The headline may be a little deceptive if you’re expecting some breaking news about Detroit. In fact, it is the state’s seventh largest city – Ann Arbor – that has received a double helping of positive green car news.
Firstly, Mercedes-Benz has stated that it is looking to hire 223 workers at a new research and development centre in the city. The jobs will be phased out over 10 years as Ann Arbor continues to build something of a green car reputation. Recently Norwegian manufacturer Think revealed its plans to come to the USA at a Press conference in the city.
It is expected that the state, via the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, will approve tax credits for Mercedes and its 65,000sq ft centre to be known as the Mercedes-Benz Engineering Centre for Powertrains USA.
In further green car news, Zipcar, which has been operating in the city since 2006, will be expanding its car sharing from the University of Michigan to cover residents and businesses. Any local can now rent one of four Toyota Matrix models or two Scion xD vehicles by the hour in an attempt to bring an environmentally friendly transportation alternative to the city.
So is Ann Arbor the new Detroit? Maybe not, but it’s certainly emerging as one of the hotbeds for a green car revolution.
