Mercedes-Benz Group is set to invest more than US$2 billion (RM8.67 billion) in collaboration with local Chinese partners to broaden its range of vehicles in China, as reported by Car News China. This substantial investment will see over US$1.4 billion (RM6.07 billion) dedicated to expanding passenger vehicle operations and US$550 million (RM2.38 billion) focused on light commercial vehicles.
The expansion involves producing new models within China through existing joint ventures. Passenger vehicles will be manufactured by Beijing Benz, a partnership with BAIC, while light commercial vehicles will come from Fujian Benz, a joint venture with BAIC and Fujian Motor Company.
The investment plans include launching new passenger vehicles built on the MMA platform, beginning with the fully electric, long-wheelbase CLA next year. The CLA Concept introduced last year is expected to represent a range of entry-level, all-electric vehicles.
Additionally, the long-wheelbase GLE SUV, designed specifically for the Chinese market, will be produced. This model, which focuses on rear seat comfort and advanced technology, will be the first developed by Mercedes-Benz’s China-based R&D team.
Fujian Benz will use its investment to produce a new luxury electric MPV, based on the VAN.EA platform. This scalable electric architecture will underpin all future medium- and large-sized light commercial vans.
Mercedes-Benz is also advancing its software capabilities with MB.OS, an in-house developed architecture set to debut next year. This new system will feature an upgraded MBUX virtual assistant with three-dimensional graphics and advanced language models, alongside a comprehensive smart-driving system tailored to the Chinese market.