In 1997 Alabama joined placed itself on the map of automakers when their first Mercedes M-Class came off the line. Since then Alabama's Vance Mercedes-Benz plant has been manufacturing the R-Class, M-Class and GL-Class vehicles.

Merecedes made an announcement at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

"Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce its first hybrid vehicle in 2009 - a version of the M-Class sport utility that is assembled at the German automaker's Alabama factory in Vance."

According to Mercedes, they should begin hitting the market in 2009. This new hybrid model will have "a V-6 gasoline engine and two electric motors — that will generate 340 horsepower and get about 31 miles per gallon." This will also be Mercedes' first gas-electric vehicle.

To learn more about this announcement, you can read, Vance Plant To Produce Mercedes' First Hybrid, Alabama Plant to Produce Mercedes' First Hybrid Vehicle, or Alabama Plant To Make Hybrid Version of Mercedes M-Class.

Vance is located about half way between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa and can be found within a hour drive of town. A few years ago I took the tour and was amazed at what Mercedes is doing there and what Alabama is a part of. 

 

 
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13 Comments on Mercedes' First Hybrid Built in Alabama

I have wondered when they were going to get in the game.  I think it is fantastic that they have taken this step and I can't wait to see one up close and personal!

01/22/2008 05:37 PM by Leesa L. Finley, REALTOR® (Circa Properties)

HHHmmm, I've got a Mercedes and hate it. Had it for 18 months and only have 3,100 miles on it because I hate to drive it. Dumby me got a lease on it so I gotta suck it up until the lease is over. Ohwell, Live & learn.

Sean Allen

01/22/2008 05:41 PM by International Financing Solutions

Wow, I have a Benz the E-320 CDI and I absolutely love it. I've owned a couple in my life and wouldn't want anything else. With my current Benz, I fill the tank, which cost around $53 and that will give me over 645 miles. It runs so smooth that if I'm on the highway, I'll look at my speedometer and can't believe I'm doing 90! I have to be very careful. Can't wait to check out their new one.

01/22/2008 06:29 PM by Dawn Rodriguez/HomeRun Title/ Title Insurance Company (HomeRun Title)

Stephen -- I am not impressed 31mpg in 2009 is really nothing considering the technology we have available to us.

01/22/2008 11:25 PM by Aziz Abdur-Raoof,Howard Co. Real Estate Scoop (RE/MAX Rewards)

Very cool!!! When we drive from Virginia to Lousiana, we drive right by that plant. It is really something to see and I have dragged the family there to see it. They have a nice showroom of history there...

your friend in Charlottesville

01/23/2008 06:34 AM by Charles McDonald / Your Trusted Broker for Charlottesville Real Estate (RE/MAX Assured Properties)

Leesa, me neither! Mercedes has always been known for class and I am sure this will measure up to!

01/24/2008 04:27 PM by Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe (LivingInGreaterBirmingham Team of Powell Properties)

Sean and Pilar, I hate to hear that you had such a bad experience. I would imagine that would not be typical for most.

01/24/2008 04:30 PM by Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe (LivingInGreaterBirmingham Team of Powell Properties)

Dawn, WOW, I didn't realize a Benz was so efficient!

01/24/2008 04:38 PM by Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe (LivingInGreaterBirmingham Team of Powell Properties)

Aziz, I agree that 31 mpg is not stellar, but it is a big jump for the suv as it stands now. By 2009 with the research being done now, I imagine it could be even higher.

01/24/2008 04:42 PM by Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe (LivingInGreaterBirmingham Team of Powell Properties)

Charles, I am glad you enjoyed it too! Next time you are cutting through around lunch time (or breakfast or dinner) it would be good to say hello!

01/24/2008 04:47 PM by Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe (LivingInGreaterBirmingham Team of Powell Properties)

very interesting.   we have a gl 450 that is a gas hog however its hard to argue with the available space and 3rd row seating.

I PRAY that by the time this vehicle comes out, Mercedes will address their 'informatics/infotainment' system since its terrible.   nothing like working with clients and having to program the GPS utilizing an antiquated joystick+toggle button.   Touch screen Mercedes, touch screen!

03/01/2008 03:51 PM by Renee Adelmann (Marin Modern Real Estate )

Renee... Mercedes always seems to be on the cutting edge. Hopefully they, and BMW, have changed over to the touch screen!

03/03/2008 05:12 PM by Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe (LivingInGreaterBirmingham Team of Powell Properties)

Do you know that Mercedes Benz does not sell it's Bluetec E-series in California?

05/13/2008 03:13 PM by Stewart Penn - West Hollywood Condo Specialist (Penn Properties)

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Real Estate Agent: Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe (LivingInGreaterBirmingham Team of Powell Properties)
Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe
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