Mercedes-Benz through and through: Production of the new Marco Polo starts in Ludwigsfelde

• For the first time, the new Marco Polo is now manufactured entirely within the Mercedes‑Benz production network
• Production has started at the Mercedes-Benz Ludwigsfelde plant
• Dedicated production hall for the Marco Polo has been put into operation

Mercedes‑Benz has started production of the new Marco Polo at its Ludwigsfelde plant. For the first time in its more than 40-year history, the Marco Polo is being manufactured entirely within the Mercedes‑Benz production network. This underlines the strategic importance of the motorhome business for Mercedes‑Benz.

“From now on, the Marco Polo will be manufactured entirely within the Mercedes‑Benz production network. From production of the V-Class base vehicle in Vitoria through to its conversion in Ludwigsfelde, this special camper van is entirely in our hands. We say, ‘Welcome home, Marco Polo’. And that is exactly the feeling we want to pass on with every vehicle leaving our plant. My thanks go to all colleagues who helped make this successful start of production possible.”
Roberto Lopez Garcia, Managing Director and Plant Manager, Mercedes‑Benz Ludwigsfelde GmbH

Production launch accompanied by new smart features 

Alongside the transfer of production, the Marco Polo gains new features that further enhance comfort and create an even greater sense of being at home. These include improvements to spaciousness, lighting and blackout concepts, as well as acoustics and connectivity. Further details on the new Marco Polo and Marco Polo HORIZON can be found in the accompanying Marco Polo magazine. The new model is already available to order in Germany and other European markets. 

A dedicated production setup for the Marco Polo

The V-Class base vehicle continues to be produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vitoria, Spain, while its conversion into a camper van now takes place at the Mercedes‑Benz plant in Ludwigsfelde. The site has been prepared accordingly. The conversion process covers all key production steps, from the roof cut-out to furniture installation, and takes place in a dedicated production hall equipped with modern production technology. Production operates paperless and was planned digitally. The conversion process itself is supported by efficiently coordinated workflows. In addition, a new flexible conveyor system has been introduced to provide employees with the best possible ergonomic working conditions. Employees at the site have also received comprehensive training tailored to the specific requirements of the new Marco Polo. 
With this fully integrated in-house manufacturing approach, Mercedes-Benz combines high-quality standards with greater flexibility and short delivery times. 

The Mercedes‑Benz Ludwigsfelde plant at a glance

Mercedes‑Benz Vans has been producing vehicles at the Ludwigsfelde site for more than 35 years.
The Mercedes‑Benz Ludwigsfelde plant manufactures the open-body variants of the Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter and eSprinter. In addition, the plant plays a leading role within the Mercedes-Benz Vans production network in the field of innovative production systems.
The Ludwigsfelde plant is currently undergoing a comprehensive transformation. As part of this process, the so-called launch factory for the new Mercedes‑Benz Van Architecture has been established at the site.

Contact Product:
Diana Boch, +49 176 30932601, diana.boch@mercedes-benz.com
Ingeborg Schulenburg-Gärtner, +49 1608670044, ingeborg.schulenburg-gaertner@mercedes-benz.com 

Contact Plant:
Kathrin Fritz, +49 160 8620005, kathrin.fritz@mercedes-benz.com
Tabea Wagener, +49 151 58635768, tabea.wagener@mercedes-benz.com

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 constant innovation and to creating the world’s most desirable cars for customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world’s first automobile in 1886 to the biggest product launch programme in the company’s history that is currently underway. 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 runs 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.