Mercedes May Move Americas C-Class Production to Brazil

German magazine Der Spiegel is reporting that DaimlerDaimlerGermany, 1889 > present12 models
77 photos
1 video
is investigating whether it should build a factory in Brazil where it could move next-generation C-ClassMercedes-Benz C-ClassGermany, 1983 > present5 series
583 versions
781 photos
production that would supply the Americas. The decision stems from the rising taxes in the South American market on foreign-built vehicles and the growth of the auto market in the region.  

Mercedes already has a factory in Brazil that built the A-ClassMercedes-Benz A-Class Gen.1Germany, 1997 > 200438 versions
42 photos
from 1999 to 2010. Since then, it has built commercial vehicles.

It has not yet decided on a factory for the new location but plans to before the end of the year. The planned capacity when it opens would be around 20,000 cars a year.

Mercedes' major competitor BMWBizzarriniItaly, 1964 > 19695 models
3 photos
has already broken ground on a Brazilian factory that will start by building semi-knock down kits of BMW models. AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
8213 photos
27 videos
has broken ground on a factory in Mexico and is considering building one in Brazil as well.

Source: Reuters