungarian site.

Production: Krisztina Fenyo, Malgorzata Wojtunik/Reuters