In 1995, the plant Tuscaloosa started as the first major passenger car facility of Mercedes-Benz outside Germany and is considered as the nucleus of the automotive industry in Alabama. The plant is the traditional production location of the SUVs in the global production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars. In 2015, Tuscaloosa built more than 303,000 vehicles – an all-time record for the plant, which celebrates 20 years of production in early 2016.
Demand for the SUVs from Mercedes-Benz continues at a high level. Sales in January were 62.5% higher than in the prior-year month and rose to the new record of 53,966 units. In 2015, Mercedes-Benz renewed almost its entire range of SUVs. The new models have had an excellent reception from the customers: Sales of the GLC, the updated GLE and the new addition to the SUV portfolio, the GLE Coupé, were at record levels.
The GLS, the “S-Class among SUVs”, once again raises the bar in its segment. The only full-fledged seven-seater in the European premium SUV segment boasts ample spaciousness and combines luxury with impressive levels of comfort, agile dynamics and also best-in-class safety. Whether put to everyday use or venturing off the beaten track – the GLS meets all requirements effortlessly and comfortably. For customers in the US the new GLS will be available from now on, the market entry in Europe follows in spring.