Driving New Achievements in “Made in China, for China”

[June 30, 2020, Beijing] The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV rolled off the assembly line at the plant of BBAC recently. The GLA SUV represents a major milestone of BBAC in 2020, and is as well as the first of numerous milestones commemorating BBAC’s 15^th anniversary this year and the deepening local production of the Mercedes-Benz brand.

The locally-produced all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV rolls off the assembly line at BBAC’s plant

In 2015, the first GLA SUV was locally produced. The production launch of the new GLA SUV marks yet another milestone, making BBAC Daimler’s only global joint venture with front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive platforms – in addition to its engine, electric vehicles and battery production. BBAC has become an integral part of Mercedes-Benz Cars global production network.

The locally-produced all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV

Constantly improving manufacturing

At BBAC, quality is ensured at every link in the production process. Making use of a wide range of automated equipment, Internet of Things, big data analysis and other intelligent manufacturing technologies, together with strict quality control, production of the all-new GLA SUV fully meets the highest quality requirements.

In the plant’s welding shop, an intelligent online monitoring system tracks thousands of welding spots and nearly 100 meters of glue seam on the all-new GLA SUV. All data is uploaded to the Mercedes-Benz global quality management system. In addition, the intelligent online measurement technology used in the automatic assembly of doors and the body ensures assembly accuracy to the thousandth decimal point.

Additionally, in order to ensure the corrosion resistance of the GLA SUV, BBAC uses the Ro-dip electrophoresis technology, which can achieve 360° arbitrary rotating immersion of the body, forming a dense and uniform electrophoretic coating inside and outside. Glue is applied to all the gaps of the car body according to images shot by a high precision camera, achieving precise sealing of welding beads.

360° body color detection eliminates blind spots in the inspection process

Dedicated to meeting customer expectations with high Mercedes-Benz standards

BBAC has also continuously introduced and upgraded advanced quality testing equipment. The use of 3D printing technology to transform the door closing force equipment allows for more accurate door closing force measurement, aligning the door closing force with Chinese customers’ habits.

Factory of the Year, the Plant consolidates the foundation of high-end manufacturing

The birthplace in China of the all-new GLA SUV, BBAC’s plant received the “Factory of the Year” award as early as 2017. Today, the plant possesses a digital, flexible and mature intelligent manufacturing system. BBAC is in the process of digitalizing its entire value chain, including R&D, logistics, production and quality.

With intelligent connections between employees, machines and production processes, the plant allows for flexible production. On a single production line, the plant can not only produce multiple vehicle models including cars and SUVs, but also realize the customized production of certain model and certain proportion to fully meet the diversified and personalized needs of customers.

BBAC’s portfolio in production

As the all-new GLA SUV rolls off the assembly line, BBAC has achieved another milestone in 2020, the year in which the company marks its 15^th anniversary. While successfully driving forward the localization of production, BBAC has also demonstrated its responsibility in responding to the challenge of the COVID-19 outbreak. Together with Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales and Service Co., Ltd. (BMBS) and dealers, BBAC donated 30 million yuan in funds through the China Youth Development Foundation Mercedes-Benz Star Fund to support the fight against the epidemic. With the guidance and support of government departments at all levels, and with the joint support of shareholders BAIC Group and Daimler Group, BBAC has resumed production in February while ensuring the health and safety of all employees through effective and scientific measures. BBAC is determined to mark its 15^th anniversary with still more achievements, contributing further to the stable development of Beijing’s economy, Chinese and Beijing’s automobile industry.