Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Mercedes-Benz East London Plant starts production of the New Generation C-Class

Following on Mercedes-Benz’s rich heritage of over 6 decades in South Africa, the East London Plant has officially started production of the New Generation C-Class. 

Since the investment announcement of R10 billion in 2018, the East London Plant has undergone numerous Plant upgrades in preparation for the production of the new model. 

At an event commemorating the start of production of the New Generation C-Class on 24 June 2021, Mercedes-Benz Cars announced an additional R3 billion investment into the East London plant. A sure sign of commitment and a concerted effort to revive the economic growth of South Africa as well as the socio-economic development of the East London region.

The launch of this new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, positions Buffalo City and the rest of Eastern Cape to continue its legacy of advanced manufacturing.

– Ebrahim Patel Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition

The R10 Billion investment was utilised for a wide modernisation of the East London Plant, including upgrades to a new Body Shop and additional buildings.

“The launch of this new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the latest generation to grace the roads of South Africa and the world, positions Buffalo City and the rest of Eastern Cape to continue its legacy of advanced manufacturing. Through the South African Automotive Masterplan, and the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP), we have created a platform for investment in the industry, deepening our technological expertise, creating local value chains, and securing jobs,”said Ebrahim Patel Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition,

East London Plant Sustainability

Mercedes-Benz is aware of the impact that its activities and products have on the environment, and the Company is addressing this in a holistic way along the entire value chain. With Ambition 2039, Mercedes-Benz strives for a fully networked and completely CO₂neutral vehicle fleet in less than 20 years, aiming to have plug-in hybrids or all-electric vehicles to make up more than 50% of its sales by 2030.

In support of Ambition 2039, locally, the Mercedes-Benz Plant in East London has embarked on numerous initiatives to help preserve the environment for future generations.

The new paint shop is more energy-efficient, reducing energy consumption per vehicle by 25 percent. The new buildings have been equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, which uses up to 90 % less energy per lumen output. 

Through the implementation of energy efficiency measures and the adoption of more efficient technologies and processes, the Plant produces an annual saving of over 16 MWh. This is the equivalent of the annual energy usage for the East London Plant body shop and the buildings of the logistics put together.

Additional plant sustainability initiatives include battery storage containers; rainwater recycling with a water storage of 1 Million Litres; green areas which have been installed on the corridors and the roofs as well as soluble labelling which is being utilised on production parts packaging to minimize waste reduction.

From 2022, the Mercedes-Benz East London Plant along with all own Mercedes-Benz Plants will produce CO2-neutral products. This includes more than 30 passenger car and van plants worldwide and is a further step in the implementation of the Ambition 2039. 

NEW ON THE TARMAC: Meet the all-new Mazda BT-50

Mazda Southern Africa is pleased to announce the local launch of the all-new Mazda BT-50, the third model in a new generation of Mazda vehicles. 

The all-new Mazda BT-50 is fully redesigned from the ground up and units sold in South Africa will be produced in Thailand.

“We could not be prouder or more excited to launch the all-new BT-50 in Southern Africa now, says Craig Roberts, MD of Mazda Southern Africa. “The vehicle has a long history locally, and internationally. It has been re-imagined and re-built from the ground up, with all the utilitarian value of a double-cab bakkie, and all the comfort and technology expected of an SUV. We are confident it will be met with enthusiasm by our customers and media alike, as a true stand-out and another bold reflection on our Japanese Heritage,” he concluded.

EXTERIOR

Mazda’s Kodo – Soul of Motion design language is immediately evident right from the front of the vehicle with the prominent front grille and the 3-dimensional signature wing that extends out towards the side.

We could not be prouder or more excited to launch the all-new BT-50.

– Craig Roberts, MD of Mazda Southern Africa

The design of the headlights is distinct and sharp, taking in cues from Mazda’s SUV range. At first glance, the all-new BT-50 expresses unique power, toughness and appears ready for adventure for working purposes, while appealing to lifestyle customers with its unique design. 

 
INTERIOR

The interior cabin space has been crafted to express Mazda’s commitment to human-centric design. Everything from the dashboard, steering wheel, seats, and center console has been redesigned to ensure that drivers feel connected to their vehicle and are as comfortable as possible. 

As with all Mazda models, the all-new BT-50 comes standard with a generous level of features, including MZD Connect Infotainment System with a 7 or 9-inch display screen, Apple Carplay™ and Android Auto™, Reverse camera, Parking sensors, LED headlamps, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Mitigation, 7 airbags, Cruise Control to name a few. And with its bold stance, the all-new BT-50 will stand ready and proud on the showroom floor next to its Mazda siblings.

3 MODELS IN THE MAZDA BT-50 LINE-UP

The model line-up consists of three derivatives – Active, Dynamic, and Individual, and has been aligned with that of our passenger car range. 

  1. The Active model features a new 1.9L diesel engine with an automatic or manual gearbox, producing 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque. 
  2. The Dynamic and Individual models feature the new 3.0L 6-speed automatic gearbox that produces 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. 
  3. The Individual model is available with the 4×4 drivetrain, whereas all other models are available in the 4×2 drivetrain.