SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205) - fresh shots from Germany

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After the first bunch of FEP spy shots which looked somewhat intriguing, the latest series of scoops with the forthcoming C-Class generation, captured in Stuttgart outside the Mercedes-Benz R&D Center, are again reheating the situation and building up enthusiasm in the fans' souls.

The new C-Class, slated to debut in spring 2014 at the Geneva Motor Show, will boast a new design identity for Mercedes-Benz. If the new S-Class coming this summer will be evolutionary in terms of design and will herald the advent of the real revolution. The mid-sized premium sedan sports a sporty, dramatic and unprecedented styling for Mercedes-Benz, judging by the shapes hidden underneath the thinner camouflage.

For more individuality, the three model lines of the new C-Class will be even more distinguishable than today, through dedicated detail customization of the exterior. Like the current series, the 205 generation will too continue to feature three exclusive front fascias as follows: the entry-level version displays a new chrome lamella grille with three grey, contrasting louvres; the Elegance variant boasts a new chrome lamella grille with three high-sheen black, contrasting louvres; the Avantgarde and AMG Sport Package models sport the dynamic Star grille in silver colour.

Although the entire philosophy is a bit unprecedented at Mercedes-Benz and highly controversial from many points of view, we cannot recognize the efforts paid by the designers led by Gorden Wagener to offer a new, distinct styling for the C-Class in addition to the firm desire of attracting new clients towards the Stuttgart-based constructor.

The interior lines, as seen in the scoops we published some long time ago (see HERE), continues the dynamic lines of the exterior. The dashboard will be an evolution of the latest interior designs - you shall find some traces of CLA, as well as new S-Class when you step inside the new C-Class.

The LCD screen for the infotainment system will no longer be integrated into the dashboard, like for the new A-Class and CLA-Class. A new arrangement of the controls on the center console will certainly improve functionality. The big slab that defines the mid section of the dashboard will be used for different, premium trim materials such as wood, metal, carbon fibre or leather.

The main technical highlights will be transferred from the S-Class. A new rear-driven MRA platform with enhanced dynamical capabilities will replace the current powertrain. Moreover, a new set of revised manual and automatic gearbox will further improve ride quality and efficiency levels. The engines that put the W 205 generation into motion will all feature ECO start/stop and direct injection for added economy and low emission levels. The entry-level model, the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY (BE), starts at 122 hp and is followed by C 200 BE with 156 hp, the C 220 CDI BE with 170 hp, the C 250 BE with 211 hp, the C 250 CDI BE with 204 hp, the C 300 BlueTEC with 252 hp, probably the C 350 CDI BE with 265 hp, and finally the C 400 BE with V6 power and 333 hp. The range-topping C 63 AMG model is expected to debut towards 2015 (with the official premiere slated for the 2014 Paris motor show) and will be equipped with company's newly developed bi-turbocharged, 8-cylinder engine with a total displacement of 4.0 litres and rated at around 460-470 hp.

Image Credits: Gmotors.co.uk

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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EURONICS branding for Gary Paffett and Christian Vietoris in the DTM

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Gary Paffett (31, England) and Christian Vietoris (23, Germany) will sport the logo of new Mercedes-Benz DTM sponsor partners EURONICS, as the 2013 DTM season gets underway at Hockenheim (3rd-5th May 2013). Paffett and Vietoris will make their first appearance together for EURONICS, one of Germany’s leading consumer electronics trading groups, as part of a nationwide television advertising campaign for the company. The TV ad featured for the first time on 23rd February 2013 at 6:24pm during Sportschau, ARD television’s flagship football programme. By the 1st March 2013, the commercial will have been aired a total of 116 times during programmes that enjoy consistently high ratings.

Paffett, DTM runner-up in 2012, will be at the wheel of the new EURONICS Mercedes AMG C-Coupé this season. Vietoris will compete in a EURONICS co-sponsored DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé. The EURONICS logo will also feature on the racing overalls of both drivers.

Vietoris, along with Mercedes-Benz team-mates Roberto Merhi (21, Spain), Robert Wickens (23, Canada) and Daniel Juncadella (21, Spain) is a member of the DTM junior team that was first established in 2012. 2013 marks his third season in the world’s most popular touring car series. This will be Paffett’s tenth DTM season – all of them contested at the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz DTM car. The 2005 champion is the most successful of the current crop of DTM drivers with a total of 19 DTM victories to his credit.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Mercedes-Benz DTM driver line-up for 2013

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Mercedes-Benz today announced its line-up of drivers for the 2013 DTM season. The three-pointed star will enter six DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupés this year in the world’s most popular touring car series. The aim of this move is to focus resources on a leaner, meaner DTM task force with the two experienced teams at HWA and Mücke Motorsport.

