Mercedes-Benz opens largest European EV plant in Kecskemét, Hungary

Mercedes‑Benz has invested about €1 billion to expand its manufacturing site in Kecskemét, Hungary, doubling the plant to 440 ha and making it the largest automotive factory in the country and the second‑largest Mercedes‑Benz plant worldwide. The upgraded facility will produce the new all‑electric C‑Class, as well as future electric models such as the GLC and a compact G‑Class, with an annual output capacity of 350‑400 000 vehicles.

The site now employs more than 5 000 workers, and the workforce is expected to grow to around 9‑10 000 as production ramps up. On‑site battery assembly, a second press shop, a new paint shop and a dedicated EV production hall have been added. Mercedes also installed a 27.4 MW solar farm and rooftop panels, delivering a total of 42.3 MW and covering roughly 25 % of the plant’s electricity needs, while the new paint shop reduces energy use by 20 % and CO₂ emissions by about 80 %.

Digital twins built with NVIDIA’s Omniverse platform allow engineers to simulate changes before they are made on the factory floor, and AI systems inspect vehicles for defects in real time. The plant’s inauguration was attended by Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar and Mercedes‑Benz CEO Ola Källenius, who highlighted the site’s role in the company’s European EV strategy.