Mercedes CLA: Third Shift, Long Waits, and the Electric Boom!
Mercedes has decided to ramp up production just three months after launching the third generation of the CLA model. Yes, you read that right! A third shift on the assembly line is now in place because demand is literally exploding. But is this really good news or a nightmare for buyers?
Demand That Doesn’t Stop For the first time, Mercedes offered the CLA model as a fully electric vehicle alongside traditional internal combustion engine variants. This combo has sparked a real boom in customer interest. The company’s production director stated that orders are “very encouraging” and production is running smoothly despite global supply challenges, especially with rare earth materials needed for electric powertrains.
Third Shift as a Response to Demand At the Stuttgart plant, about 500 units are currently produced daily, which would amount to around 50,000 vehicles annually, considering working days. To cope with orders, Mercedes introduced a third shift, a rarity that shows just how sought-after the CLA is.
But the Waits Are Hellish! While high demand is good news for the manufacturer, it carries a downside — long waits. According to the German newspaper “Automobilwoche,” many CLA models won’t be delivered before next year, even though orders opened back in April. There’s even a possibility that Mercedes might freeze new orders to prioritize loyal customers who ordered first.
What’s Next? Production of CLA models with gasoline engines is expected in the coming months, and Mercedes plans to start building a new CLA Shooting Brake variant before the end of the year. So, fans of this model have reasons to hope but also to be patient.
Conclusion: Is It Worth the Wait? The third generation Mercedes CLA is clearly a hit, but the price of popularity is a wait that can last over a year. Are you ready to wait for your new CLA, or will you look for an alternative? Either way, Mercedes has shown it’s ready to fight demand, but buyers need to be prepared for patience.
So, what about you? Would you wait a year for your new car, or is that a sign to look elsewhere? Drop a comment, maybe together we can find a solution to this automotive drama!
