Arno on drive into Merc post
Van der Merwe to run biggest Benz passenger plant in the world in China
ARNO van der Merwe, East London’s surfing son who became the city’s top automobile manufacturing executive, is to run the largest Mercedes-Benz passenger car plant in the world.
Yesterday, Daimler AG announced that Van der Merwe will move from his post as CEO and executive director of Mercedes-Benz SA, and on April 1 next year he becomes president and CEO of Beijing Benz Automotive Co (BBAC).
He will be replaced by Andreas Engling, head of engine production at Daimler’s Untertürkheim plant in Germany, also on April 1.
Daimler AG’s board of management member representing Daimler Greater China, Hubertus Troska, said that in 2015 “China became the largest market for Mercedes-Benz cars”.
Under Van der Merwe’s replacement, Peter Schabert, the Beijing plant had “continuously increased capacity, production and flexibility . . . we are now looking forward to the collaboration with Mr Van der Merwe”, said Troska.
Van der Merwe said: “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.”
Van der Merwe brought many years of experience to BBAC. “We are convinced that Arno van der Merwe will continue the successful work of Peter Schabert. He brings valuable inspiration for the joint venture in China, thanks to his experience in SA,” said Markus Schäfer, board member of the divisional board of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Engling said he was excited to lead the East London plant along “its path of quality and productivity excellence”.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with all the stakeholders of the larger Mercedes-Benz South Africa group of companies and building on the rich heritage of the company of more than 65 years in the country.”
In a statement, MBSA SA said: “In terms of area, BBAC is the largest Mercedes-Benz plant for passenger cars in the world”.
BBAC has manufactured cars since 2005 and more than 66% of Mercedes-Benzes sold in China came from the plant.
In 2013 it started making engines.
The corporation announced that it has produced over a million units of E-Class, CClass, GLA and GLC vehicles.
In South Africa, it said pointedly that MBSA was a “whollyowned subsidiary of the global company, Daimler AG, and that its manufacturing plant had been at it since 1950.
Van der Merwe had held plant leader position in East London from 2011 to 2014.
Under his leadership, the East London plant saw benchmark productivity increases and received six consecutive JD Powers awards in the United States market for quality excellence.
“He has enjoyed a diverse career path within Daimler since joining the South African operations in 1996,” said Schäfer.
MBSA manufactures C-Class cars in both left- and righthand drives for local and international markets.
It produces commercial vehicles and buses and Mitsubishi FUSO trucks.
The company exports, distributes and markets other Mercedes-Benz cars, trucks, and vans.
It has marketing and sales offices in Zwartkop, Pretoria.
It’s East London plant has been recognised consistently for its quality excellence by receiving numerous awards. —