10+
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Eleven years ago, there was great public concern regarding the new Mercedes-Benz U.S. location in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This plant, where the Mercedes-Benz GL-, ML-, and R-Class models now leave the production line, is renowned today as an efficient and innovative production facility. It is also setting standards within Daimler's production network - not least for environmental protection.
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Timeline | |
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1993 |
The decision is made to build the first automotive plant outside Germany in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (USA). |
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1994 |
The first spade of earth is turned in the town of Vance, a few miles from Tuscaloosa. A few months later, 60,000 people apply for jobs at the new plant. |
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1995 |
Training begins. First Alabama production team members are hired and travel to Germany for training at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant. The factory workshop opens - the first part of the plant to become operational. Prototypes are hand-assembled here. |
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1996 |
The first ML-Class concept vehicle is presented at the North American International Auto Show; production tests are run at the Tuscaloosa plant. |
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1997 |
The first ML-Class rolls off the assembly line in February. The Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center opens a few months later. |
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1998 |
The decision is made to invest US$80 million to expand production capacity from 60,000 to 80,000 vehicles a year. |
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1999 |
Bill Taylor is appointed CEO of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI). |
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2000 |
Daimler announces it will invest US$600 million to expand the plant. In the same year, the plant is re-certified to the ISO 14001 international environmental standard. |
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2001 |
The 250,000th ML-Class rolls off the assembly line. |
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2002 |
Daimler announces that the Mercedes-Benz R-Class will be built in Tuscaloosa. |
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2003 |
The 500,000th Mercedes-Benz ML-Class rolls off the line in Tuscaloosa. |
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2004 |
Production launch of the second-generation ML-Class. |
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2005 |
The plant's expansion is completed and the first R-Class model rolls off the assembly line. |
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2006 |
Production of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class begins. |
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2007 |
The plant celebrates its tenth anniversary. The plant's 1,000,000th vehicle rolls off the line in November. |
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2008 |
The Daimler SUV family is equipped with the new environmentally friendly BLUETEC diesel technology. |
