By Kari Williamson
Production will begin in 2014, with installed capacity of 250,000 units per year once full ramp-up is achieved. The Decherd facility will produce engines for Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti models.
"This is the newest milestone in our pragmatic collaboration and our most significant project outside of Europe so far," says Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn. "Localised capacity reduces exposure to foreign exchange rates while rapidly enabling a good business development in North America - a win-win for the Alliance and Daimler."
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler Board of Management and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, adds: "In the context of our Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy, we have decided that we will expand the production capacities required for this close to the customers. Through the strategic extension of our cooperation with Renault-Nissan we can realise near-market engine production in the NAFTA region on attractive economic terms and make optimum use of synergies arising from the cooperation.”
