While it seems we can’t go a day without news of one of the big three domestic automakers announcing job cuts, production slashing or a plant closure, the problem is not just restricted to them. Thursday’s reports confirm and add more information to earlier news that have the German automaker announcing cuts of 40,000 units over the next four months.
The majority of the cutbacks will come from Mercedes-Benz ’ Alabama SUV plant, where the ML and GL are produced, according to Autocar reports. It was not made clear exactly how many units will be cut from production. Six night-shift production periods will be cancelled, and Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday closings will be extended. Employees at the plant will be able to use unused vacation days to cover the closures, and those who have no time left or need to work will get other options, although these haven’t been named.
The automaker is also facing a drop in sales of its flagship luxury sedan, the S-class, in America, sales of which are down by 23 percent.
To help it boost sales in the face of changing consumer buying patterns, Mercedes-Benz is bringing the small A- and B-class models to the U.S. market by 2011 for the first time.
