Mercedes-Benz Announces Expansion at the Alabama Plant

"Mercedes-Benz, defying a worldwide decline in auto sales, is preparing to expand its U.S. assembly plant.

The plans, which have not been formally announced, include a $290 million investment at the Vance, Ala., factory that will allow Mercedes to build more vehicles.

News of the initiative emerged when Mercedes requested and received property tax and sales-tax and use-tax abatements from the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority.

"We are positioning ourselves for future products," spokeswoman Felyicia Jerald said. She declined to identify what product might be added.

The Vance plant is already German parent Daimler AG's sole global source for the Mercedes M class, R class and GL class. The expansion would begin within 60 days."