4 September 2002: The Mercedes-Benz GST which was first shown as a concept car in Detroit last January will become a reality in 2004, and will be built in the USA.

The latest in a rash of ‘crossover’ vehicles from premium brand manufacturers is described as a ‘touring car, station wagon, large capacity vehicle and SUV’ all in one.

Production of the GST will involve a $600m investment in the M-B plant at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where the ML SUV is currently being produced.

It is likely the GST will also find its way to the European market, as have a number of other premium brand vehicles built in the US, like the ML, the Lexus RX300 and the BMW X5.