Mercedes-Benz says it is considering Ann Arbor, Michigan, which is quickly becoming a hotbed for green cars, for the location of a permanent hybrid electric vehicle and advanced propulsion research and test development center. The tech center would be good for about 225 jobs, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
The state is considering a 10-year, 100 percent employment tax credit to bring the Mercedes-Benz facility to Michigan. It’s expected that the project would bring in nearly $10 million in investment from the German automaker over the first five years.
Mercedes-Benz is also considering sites in South Carolina and California, but it seems likely that Michigan will be its choice, given the state’s tax incentives and industry workforce.
The German automaker is actively developing hybrid powertrains for its C-Class, E-Class (pictured) and S-Class
03/18, 11:00 AM
posted by:
fan
nice idea to have some future tech actually developed in the Detroit-Area, but are they really sure this is the right place for it? just wondering how many other up-to-par makers develop their stuff there… nil?
still, someone will have to hire all the workers and developers who will go unemployed when GM finally closes up shop this summer, so, at least employment rate will profit off this…
03/18, 11:03 AM
posted by:
carstuff
Toyota also does a lot of their work on hybrids in Michigan as does the domestic 3. Then again Toyota is not “up to par” in hybrids.
03/18, 11:04 AM
posted by:
carstuff
Oh crap, I just responded to the idiot.!!! sorry
03/18, 11:35 AM
posted by:
fan
yeah, you did… you responded to yourself…
03/18, 12:03 PM
posted by:
parts guy
While many from the “left coast” like to dump on Michigan, the knowledge and talent of their engineers is world class. Sometimes, the projects they are directed to work on may be misguided, but that isn’t really their own fault. I’d love to see MB put a center there. It would help establish a new (better) reputation for the underutilized skilled workforce that is being hammered so badly by the economic crisis right now.
03/18, 12:16 PM
posted by:
Hazdaz
This is a very good thing for both MI and the US.
Automotive jobs are very important, but specialized “green” automotive jobs are even more so because they are very much the future of the industry. Getting them concentrated in one area really helps the industry out as a whole – look at other hotbeds of technology like Silicon Valley in CA and Silicon Alley in MA.
03/18, 1:06 PM
posted by:
E90
Being in Michigan i hope they DON’T bring it here, because the union will F it up like everthing its touched so far. Yes i do feel for my neighbours and understand their pain, but it’s time for everyone to stand against the greedy union and put an end to it. The union is the reason the benz, bmw, honda, etc decided to go to AL, SC, TN to make cars and not come to MI. If it wasnt for the union GM and Chrysler might be in wayyy better shape.
03/18, 2:36 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
Partnership with U of M. Advice for Michigan: be prepared to be raped and pillaged. Goose stepping $10 million into the economy for 5 years doesn’t even pay the rent.