[parker]

Mercedes is going back to Brazil. They're expected to announce plans to return to Brazilian production in 2016. They plan to set up a plant in Sao Paulo to assemble the C-Class and GLA.

It looks like GLA and CLA production are going to spread globally to service their respective markets. Although Mercedes said recently they are still mulling Mexican production of the GLA. Mercedes is considering moving C-class production to Tuscaloosa so its possible GLA does roll down the same line. However with C-class moving to Tuscaloosa it doesn't seem so far fetched that Nissan could be building the 4 pots at their Tennessee engine facility.

The GLA like the CLA will be different in each market. A German CLA/GLA will not be the same as an American CLA/GLA....

http://origin-www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-01/mercedes-said-to-announce-brazil-plant-for-c-class-gla.html

 

[alcatraz]

What exactly are the differences between the American and German versions of the CLA and GLA? Is it just the engines, or is there anything to do with options or design?

 

[AMGz]

What exactly are the differences between the American and German versions of the CLA and GLA? Is it just the engines, or is there anything to do with options or design?

I would be surprised the american version has more cup holders and bigger cup holders.

 

[Cocles]

What exactly are the differences between the American and German versions of the CLA and GLA? Is it just the engines, or is there anything to do with options or design?

Yellow fender lights on each side.

No, but seriously... we're basically talking tweaks here, but expect some purists to tell you that anything not made in Germany will explode the moment a fly hits your windshield.

 

[AkaCarioca]

German versions always have a diesel option while USA do not.

 

[Sweet Tooth]

So I have read that the reason behind this decision was to avoid rising taxes on imported cars, and to also keep up with BMW and Audi, which are also planning to assemble cars in Brazil. I take it that Brazil is a big market for MB? Otherwise I can't see why Mercedes would want to bypass import taxes.

 

[carbonfiber]

brazil produces alot of fine and sexy items

cars? not too sure.

 

[4-matic]

brazil produces alot of fine and sexy items

cars? not too sure.

Considering how happy their workers would be since they get those fine and sexy items I think build quality would be good.
Mercedes just needs to be strict on who they hire and the training they put them through, if all goes well, we shouldn't be worried.

 

[Frayzer]

I wouldn't be to worried its just about managing the workers and having them meet strict guidelines and regulations. It would be a shame to have cheaper labour just to ruin your reputation over money.

 

[butterfield]

the biggest diff is Quality Control. No one in the world does Quality Control like German manufacturers, ok well maybe the Japanese...

The only thing that has me a touch worried about GLA production is that the Euro CLA's were built perfectly, but the NA CLA's have all shown up with door gaps and trunk gaps. NA and Euro CLAs, as far as i know, are not produced in the same factory.

So yes minor tweaks, but major differences in worker mindset, culture and quality control.

 

[carbonfiber]

what cars are made at this plant?

 

[butterfield]

what cars are made at this plant?

Its a completely new plant for Brazil, but rumors have the C-class and GLA being produced there. I'm not sure which markets the factory would service however...

 

[Adolini]

Majority of cars were made in Mexico but I think now manufacturers are ventering to brazil.

 

[Bplayer]

The only thing that has me a touch worried about GLA production is that the Euro CLA's were built perfectly, but the NA CLA's have all shown up with door gaps and trunk gaps. NA and Euro CLAs, as far as i know, are not produced in the same factory.

So yes minor tweaks, but major differences in worker mindset, culture and quality control.

This could be due to using a different suppliers for the panels, but it does come down to quality control where parts should be rejected if not up to spec.

 

[Frayzer]

Well maybe its time to look for another supplier from what I read in the the mish miash CL door panels nobody is happy about them.

 

[AMGz]

Well maybe its time to look for another supplier from what I read in the the mish miash CL door panels nobody is happy about them.

i think you mean CLA?
CL's being much higher up would probably have better quality control. It surprised me to see that big door panel gap on the CLA's, it's the last place anyone thinks to look on a car but now we should learn to become more aware of things.

 

[Katvin78]

Some are just to excited and look past things and then you have the more intense guys that look at ever inch and crevice.