Mercedes applies for tax relief for projects at two U.S. plants

September 27, 2023

By Ilona Wissenbach

BERLIN (Reuters) – German carmaker Mercedes-Benz has applied for tax breaks for potential projects at two of its U.S. plants under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a company spokesperson said on Monday.

“We have decided to participate in the application process for production-related tax relief” under the IRA for the plants in Alabama and South Carolina, according to the spokesperson.

German daily Handelsblatt, citing several sources, reported that Mercedes is looking to expand its Alabama plant to produce the all-electric GLC from 2026 and wants to build fully electric delivery vans and medium-sized luxury transporters on the new VAN.EA electric platform at its plant in South Carolina.

A final decision is expected later this year or early next year, Handelsblatt reported. Mercedes did not want to comment on the production plan for the electric GLS.

Mercedes applies for tax relief for projects at two U.S. plants — Machines are seen on a battery tray assembly line during a tour at the opening of a Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle Battery Factory, marking one of only seven locations producing batteries for their fully electric Mercedes-EQ models, in Woodstock, Alabama, U.S., March 15, 2022. REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage/File Photo

The IRA is the US government’s key incentive and investment programme to transition the economy to climate-friendly production, including by encouraging carmakers to manufacture electric vehicles in the United States.