Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC (MBV) in Charleston stands as the sole production hub for Mercedes-Benz vans within the United States. Since its inception in Ladson, South Carolina in 2006, this vital facility has successfully assembled over 400,000 Metris, Sprinter, and eSprinter vans. These vehicles are crucial for businesses and individuals across the U.S. and Canada, establishing the U.S. as the second-largest market for Sprinter vans globally, just behind Germany.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to growth and innovation, MBV Charleston undertook a significant expansion in 2018, investing over $500 million. This expansion incorporated a state-of-the-art Body Shop, a modern Paint Shop, and an expanded Assembly Shop. These additions enabled full, part-by-part assembly of both the Metris and Sprinter van models directly at the Charleston facility, enhancing production efficiency and capabilities.
The Charleston plant has marked numerous milestones, celebrating 15 years of SKD (semi-knockdown) production in South Carolina in 2021. The year 2022 saw the achievement of producing the 100,000th part-by-part Sprinter van, and in 2023, the facility reached a new production record, assembling over 50,000 vans. Further solidifying its position at the forefront of automotive innovation, MBV Charleston was selected as the pioneering plant within the global Mercedes-Benz Vans production network to manufacture the all-new electric eSprinter van, backed by an additional investment of nearly $60 million. eSprinter production commenced in January 2024, and within four months, the team celebrated the production of the 1,000th eSprinter.
Today, Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston is a major employer in the region, supporting over 1,600 team members directly and facilitating at least 500 additional on-site positions through supplier partnerships. The broader economic impact extends to an estimated 15,000* jobs throughout the supply chain and service sectors in the surrounding region. Beyond economic contributions, Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston actively invests in its community, having donated over $2,100,000 to local non-profits and schools since 2006, focusing on STEM programs, and contributing over 1,100 volunteer hours, reinforcing its dedication to Charleston and its future.
*Based on estimates from the Economic Policy Institute that every direct job in vehicle manufacturing supports 9.4 additional American jobs.
