Update: A few days ago we told you that Mercedes-Benz was planning an expansion program for the U.S. plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in preparation for a new model that would go up against the BMW X6. Now, thanks to a photo post on twitter, we have confirmation of the crossover, currently dubbed the MLC.
Daimler today announced that they will further expand the Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant in 2015 to include an entirely new Mercedes-Benz model. The new vehicle to roll off the production line in Tuscaloosa will be the fifth product produced. The plant has been the traditional production site of the brand’s M-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class SUV’s and will also build the Mercedes C-Class for the North American market beginning 2014. For the production of the new model, Daimler will additionally invest 350 million dollars, and will create around 400 jobs at the plant.
According to previous rumors, we are likely to see a small MLC SUV roll off the line. It would take its styling from the M-Class and would go head to head with the BMW X6.
Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler Board of Management and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “This new model from the Tuscaloosa plant is an important element of our growth strategy. It is one of the ten additional models which we will introduce within the next four years alone across all segments.” Referring to the Tuscaloosa plant’s role within the global production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Zetsche added: “At the same time, we are systematically broadening our manufacturing footprint in the NAFTA region.”
Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama: “Since the time Mercedes-Benz chose Tuscaloosa County for its first US assembly plant 18 years ago, the company has proven to be an outstanding partner for the state. We join MBUSI in celebrating this milestone, and welcome the hundreds of jobs this announcement brings to Alabama.”
Just earlier this year, on the occasion of the Job #1 ceremony of the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class in July, Daimler had announced the decision to invest more than US$2 billion in the Tuscaloosa plant (Mercedes-Benz U.S. International – MBUSI). In total, investment in the plant between 2010 and 2014 will thus amount to US$2.4 billion, while the number of newly created jobs will add up to 1,400.
Markus Schaefer, President and CEO of MBUSI, commented on these decisions: “The entire MBUSI team is proud of its role in the success of the models made in Tuscaloosa. We are looking forward to making further important contributions to the product offensive of Mercedes-Benz.”
