- Mercedes has announced the closure of its assembly plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico, where the GLB SUV was produced—a model whose production is being shifted to the company’s plant in Kecskemét, Hungary, by 2026. The facility was a joint venture between Nissan and Mercedes, established in 2015 with each manufacturer holding a 50% stake. It was intended for the production of premium compact models for both brands.
- Initially, the plant was projected to produce up to 230,000 vehicles annually; however, it never reached that volume. The two partners gradually phased out their respective models: Nissan ended production of the Infiniti QX50 and QX55 at the end of 2025, while Mercedes announced that its production would cease in May 2026, coinciding with the transfer of the new GLB’s production to Kecskemét, Hungary. Consequently, the facility—formerly co-owned by Mercedes and Nissan—is set to close before the end of 2026, following the discontinuation of both Mercedes and Nissan models.
- Nevertheless, Nissan continues to operate a large, wholly-owned plant in Aguascalientes, located just a short distance from the Mercedes-Nissan facility. Nissan manufactures its Versa and Kicks models there.
- The buildings and equipment at the Mercedes-Nissan plant are not necessarily destined to be scrapped. Several automakers have expressed interest in taking over the facility—including Chinese manufacturers BYD and Geely—as the plant, with its 230,000-vehicle annual capacity and existing infrastructure, is considered an attractive industrial asset.
