A recent report fromAutoNews says that Mercedes-Benz may build the next generation of its striking CLA at a Nissan plant, located in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The joint-venture has not yet been approved, but it may get the green early next year, according to Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche who recently spoke at a press event.
Zetsche also said that this would have positive ramifications for the Japanese automaker, as it may be allowed to develop its own Infiniti-branded model, using the next CLA’s underpinnings.
If approved, production will begin in 2018, and will be completely moved from the current factory, located in Kecskemét, Hungary. The idea is to “reduce its exposure to currency swings by increasing production in North America,” and “Mexico is the best location for the United States,” according to the Daimler boss, who added that the move would make significant financial sense, or at least a lot more than if they were to build their own plant in the area, from the ground up.
Nissan will add another wing to their Aguascalientes facility, to cope with the extra production, and will build its own variant of the CLA alongside the Mercedes-badged car, helping the Three Pointed Star’s swoopy front-wheel drive sedan be an even less exclusive proposition than it is now…
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
