Mercedes Considers Building the C-Klasse in US

Mercedes-Benz did not have a good year in the US, as sales went down 20 percent. But better times seem to be ahead, as they posted a 21.3 percent rise in US sales in October, making it the best month of the year so far.

Mercedes-Benz US' CEO Ernst Lieb thinks the industry wide atmosphere seems to be improving, though it’s too early to know if it’s something important. In this context, Daimler AG is contemplating moving some C-Klasse production to its factory in Vance, Alabama.

“It's no secret that a decision for the new C class has to be made in the near future,” and that includes expansion of production, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche was quoted as saying by Autonews. The decision will be based on whether the dollar will remain weak against the euro or not.

Americans love the C-Klasse, as this model is the best-selling car in the Mercedes-Benz line-up, so such a measure would protect Daimler from currency swings. The decision will be made by January, and if it’s going to pass as a yes, the Germans plan to build 80,000 units in Alabama.

Right now, the Vance factory builds the M-Klasse, the GL-Klasse and the R-Klasse. The plant has built 83,461 units in 2009 and 152,500 units in 2008. Starting production on the C-Klasse would also require new investments and expansion of the factory.