Mercedes-Benz U.S. International

Mercedes Benz U.S.
International, Inc.
Front entrance to the Mercedes-Benz visitor and training center in 2010
Map
Operated1997; 27 years ago (1997)
LocationVance, Alabama
Coordinates33°10′52″N 87°15′24″W / 33.181111°N 87.256667°W / 33.181111; -87.256667
ProductsAutomobiles, SUVs
Employees6,000 (2021)
Websitembusi.com

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. Since Taylor's resignation in 2009, the company has been led by Ola Kaellenius (2009–2010), Markus Schaefer (2010–2013), Jason Hoff (2013–2019), Michael Göbel (2019-2024), and Federico Kochlowski (2024-Present).[3]

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.

  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.
  3. ^ Thornton, William (April 30, 2024). "Mercedes-Benz names new Alabama CEO ahead of union vote". Al.com. Retrieved May 21, 2024.