Mercedes-Benz is planning to expand the production of its new GLC SUV by manufacturing the cars at its contract manufacturer’s facility in Uusikaupunki, Finland.
Valmet Automotive is Finnish contract manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz and the production of the car is expected to begin in 2017.
Currently, the GLC is being produced at Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany, and the plant will offer support to Valmet Automotive to ramp-up the production of the mid-range SUV.
Mercedes-Benz member of the divisional board Cars Dr. Klaus Zehender said: "With Valmet Automotive we have an established and reliable partner offering state-of-the-art technology.
"We have been producing the A-Class there since 2013. We aim to continue this success story with the GLC."
The 2016 GLC is 4.7 inches longer, 2.0 inches wider, and 0.3 inch taller than its predecessor and the GLC300 model is powered by 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, capable of producing 241hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
According to Mercedes- Benz, the rising demand for the GLC triggered the company to expand its production.
The automaker also said that the utilization of Mercedes' Bremen plant's capacity has been high which is why the it decided to make use of Valmet's Finnish plant.
Mercedes-Benz Cars member of the divisional board Markus Schfer said: "Working with contract manufacturers is an important factor in our global production strategy at Mercedes-Benz Cars.
"We respond flexibly to the level of demand in our markets, and can satisfy our customers' preferences more rapidly."
Image: Mercedes Benz GLC SUV. Photo: courtesy of Daimler AG.
