Mercedes-Benz is reaffirming its commitment to Metro Atlanta as it navigates challenges in the global automotive sector.
The German automaker announced plans on May 22 to expand its U.S. operations in the region, with an intention to add up to 500 new jobs by next August.
This workforce growth represents a significant move as the company continues to establish its U.S. headquarters at a contemporary office known as 1MB in Sandy Springs, a suburb of Atlanta.
Originally promising to employ 1,000 workers when relocating its headquarters in 2018, Mercedes-Benz currently employs around 800 individuals at this site, which has served as a critical hub for its North American market.
The upcoming positions will primarily transfer from Farmington Hills, Michigan, where corporate and financial services are currently situated.
These new team members will collaborate with existing sales and marketing departments at the Sandy Springs location.
In addition to this job expansion, Mercedes-Benz revealed plans to launch a new research and development hub “near Sandy Springs.”
This initiative is expected to attract technical talent, particularly recent engineering graduates from local universities like Georgia Tech, and aims to foster collaborations with emerging tech startups in the area.
“Bringing our teams closer together will enable us to be more agile, increase speed to market, and ensure the best customer experience,” stated Jason Hoff, who has recently assumed the role of CEO for Mercedes-Benz North America.
While further details about the R&D hub are still forthcoming, the company has described it as a “multimillion-dollar investment,” suggesting it will not be located at the Sandy Springs office.
A company spokesperson indicated that more information regarding the R&D facility and its functions would be shared soon, emphasizing the goal of increasing technical roles within the state.
Mercedes-Benz’s journey in Atlanta has been notable since its U.S. headquarters was moved there seven years ago.
Part of that initial vision included the establishment of a mobility incubator known as Lab1886 in Buckhead, aiming to create innovative ideas within the company’s portfolio.
Lab1886 was initially staffed by leaders from various regions, including China, Germany, and California, and gained attention with its showcase of advancing technologies, including a Volocopter, an early attempt at a drone taxi.
However, in December 2020, Daimler, the parent company, decided to spin off 1886Ventures, resulting in the closure of the Atlanta office less than two years after its much-publicized inauguration.
Regardless of earlier setbacks, Mercedes-Benz has continued its expansion in the U.S., proudly noting a presence of over 120 years in the American market.
In recent months, despite external pressures such as President Trump’s automotive tariffs, the company confirmed plans to produce its GLC midsize SUV at its factory in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Mercedes-Benz plays a significant role in the Southeast U.S. economy, accounting for approximately 8,000 direct manufacturing jobs and over 11,000 jobs overall across the region.
Along with its operations in Alabama, the company also manufactures Sprinter cargo vans in South Carolina, demonstrating a robust footprint in the automotive landscape of the southeastern United States.
In 2024, Mercedes-Benz reported selling 374,100 passenger cars and vans in the U.S., affirming its strong market presence amid industry fluctuations.
As this automotive giant continues to grow in Atlanta, it illustrates a strategic shift towards innovation, flexibility, and tapping into local talent pools.
image source from：https://www.globalatlanta.com/mercedes-benz-teases-atlanta-new-tech-hub-to-follow-sandy-springs-hq-expansion/