2012 DTM runner-up and 2005 champion Gary Paffett (31, England) will play a major role for Mercedes-Benz in the title hunt. His 19 DTM victories make him the most successful of the current crop of DTM drivers.

Ex-Formula 1 star Ralf Schumacher is about to embark on his sixth successive season in the DTM. With six F1 race wins, he ranks as the third-most successful German driver of all time at the highest level of the sport, entering the record books behind his brother Michael Schumacher and three-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. Ralf has been competing in the DTM since 2008.

Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz has added an extra driver to its DTM junior team. In addition to the current crop – Roberto Merhi (21, Spain), Christian Vietoris (23, Germany) and Robert Wickens (23, Canada) – Daniel Juncadella (21, Spain) will join the DTM junior team that was first established in 2012. This quartet of ‘young guns’ completes the driver line-up for Mercedes-Benz in the 2013 DTM season.

Junior team drivers will receive support from MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg, who will mentor the youngsters. The successful Mercedes-Benz Junior Team of the 1990s that included Michael Schumacher, Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Karl Wendlinger might well serve as his inspiration. Schumacher competed in four DTM races as a junior, gaining experience in the world’s most popular international touring car series. In the course of their careers, these drivers all successfully made the transition to Formula 1. Frentzen and Wendlinger subsequently raced in the DTM.

Juncadella joins the DTM as the current Formula 3 Euro Series champion. The Spaniard used Mercedes-Benz Formula 3 engines from 2010 through to 2012, winning the prestigious 2011 Formula 3 Grand Prix in Macau. Last year was his best to date when he rounded off the season with a number of successes – the Formula 3 Euro Series title, plus victories in the Formula 3 Masters at Zandvoort and in the inaugural FIA Formula 3 Championship.

This year marks the start of their second DTM season for both Merhi and Wickens. Merhi has been a Mercedes-Benz protégé since 2008, and, like fellow Spanish driver Juncadella, won the Formula 3 Euro Series championship in a Dallara-Mercedes before graduating to the DTM.

This will be the third season in the DTM for Vietoris. His best DTM result was fourth place in the 2012 season-opener at Hockenheim.

Developing motor racing talent has a long history at Mercedes-Benz. Since the Formula 3 Euro Series was first introduced in 2003, eight drivers have won the championship title running Mercedes-Benz Formula 3 engines. Teams powered by Mercedes have secured the team championship nine times, winning 170 of 209 races in total. During the same period, 13 drivers who had previously competed in Formula 3 powered by Mercedes-Benz moved up into Formula 1, including current MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, who won the 2005 Formula 3 Euro Series championship in a Dallara-Mercedes, having achieved 15 victories in 20 races.

Gary Paffett: “The new DTM season marks an anniversary for me. This will be my tenth season in the world’s most popular touring car series as a Mercedes-Benz driver. Last year, I led the standings from the opening race right through to the season finale at Hockenheim. Unfortunately, we didn’t have that bit of luck that would have seen us win the championship. Anyway, I’ll be pushing even harder this time and going all out for my second DTM title.”

Ralf Schumacher: “The 2013 season will be number six for me in the world’s most popular touring car series. I feel very much at home in the DTM and in the Mercedes-Benz family. I have set myself ambitious targets this year and have already embarked upon an intensive fitness programme as part of pre-season preparations. The DTM is more competitive than ever before and experienced tremendous growth in its fan base last year, showing the enormous popularity that this racing series enjoys among motor racing enthusiasts everywhere. I am particularly looking forward to the new race in Moscow and DTM expansion into virgin territory.”

Daniel Juncadella: “My DTM debut is like a dream come true. I cannot wait for the season opener at Hockenheim. I’ll be lining up for my first DTM race in a Mercedes AMG C-Coupé. I would like to offer my thanks especially to Mercedes-Benz, since my success in recent years – and consequently this move up into the DTM – would not have been possible if it had not been for their junior programme and their support. I will now do my level best to maintain the confidence placed in me.”

Roberto Merhi: “I am very proud to again be part of the Mercedes-Benz family in the upcoming season. I learned a great deal in the DTM during my debut year and would like to use that experience to bring about consistent improvements and achieve better results this season. Congratulations to Daniel on his move up into the DTM. We were team-mates in the Formula 3 Euro Series at Prema Powerteam, and I look forward to continuing our scraps in the DTM.”

Christian Vietoris: “This season will be my third in the DTM; however, as a member of the junior team, I am one of the more experienced DTM drivers, which means, of course, that I now expect to achieve more than I did these past two years. My goal this season is to secure a couple of podiums.”

