WASHINGTON, (WOWO): Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02) issued the following statement after Tuesday's announcement that Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. has selected AM General LLC to manufacture the Mercedes-Benz R-Class vehicle at AM General’s facility in Mishawaka:

“Today's announcement that Mercedes-Benz has chosen AM General to produce their vehicles is another great example of the excellent manufacturing provided by AM General that's able to meet the increasing demands of businesses looking to expand,” said Walorski. “This is great news for the workforce of South Bend and Mishawaka.”

Under the multi-year agreement, AM General becomes Mercedes-Benz's first and only contract manufacturing operator in the U.S. AM General anticipates R-Class vehicles will start rolling off its production lines this summer and will hire and train hundreds of new workers in order to prepare for R-class production.

“AM General is pleased to have been selected by Mercedes-Benz to build this vehicle at our world-class commercial vehicle facility in Mishawaka. We look forward to a long term relationship with Mercedes and expanding our services to the U.S. and global auto industry,” said Charlie Hall, President and CEO of AM General.