According to Automobilwoche, citing company sources, the next-generation GLA will continue to be built at Mercedes-Benz’s Rastatt plant. Mercedes has sold its smallest SUV under the GLA name since 2013. Following a model update in 2020, the next generation is now set to debut.
The new GLA will be based on the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) and launch as an electric model, with petrol-hybrid variants to follow at a later stage. Its world premiere is scheduled for 29 July.
According to Automobilwoche, the launch of the new generation brings what the publication describes as ‘good news:’ the GLA will remain in Rastatt. Given the cost pressures currently facing Mercedes-Benz, continued production at the site was not considered a certainty.
The decision is nevertheless a logical one, as the new CLA, which is also based on the MMA platform, is already being produced at the plant. Both model lines will be offered in battery-electric and hybrid variants.
At Mercedes-Benz, the new GLA will effectively succeed two existing models: the combustion-engined GLA and the battery-electric EQA. Keeping production in Rastatt is expected to support capacity utilisation at the plant in the coming years.
