Local auto giant says more units will be produced at the East London plant.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) manufacturing vice-president Rainer Ruess expected C-Class production at the East London plant to hit a new record this year, should Friday's earthquake in Japan not disrupt parts supply significantly.

He said on Tuesday that production of the passenger car for the local and export markets could reach 53 000 units this year, up from the 52 200 units produced in 2010, which had already been a record year.

Between 70% and 80% of C-Class production at MBSA's East London plant were exported to the US in 2010.

Production at the plant last year also included 1 700 Mitsubishi (Triton) units, and 3 700 commercial vehicles.

MBSA revenue for 2010 proved just as healthy as production figures, jumping 23% on 2009, to reach R34,7-billion.

This year MBSA would see the launch of the SLS Roadster, the new generation SLK, a facelift for the C-Class, as well as the introduction of the G-Class G300 CDI professional.

On the commercial vehicle front, MBSA would unveil a new generation Atego, Axor, and Western Star, with the Zetros still a market possibility.

The Zetros is a specialised off-roader finding specific applications in the forestry, firefighting, mining and defense industries.

MBSA would also unveil the TruckStore brand this year, specialising in used trucks.