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Mercedes-Benz expands GLC production to Valmet in Finland

Mercedes assembles the GLC (alongside several other model lines) at its plant in Bremen, Germany, just like its predecessor. But starting in 2017, it will also begin outsourcing additional production of the compact crossover to Valmet in Uusikaupunki, Finland. The move is earmarked to give the German automaker additional capacity, especially as it rolls out a right-hand-drive version for markets like the UK, Australia, and Japan. The new GLC was introduced this year as the successor to the GLK and crossover counterpart to the C-Class. It slots into Benz's realigned SUV lineup above the smaller GLA and below the larger GLE and GLS models. A four-door coupe variant is also expected to follow. Like the GLK before it, the GLC is assembled in Bremen, where Mercedes also builds the C-Class, the two-door versions of the E-Class, and the SL and SLK roadsters. This isn't the first crossover whose production Mercedes has outsourced, nor is it the first time it has contracted Valment for automotive assembly. Though only offered in China at this point, the R-Class is built by AM General in South Bend, Indiana. And the G-Class is assembled by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. Aside from past clients like Porsche and Fisker, Valmet has also produced the A-Class for Mercedes since 2013, and will continue to do so, albeit at a reduced output in order to focus on the new crossover.Related Video:   Manufacturing contract for Valmet Automotive: Mercedes-Benz Expands Production Capacities for the GLC Stuttgart, Germany, Nov 26, 2015 - From 2017, the new GLC will also roll off the line in Uusikaupunki, Finland. - The Bremen plant continues to be the main production plant. - Markus Schafer, Member of the the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, Produktion and Supply Chain Management: "Working with contract manufacturers is an important factor in our global production strategy at Mercedes-Benz Cars." Mercedes-Benz is continuing its growth strategy and expands production capacities for the new GLC. The main production facility continues to be the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany, where the GLC has been produced since July. The Finnish contract manufacturer Valmet Automotive will produce additional volumes of the new mid-range SUV from 2017, at its plant in Uusikaupunki.

Recharge Wrap-up: Venturi seeks funding for speed record, Kia partners on V2G

Venturi Automobiles has started a crowdfunding campaign to help break an EV speed record. Venturi's goal, with the help of The Ohio State University, is to set a new FIA World Speed Record for Battery Powered Electric Vehicles of over 7000 pounds with its VBB-3. Venturi set the current record at 307 miles per hour, but wants to exceed that this September at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Funders can score merchandise like T-shirts, miniature models, and even their name on the side of the car. Learn more at Venturi Automobiles' Kickstarter page. Kia is providing six Soul EVs to UC Irvine's Advanced Power and Energy Program (APEP). APEP is using the electric vehicles for the development of vehicle-to-grid technology and smart charging systems. Kia says the collaboration is helpful in its goals of expanding EVs over the next five years. "Grid-connected electric vehicles offer tremendous potential in terms of energy storage and dispersion during high-demand periods," says Kia VP of Product Planning Orth Hedrick, "and Kia is excited to collaborate with APEP in the study and development of advanced smart grid technologies." Read more from Kia, or at Green Car Congress. Daimler is launching its Mercedes-Benz Energy brand for stationary energy storage. Taking on the likes of Tesla with its Powerwall, Daimler began shipping battery packs for residential energy storage in Germany in April, with an eye toward solar systems. Now, with its new brand, the company looks to expand to the global market. "By founding Mercedes-Benz Energy GmbH, we are underscoring our ambition to be a technological and market leader in the field of highly efficient storage systems," says Daimler's Harald Kroger. "With our unique combination of high standards of quality and safety and positive economies of scale, we are supporting the success of the new energy era while helping to make electromobility affordable." Read more in the press release below. Daimler Establishes Mercedes-Benz Energy GmbH for Stationary Energy Storage Daimler AG is continuing to expand its network of expertise in the field of lithium-ion battery applications. Within this innovative line of business, the newly established Mercedes-Benz Energy GmbH is assuming the development and global sale of Mercedes-Benz brand stationary energy storage with immediate effect. Thus, Daimler is focusing even more on the growing market for stationary batteries.

Recharge Wrap-up: KillaJoule hits 270 mph; Mercedes B-Class ED gets PlugShare

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive will get its own version of the PlugShare charging-station locator app. Developed by Recargo with the help of Daimler, the vehicle-specific app will be integrated into the car's navigation system. The system maps the location of nearby charging stations from various networks. So far, Mercedes-Benz doesn't offer a universal pay service for the various charging networks, like those offered by BMW and Nissan. Read more at Green Car Reports. HyperSolar uses solar energy to make hydrogen from water. Without using electrolyzers, HyperSolar uses a photochemical process to separate and capture the hydrogen in the water, which can then be used for clean energy, such as automotive fuel cells. The solar devices are submerged in water inside a container, and sunlight powers the device to free the hydrogen. HyperSolar claims that its process is more efficient and cost effective than other methods used to produce hydrogen from water. See some demonstrations in the videos below and learn more at HyperSolar's website. Eva Hakansson drove the KillaJoule electric motorcycle to a top speed of 270.224 miles per hour. After a computer model showed a possibility of about 270 mph, the team took the motorcycle with sidecar out to the salt flats for Mike Cook's Shootout. Everything went smoothly, and Hakansson easily surpassed speeds of the 249.1-mph world record she set a few weeks ago. The team is calling it quits for the season, but will make some tweaks to the KillaJoule in hopes of getting 300 mph out of the red bullet next year. Read more at KillaCycle Racing, or at Business Insider. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.