South Carolina Remains Hopeful of Landing Mercedes-Benz Plant. (Originated from The State, Columbia, S.C.)

Sep. 6--Information is still flowing between South Carolina and Mercedes- Benz, but talk about the project has been quiet as the site selection process moves into its final weeks.

Those close to the project say they believe South Carolina remains a primary contender for the $300 million, 1,500-employee plant.

A 1,200-acre site on Interstate 26 about 20 miles northwest of Charleston is under consideration by Mercedes for its first U.S. plant.

South Carolina officials, however, have not gotten any word about where the state stands in relation to other sites Mercedes is considering.

Mercedes executives will continue to make community visits until the …