Mercedes-Benz to add C-class production to Alabama plant by 2014
Starting in 2014, Mercedes-Benz will add production of C-class sedans to its Alabama plant located outside of Tuscaloosa.
The plant currently produces the M-class, R-class, and GL. The plant underwent several large expansions to keep up with an increasing world appetite for larger vehicles, but the crash of the American SUV market has left the plant very underutilized for about two years.
Mercedes COO Rainer Schmuckle says that the move is one designed to help them shoulder the burden of competition that they face with the C-class. In addition to directly cutting production costs, the move will also help save on importing and shipping costs.
It is still unclear though, on whether or not jobs will be cut in Germany, as there will be shifting in production in the German plants.
– By: Stephen Calogera
