Mercedes R-Class to be Built by AM General

AM General, the same company you probably know for the building the Hummer, will soon build the R-Class for Mercedes-Benz.

Yes, Mercedes still builds the R-Class, it just hasn’t been on sale in the U.S. for three years. The seven-seat passenger van will now be built by AM General at its Indiana manufacturing facility.

After being pulled from the American market in 2012, the R-Class became a China-only vehicle. In the U.S., the R-Class never really caught on, but it enjoys a loyal following in China. AM General is set to produce about 10,000 R-Class vans a year. The production run is indefinite and will continue until demand dries up.

SEE ALSO: Mercedes GLE Coupe Details

Mercedes made this move to free up space at its assembly plant in Tuscaloosa, Ala. to make way for the new GLE Coupe along with the refreshed M-Class and GL-Class. The brand is preparing to update most of its SUV portfolio this year, so it is making space for an anticipated rush of SUV demand.

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