Mercedes-Benz Denies Report of New Van Production in Charleston-Area Plant

Mar 08, 2024 09:12 PM EST

MERCEDES-BENZ LUXURY VEHICLE AUTO — (Photo : PIXABAY/badcaptain)

Reports claiming the construction of a new midsize van at Mercedes-Benz's manufacturing site in the Charleston area plant have been refuted. Instead, the company has clarified that the production of the battery-powered vehicle will occur in Vitoria, Spain. This information contrasts with an article from Automotive News, which suggested the van was destined for the U.S. market and would be manufactured at the North Charleston campus. Additionally, Mathias Geisen, head of the van division, was quoted as stating that American consumers will not face a lengthy wait for the vehicle.

No Plans of New Van Production in Charleston-Area Plant

The Automotive News story, as reported by The Post and Courier, has been addressed by a company spokeswoman. She stated that there are currently no plans to manufacture the midsize van in the Charleston area. Although it might be available to American consumers by 2030, there are no plans to construct the car here in the United States.

Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz's Palmetto Commerce Park plant is in charge of manufacturing the battery-powered Sprinter van, which debuted in the market and is becoming more and more popular with last-mile delivery services like Amazon.

Last year, Mercedes-Benz Vans unveiled plans for a midsize vehicle tailored to private buyers, such as families and camping enthusiasts. This move follows past attempts to get into the market with the Metris van, which were abandoned when they didn't work well.

Features seen in the automaker's premium SUVs, including as self-driving technology and a battery range of up to 275 miles, are expected to be included in the new vehicle. Furthermore, approval to extend the staff parking lot is being requested by the North Charleston facility, and the S.C. is examining a 17.5-acre parking project at the moment. Health and Environmental Control Department.

It's noteworthy that the plant's operations have been significant, with the assembly or production of over 350,000 vans for distribution in the U.S., including a record of more than 50,000 last year alone. After a significant investment, the factory has expanded to become the company's second-largest site worldwide since full production began in 2018, only behind the Dusseldorf headquarters.

False News Alert: Electric Mid-Size Luxury Van U.S. Production

Aside from Automotive News, Car Scoops also reported about Mercedes-Benz van production at Charleston-area plant. While the Van.EA platform is scheduled to commence production in 2026, initial manufacturing is set to take place in Spain. Mercedes' Charleston Area Plant near North Charleston, South Carolina, is anticipated to begin producing vehicles based on this platform shortly after.

Despite Europe comprising the largest market for Mercedes-Benz vans, accounting for 60 percent of global sales, there is a growing demand in the U.S., positioning the nation as the second-largest market by volume for the Sprinter, trailing only behind the company's home market, Germany.

The versatile Van.EA platform is designed to cater to midsize and large vans, serving both private and commercial clients. Mercedes has previously committed to delivering not only camper vans but also a midsize van tailored for passengers, further expanding its offerings.

The automaker is targeting a range of 311 miles (500 km) with the VAN.EA-P platform, catering to VIP shuttles, affluent families, and individuals seeking a mobile office. The passenger vans will debut with level 2 automated driving capabilities, progressing to a level 3 automated system by the end of the decade.

The introduction of the luxurious van in the U.S. is anticipated to address a market gap that the discontinued Metris struggled to penetrate. Specifics like the vehicle's name, its characteristics, and its launch schedule, however, have not yet been made public. The all-electric eSprinter, which went on sale in February, will be produced alongside the luxury van once it is put into production in South Carolina.