Mercedes-Benz celebrates 110 years in Thailand with new production line for C300 BlueTEC Hybrid

The automaker yesterday hosted a special “The Endless Journey of Silver Star” event to celebrate the anniversary.
To commemorate the occasion and sustain the German auto giant’s status as a top innovator in eco-friendly automobiles, guests and members of the press were invited to Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant in Samut Prakan to see the new CKD production line for the C300 BlueTEC Hybrid.
This production line is Thailand’s first for the C-Class hybrid cars and more than Bt650 million was invested to expand the overall production capacity of Mercedes’ CKD passenger cars to cope with increasing demand.
Michael Grewe, president and chief executive of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand), said: “Since 1905, when the first unit of Mercedes was shipped to Thailand for the use of the Bureau of the Royal Household, Mercedes-Benz has become a long-standing automotive brand in Thailand. For 110 years, we have always conducted our business with the same, unshakeable ‘The Best’ brand vision.
“In 2014, Mercedes-Benz was market leader among the premium manufacturers in Thailand for the 14th consecutive year. This brand vision now also includes the concept of eco-friendly vehicles, and we are the first to introduce the diesel hybrid technology, marketed as the BlueTEC Hybrid, to Thai customers. In fact, our local production plant has been producing the E-Class BlueTEC Hybrid since 2013 and our factory later began production of the S-Class BlueTEC Hybrid in 2014.
“As the hybrid powertrain is proven to significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon-dioxide emission, we spent Bt650 million last year to increase our production capacity for all CKD models. This major upgrade is part of our preparations for the production of our future BlueTEC Hybrid models,” he added.
“This year, we will officially present our new production line for the C300 BlueTEC Hybrid, a new premium hybrid model which will complete our contemporary luxury category. This new production line reflects our progress in automotive innovation and is a part of our 110th-year milestone in Thailand.
“With the new investment, the overall production capacity of Mercedes’ CKD passenger cars will increase to meet rising demand. A large part of this successful expansion can be attributed to the robust support from Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant, the long-standing production partner of Mercedes-Benz Thailand, which strictly runs the assembly operation of Mercedes-Benz cars at the reputable production standards of Daimler AG [the German holding company],” Grewe said. “In Thailand, Mercedes-Benz is the only premium automotive brand that has CKD lines to wholly produce cars with diesel hybrid engines. Three key production steps for BlueTEC Hybrid CKD cars produced by Mercedes-Benz in Thailand are body shop, paint and final assembly.
“The body of our diesel hybrid CKD models is made with a composite material which combines ultra-high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium. The paints used with our BlueTEC Hybrid CKD models are under Mercedes-Benz’ body-paint standard. In the final-assembly process, the installation of our proprietary BlueTEC Hybrid technology is done with ultimate precision,” he added.

Locally-made parts
“Well over 40 per cent of parts used to assemble our BlueTEC Hybrid cars also come from local auto-parts producers. These locally made parts must meet all production standards of Daimler in Germany. The delivery of the CKD version of the C-Class BlueTEC Hybrid should start in April,” said the head of Mercedes-Benz’ Thai operations.
On the new C-Class BlueTEC Hybrid, Martin Schulz, vice president of sales and marketing, elaborated: “The new C-Class BlueTEC Hybrid, latest from the C-Class, enhances the ‘contemporary luxury’ hybrid diesel category’s portfolio. With two exciting models – the C300 BlueTEC Hybrid AMG Dynamic and C300 BlueTEC Hybrid Estate AMG Dynamic, both equipped with hybrid technology – the cars come with an excellent power-control system, which runs on a four-cylinder diesel engine with an electric motor.
“The automatic transmission ensures smooth driving operation, saving on fuel consumption and reduced pollution every time you slow down or stop the car. The electric motor acts as a generator to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy stored in the lithium-ion battery. When energy is required for the motor, this is converted back to AC as it leaves the battery. These new vehicles also pass the stringent emission standards for light-duty vehicles [Euro 6].
“For exterior design, the new C-Class BlueTEC Hybrid represents a bold departure from its predecessor, with its striking and dynamic design portraying clarity and arousing emotions. Modern aesthetics inspired the car’s sensuous lines and surfaces, with the easily sensed harmony and dynamism in it.
“The C300 BlueTEC Hybrid Exclusive features a classic saloon chrome radiator grille, while the C300 BlueTEC Hybrid AMG Dynamic gets a sporty grille with a central star in the centre, as well as other key features including AMG aerodynamic kit. The interior has been meticulously designed to offer the highest level of luxury and comfort, but at the same time strongly maintaining a sporty finish.
“Its one-piece centre console panel sweeps to the armrest, creating a modern and purist feel. An innovative touchpad in the hand rest provides simple and intuitive operation of all head-unit functions, such as the MB Audio 20, through finger movements,” he said.