Lindsay Chappell

Mercedes-Benz, defying a worldwide decline in auto sales, is preparing to expand its U.S. assembly plant.
The plans, which have not been formally announced, include a $290 million investment at the Vance, Ala., factory that will allow Mercedes to build more vehicles.
News of the initiative emerged when Mercedes requested and received property tax and sales-tax and use-tax abatements from the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority.
“We are positioning ourselves for future products,” spokeswoman Felyicia Jerald said. She declined to indentify what product might be added. …