Digital, efficient and future-oriented: Vitoria plant starts series production of the VLE

• Mercedes-Benz Vans starts series production of the all-new electric Mercedes-Benz VLE at the Vitoria plant
• Mercedes-Benz is driving the transformation of the Vitoria site and, with VLE production now underway, is underlining its successful further development into a highly modern, sustainable and strategically central production hub for the next generation of vans
• The VLE is the first vehicle based on the specially developed, modular and drivetrain-flexible Van Architecture, and marks the beginning of a new era of Grand Limousines

Today, Mercedes-Benz celebrates the start of series production of the Mercedes-Benz VLE at its Vitoria plant in Spain with a special event. In addition to Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, and Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, the ceremony was attended by Jordi Hereu, Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, and Imanol Pradales, President of the Basque Autonomous Community. Mercedes-Benz is thus underlining the industrial, strategic and regional significance of the production site, making the transformation of the Vitoria plant one of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ most significant industrial future projects in Europe. 

The start of production marks an important milestone and, at the same time, the beginning of a new phase for Mercedes-Benz Vans in Vitoria. With the VLE, the Vitoria site is, for the first time, manufacturing a vehicle based on the newly developed, modular and scalable Van Architecture. In future, this architecture will form the technological basis for the entire Mercedes-Benz Vans product portfolio – in both the private and commercial sectors. The Vitoria plant is therefore the first site in Mercedes-Benz’s global production network to build the new VLE in series. The Fuzhou plant in China will follow at the end of the year, producing vehicles specifically for the Chinese market. 

The new Mercedes-Benz VLE: Redefining space in a new era

The Mercedes-Benz VLE, which celebrated its world premiere in March, combines the best of two worlds: the ride comfort and driving dynamics of a limousine with the spaciousness, versatility and flexibility of an MPV. Thanks to its high efficiency, new 800-volt technology and ultra-fast charging, the redefined Grand Limousine is suitable for a wide range of applications, setting new standards with up to eight seats and a range of more than 700 kilometres (WLTP) ^{1, 2}. 

In addition, the intelligent Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) takes the Mercedes‑Benz experience to an entirely new level. It controls all areas – from assistance and infotainment through to driving performance. 

“The VLE shows how we drive innovation at Mercedes-Benz: fast, focused and with the highest quality ambition. We developed this vehicle in a very short time, enabled by a digital development approach, strong, cross functional international teams, and the Vitoria plant, which turns the Mercedes promise into reality on the road.”
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Group AG 

Vitoria plant successfully transformed

The start of series production of the VLE is an important step in the comprehensive transformation of the Vitoria plant – one of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ largest industrial future projects in Europe. Extensive investments in the new body shop, paint shop and assembly areas, as well as modernised logistics and IT structures, now enable highly flexible, multi-powertrain production on one line – digital, efficient and future-oriented. The comprehensive transformation of the site took place while existing models, including the V‑Class, Vito and eVito, continued to be produced. 

The site is therefore playing a key strategic role within Mercedes-Benz Vans’ global production network. In addition to the all-new electric VLE, further models based on the new architecture will also be produced here in future. The start of series production of the VLE thus strengthens the long-term competitiveness and future viability of the Vitoria site and underlines Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to the region. 

“As a Grand Limousine, the new VLE is a perfect companion for a wide range of use cases – from a flexible vehicle for families and leisure-oriented customers to exclusive shuttle services. With the start of production of the VLE in Vitoria, we are now entering a new era. The team is highly motivated to get started now and to do genuine pioneering work with the VLE. I am very proud that the site has implemented the extensive preparations in a very short time. It’s an impressive demonstration of our team’s high level of expertise and flexibility.”
Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans 

The successful transformation of the site is due in no small part to the high degree of flexibility and commitment shown by its workforce of approximately 5,000 direct employees. This commitment also forms the foundation for the successful ramp-up of the VLE. Through more than 160 training programmes, employees were prepared for new technologies, materials, IT standards, and processes. National and international qualification and training measures are ensuring quality, stability and an excellent start to series production. 

“The start of series production of the VLE fills me with great pride, especially when I look at our team. The successful transformation of our plant and the series ramp-up are the result of the daily commitment of our employees, who handle demanding tasks with a high level of expertise, flexibility and passion. They have carried this transformation and are making Vitoria a strong site for the future of Mercedes-Benz Vans.”
Bernd Krottmayer, Plant Manager, Mercedes-Benz Vitoria 

Sustainability in production at Mercedes-Benz Vans

In addition to digitalisation and qualification, sustainability in production also plays a central role. The Mercedes-Benz VLE and its production in Vitoria are designed to support a resource-conserving and low-emission production approach. The Vitoria plant has already been carbon-neutral on balance since 2022 ³. Electricity from renewable energy sources, geothermal energy and waste heat from body construction and the paint shop are used. All new buildings at the site comply with the Zero-Emission Building Standard (ZEB). In addition, a photovoltaic system has been installed, contributing to the site’s own supply of renewable electricity.  

A further step is the largely electrically operated and flexibly designed paint shop, which will begin operations in autumn 2026. It will also operate with lower direct CO₂ emissions than conventional paint processes – both the entire building operation and the production process are covered exclusively by electrical energy from renewable sources, with fossil energy sources dispensed with entirely. With these measures, Mercedes-Benz Vans is continuing to advance the Vitoria site and strengthen the efficiency and environmental performance of its van production. In addition, optimised processes and technological innovations, including in battery production, help to reduce the CO₂ footprint.

¹ The stated values were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) measurement procedure. The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a passenger car depend not only on the efficient use of the fuel or respective energy source by the vehicle, but also on the driving style and other non-technical factors.

² The actual range depends on numerous factors, in particular the individual driving style, environmental conditions, the ageing process of the battery

³ Carbon-neutral on balance means that CO₂ emissions at Mercedes-Benz that are not avoided or reduced are offset through certified compensation projects.