Mercedes-Benz South Africa has announced that the first example of the locally built Mercedes-AMG C63 sedan has rolled off the assembly line in East London.
Back in March 2017, the local arm of the Stuttgart-based automaker revealed that three Mercedes-AMG products (the C43, C63 and C63 S) would be built alongside the C-Class at its plant in East London, after an investment “in excess of R200-million”.
Benz says the addition of these AMG models to the local production line required the plant to bring in “new infrastructure and technological innovations”, including modifications and additional devices at various stations, specifically on the “engine and trim” assembly lines. The company says it added a new index device, conveyors and axle manipulators and equipment to the assembly process to accommodate production of the V8-powered C63.
And now, after more than 1 700 units of the locally assembled C43 have been exported from South Africa, the first series production example of the C63 has finally been built.
Mercedes-Benz SA claims that the integration of the three new models was “smooth”, with “absolute minimal interruption” to other production in the East London plant.
“The production of the first Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 unit here in East London sees another exciting model added to our current C-Class family and further affirms the status of our plant as a key player in the Daimler global network,” said Andreas Engling, Mercedes-Benz SA CEO and executive director for manufacturing.
“The distinct sportiness and power of the AMG brand is well recognised globally, and we are proud that the C63 model will be exported from our shores to customers all around the world. Following the launch of the Mercedes-AMG C43 model in 2017, the first production unit of the flagship C63 model is another great success for our plant, and is testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees who continue to build world-class products at Mercedes-Benz South Africa,” he added.
