48-volt mild hybrid powertrains will be built by the Germans.
Mercedes-Benz has taken the next step toward its electrified future. The German automaker is nearly done building a new engine plant in Jawor, Poland. This will house four-cylinder diesel engines and gasoline motors with mild hybrid systems.
The factory will be carbon-neutral and employ over 1,000 people. This is 500 more than was originally announced and planned at the plant’s groundbreaking in 2013. Due to high demand for the company’s four-cylinder engine cars, the increased number of employees can be attributed to this. Production will begin in the next year.
Markus Schafer, member on the divisional board at Mercedes, stated that in our CO2-neutral Jawor plant, we will produce highly efficient engines for both our hybrid vehicles as well as conventionally powered passenger cars. “The construction this plant is an investment into the future and an important milestone in our journey to mobility of the future. This is a strong signal of our dedication to the area and to German-Polish friendship.
Jawor will produce diesel and gasoline engines for traditional ICE-powered cars as well as hybrids. All of them will have a 48-volt electrical system. The plant will produce 100 percent of its electric energy from renewable sources. Energy consumption and distribution can be controlled and monitored via touch screens.
Even more exciting is the fact that driverless transport systems can be used to transport material. At some point in time, however, the plant will also eliminate all paper documents from the financial and administrative departments and move to digital documentation.
Mercedes is pleased to report that it achieved record sales in Poland last fiscal year, with an increase of around 40% compared to 2016. Mercedes is now the most registered brand in Poland and the best-selling premium brand.
