Mercedes doubles down in Alabama
Mercedes‑Benz announced a $4 billion investment in its Alabama plant and marked its 5 millionth vehicle built in the state — a major bet on U.S. manufacturing despite wider industry uncertainty. The move signals continued confidence in localized production and long‑term U.S. demand. (madeinalabama.com)
World premieres for the redesigned GLE and GLS took place at Mercedes‑Benz U.S. International in Vance, Alabama on March 31, 2026. (group.mercedes-benz.com) Mercedes said the plant already builds the EQE SUV, EQS SUV and the Mercedes‑Maybach EQS SUV alongside other SUV lines. (group.mercedes-benz.com) The company plans to start U.S. production of the GLC compact crossover at the Tuscaloosa assembly plant in late 2027, with most of the new capital earmarked to localize that nameplate. (autonews.com) Mercedes tied the Alabama announcement to a broader U.S. program of more than $7 billion in planned investment and confirmed it will move up to 500 roles into a new research-and‑development hub in metro Atlanta. (money.usnews.com) MBUSI was established in 1995 and began series production with the M‑Class in 1997; the operation today employs about 5,800 people and exports roughly 60% of its annual output. (alabamanewscenter.com) Mercedes‑Benz CEO Ola Källenius and production board member Michael Schiebe led the company presentations, while U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville attended the Tuscaloosa event. (media.mbusa.com) The launch also included Mercedes‑AMG’s public debut of the GLE 53 HYBRID variant on the same stage. (media.mbusa.com)
