World Class in DixielandOne thing Mercedes has been able to do is build a reputation, built on quality and customer satisfaction. For some, when we hear the name Mercedes, we think of sleek, sexy and expensive automobiles. However, we also know that when they turn the key, the German engineering behind this vehicle won't fail us. Mercedes relies on its strong reputation, and for it, building a vehicle outside of Germany represents a huge risk and a very rewarding venture. However, they believe their new factory in Vance, Alabama, will help them bring the new M-Class to market more quickly to compete with the Ford Explorer and Jeep Gran Cherokee. Mercedes' plan. Before we can provide an informed answer to the question, whether Mercedes risks diluting its reputation as made in Germany, we need to examine Mercedes' plan. They certainly got a good deal from the state of Alabama to build their factory in Tuscaloosa County. With the money they saved from investing in Alabama, they were able to build a state-of-the-art factory. They have also reinvented the way they manage their production line. The new factory features many innovations for Mercedes, such as the new design of its production shop, which allows workers to unilaterally stop the assembly line to correct manufacturing problems. Administrative offices span the middle of the manufacturing area, providing easy access for administrators. Mercedes has undergone a rigorous overhaul to attract its new American workers and it seems to be working well. American workers are learning to say they're building a Mercedes instead of saying we're just building a car. Mercedes' reputation Although we have looked at the vision... middle of paper ... are auto workers lazy, inefficient or uneducated? Alternatively, is the seriousness of these allegations unfounded? However, the auto workers employed by Mercedes are not part of the United Auto Workers Union, affiliated with the events of the 70s and 80s. Mercedes seems to take advantage of every opportunity to provide the best training, facilities and the best equipment to ensure the success of the Alabama plant. However, the specter of past actions and the presence of the US government could bring this reputation to its knees. The reality of the dilution of Mercedes' reputation is much greater and exceeds any accolades they could achieve by building the M-Class in the United States. Mercedes has a chance to not only rejuvenate Alabama's economy, but it might be able to rejuvenate Alabama's economy as well. reincarnating the reputation of American auto workers.