“Mercedes is leading the way globally in cutting-edge research and development of electric vehicles, and Alabama’s auto workers are playing a key role in this important effort.”

Mercedes will produce the electric SUVS  in Alabama as part of a global push to produce eight all-electric vehicles at seven locations on three continents.

“The EQS SUV is the third vehicle on our new all-electric platform,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “It has everything our customers love about the EQS — and combines this with the strengths and versatility of an SUV that can seat up to seven people.

“With the EQS SUV, we are continuing to consistently implement the strategy of making our vehicles more sustainable and digital — with the goal of building the most desirable electric cars in the world,” he added.

The Alabama-made EQS SUV is expected to land in dealerships later this year. Pricing and range will be announced later.

Mercedes’ Tuscaloosa County operation has produced around 4 million vehicles since 1997, and the company’s investment in Alabama tops $7 billion.

The automaker employs around 4,500 people within its Alabama manufacturing footprint and supports an estimated additional 11,000 jobs with suppliers and service providers in the region.

“Mercedes is leading the way globally in cutting-edge research and development of electric vehicles, and Alabama’s auto workers are playing a key role in this important effort,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.