Triple series launch at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen: Successful ramp-up of the facelifted S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and the EQS

• Three product launches at a single factory within just three months – a magnificent achievement by the Sindelfingen team members
• Start of production of the new models underscores the plant’s innovative strength and represents a clear commitment to Germany as an industrial location
• As a centre of excellence for vehicle manufacturing in the top-end segment, Sindelfingen is spearheading future production technologies
• Local value creation and a trusting partnership with regional authorities form the basis of this success

Mercedes‑Benz is celebrating the successful ramp-up of three of its new top-end models – the S‑Class, Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class and EQS – at its Sindelfingen site, together with representatives from local politics. The successful launch of series production for three models within three months demonstrates the high level of skill and performance of the Sindelfingen workforce. Thanks to maximum flexibility, all three top-of-the-range models are produced on a single line at Factory 56, regardless of whether they are fully electric or feature a modern high-tech hybrid drive. Production volumes can be adapted quickly and flexibly to market demand.

With this three-fold ramp-up, the company is once again underlining its clear commitment to Germany and to the region as an industrial location. Factory 56 at the Mercedes‑Benz plant in Sindelfingen continues to serve as a prime example of highly flexible, digitalised and innovative production. Through continuous investment in innovative manufacturing technologies and efficient processes, the company is sustainably strengthening the site’s competitiveness and making a significant contribution to securing and developing jobs in the region for the long term.

“The successful ramp-up of our three updated top-end models at Factory 56 – one of the most modern assembly sites in the world – impressively illustrates what our success is based on: innovative products, exceptional teams and forward-looking production. In doing so, we’re strengthening Sindelfingen as a global centre of excellence for the production of vehicles in the top-end segment and underlining our commitment to Germany as an industrial location.” 
Michael Schiebe, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, responsible for Production, Quality and Supply Chain Management

“Days like this fill me with pride. Pride in our colleagues who, day in and day out, give their all with passion, a pioneering spirit and support of each other to build some of the world’s most desirable cars. They are the backbone of this site and play a key role in the success of the company and its vehicles. It’s a great privilege to be able to work at this site.” 
Sara Gielen, Head of Production and Site Manager at the Mercedes‑Benz Sindelfingen plant

“2026 is a year of milestones for Mercedes‑Benz and Sindelfingen: 111 years of site history and three successful series launches in a very short time. This is above all down to the efforts of our colleagues – they deserve the utmost respect for this. Together, we’re positioning Sindelfingen strongly for the future and securing good jobs beyond the region. With our ‘Sindelfingen 2020+ Vision’, we’re setting the right course early on – Factory 56 demonstrates that cutting-edge production and good working conditions go hand in hand.” 
Ergun Lümali, Chairman of the General Works Council of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG and Chairman of the Works Council at the Mercedes‑Benz Sindelfingen site 

Factory 56 assembly hall – flexible, digital, efficient and sustainable

Factory 56 embodies the future of production at Mercedes‑Benz and has been setting new standards for the automotive industry since its opening in 2020. In the two TecLines, the traditional assembly line has been replaced by automated guided vehicles (AGVs) – a total of more than 400 AGVs are in use at Factory 56. In addition to these innovative production technologies, artificial intelligence and the Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS) are utilised in the hall. All assembly stations are integrated into MO360, the digital ecosystem of Mercedes‑Benz production. This means that all production data is accessible to every employee in real time via the MO360 data platform.

Local-for-local: the electric drive components of the new EQS come from the Untertürkheim plant, 20 km away

As a global company with more than 30 plants worldwide, Mercedes‑Benz fundamentally pursues a ‘local-for-local’ strategy. In particular, the local production of powertrain components such as traction batteries is a crucial element of meeting global demand for electrified vehicles flexibly and efficiently. For instance, the high-performance battery of the new electric EQS is produced at the battery factory in the Hedelfingen section of the plant. The Untertürkheim plant supplies Sindelfingen with the electric drive unit as well as the axles. A logistical advantage arises from short transport distances: the electric drive components manufactured at the Untertürkheim plant are transported to Factory 56, some 20 kilometres away, and delivered there directly to the assembly lines as required and flexibly using automated guided vehicles.

Employee skills as the key to a successful ramp-up

As with any new model, part of the preparatory phase for the model update was devoted to training staff for their new roles. This includes training in the use of AI-driven applications which will support production processes in future. Modern, ergonomically optimised workstations and the innovative “blue-sky architecture,” which allows staff to work in natural daylight, simplify daily routines while saving energy. Support from digital applications and automated processes complements the workflows and contributes to an efficient and attractive production environment. 

Sustainable production with a holistic approach

In line with Ambition 2039, Factory 56 is designed to be carbon-neutral¹ in terms of its carbon footprint and boasts significantly reduced energy consumption. This is made possible, among other things, by its innovative energy concept featuring a photovoltaic system, a direct-current network and energy storage based on reused vehicle batteries.

Fulfilling exclusive customer requests thanks to the MANUFAKTUR offering onsite

Once customers have configured their dream car at the Centre of Excellence in Sindelfingen, individual components of the vehicle are manufactured at the on-site MANUFAKTUR facility using intricate precision and handcrafting.

In the new MANUFAKTUR Studio, they can then experience first-hand how the vehicle is fitted out according to their individual wishes. Both locations combine craftsmanship, attention to detail and state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies to bring individual or even bespoke vehicle dreams to life. The innovative matrix production system in the MANUFAKTUR Studio enables the flexible customisation of up to 20 vehicles per day, regardless of the model range.

Mercedes‑Benz Anniversary Year “140 Years of Innovation”

Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorised carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes‑Benz has dedicated itself to constantly innovate and to create the world’s most desirable cars for customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world's first automobile in 1886 to today's intelligent and safe electric vehicles, like the all-new GLC and the award-winning all-new CLA. With the new S‑Class, the company continues the biggest product launch programme in its history. With its passion for performance and pioneering power, excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service, the brand has consistently shaped the future of mobility. The result goes well beyond engineering achievement – it creates the unmistakable feeling that leads through everything Mercedes‑Benz does: Welcome home.

Mercedes‑Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by driving three new S‑Class saloons on a trans-continental journey to 140 locations worldwide. Each place highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and worldwide presence. Along the way customers, fans and colleagues will get to join in the celebrations - on an epic adventure that will run until October. Follow the “140 Years. 140 Places” drive across six continents on our “140 years of innovation | Mercedes‑Benz Media” special and via the Mercedes‑Benz Community.

¹In accounting terms, ‘carbon neutral’ means that CO₂ emissions at Mercedes-Benz that cannot be avoided or reduced are offset through certified carbon offset projects.