An employee installs parts on the rolling train of a GLCES-BENZ GLSDES-BENZ class SUV at the Mercedes-Benz US International Factory in Vance, Alabama, June 8, 2017.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds | AFP | Getty images
Mercedes-Benz He said Thursday that he would add a new vehicle to his factory in Alabama in the middle of the automotive rates of President Donald Trump.
The German car manufacturer said that it would locate the production of the “basic segment” vehicle in its factory near Tuscaloosa by 2027. The officials refused to disclose the details of the vehicle, but the factory mainly produces Mercedes-Benz SUVs.
“We are still getting closer to the American customer by locating a basic segment model in Tuscaloosa, by strengthening our links with the North American market where a range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including Gle and GLS models, has their roots,” said Mercedes-Benz North America, Jason Hoff CEO.
A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson refused to say if the new Alabama vehicle was the result of Trump’s prices, citing a “local strategy for local” to produce vehicles where he sells them.
The automaker said that the Alabama factory has established itself as “the world export center for Mercedes-Benz SUV”. The company said that around 60% of SUGs assembled at the factory were exported.
The announcement comes in the midst of car rates of 25% of Trump on imported vehicles, as well as additional 25% samples from automotive parts that should come into force by Saturday.