Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Electric Vehicle Research Center Set for Michigan
Date posted: 03-18-2009
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LANSING, Michigan — The state of Michigan is set to be the home for a new Mercedes-Benz hybrid research and development facility to "maintain a line of conventional and alternative propulsion systems," according to the Michigan governor's office.
The subsidiary of Daimler AG was awarded a $7.5 million state tax break over 10 years to make the Ann Arbor, Michigan, area its permanent research and development center.
"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's office in a statement on Tuesday.
The tax break was designed to help convince the company to expand in Michigan over a competing southern state, the statement added. Mercedes-Benz had considered other sites for its hybrid facility, including California and South Carolina.
Inside Line says: Embattled Michigan is trying to steer a new course toward alt-fuel vehicles. This is a small step in that direction. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent