Mercedes-Benz made in Düsseldorf
Mercedes-Benz has been making vans at the Sprinter-Factory for almost 60 years. It is Mercedes-Benz AG’s largest van producing plant worldwide – more than 4.7 million vehicles have been manufactured here to date. Now the corporation is entering a new era with the eSprinter – and thereby showing true commitment to Düsseldorf as its industrial location.
On the 1st of April 1962, more than 58 years ago, the first Mercedes Sprinter L319 rolled off the production line in Düsseldorf. A lot has happened since then. In order to reduce transport energy, major changes are in full swing. Particularly the car industry is faced with big challenges. Mercedes is meeting these with the electric version of one of its best-selling models; the automobile group commenced series production of the Mercedes eSprinter last December, which is not only another move towards the future by the factory, but also for the manufacturer as a whole.
Mercedes-Benz is convinced that electric drive systems are the ‘key technology for the transport of the future.’ The decision to base the manufacture of the eSprinter at the plant in Düsseldorf was fully intentional. The car manufacturer produces all driving system models of the Sprinter in one plant and one production line, which enables it to respond to customers’ wishes and requirements in a flexible manner. “We have modernised the plant extensively in order to integrate the eSprinter production. We have converted the site within one year and invested millions of Euros – clearly showing our commitment to this manufacturing location,” explains Dr Armin Willy, head of the Mercedes-Benz plant Düsseldorf.
“We have modernised the plant extensively in order to integrate the e-Sprinter production.”
Mercedes-Benz regards its commitment to sustainability as one of the key elements of the corporation’s business strategy. This includes the increase of e-vehicles in the product portfolio, the reduction of manufacturing waste and for all plants to be changed to green energy as soon as possible.
E-powered transport is not only an important consideration for corporations, but for society in general. eSprinters are aimed to contribute to a reduction in Co2 emissions in cities by meeting a large range of urban transport needs. Mercedes-Benz sees potential customers in areas like trade, the building industry, passenger transport and of course courier services. E-powered vans are especially well suited to the transport requirements in an urban environment where shorter journeys and particularly those that can be planned ahead require less range.
The shorter range of electric cars is a big issue in the e-car manufacturing industry; according to a study by the DLR (German Centre for Aviation and Space), it is one of the main reasons potential first-time e-drivers choose an automobile with a combustion engine after all. The thought that one might run out of electricity during a journey with no charging station in the vicinity usually weighs against the decision for an electric car. Yet the actual number of charging stations is looking good; more than 12,000 have been registered with the German Federal Network Agency. But the fact remains that electric cars run out of power quicker than petrol or diesel cars with a full tank - and this looks unlikely to change in the near future.
In order to be able to build all the Sprinter's drive systems at one plant and on one production line, Mercedes-Benz has extensively modernized the Sprinter plant and invested several million euros.
However, it should not stand in the way of choosing the more environmentally friendly electric option.
Before you buy a car or van, it makes sense to have a good think about how many miles you really do per day – fact is, that it is often less than you would assume.Mercedes-Benz offers comprehensive advice on which of the two battery packs is the most suitable for each customer’s individual requirements. The eSprinter is available with either a battery capacity totalling 35 kWh with a maximum payload of 1.045 kg – or a battery pack with a total capacity of 47 kWh with a maximum payload of 891 kg. It has a range of 120 km to 168 km.
Dr. Armin Willy, Head of the Mercedes-Benz Plant and responsible for the site.
The transition to electric powered engines will affect demands on workers and their skills within the corporation. Even though the value chain of the manufacturing of electric vans entails less production stages, no professions will disappear for the time being. But tasks and employment profiles will change and shift. To this end, the new technologies also offer new fields of activity, in particular in the areas of development and research.
Mercedes has initiated comprehensive training programmes some time ago in order to prepare its staff for the impending change. The Düsseldorf Sprinter plant has already trained more than 2,300 employees in the use and assembly of high-voltage drive technologies, and more training is planned. For the Daimler AG, the electric car segment is a promising part of the business portfolio. “The changeover of our products and manufacturing processes is essential for us as a car manufacturer. By doing this we have strengthened our plants and by investing into our business we are creating the basis for continuing success, even in economically challenging times,” assures Dr Armin Willy.
“The first half of 2020 was also marked by the COVID 19 pandemic at our Mercedes-Benz plant in Düsseldorf and it had a major impact on our production. Thanks to a comprehensive safety concept, which we drew up together with the works council and occupational safety department, we were able to restart production quickly and safely. We are confident that in the coming weeks and months we will be able to supply customers with our Sprinters and eSprinters from Düsseldorf in the required quantities, quality and flexibility. I would like to thank the team for their flexibility, commitment and responsibility in what is a difficult time for everyone”.•
Mercedes-Benz Werk Düsseldorf
Rather Str. 5
40468 Düsseldorf
Germany
Facts and figures
• The Sprinter plant in Düsseldorf is the largest van plant of Daimler AG worldwide with around 6.600 Employees
• 4,7 million vehicles have been produced here. That equals 700 vehicles per working day.
Words: Katja Vaders
Pictures: PR