- The Trump Administration tried to lure Mercedes to America.
- Commerce Secretary Lutnick reportedly offered tax breaks.
- Mercedes rebuffed the idea as they are and will remain German.
Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius has revealed the Trump administration attempted to get the company to move its headquarters to the United States. However, the German automaker ultimately decided against the move.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Källenius said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick tried to sway them to move to America with tax breaks and other incentives. While these offers can convince some companies to move their headquarters from one state to another, it’s a whole different ball game when you’re talking about foreign firms.
More: Trump’s FBI Director Ditches Chevy Fleet For “Less Conspicuous” BMWs
Källenius implied he wasn’t even remotely interested in the idea, as Bloomberg reports he said, “The [three-pointed] star has been a global company for more than 100 years, but we are rooted in Swabia. Those roots cannot – and should not – be pulled out of the ground.”
The offer was reportedly made nearly a year ago, which implies it was in the early days of the second Trump administration. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, the United States has been pressuring automakers to set up shop in America with steep tariffs.
While Mercedes has a huge plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the trade war pushed them to announce plans to build the GLC in America starting in 2027. It will be built alongside the GLE, GLE Coupe, GLS, EQE SUV, and EQS SUV.
Speaking of US investments, the company also announced a new Research & Development hub in Georgia. It will be located near Sandy Springs as part of a multi-million dollar investment in the state.
