Mercedes-Benz, a name synonymous with automotive excellence, has a rich history rooted in German engineering and innovation. But who manufactured Mercedes-Benz? The answer lies in the pioneering work of Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, whose separate companies merged in 1926 to form Daimler-Benz, later Daimler AG, and now Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Today, this legacy of innovation continues to evolve, as evidenced by the recent milestone at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, Alabama.
For decades, Mercedes-Benz has been a global automotive leader, and its footprint extends far beyond its German origins. The Tuscaloosa County plant in Alabama, established in the early 1990s, represents a significant chapter in the brand’s manufacturing story. With a $7 billion investment in the state, Alabama has become a crucial hub for Mercedes-Benz production, contributing to the over 4 million vehicles shipped worldwide from this single location since 1997. Initially producing the M-Class SUV, the plant has consistently expanded, embracing new models and technological advancements.
The latest chapter in this Alabama story is particularly electrifying. Mercedes-Benz has committed to a $1 billion investment in electric vehicle (EV) production, a move that underscores the company’s dedication to a sustainable future. This commitment includes a state-of-the-art battery factory in Bibb County, which began operations in March, ensuring that EVs produced in Alabama are powered by locally assembled batteries.
This forward-looking strategy culminated in a significant achievement: the launch of production for the all-electric luxury EQS SUV at the Vance plant. This marks a pivotal moment, not only for Mercedes-Benz but also for Alabama’s burgeoning automotive industry, signaling a new era of high-tech manufacturing in the region. Adding to the excitement, production of another all-electric model, the EQE SUV, is slated to begin later this year, further solidifying Alabama’s role in Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicle strategy.
The successful launch of the EQS SUV is a testament to the dedication and expertise of Mercedes-Benz’s 4,500-strong workforce in Alabama. At a celebratory event, Michael Göbel, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc., acknowledged the team’s crucial role. “We have a highly skilled and motivated team that has absolutely delivered in the successful product launch of the new EQS SUV,” Göbel stated, highlighting their “flexibility, energy and commitment” over the past 25 years. He also recognized the vital partnerships with local and state organizations that have supported recruitment and training efforts, enabling the plant to add over 1,000 employees to meet growing production demands.
The path to this electric milestone wasn’t without its hurdles. Employees recounted the challenges posed by the global pandemic, making the EQS SUV launch even more meaningful. Rachel Wyatt, a member of the Alabama team, expressed her pride in being part of “a project that was so big for Mercedes’ future, not only in Alabama but around the world.”
Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Production and Supply Chain, emphasized the Alabama workforce’s experience as a key factor in the successful EV launch. He affirmed that Mercedes-Benz’s global production network is strategically positioned for the rapid expansion of electric vehicle production. “With the new EQS SUV joining our production portfolio of all-electric Mercedes-EQ models, we reached another important milestone in our strategy to go all electric by the end of the decade — wherever market conditions allow,” Burzer explained. He expressed confidence in the Tuscaloosa team to replicate their success with this new electric SUV.
The EQS SUV represents the third vehicle built on Mercedes-Benz’s dedicated all-electric platform, and it’s part of a larger plan to produce eight EV models across seven locations on three continents. While U.S. pricing details are still anticipated, the European version’s price tag of over 100,000 euros (approximately $100,000) indicates its premium positioning in the electric SUV market.
The integration of the EQS SUV into the Alabama plant’s Assembly 1 line began months prior to the official launch, and now, this line is fully dedicated to electric vehicle production. Göbel noted the plant’s crucial production flexibility, allowing it to adapt to evolving customer demands and market shifts, producing both EVs and traditional internal combustion engine vehicles on the same lines as needed. Currently, the Alabama plant continues to manufacture popular models like the GLE and GLS SUVs, the GLE Coupé, and the GLS Maybach SUV, with a total output exceeding 260,000 vehicles last year.
Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, joined the celebration, highlighting the enduring partnership between the state and Mercedes-Benz. He underscored the shared commitment to quality and efficiency throughout the company, from Stuttgart headquarters to the Alabama assembly line. Canfield proclaimed, “The future of Mercedes-Benz is made in Alabama,” encapsulating the state’s pride in its role in the automaker’s electric transformation and its continued legacy of automotive manufacturing excellence. From its historical roots with Benz and Daimler to its modern, cutting-edge production of electric vehicles in Alabama, Mercedes-Benz continues to solidify its position as a leader in the global automotive landscape.
