Auto News:Mercedes-Benz offer workers buyout package

The economy slowing and demand for new vehicles shrinking, Mercedes-Benz is offering buyout packages its nearly 4,000 workers at its Alabama plant for the first time since the factory opened 11 years ago.

Company officials did not specify how many employees Mercedes hopes will take the buyouts to balance the dip in demand, or what approach the company would take if too few employees opted for the buyouts.

Mercedes-Benz has announceed plans to halt production at plants in Germany for a month beginning Dec. 12. The Vance plant's converted to a four-day, 32-hour work week earlier this month.