The new A-Class
In March this year the new A-class celebrated the world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. Up to 18 inches lower than the previous model, the new generation displays a sporty, confident character. As the world's first automobile manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz has completely integrated digital and phone communication and functionality in the telematics concept of the W 176 generation. The new petrol and diesel engines are now more fuel efficient and meet any power requirements. They can be combined with the new six-speed manual gearbox or with the optional automatic transmission with double clutch transmission 7G-DCT. The new A-Class is the first car in its segment to feature a standard radar-based collision warning system with ADAPTIVE BRAKE ASSIST, which decreases the chances of a collision. The first units will be delivered to clients beginning with September 2012.
About the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt
The Rastatt plant was officially inaugurated in 1992, with the E-Class being the first model to be assembled there until 1996. From 1997 onwards, the facility was established as a production site for the new A-Class. Prior to 2004, when the second generation came into force, around 1.1 million compact Mercedes-Benz premium models were sold to clients all over the world. Moreover, the current A-Class series appealed to more than one million customers and, in addition, beginning with 2005, the B-Class was also introduced in the production portfolio of the Rastatt factory. This niche vehicle, marketed as a compact sports tourer, became instantly popular, with total sales exceeding 700,000 units. Therefore, the Rastatt plant is unanimously recognized as a competence center for the construction of compact cars from Mercedes-Benz.
Starting September 2011, the new B-Class (W 246) was introduced in the range. Currently, preparations are being made at Rastatt to welcome the new A-Class, which is celebrating the world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. The new generation of Mercedes-Benz premium compact cars further includes three more sporty, emotional models, including a coupe and an SUV. The five new models will be built in a comprehensive production network comprising the Rastatt plant and the new facility in Kecskemét, Hungary. Three of the five models will be assembled at Rastatt.
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