Mercedes-Benz invests in sustainable “Next Generation Paintshop”

Mercedes-Benz is investing up to €900M in a high-tech, eco-friendly paintshop in Sindelfingen to cut energy use and boost digital production.

In a decisive move towards more sustainable automotive production, Mercedes-Benz is investing a high triple-digit million euro amount — estimated between €700 to €900 million — into building the “Next Generation Paintshop” at its Sindelfingen site in Germany.

The state-of-the-art facility will span approximately 170,000 square meters, constructed on the grounds of the former Assembly Hall 36, and strategically located near the company’s Factory 56 (home to the S-Class and EQS) and Hall 46 (where the E-Class and GLC are assembled). The plant is set to cut energy consumption by 50%, operate without fossil fuels, and run entirely on green electricity.

Digital innovation is a cornerstone of the project. All processes in the new paint shop will be integrated into MO360, Mercedes-Benz’s cloud-based digital production ecosystem powered by Microsoft Azure. This allows real-time data access across global operations, enabling greater agility and transparency.

The company’s strategic partner Dürr Systems will provide advanced software and energy-efficient technologies. Key features include an intelligent heat network with heat pumps, photovoltaic panels covering 20,000 m² of roof space, a green roof, and landscaped areas that foster biodiversity.

Compared to previous paint lines, the new facility will consume less than 400 kWh per painted car body — more than a 50% improvement. The construction process benefits from digital twin simulations and virtual commissioning, helping fast-track its launch, scheduled for spring 2028.

Mercedes-Benz’s move aligns with broader industry trends: Volkswagen has opened a fully electric paint shop in Mexico, BMW has implemented sustainable air purification methods, and Tesla continues to build high-tech paint systems in Germany. Still, the scale and digital integration of the Sindelfingen paint shop set a new benchmark.

At a time when the European automotive industry is under increasing pressure, this investment signals both confidence in German industrial capabilities and a commitment to leading the sector toward sustainable manufacturing standards.

Source: mercedes-benz.com