Series production of the new E-Class Cabriolet has started at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. The open four-seater with a classic fabric soft top combines puristic, sensuous design with long-distance comfort for four occupants and the latest technology. This includes comprehensive smartphone integration with a wireless charging and key function, a widescreen cockpit and the latest assistance systems. The market launch is in late summer 2017.
The production start of the new Cabriolet is a milestone for the Bremen production site: within a period of three years, the plant has completely renewed its product range consisting of ten models.
By the end of the decade, the portfolio of vehicles “Made in Bremen” will comprise the full range of intelligent drive systems – from classic combustion engine and plug-in hybrids through to fuel cell and electric vehicles.
In the assembly shop, the new E-Class Cabriolet is produced on the same line as the E-Class Coupé, the C-Class Coupé and the C-Class Cabriolet. During the start-up phase, the Bremen team worked together closely with colleagues from the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen, where the Saloon and Estate models as parts of the product family are produced. The transfer of know-how and experience between the plants has proved successful over several years, and strengthens the bond between the start-up teams. Together, the three-dimensional, virtual assembly of the vehicle was tested in so-called digital workshops, and training courses on the complex special equipment were carried out.
The wide range of features makes the E-Class Cabriolet require production efficiency and flexibility, which is also achieved by using intelligent logistical concepts. Driverless transport systems deliver baskets containing the precise components and parts required for the individual vehicle to the production line, where they are then fitted without the need for intermediate buffering. Thanks to early involvement of the start-up team in vehicle development, the working procedures in production are initially optimised in terms of buildability and ergonomics.
The Bremen team also employs digital communication technologies: the so-called “ Q-Gate”, for example, allows live visualisation of the production stages on the line, making digital quality control processes possible in real time. Besides, the concept of a paperless factory that replaces documentation of the individual working stages on paper is being gradually integrated into the production shops using the latest data transfer methods and new hardware solutions.
