New Expat Boss Takes Steering Wheel at Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing in Hungary

  • 7 May 2026 6:02 AM
New Expat Boss Takes Steering Wheel at Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing in Hungary
Christian Dickert has officially taken over as the CEO of Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary, assuming leadership of the German automaker’s massive production hub in Kecskemét as of May 1.

Dickert, a veteran of the Mercedes-Benz Group since 2011, moves to Hungary from the company’s global headquarters in Sindelfingen, Germany. He succeeds Jens Bühler, who led the Hungarian unit through a period of significant transition and is now moving to China to head Beijing Benz Automotive.

A Crucial Era for Kecskemét

Dickert arrives at a pivotal moment for the Kecskemét plant. As one of Hungary’s largest employers and a cornerstone of the national economy, the facility is currently undergoing a multi-billion euro expansion.

The plant is being prepared to integrate the company's next-generation MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) and MB.EA (Mercedes-Benz Electric Architecture) platforms. This shift will allow the factory to produce a new range of fully electric vehicles alongside traditional internal combustion models, securing its role in the brand's global "Electric Only" strategy.

Production Milestones

Under the outgoing leadership, the plant maintained impressive momentum. In 2024, Mercedes-Benz produced over 146,000 vehicles in Hungary, including popular models like the CLA and the all-electric EQB.

The facility is not only a manufacturing giant but also a leader in local sustainability, having operated with a net-carbon-neutral balance since 2022.

Continuity and Growth

Dickert’s extensive experience in Sindelfingen—Mercedes-Benz's most complex production site—is expected to be vital as he oversees the integration of new technologies in Hungary. His primary challenge will be managing the ongoing €1 billion investment into new assembly and body shop lines while maintaining the high production standards that have made "Made in Hungary" a badge of quality for the brand.

Fast Facts:

The New CEO:
Christian Dickert (Formerly of Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen).
The Plant: Kecskemét (District VIII/Bács-Kiskun County).
Capacity: 146,000+ vehicles per year.
Strategic Focus: Transitioning to full electric vehicle (EV) production and expanding the factory footprint.

With the automotive industry being the engine of the Hungarian economy, the eyes of the business community will be on Dickert as he leads Mercedes-Benz into its next electric chapter.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary Kft.


Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.

Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media.

XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com


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