"A huge win" for Alabama, said U.S. Sen. Katie Britt of the new core segment vehicle that will begin production in 2027 in Tuscaloosa County.

Mercedes-Benz’s announcement Thursday that it will begin production of a new vehicle at its Tuscaloosa County plant beginning in 2027 was what you might call an expected surprise. Like when somebody tips you off that you’re going to have a surprise birthday party just before you walk into a darkened room.

Mercedes Benz will make a new car at its plant in Tuscaloosa County, although what this new “core segment” vehicle will be or what it looks like is anyone’s guess. In a statement released Thursday, the car manufacturer announced it would build a new car at its Mercedes-Benz U.