Well, just arrived home after touring the factory in Vance, AL. Quite an interesting experience. Bottom line, I'd recommend it for anyone who wants to see where their car came from or who is interested in seeing how they build the newer models for upgrading purposes. I'll give a few details now.
First, Vance is a small town with only one hotel (Baymont Inn) and two restaurants (Huddle House and a Subway). If you are a city person like me, this might be a little frightening and I'd recommend staying in Tuscaloosa, 20 miles up the road.
Anyways, the guided factory tour was great. The only downside is that no cameras are allowed. $5 tour fee (but hey, compared to an oil change, this is nothing, right?) I was surprised that they actually walk you through the assembly lines. You are actually within feet of welding robots, ML bodies on huge moving platforms, and even watching people on the assembly line putting components on cars. I should note, the the workers seemed happy and looked (at least) liked they cared about their work.
There was also a museum that had the first and last W163's, and first W164, X164, etc to come off the line. I'll post pictures of that when I load my camera pictures to my computer. The museum was small, but had some cool stuff.
So, if you really love your car and want to see where it came from, it was a good trip. Just thought everyone might want to know.
__________________ 2000 ML430
K&N air filter - Ate brakes - chrome grille, tailgate latch, logo on rims, instrument cluster rings - projector style lights w/xenon bulbs - white LED lights on licence plate - handpainted pinstripe - designo Java Shift Surround
Linear Mode
