Mercedes-Benz's production of the GLC in the US has been delayed, requiring the company to wait longer than initially anticipated.
General Motors (GM) is set to launch a new hybrid sedan, the Buick Electra GS, in an effort to compete with Chinese brands in the market.
A premium SUV production is set to commence in Alabama in May 2030, marking a shift from the previously anticipated start date of late 2027.
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The German company has yet to confirm the change, stating that it will not revise its production schedule or allocate future models at this time. However, the company maintains its existing investment commitments in the country.
The Vance plant, located near Tuscaloosa, has a proven track record of manufacturing several key Mercedes-Benz models, including the GLE and GLS, as well as their electric variants.
As part of a broader strategy to increase domestic production and mitigate the impact of tariffs on imported European vehicles, Mercedes-Benz had planned to establish local production of the GLC model in the United States.
Mercedes has pledged a $7 billion investment in the United States through 2030. Additionally, the company and the state of Alabama announced a further $4 billion commitment in 2026, specifically tied to future SUV production.
The GLC will remain subject to a 15% tariff on imported vehicles from the European Union as long as local production is not established, resulting in ongoing imports from Europe.
The company has yet to clarify whether this factor is directly linked to the reported production delay. Industry speculation centers on the potential financial burden of upgrading the factory during an unfavorable period in the model's commercial lifecycle.
The SUV remains available in the U.S. market, offering various configurations and pricing options.
The GLC 300 model generates 255 horsepower, whereas the plug-in hybrid variant, the 350e, produces a combined 313 horsepower.
Mercedes-Benz may face several extra years of relying on imports due to a potential timeline extension until May 2030.
The company's plans for industrial expansion in Alabama are moving forward, but the fate of the GLC operation at the plant hangs in the balance pending a decision that has yet to be made.
