AUTO INDUSTRY

German automaker Daimler has announced the appointment of Andreas Engling as the new CEO and manufacturing executive director of Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA).The current CEO, Arno van der Merwe, will start a new chapter in his career as president and CEO of Beijing Benz Automotive (BBAC).

Both these appointments are effective April 1, 2017.

Van der Merwe succeeds Peter Schabert, who retires after 31 years at Daimler.

“We have reached one of our most significant milestones to date under the lead of Peter Schabert. Last year, China became the largest market for Mercedes-Benz Cars,” says Hubertus Troska, a member of the management board of Daimler, responsible for Daimler Greater China.

“Schabert successfully and continuously increased the capacity, productivity and flexibility of our plant in Beijing. “We are deeply grateful for his commitment in Germany and in China.”

“We are convinced that Arno van der Merwe will continue the successful work of Peter Schabert,” adds Markus Schäfer, member of the divisional board of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for production and supply chain management.

“He brings valuable inspiration for the joint venture in China, thanks to his experience . . . in South Africa. Colleagues in Beijing will benefit from his expertise and know-how, in particular at a stage when we are further increasing our capacities and flexibility.”

Van der Merwe has been MBSA CEO and manufacturing executive director since March 2014.

Prior to that, he held the position of plant leader from 2011 to 2014.

Under his leadership, the East London plant received six consecutive JD Power awards for quality excellence in the US market.

“It is an honour to have been entrusted with such an important role. The leadership team at BBAC has created an excellent foundation for growth and I am excited to be part of this ongoing journey of collaboration and teamwork,” says Van der Merwe of his new role.

BBAC is a joint venture between Daimler and its Chinese partner, BAIC Motor.

BBAC has been manufacturing Mercedes-Benz passenger cars since 2005 and engines since 2013.

Total production at BBAC has now exceeded the one-million vehicle mark.

Meanwhile, Engling has been with the Daimler organisation for more than 30 years.

He is currently the head of engine production for Daimler’s Unterturkheim plant, in Germany.

“I am excited about this new opportunity to lead the East London plant, further on its path of quality and productivity excellence,” Engling notes.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders of the larger MBSA group of companies and building on the rich heritage of the company.”