Mercedes-Benz Looking at Ann Arbor for Hybrid Center
Ann Arbor could be the future home of Mercedes-Benz Hybrid LLC’s planned 65,000 square foot center for hybrid electric vehicle and advanced propulsion research and development. (One would hope they have a catchier name in mind for the building.) If Mercedes-Benz goes with Ann Arbor they’ll be bringing 223 jobs to the area.
As an inducement, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. is recommending that the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board approve a 100 percent employment tax credit. That could result in $9.9 million in company investment over five years.
Currently the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid is the forerunner of the company’s planned future hybrid line. Although its other specs are unimpressive as hybrids go, it is the first production hybrid in the world to use lithium ion cells. Equipped with both a 3.5-liter V6 and a 15 kW electric motor, the S400 has 275 horsepower combines. Although not yet priced for the U.S. market, this one could go for $88,000.
Hopefully one of the things they’ll be working on in Ann Arbor is the price tag.