The Mercedes-Benz plant in Vitoria (Álava) has started mass production of the VLE electric MPV, the first vehicle based on the modular, scalable Van Architecture, and which will in future form the technological foundation for the entire Mercedes-Benz Vans range, for both the private and commercial sectors. This milestone demonstrates the industrial, strategic and regional importance of the Basque plant and places it at the forefront of the German company’s global production network.

Mass production of the VLE marks the beginning of a new chapter for this plant, which has undergone a comprehensive transformation process that represents one of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ largest future-focused industrial projects in Europe. The arrival of a new generation of vans follows major investment in its new body, paint and assembly shops.

Highly flexible production
Investment has also been made in modernising logistics and IT structures to achieve highly flexible, multi-powertrain production on a single line. This transformation was in addition carried out during the ongoing production of existing models such as the V-Class, the Vito and the eVito. In the future, these facilities will also produce other models based on the new architecture.

The company recognises the remarkable flexibility and commitment shown by the Vitoria workforce, which has helped make this transformation possible. Its approximately 5,000 direct employees have taken part in more than 160 training programmes to prepare for the use of new technologies, materials, IT standards and processes.

An impressive demonstration
As Thomas Klein, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, explained, with the start of VLE production in Vitoria, “we are entering a new era. The team is very keen to get started straight away and carry out pioneering work with the VLE. I am proud that the plant has completed such extensive preparations in such a short time. It is an impressive demonstration of our team’s high level of expertise and flexibility.”

Plant manager Bernd Krottmayer said, “The successful transformation of our plant and the ramp-up of mass production are the result of the daily commitment of our employees, who tackle demanding tasks with a high level of professionalism, flexibility and passion. They have driven this transformation and are turning Vitoria into a major hub for the future of Mercedes-Benz Vans.”

Zero-emission buildings
The Vitoria plant has been carbon neutral since 2022, thanks to the use of electricity from renewable energy sources, geothermal energy and waste heat from the bodyshop and paint shop. The new buildings that have been constructed meet the zero-emission building (ZEB) standard. The paint shop, with its flexible design and powered primarily by electricity, will go into operation in autumn 2026.

The Mercedes-Benz VLE is a highly efficient grand limousine with ultra-fast charging, up to eight seats and a range of more than 700 kilometres. The group’s CEO, Ola Källenius, said that this model was developed “in a very short time, thanks to a digital development approach, strong international multidisciplinary teams and the Vitoria plant, which turns the Mercedes promise into reality on the road”.

^{Photo: Mercedes-Benz}