Premier Mabuyane commends MBSA on its new vehicle

We are looking forward to seeing the first W206 vehicle rolled off the factory line

Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane has commended vehicle manufacturer Mercedesbenz SA for its contribution to the province’s economy as it discontinues production of the C-class W205.

The last Mercedes-benz W205 rolled off the factory line on Friday after seven years of production, to be replaced by the stylish W206 C-class which boasts digital headlights that can detect warning signs or guidelines on the road.

In a statement from the premier’s office, Mabuyane told an MBSA function on Friday that the province appreciated the company’s investment in the East London plant.

Mabuyane told the function: “We appreciate the company for creating jobs and business opportunities for the people of our province and for the whole country.

“Now that the W205 project has been completed successfully, we wish the company, its management and staff all the best as they get ready to manufacture the W206.”

Mabuyane said the phasing out of the W205 marked the end of a prolific era for the company and the Eastern Cape economy. He thanked MBSA for its partnership with government in building a learning academy that had “trained the sons and daughters of our province ”— people who were later employed in the manufacturing of the W205.

“We thank you for creating procurement opportunities for suppliers designing and manufacturing parts for this project,” he said.

The W206 will be first C-class to have only a four-cylinder petrol or diesel motor. It will not be offered with a six or eight-cylinder engine.

This ends a tradition which started in 1993.

The W206 will be available as both a saloon — or estate if you live outside SA. It will adopt styling already seen on the Stuttgart firm’s popular A-class,

CLA, CLS and E-class models.

Compared to its predecessor, the W206 will sport shorter front and rear overhangs, and a more angular, aggressive shape.

The wheelbase has been stretched by 25mm to 2.865mm and nose-to-tail length is increased by 65mm.

Mabuyane said government was looking forward to more opportunities that would benefit the people and economy of the province via the manufacturing of the W206.

“We are looking forward to seeing the first W206 vehicle rolled off the factory line.

“We are increasing the industrialisation of our provincial economy for such projects.”

Mabuyane also congratulated the company for building one of the “best vehicles in the history of automobiles”.