Mercedes-Benz Argentina
| File:Mercedes-Benz Logo 2010.svg Mercedes-Benz logo | |
| Company type | Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | September 6, 1951 in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina |
| Headquarters | Munro , Argentina |
Area served | Argentina |
Key people | Juan Manuel Fangio (lifetime honorary president, 1974–1995) |
| Products | Trucks, buses, vans, imported luxury vehicles (sedans, SUVs, AMG models) |
Number of employees | 2,022 (2022) |
| Parent | Mercedes-Benz Group |
Mercedes-Benz Argentina S.A.U. functions as the Argentine branch of the global corporation Mercedes-Benz Group, focusing on the local production and distribution of Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles. Its main office is situated in Munro, Buenos Aires Province,[1] and it was founded in 1951. The company runs an assembly facility in Virrey del Pino, La Matanza Partido, where it manufactures trucks and buses. In addition, MBA imports a wide variety of luxury vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and high-performance AMG models.
This entity was the inaugural Mercedes-Benz AG subsidiary established outside Germany.[1] As of 2022, Mercedes-Benz Argentina employs a workforce of 2,022 individuals.[2]
The five-time Formula One world champion and ex-racing driver Juan Manuel Fangio was named lifetime honorary president in 1974,[2] marking the only lifetime honorary presidency in the history of Mercedes-Benz.[3]
Origins
Mercedes-Benz Argentina was officially established on September 6, 1951, as an S.R.L., with its initial board composed of Jorge Antonio, Atilio Gómez, Germán Timmermann, and Cesar Rubín, while Dr. Roig served as trustee. By 1952, assembly of L3500 trucks had commenced at a facility in San Martín Partido, alongside production of Mercedes-Benz 170 SD automobiles and various utility versions of the 170 D.
That same year, the company transitioned into a Sociedad Anónima and purchased land in González Catán to construct its first fully integrated manufacturing plant outside Germany. This plant spanned 85,000 m3 and had a monthly output capacity of 600 units encompassing both cargo and passenger vehicles. Production lines expanded to include models such as L3500, L4500, and L6600 trucks, along with LO 3500 buses and L5400 trucks. In 1954, the Buenos Aires headquarters were inaugurated with German Chancellor Ludwig Erhard in attendance. Shortly thereafter, production extended to gearboxes and OP 3500 buses.
Operations were interrupted during late 1954 due to political turmoil under the Revolución Libertadora government. Furthermore, there are legal allegations concerning involvement by company management in human rights violations during Argentina’s military dictatorship period.
Growth Phase
Following the closure of the San Martín plant in 1956, all manufacturing activities were consolidated at González Catán. In 1958, company intervention concluded with the appointment of a new board. By 1959, a second factory was completed, initiating production of L 311/312 trucks as well as LO 311/312 buses. The 1960s saw Daimler-Benz AG assume ownership and begin industrializing the OM 321 engine; by 1963, locally produced units reached the milestone of 10,000.
The year 1965 introduced the L 1112 truck featuring a short-hood cabin design; engine output increased from 95 to 120 hp alongside a strengthened two-speed rear axle. This lineup expanded in 1967 to include the all-wheel-drive LA 1112 variant. That same year marked the mass production launch of the L 1114 truck (powered by an OM 352 engine delivering 140 hp), the O 120 medium-range bus with a self-supporting chassis, and the L 911 truck.
In 1968, O 120 buses were succeeded by O 140 models equipped with a 130 hp engine. The following year brought the debut of the L 608 D light truck featuring an OM 314 engine generating 85 hp; its flexible chassis accommodated both urban freight hauling and passenger transport needs. Additionally, the Unimog was introduced offering multiple engine options and an advanced transmission system adaptable to various terrains, becoming an essential vehicle for Argentina’s military forces.[4]
The 1970s
Production of the 220 D pickup commenced in 1971, equipped with a 65 hp diesel engine and capable of carrying loads up to 650 kg. By 1972, the company began manufacturing bus chassis featuring a wheelbase measuring 5.17 meters. The introduction of the L 1517 semi-heavy truck in 1974 marked a significant advancement, incorporating a supercharged OM 352 A engine delivering 156 hp, a novel two-speed rear axle, hydraulic steering, and a strengthened gearbox. That same year, five-time Formula One champion Juan Manuel Fangio was appointed president of the MBA board, serving until 1987 before becoming honorary president until 1995.
