Mercedes-Benz is facing production challenges as it ramps up manufacturing of its new electric GLC at its Bremen plant in Germany, with supply shortages affecting output and extending delivery times for customers, according to a report by German business daily Handelsblatt.
The disruptions have been linked to shortages of battery packs and wiring harnesses, limiting production of the electric SUV despite what the company has described as record early demand.
Handelsblatt Details Supplier Bottlenecks
Mercedes-Benz began ramping up production of the electric GLC in May, building the model on a flexible production line alongside hybrid and internal combustion engine variants.
The automaker previously said the model achieved the strongest order intake of any electric vehicle in the company’s history during its first three months on sale.
However, Handelsblatt, citing company sources, reported that production encountered difficulties during the launch phase. A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson confirmed to the newspaper that the company experienced supply-related challenges involving a limited number of suppliers.
The reported bottlenecks involved battery deliveries from CATL and wiring harnesses supplied by Kromberg & Schubert. Mercedes-Benz said the supply issues have since been resolved and that production is expected to recover, although it remains uncertain whether all lost output can be made up before the end of the year.
Customers Face Longer Delivery Times
According to Handelsblatt, customers currently face waiting times of around six months for the electric GLC because of strong demand combined with the production disruptions.
The newspaper reported that the battery shortages are linked to delays at CATL’s battery plant in Debrecen, Hungary. Initial deliveries from the facility have reportedly been postponed, requiring batteries for European customers to be shipped from China instead.
The longer shipping times associated with ocean freight have placed additional pressure on Mercedes-Benz’s production schedule. The report noted that similar supply arrangements have also affected production of the company’s electric van models built in Spain.
Handelsblatt further reported that the delays at CATL’s Hungarian facility are connected to environmental certification issues, while the shortage of wiring harnesses was linked to severe flooding that reportedly disrupted operations at Kromberg & Schubert’s manufacturing plant in Morocco earlier this year.
Registration Figures Reflect Slow Ramp-Up
The production slowdown is also being reflected in European registration data.
Citing figures from Dataforce, Handelsblatt reported that approximately 3,300 electric GLCs have been registered across Europe since deliveries began on 14 May. By comparison, the newspaper noted that the BMW iX3, which reached customers roughly two weeks earlier, has already recorded nearly 15,500 registrations.
Mercedes-Benz said it is working to increase production as component supplies stabilize and aims to recover output during the remainder of the year.