Mercedes-Benz U.S. International facts for kids
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| Subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz | |
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Headquarters |
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United States
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Area served
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United States |
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Key people
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Michael Göbel, President |
| Products | Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (Ceased production in 2013) Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Mercedes-Benz S-Class Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
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Number of employees
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4,000 (2008) |
| Parent | Daimler AG |
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) is a Mercedes-Benz automobile manufacturing plant near Vance, Alabama. It is located about 34 miles (55 km) west of Birmingham and about 19 miles (31 km) east of downtown Tuscaloosa. The factory was announced in 1993 and produced its first vehicle, an ML320, in February 1997.
From its inception to 1999, the president and CEO of MBUSI was Andreas Renschler. When he was promoted to Head of Global Executive Management Development for DaimlerChrysler, he was succeeded by Bill Taylor. Since Taylor's resignation in 2009, the company has been led by Ola Kaellenius (2009-2010), Markus Schaefer (2010-2013), Jason Hoff (2013-2019), and Michael Göbel (2019-present).
Daimler announced in December 2009 that it would move production of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class to its Vance plant, with production beginning in 2014.
The plant is located on 1,000 acres of land donated by the state of Alabama. The land was donated as part of the bid, by Alabama, to win the contract with Mercedes. The plant includes multiple test tracks, on road and off-road.
Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center
Located on the property is the Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center which includes a museum showcasing cars throughout Mercedes-Benz history. Cars within this collection are rotated out as needed. As of November 2014 there was a Formula One car originally driven by Michael Schumacher located inside. Guests can reserve ahead for plant tours. Admission to the visitor's center is free. Plant tours are $5.
Current vehicles manufactured
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (2016–present)
- Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (2016–present)
- Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe (2015–present)
- Mercedes-Benz GLS Maybach (2019–present)
Former vehicles manufactured
- Mercedes-Benz M-Class (1997-2015)
- Mercedes-Benz R-Class (2005-2015)
