Infiniti, Mercedes Officially Announce Mexico Plant
Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz have officially announced plans for a new manufacturing plant in Mexico.
The companies will be splitting the $1.4-billion cost in half and the new manufacturing plant will be built adjacent to Nissan’s existing plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Both automakers will manufacture vehicles at the new plant based on a shared platform and an estimated 300,000 units will leave the plant annually. In addition, the new plant will add an estimated 5,700 jobs once it hits full production in 2021.
“The Infiniti and Mercedes vehicle will share production and manufacturing but the cars will retain their own independent designs and unique look and feel,” said the two automakers in a statement. “The goal is to increase economies of scale while also maximizing the brand distinctions of the two iconic marques.”
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Specific models being built at the new plant were not disclosed, but it will likely be the next-generation Mercedes-Benz A- and B-Class along with the new entry-level Infiniti model previewed in the Q30 concept. The first model to be produced will sport an Infiniti badge in 2017 with Mercedes following in 2018.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Let me say it as clear as possible: " I will NOT buy a car made in Mexico!!!" I had enough with my Nissan Sentra ( 8 recalls in 15 months )! Although, I love Mexican foods! You can say what ever you want, but this is MY money we talking! I hope VW, Honda, Nissan, etc. will read this.