Fujian Daimler Produces First Mercedes-Benz Viano

Fujian Daimler Automotive (FJDA), a joint venture of Fujian Motors Group (FJMG), China Motor Corp (CMC) and Daimler, has produced Mercedes-Benz Viano transporter, the first customer vehicle in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.

According to Fujian Daimler, since February it has been producing prototype vehicles at its new facility in Fuzhou to prepare for the launch. The company is also expanding its dealer network to around 40 outlets.

The company said that its manufacturing facility includes body, paint and assembly areas, totaling 128,000sqm. The company will be able to produce up to 40,000 vehicles annually on a two-shift operation, but will be flexible enough to adjust volume and model mix based on demand.

In addition, the company uses Mercedes-Benz production system (MPS) which is designed to be lean and efficient, balancing the amount of supplier inventory on production line, and also the production processes at each individual station.

Lian Xiaoqing, chairman of FJMG and FJDA, said: “The successful production of the first Viano and Vito not only signifies that FJDA has entered into a new era of development, but also symbolizes the successful launching of another automotive joint venture across the western Taiwan Strait.”

Ulrich Walker, chairman and CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia, said: “Today, with the first customer vehicle coming off the line, the shareholders and employees of FJDA are taking our first step together to provide exceptionally well-built, locally-produced Mercedes-Benz transporters to our customers in China.”