Mercedes-Benz U.S. International has produced its first customer-ready Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 at its plant in Vance. Unveiled late last year, the Maybach represents a new form of luxury in the SUV segment, with a starting price of $200,000, according to industry trade reports.
The Maybach features a V8 engine and advanced suspension systems for a smooth ride; automatic and illuminated running boards, electrically operated roller sun blinds on the rear side windows, temperature-controlled cup holders and a fragrance generator system among other luxury details.
The SUV is being produced by a specific team of employees, who produce the specific interior equipment and appointments by hand in a separate area.
“The team members, selected based on their skills and knowledge, were trained for this at the Mercedes-Maybach Manufaktur hand-finishing facility in Germany,” said the company in a release. “Two team members are responsible for the complete finishing of each car, which takes place away from the assembly process for the other SUV models. Before and after these stations, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS models are sent to Mercedes-Benz SUV production for final acceptance.”
Further, the company added, the Mercedes-Maybach specialists assume a high level of personal responsibility and identify strongly with the product.
“Particular attention is paid to the careful handling of the high-grade interior appointments with a high proportion of nappa leather and wood trim parts. The entire process, from the production of these parts by the highly specialized suppliers to assembly by the specially trained team members to final acceptance, is geared towards achieving a flawless result,” stated the company.
Mercedes-Benz has been producing vehicles in Alabama for more than 20 years. Daimler, Mercedes’ parent company, has invested more than $6 billion in the 6-million-square-foot Alabama plant, which has produced more than 3 million vehicles since 1997. The current product lineup includes the Mercedes GLS and GLE SUVs and the GLE Coupe. The company employs approximately 4,200 team members making more than 300,000 units annually.
In 2018, Mercedes-Benz announced the construction of a battery assembly facility in Bibb County, which will help the company launch its new electric vehicles in all of its segments. The MBUSI plant will assemble the EQ SUV models. In addition, the company is expected to complete construction of its $250 million global service parts warehouse in Woodstock in 2021.
