Mercedes-Benz starts production of GLC electric drives units at Romanian plant

Star Assembly, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG, expanded its production portfolio and officially started the assembly of electric drive units for the all-new, fully electric Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Sebeș is the second plant in the global production network to supply the Mercedes-Benz vehicle plants with electric drive units. The production site works closely with the German plant in Untertürkheim, the competence center for drive technologies responsible for producing the units for the new CLA and future models in the Top-End segment.

With the assembly of electric drive units, Sebeș supplies key components to the production of the all-electric GLC, entering series production next year at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany.

Starting next year, Sebeș will also supply the Hungarian Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét with electric drive units, where the new electric C-Class will roll off the production line. Romania’s Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and further public officials visited the Star Assembly plant in Sebeș for the start of production ceremony.

“Producing the electric drive units for the new all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC is an important milestone in the transformation of our plant and underlines the role of Sebeș in the global Mercedes-Benz production network. Investments in the new production scopes enhance the flexibility and thus strengthen its future-readiness. I am proud of the highly engaged and skilled team that will continue its success story with this new high-tech-products.” – Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Production, Quality and Supply Chain Management

“The investments of Mercedes-Benz mean technology transfer, access to markets, jobs and integration of Romanian industry into the European value chain, which lays the foundation for an economy that will generate healthy development for the future. When a company comes to a location, it’s not only about production itself. It also means supporting education and social responsibility. To be a competitive country means to have a qualified workforce. I want to thank and congratulate the team at Star Assembly Sebeș for their significant contribution.” – Ilie Bolojan, Prime Minister of Romania

“Today we took an important step into the future of mobility. This achievement is the result of extensive cooperation, team dedication, flexibility, and expertise. We are proud of our highly skilled workforce and grateful to the local community for their continued support. We also appreciate the authorities’ support for their role in this significant project. Together, these efforts position Sebeș as a vital hub in the global electrification strategy of Mercedes-Benz.” – Gheorghe Achim, CEO of Star Assembly & Star Transmission

Mercedes-Benz invested in a new facility, which spans over 30,000 square meters and integrates both assembly and logistics functions for electric drive unit production. This investment demonstrates the company’s clear commitment to its highly skilled local workforce, the further development of the Alba region, and Romania’s role in the high-tech automotive industry. The project also received approval for state aid support from the Romanian Government. 

Star Assembly, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, is located in Sebeș, Romania, and forms a key part of the company’s global powertrain production network. Since its founding in 2013, the plant has specialized in the assembly of several types of transmissions and already took an important step toward e-mobility in 2020 with the start of hybrid unit production for the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.