Mercedes-Benz U.S. International

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) is a Mercedes-Benz automobile manufacturing plant near Vance, Alabama. It is located about west of Birmingham and about east of downtown Tuscaloosa. The factory was announced in 1993 and produced its first vehicle, an ML320, in February 1997.From its inception to 1999, the president and CEO of MBUSI was Andreas Renschler. When he was promoted to Head of Global Executive Management Development for DaimlerChrysler, he was succeeded by Bill Taylor. Taylor resigned effective June 2009, and was succeeded by Ola Kaellenius, who was succeeded by Markus Schaefer in July 2010.Daimler announced in December 2009 that it will move production of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class to its Vance plant, with production beginning in 2014.The plant is located on 1,000 acres of land donated by the state of Alabama. The land was donated as part of the bid, by Alabama, to win the contract with Mercedes. The plant includes multiple test tracks, on road and off-road.Mercedes-Benz Visitor CenterLocated on the property is the Mercedez-Benz Visitor Center which includes a museum showcasing cars throughout Mercedes-Benz history. Cars within this collection are rotated out as needed. As of November 2014 there is a Formula One car originally driven by Michael Schumacher located inside. Guests can reserve ahead for plant tours. Admission to the visitor's center is free, plant tours are 5.00 USD