Midway through the decade, the product lineup broadened with the launch of the L 914 medium-duty truck in 1975. By 1977, mass production commenced for bus chassis and buses featuring hydraulic steering systems. The expanded model selection included the L 1514 medium truck as well as the LO 914 and O 170 buses—the latter succeeding the O 140—powered by the supercharged OM 352 A engine (156 hp) and outfitted with reinforced axles and suspension components.
On November 30, 1977, a fire severely affected approximately 8,000 square meters of Plant II, damaging assembly lines and engine test benches. Through rigorous restoration efforts, Mercedes-Benz Argentina managed to resume operations within two weeks.
Truck models received upgrades in 1978, including the addition of high-roof cabs. Production of the OC-1214 bus chassis and the L 1521 truck began in 1979; the latter featured a 192 hp OM 355/5 engine paired with a ZF gearbox and GV-80 transmission. New cab designs were introduced for both the L 1517 and L 1521 models, alongside a G3/60 gearbox for the L 1517. The refurbished plant reopened on September 1 with improved assembly lines, upholstery workshops, measurement facilities, and enhanced material storage areas.
Public road transport
In 1980, enhancements to the L 1517 truck’s engine boosted output to 160 hp, leading to its rebranding as the L 1518. Plant II also saw installation of updated engine test benches that year. The OH 1419 bus model was launched in 1981. In 1982, Mercedes-Benz Argentina produced its first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus domestically and introduced two additional models: the OF 1114 and OF 1214.
That same year marked the opening of a new medical center in González Catán covering an area of 640 m² and the debut of the LO 1114 urban passenger bus equipped with an automatic transmission. Further introductions included the export-focused OF 114 front chassis and the OH 1314 rear-engine bus chassis available with optional automatic gearboxes.
In 1987, Mercedes-Benz Argentina revolutionized public transportation by introducing front-mounted buses with rear engines—the “OH” series—replacing conventional front-engine configurations. The company commemorated production of its 50,000th bus at the González Catán facility while holding an approximate urban bus market share of 93%.
Merger with Chrysler
By 1996, the plant had evolved into a cutting-edge hub for utility vehicle and bus manufacturing and was renamed "Juan Manuel Fangio Industrial Center." That year also saw launch of the Sprinter, available in van, minibus, and chassis cab variants; by October 2021, over 350,000 units had been produced.
On May 3, 2000, Mercedes-Benz Argentina merged with Chrysler Argentina to establish "DaimlerChrysler Argentina S.A." Later that year in November, production reached its milestone with the assembly of the company’s 50,000th Sprinter. In 2001, MBA commenced manufacturing right-hand drive Sprinters for export markets including Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, backed by a US$10 million investment. Selected personnel received training at Düsseldorf facilities in Germany. A total of approximately 1,500 right-hand drive Sprinters were exported during this period. The alliance with Chrysler concluded in 2007 when operations reverted back to Mercedes-Benz Argentina.
Later developments
In 2013, MBA broadened its range of trucks by introducing the Atron model. The production of the Vito minivan commenced in 2015 and continued until 2020; after that period, the vehicle has been imported from Brazil.
Manufacturing of the Atego trucks started in 2016, with the Accelo model following in 2019.
Manufactured
A summary of Mercedes-Benz Argentina vehicles produced since the company's establishment:[5]
Current offering
| Model | Category | Origin | Launch year | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter | Van | Template:Country data ARG | 1996 |
- Additional information
Imported
External links
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedcarbu - ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedabout - ↑ A 109 años de su nacimiento, Mercedes Benz recuerda al gran Fangio by Fernando Bedini on Cuyo Motor, 24 Jun 2020
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedautoh - ↑ Mercedes-Benz fabricados en Argentina on Camión Argentino blog, 11 Aug 2015