Friday, September 22, 2017

Prep work for all-electric EQ SUV will start with retooling

To prepare for production of its all-electric EQ SUV, Mercedes-Benz announced a $1 billion investment Thursday into its Tuscaloosa manufacturing hub. Mercedes reports the planned expansion will create 600 new jobs for the region. This sizeable investment will be spent on three different areas, beginning with retooling and reworking portions of the primary plant in preparation for the forthcoming EQ model. This will be the first all-electric SUV from the automaker, and one of the first products of the new EQ sub-brand. – Motor Trend

Gov. Ivey on new auto plant: Y’all come

The automotive world has been a buzz for the last few months over a $1.6 billion Toyota Mazda manufacturing plant. A site for the plant has not been announced, and Alabama is reportedly in the hunt for it. State officials have been tight-lipped about Alabama's chances, saying they prefer not to comment on potential projects. But during a Thursday press conference at Mercedes-Benz's Tuscaloosa plant, Gov. Kay Ivey was asked whether she feels Alabama is in a good position to attract the Toyota Mazda plant. Her answer could be translated as 'y'all come." – AL.com


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