A lot can happen in the time span of a decade. We’ve seen brands die, brands created and the rise, fall and struggle of some unexpected automakers. The past ten years also saw the dramatic increase in the price of fuel, which resulted in the quest for alternative fuels such as E85 and hydrogen, not to mention clean diesel technology and advent of the hybrid. Ten years also happens to mark the amount of time that Mercedes-Benz has been building vehicles in North America at its Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama.
It all started with the German brand’s push to bring a mainstream luxury sport utility vehicle to market. Back in ‘97, the premium SUV segment had yet to be tapped, with the only true participants being the Mitsubishi Montero, the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Land Rover Range Rover and Discovery. Though Mercedes had been building the dressed up military-derived G-Class, albeit leaving it in Europe and other world markets, the ML brought affordability to the game. Needless to say, the vehicle was a hit, winning countless awards and racking up sales of over 850,000 units over the past decade.
Since that time, Mercedes-Benz has invested heavily in its Alabama assembly facility, doubling production capability by adding a second line, enabling the plant to build two additional SUV-based products related to the ML, the R-Class crossover-tourer and the GL-Class seven-seat luxury sport utility vehicle. These three vehicles are produced exclusively in Alabama, and are selling quite well in 135 different countries around the world. Last year, Mercedes-Benz’s Alabama facility built a total of 170,000 units, more than any other year in the plant’s history.
To celebrate, Mercedes-Benz has just announced a new, commemorative, limited edition version of the ML called “Edition10″. Rather than offering it with just one engine, Edition10 will be available globally with five different powerplant options, including three CDI diesels and two gasoline engines (ML350, ML500). The package includes three different colours including black, silver and white, painted AMG-sourced 20-inch alloy wheels in silver or chrome shadow paint wrapped in hefty 265/45R20 tires, a titanium-look grille and hood vents, and special Edition10 exterior badging. Interior appointments include a two-toned colour scheme, two choices of wood trim, sports gauges and stainless steel pedals, plus blue tinted glass. As far as appearance packages go, the Edition10 does a great job of making the ML look more aggressive and sophisticated. Pricing on the package isn’t yet available.
At the celebration last week, CEO Dieter Zetsche announced that there’s much in store for the Alabama plant as Mercedes-Benz continues to expand its operations. Mercedes is preparing to launch a new generation of compact SUV shortly, and while rumours suggest that it will be built in Europe, production may very well be allocated to North America.
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