Daimler to build a fifth Mercedes-Benz model at its Alabama plant

Daimler AG said it will invest $350 million to produce a fifth Mercedes-Benz model at its factory in Vance, Ala., starting in 2015.

The investment will create an additional 400 jobs at the plant. The company did not provide details about the additional vehicle.

Earlier this year, company sources told Automotive News Europe the fifth model is a coupe-like version of the M-class SUV that will likely be called the MLC.

The M-class coupe will be positioned against the BMW X6, which is built in Spartanburg, S.C.

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said in a statement that the new model for Alabama will be one of 10 additional vehicles Mercedes-Benz will roll out over the next four years.

Production of the new vehicle is part of an investment of more than $2 billion that Daimler approved earlier this year.

The spending includes plans to produce the Mercedes C-class compact car at the Alabama factory beginning in 2014. The plant already produces the Mercedes M-class and GL-class SUVs and the R-class crossover.

The plant currently employs 2,800 workers.

By Diana Kurylko- Automotive News