Mercedes-Benz Develops Its "SUV" Strategy In USA

AM General will join to the production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars in the USA. They will produce the R-Class in South Bend, Indiana. The start is planned for this summer. 

“Within our growth strategy we are expanding our global production network and will additionally use the capacities of a contract manufacturer. We are thus increasing flexibility and continue to improve our competitiveness,” says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management.

Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant (Mercedes-Benz U.S. International - MBUSI) will be used for production of the M-Class, the GL-Class and the new GLE Coupè due in summer. 

Jason Hoff, President and CEO of MBUSI say: “With the introduction of the new GLE Coupé and the ongoing strong demand for SUVs, Plant Tuscaloosa needs all available production capacities for this segment.”

Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa Plant has been produce the C-Class since June 2014 as one of the four global production networks with the lead plant in Bremen, Germany; the South African plant in East London; and the Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd. 

The plan is the Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant to reach 300,000 units this year as start producing SUV models. This is the reason why the R-Class producing will be moved at the AM General factory in South Bend, Indiana. 

“Starting in the U.S. with production of one model in 1997 to four models today and soon to be five models in 2015, we are proud that our plant here in Tuscaloosa, Alabama continues to grow and change – always embodying our tradition of producing best in class vehicles,” Hoff said.

Almost the entire SUV portfolio will be renewed in 2015. The facelift for the M- and the GL-Class is prepared.  Mercedes-Benz inputs new designation for the models. The GLE is a SUV in E-Class segment and the GLS, a SUV in the S-Class segment (formerly GL-Class). The new model - GLE Coupè will be released this summer. 

These are good news for these who want to work in factory field. The second good new goes to Mercedes-Benz. Probably, they will have additional sales in 2015.