After the lead plant in Rastatt and the Hungarian plant in Kecskemét, our production partner Valmet Automotive has started production of the new A-Class. Within a very short time, our production strategy has enabled us to master the third successful ramp-up of the new A-Class," says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Divisional Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain. Mercedes-Benz is continuing its cooperation with Valmet Automotive with production of the new A-Class in Uusikaupunki, Finland. The previous generation of the A-Class has already been rolled off the assembly line there since 2013. In Uusikaupunki the A-Class is flexibly produced on the same line together with the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Extensive conversion work was carried out at the Uusikaupunki plant for the ramp-up of the new A-Class in the body shop as well as in the paint shop and the assembly areas. "We have focused on preparations to secure a fast launch and a high volume production run.