Mercedes-Benz celebrates 5 million vehicles made in Tuscaloosa

The automaker introduces two new SUV models and marks a manufacturing milestone.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:56am

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An abstract, sweeping photograph in vibrant colors, capturing the motion of a Mercedes-Benz SUV speeding down a highway, conveying a sense of modern engineering and travel.Mercedes-Benz's Tuscaloosa plant celebrates a major manufacturing milestone, showcasing the automaker's continued investment in Alabama.Tuscaloosa Today

Mercedes-Benz has reached a major manufacturing milestone, celebrating the production of the 5,000,000th vehicle at its Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant. The automaker also introduced two new SUV models during the event, which featured a performance by the local Million Dollar Band.

Why it matters

The Tuscaloosa plant is a key part of Mercedes-Benz's global manufacturing footprint, producing some of the company's most popular and profitable models. The milestone highlights the plant's importance to the local economy and the automaker's continued investment in Alabama.

The details

The Tuscaloosa plant began production in 1997 and has since become a major hub for Mercedes-Benz's SUV lineup, including the GLE, GLS, and G-Class models. The 5,000,000th vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz GLE, rolled off the assembly line during a celebratory event that also saw the debut of two new SUV models.

  • The Tuscaloosa plant began production in 1997.
  • The 5,000,000th vehicle was produced on April 16, 2026.

The players

Mercedes-Benz

A German multinational automotive corporation and a division of Daimler AG, known for its luxury vehicles, vans, trucks, and buses.

Million Dollar Band

A renowned high school marching band from Tuscaloosa, Alabama that performed at the Mercedes-Benz event.

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What they’re saying

“We're proud to celebrate this milestone and continue our strong partnership with the state of Alabama.”

— Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG

The takeaway

Mercedes-Benz's continued investment in its Tuscaloosa plant underscores the automaker's commitment to the region and its role as a major economic driver in Alabama.