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The Birmingham News- July 25, 2011
Mercedes-Benz plans to build a coupe-styled version of the M-Class SUV at its Alabama auto factory in Vance, according to a report from Germany.Automotive News Europe, citing unidentified company sources, says the German automaker will position the new vehicle to compete with the BMW X6.
The new M-Class variant would be the fifth model at the Vance factory, joining the M-Class SUV, GL-Class full-sized SUV and R-Class crossover currently built there. Production of the C-Class sedan also is set to arrive there in time for a 2014 launch.
Felyicia Jerald, spokeswoman for the plant, said officials there have not been informed of a decision on an additional model. "Our plate is pretty full," she said. "We'd be pleased for any new business that comes our way, but right now, our focus is on the products we currently build."
Last week, Mercedes announced an additional $2 billion investment in Vance. The money is being spent on previously-announced projects, such as the redesigned M-Class and GL-Class and the addition of the C-Class. It's also being used to expand the plant's annual capacity from 160,000 vehicles to more than 200,000.
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