Mercedes-Benz U.S. International

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
Division of Mercedes-Benz
Industry Automotive
Founded 1993
Headquarters Vance, Alabama, United States
Area served
United States
Key people
Jason Hoff, President
Products Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Number of employees
4,000 (2008)
Parent Daimler AG
Website http://www.mbusi.com/
Front entrance to the Mercedes-Benz visitor and training center in 2010.

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[1] and produced its first vehicle, an ML320, in February 1997.[2]

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. Taylor resigned effective June 2009, and was succeeded by Ola Kaellenius, who was succeeded by Markus Schaefer in July 2010.

Daimler announced in December 2009 that it will 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[edit]

Located on the property is the Mercedez-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 is 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 5.00 USD

Current vehicles manufactured[edit]

Former vehicles manufactured[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Heine, Max (September 28, 1993). "Looks like Mercedes will select Vance site". The Tuscaloosa News. Tuscaloosa, AL. p. 1. Retrieved June 20, 2010. 
  2. ^ Heine, Max (February 19, 1997). "Local Mercedes model doesn't go unnoticed". The Tuscaloosa News. Tuscaloosa, AL. p. 8B. Retrieved June 20, 2010. 

External links[edit]

Coordinates: 33°10′52″N 87°15′24″W / 33.181111°N 87.256667°W / 33.181111; -87.256667