Mercedes is Developing a New Model for the U.S. Market in America | Carscoops

      The enigmatic core segment vehicle is set to commence production in 2027 and may potentially be the GLC.

       16 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Michael Gauthier

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Mercedes is planning to manufacture a new vehicle at their facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

      Although the company has not confirmed the specific model, the GLC is a possibility.

      Production is anticipated to start in 2027, alongside a variety of SUVs.

      Mercedes operates a large plant in the U.S., but the majority of vehicles sold in the country are imported. The trade war instigated by the Trump administration has created significant challenges, prompting the company to announce plans to produce an entirely new vehicle in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

      

      

      Currently, the automaker has not revealed much, but has referred to the mysterious model as a “core segment vehicle.” They indicated that production would launch in 2027 and that the “new car” would be designed to meet U.S. customer preferences.

      More: Porsche and Audi are reportedly considering U.S. production to avoid tariffs.

      While this information is rather vague, the automaker later hinted that this will be an effort of “localization,” which suggests they may be referencing an existing model.

      

      

      

      

      No specific model has been mentioned, but the Tuscaloosa plant focuses on crossovers, producing the GLE, GLE Coupe, GLS, EQE SUV, and EQS SUV. Given this focus, it is plausible that Mercedes could introduce the GLC to this facility. While this remains uncertain, the crossover is Mercedes’ second best-selling vehicle in the United States and falls within their so-called “Core segment.” Currently, the GLC is manufactured in Germany and China and is also assembled in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Though the company is being discreet, they have indicated that this initiative further strengthens their commitment to the North American market and is part of a “local-for-local approach.” They also highlighted that the Tuscaloosa plant has produced over 4.5 million vehicles since 1997, with approximately 260,000 vehicles made last year.

      Additionally, the automaker shared a statement seemingly aimed at the Trump administration, noting that they have “exported roughly two-thirds of annual output, making it one of the largest exporters of automobiles from the U.S., contributing to the U.S. trade balance.”

      In related statements, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius remarked, “Tuscaloosa has been a key hub for Mercedes-Benz vehicles for almost 30 years. It’s a natural step to introduce another model to Alabama as part of a strategy to solidify our commitment to the United States, a market that has been our home for over a century.”