Daimler set to commence work on $1bn upgrade on US plant

The Germany-based automotive manufacturer, Daimler, has announced a $1bn investment to start building a battery plant in an upgrade to its Alabama factory, Automotive News Europe reports.

The company anticipates it will electrify its whole passenger vehicle line-up and provide over 50 battery-electrics, plug-in hybrids and 48-volt mild hybrids in a variety of different sizes and segments by 2022.

Daimler board member, Markus Schaefer, said: “We aim to play a pioneering role in the development of e-mobility and are well-prepared to accomplish this mission.”

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The news comes after it was confirmed that Daimler’s brand, Mercedes-Benz, is preparing to unveil the electric EQC SUV.

It has been revealed that Mercedes is preparing six factories to create EQ electrified vehicles, in addition to eight plants to create batteries in a bid to focus on electrification.

It has been confirmed that Daimler’s Sindelfingen plant in Germany will be the centre of competence for developing autonomous and electric cars.

The firm has announced plans to build further battery manufacturing plants in Beijing and Bangkok and already holds an additional facility in Kamenz in Germany.