Mercedes Mulls Sharing South Africa Plant With China’s GWM

Mercedes-Benz Group AG is considering sharing its manufacturing plant in South Africa with Great Wall Motor Co., a move that could boost the facility’s viability as US trade tariffs take effect, people familiar with the matter said.

The luxury carmaker and Chinese firm are in talks about co-manufacturing at the factory in the port city of East London, according to the people who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. Representatives for GWM have presented a proposal to senior officials at South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition outlining the company’s interest in producing vehicles there, one of the people said.