Mercedes-Benz Hybrid plans Michigan R&D center

Mercedes-Benz Hybrid LLC wins tax break to build $10 million center near Ann Arbor

LANSING, Mich. March 17, 2009; The AP reported that a subsidiary of German automaker Daimler AG has been granted tax breaks to build a $10 million research center near Ann Arbor.

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved the request Tuesday.

The center being built by Mercedes-Benz Hybrid LLC will develop and maintain a line of conventional and alternative propulsion systems.

Eight other companies also were granted state tax breaks to locate or expand in Michigan.

Among them were west Michigan companies that develop LED lighting and provide online foreign currency and futures trading; a producer of online educational games in Ann Arbor; a vaccine manufacturer in Lansing; and southeast Michigan companies involved in information technology, online software and auto electronics.