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Mercedes A-Class Production Begins in Germany

The very first third-generation A-Class compact hatchback has rolled off the production line today at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant. The A-Class is the company's second new compact model made there, following the start of production of the new B-Class at Rastatt in September 2011.
2012 Mercedes Benz A-Class 5 photos
Photo: Mercedes Benz
2012 Mercedes Benz A-Class Production2012 Mercedes Benz A-Class Production2012 Mercedes Benz A-Class Production2012 Mercedes Benz A-Class Production
"This start of production marks a further milestone in our Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy. The A-Class represents our offensive in the compact segment", said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

"We are on a roll in manufacturing as well: Hard on the heels of the new B-Class, we are now producing the totally new A-Class for our customers. Thanks to the joint architecture, we can flexibly produce all models of our new compacts on the same production line at the respective site,” added Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Manufacturing & Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The new A-Class represents a clear departure from the boring model of the past. "A is for Attack: the A-Class is a clear statement of the new dynamism of the Mercedes-Benz brand,” Zetsche famously said last year.

The W176 A-Class will rival other luxury cars in its segment, such as the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3, with economical engines, as well as advanced equipment.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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