New A Class In 2011

[hawk20]

NEW A CLASS IN 2011
Mercedes Scouting Romania, Poland for New Plant
According to recent reports, Mercedes is looking at building a new plant in Romania or Poland. The plant would produce the next generation of Mercedes entry level A and B class models which are expected in 2011.

Company insiders say that so far it appears that Romania is the leading candidate where the current labour rate is 3.23 euros, compared to Poland’s 6 euros and Germany’s 42 euros. This is an important figure that plays into the entry level model’s profit margin, one of the reasons the company decided against bringing the B-Class to the United States. Possible locations for the new plant include Jucu, Romania and Cluj where the mayor has already acknowledged having talked to Mercedes.

Production at Germany’s Rastatt plant, which currently produces the vehicles, would also be expanded.
Source: Automotive News

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080212.001/mercedes-scouting-romania-poland-for-new-plant

 

[hawk20]

Can you believe £2 an hour in Romania; and £28 in Germany?

 

[verytalldave]

So can we expect an A class produced in Romania to be £5995 then?

I dont think so.

 

[grober]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?

Can you believe £2 an hour in Romania; and £28 in Germany?

I don't suppose future UK purchasers of a new A class will notice but I'm sure the Mercedes Benz shareholders will appreciate this fact.
Still its vaguely "European" and now a "former " communist dictatorship. At least it's closer than CHINA ------------oh I've said a bad word.

 

[grober]

On a more serious note, it would appear many of the cars from former Soviet block countries manufactured in assembly plants set up by Western European companies and using their advanced technology are getting a reputation for being well screwed together. Skoda--Fabia and Octavia being the prime examples together with Fiat---Panda and the new 500---and the combined Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 107/Citroen C1 city car. So might not be a bad move for Mercedes and the models continued existence might help the new "across model range "emissions due to come into force in the EEC in the future.

 

[hawk20]

So can we expect an A class produced in Romania to be £5995 then?

I dont think so.

Yes: if assembly labour is the only cost of production.