Mercedes-Benz Begins Production Of Hand-built SLS AMG

Daimler said that it has started the hand-built production of it's Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, a new gullwing model, at the Sindelfingen production plant in Germany. The Mercedes-Benz assembly lines and production facilities in Sindelfingen were brought up to new standards for the final assembly of SLS AMG.

According to Daimler, emphasis is on hand-production of SLS model for aluminium spaceframe, engine, and during the final assembly. The chassis and aluminium bodyshell are produced by Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik in Graz, Austria.

In addition, joining techniques are used in light-weight spaceframe of the SLS AMG, which tips scales at only 241 kilograms. Hand-production is also the order of the day at AMG engine workshops in Affalterbach, where 420 kW (571 hp) AMG 6.3-litre V8 power unit is assembled on 'one man, one engine' principle.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “Made in Sindelfingen also stands for the very highest production and product quality where the SLS AMG is concerned. From the end of March, our customers will be able to verify this for themselves.”

Dr Joachim Schmidt, head of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has been extremely well received by our customers. Even in advance of the actual market launch, orders have considerably exceeded our expectations. This shows that the exciting design and extraordinary concept of our gullwing model precisely meet the taste and aspirations of potential customers.”

The selling price of the SLS AMG is kept at EUR177,310 and will start on March 27, 2010.