YASA, based in Oxford, is a leading manufacturer of high performance motors and was acquired by Mercedes-Benz earlier this year, securing access to unique axial-flux technology, deepening its vertical integration and value creation in development and production. The portfolio of the Berlin plant already includes assembly volumes of electric drive units and the so-called EE Compartment.
Mercedes-Benz is investing a low triple-digit million euros amount in the transformation of its Berlin plant within the next six years.
Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, Production and Supply Chain: "The transformation of the automotive industry is more evident at our Berlin site than at any other Mercedes-Benz plant. The transformation from a production site for purely conventional drive components to a competence centre for digitalisation and production in the field of e-mobility is a significant step for us and our employees. We are offering groundbreaking new opportunities for this traditional location and underlining its role in our global production network - not least as a decisive driver of our digitalisation offensive. With the production of high-performance electric motors, the Berlin plant will become a key pillar of the sustainable Mercedes-Benz electrification strategy."
Chris Harris, CEO of YASA added: “The expansion of the Berlin-Marienfelde plant to include the assembly of YASA axial-flux electric motors is an important milestone as Mercedes prepares to go all electric by 2030. Since acquisition, we’ve worked closely with our colleagues at Mercedes-Benz to develop the blueprint and share the know-how to enable series-production assembly of our electric motors. This unique combination of YASA’s innovation and Mercedes-Benz’s scale and ambition will reset the bar in emissions-free electric driving experiences, creating a more sustainable future.”
Mercedes-Benz and the works council want to sustainably secure the future of Berlin, the oldest location in the global Mercedes-Benz production network, through a clear focus on digitalisation and electrification.
YASA will continue to operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, retaining its own brand, team and facilities in Oxford and Welshpool. While volume production will be situated in Berlin-Marienfelde, YASA will continue to operate as the centre for Daimler’s electric motor development and innovation.
The Berlin-Marienfelde will be a “scaled up” series-production version of YASA’s current production line. The current YASA facility in Oxford will continue manufacturing electric motors and controllers for its existing high-performance ‘supercar’ OEM customers.
