05/08/2008 04:40. Mercedes-Benz may be forced to cancel or delay the launch of its first hybrid -- an M-Class sport utility slated for assembly at the German automaker's Vance plant -- amid a dispute with a company that was to provide batteries for the vehicle.

In a lawsuit filed in Birmingham federal court last week, Mercedes says Cobasys , a Michigan company with ties to Chevron Corp. , is refusing to honor its commitment.

Cobasys' owners have been shopping... // The Birmingham News - al.com