Mercedes-Benz starts production of India-bound C-Class Cabriolet

Mercedes-Benz has rolled out the first C-Class Cabriolet off its production line in Bremen. This is the first Cabriolet in the history of the C-Class and the fourth model of this product family which is being built at the Bremen plant, including the AMG versions.

This year, the German carmaker has already put the new SLC, SL and the new S-Class Cabriolet on the road. Mercedes-Benz is also working towards bringing the C-class cabriolet, first unveiled at the Geneva motor show 2016, to India later this year. The India-bound model will be a fully imported unit.

The C-Class Cabriolet rounds off the range of open-top four-seaters with a classic fabric top. It comes fitted with a fabric roof that can be opened and closed at speeds of up to 50kph and folds into the boot when not in use. The car’s interior is almost akin to the C-class Coupe's, though it uses heat-reflecting leather and gets the addition of a button on the centre console to control the roof mechanism. 

Commenting on the production of the latest Cabriolet, Markus Schäfer, member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production & Supply Chain Management said, “The new C-Class Cabriolet is a fascinating vehicle with emotional appeal. The start of production in Bremen is symbolic of the growth strategy pursued by Mercedes-Benz Cars. Our aim is to offer the right vehicle to every customer. With the new C-Class Cabriolet, four models of one product family are being produced flexibly, efficiently and in top quality at the Bremen plant – a great reference for the site and the workforce.”

Expansion of the production portfolio

The launch of the C-Class Cabriolet increases the Bremen plant's portfolio to nine vehicles, which requires a particularly high level of flexibility in production. The new model will thus be produced on the same assembly line as three other models – the C-Class Coupé, the E-Class Coupé and the E-Class Cabriolet.

“We in Bremen are handling a highly diverse production programme and once again proved our competence in the area of production starts. The team made enormous efforts bringing the C-Class Cabriolet off to a successful start and is already set for the launch of the GLC Coupé. Our production portfolio has never been more diverse, up-to-date and competitive,” said Peter Theurer, head of Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant.

Michael Peters, chairman of the Works Council at Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, added, “We’re proud to build such a fantastic car as the C-Class Cabriolet. The scope of production covering ten models in Bremen as of this summer is unprecedented and a strong proof of the capabilities of our highly qualified Bremen team. We have shown that we are able to cope with this degree of complexity in recent years. The numerous production starts mean long-term job security at the Bremen plant, allowing the colleagues to face the future with confidence.”

Production requirements

Just like the Coupé, the C-Class Cabriolet features an intelligent lightweight construction with a high proportion of aluminium. Lightweight components include the wings, bonnet and boot lid, lowering the weight of the vehicle and its CO2 emissions. Accordingly, a diverse range of innovative joining technologies is applied in the body shop.

Apart from the basic variant in black, it is also available with a multi-layer acoustic soft top in dark brown, dark blue, dark red or black. The assembly of the roof is not a fully automated process but executed manually, with the aid of a handling device. The same applies to the assembly of the cockpit. Numerous other equipment variants, as well as safety and assistance systems, mean that every vehicle running off the production line in Bremen is unique.

- With inputs from Akbar Merchant, Autocar India