Mercedes Delays GLC Production to May 2030

Mercedes-Benz has pushed the start of next-generation GLC production at its Vance, Alabama plant to May 2030.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Car Types

Mercedes Delays GLC Production to May 2030

Mercedes-Benz rescheduled production of the next-generation GLC at its Vance, Alabama plant, moving the start from late 2027 to May 2030. The company said, "Production has been rescheduled for May 2030," but has not publicly explained the reason for the delay.

Why it matters

The roughly 30-month delay affects Mercedes' plans to expand U.S.-built output while European-made GLC imports remain subject to a 15 percent combined tariff. For Alabama, the postponement pushes back a planned expansion at a plant that has built Mercedes SUVs since the 1990s.

The GLC start date moved roughly 30 months, from late 2027 to May 2030, while a 15 percent combined tariff applies to EU-built passenger vehicles. Mercedes has not disclosed the cause of the delay.

The players

Mercedes-Benz

German luxury automaker that operates the Vance, Alabama plant and builds the GLC, GLE, GLS, EQE, and EQS models.

The details

Automotive News first reported the delay, citing people familiar with the automaker's planning, and Mercedes-Benz confirmed the new date directly. The current GLC already appears on Vance plant lists alongside the GLE, GLS, EQE, and EQS, and the company continues building the EQE and EQS SUVs at the facility.

Fourth quarter 2027: original target start for next-generation GLC production in Alabama.
Spring 2026: Mercedes and state officials announced roughly $4 billion in new investment for the Vance operation.
May 2030: new rescheduled start date for GLC production in Alabama.

Roadmap

Vance has produced Mercedes SUVs since the 1990s, making the GLC delay a setback to the plant's role as the automaker's central U.S. SUV hub. Tariff pressure on European-built imports adds urgency to the expansion timeline.

Buyers hoping for a U.S.-built next-generation GLC will need to wait until May 2030, while current models remain available. The 15 percent tariff on European-built imports may keep pricing pressure on vehicles sourced from abroad.

The takeaway

Mercedes' U.S. production timeline is now tied to a 2030 start for the GLC in Alabama, so buyers and dealers should track the rescheduled date. The delay underscores how plant schedules and tariffs together shape which SUVs are available and at what cost.