Mercedes to Build Hybrid Research Center in Detroit Area

Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC Hybrid Concept

The state of Michigan is getting a boost from the auto industry in an unexpected source – Germany.

Mercedes-Benz has just announced that it will build a new hybrid research and development facility in Ann Arbour, just outside Detroit.

“The project will generate a $9.9 million investment and create 454 total jobs, including 223 directly by the company,” said Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm in a statement.

Mercedes decide on the location after Michigan made the German automaker an offer it couldn’t refuse. The state of Michigan will give the company a $7.5 million tax break over the next 10 years – a deal that was apparently sweeter than the ones offered by the states of California or South Caroline (where Mercedes also looked at building it’s facility).

[Source: Edmunds InsideLine]