Robert Wickens: “The DTM is one of the world’s best and most popular racing series, and I am very pleased that Mercedes-Benz has given me the chance again this year to see how I measure up against the best touring car drivers, competing at the highest level. I know that I have a lot to learn for 2013 but Mercedes has given me the opportunity to learn as fast as possible. I can’t wait to progress to the next stage this year.”

Nico Rosberg: “The Mercedes-Benz Junior Team in the DTM is a very exciting and important initiative, giving young drivers the chance to compete in motor sport at the highest level. I’ve been close to the DTM for many years, as a young boy at my father’s side to begin with, then as a driver contesting the junior series as part of the support programme, and now I have taken the wheel of various Mercedes-Benz DTM cars on a number of occasions. I am looking forward to following their progress this season and can maybe give the young guns a tip or two. I wish them all the best and every success.”

Toto Wolff: “Developing young talent has a long history at Mercedes-Benz, so it is entirely logical to increase the size of our DTM junior team in this second year and welcome a fourth driver to the team: Daniel Juncadella. Roberto Merhi, Christian Vietoris and Robert Wickens were faced with an extremely difficult challenge in their first year with the new generation of vehicles but did extremely well. So, there was never any doubt that they would continue their training in 2013. That too is part of a successful youth development programme. We would wish to offer our thanks to Nico Rosberg. Despite a strenuous and time-consuming Formula 1 programme, he will take time out once in a while to support our young DTM drivers and give them help and assistance. We have two seasoned and very experienced racing drivers in the squad – Gary Paffett and Ralf Schumacher – who will also act as guides to our youngsters both from a racing and human perspective. With the aim of making the best possible use of resources in mind, we have decided to race six DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupés this year. We hope to gain more flexibility in the development of our vehicles by focusing on six cars and using resources more efficiently.”

Credits: Daimler AG

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AM Awards 2013: The A-Class wins AM New Car of the Year

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The new A-Class was announced as ‘AM New Car of the Year’ at last night’s prestigious AM Awards.

Tim Rose, Managing Editor of AM, commented: ‘The new A-Class has the style, dynamism and technology that's required to punch its weight in this highly competitive sub-segment. It’s an all-round performer and just the product that Mercedes-Benz dealers need to entice new customers into their showrooms.’

The announcement of the win for the new A-Class has added to the momentum behind the new model which has been met by significant demand not just in the UK but throughout Europe, with 90,000 pre-orders for the car ahead of its market introduction.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz UK commented: ‘This is a significant win that reflects not only our investment in innovation but also our commitment to listening to existing and potential customers and giving them exactly what they want. We have an exciting year ahead for the new A-Class, and this is a great start.’

‘From the innovative interactive marketing campaign through the style and technology packed into the car itself, to how our network is marketing and selling this great car, everything about the way we’re approaching the A-Class is new. This Award is great recognition of those efforts.’

First deliveries of the new A-Class commenced in January following on from a series of innovative and vibrant regional roadshows throughout 2012, raising awareness among potential buyers and demonstrating its bold new direction as well as its advanced comfort, safety and dynamic systems fitted as standard. Prices start at £18,945 OTR – images and detailed information on the new A-Class can be found here.

In what was a successful evening for Mercedes-Benz, the innovative My Dash system also won an Award – being named ‘Best Digital Initiative’.

Credits: Mercedes-Benz UK

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iF product design award 2013: Mercedes-Benz Actros wins international design award once again

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The iF label is recognised worldwide as a hallmark of excellent design – a cachet that now attaches to the new Mercedes-Benz Actros. This year, 49 experts from the areas of design, industry and education chose their favourites from over 3000 entries.

The competition forms part of the “iF design awards”, which are now in their 60th year – organised by the International Forum Design, which is based in Hanover and stages exhibitions worldwide. Each year, the awards for excellent design are presented in the three disciplines "product”, “communication” and “packaging".

The jury spent three days viewing, handling, testing and analysing the entries behind closed doors.

"All award-winning entries are examples of exceptional product design," affirms the statement by the international expert jury. Key criteria are target group appeal and content, design quality and creativity, relevance to the customer, economy, originality and innovation. The winning entries at the “iF design” awards reflect current design trends and the economic credentials of well designed objects.

"The fact that our Actros has won such an important design award is a magnificent acknowledgement of our daily work," notes Kai Sieber, Head of Design for Mercedes-Benz Trucks & Vans.

The new Mercedes-Benz Actros has already won the "red dot" design award from the Design Zentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, the "German Design Award 2013" in the category "Transportation and Public Space" and the "Focus in Gold 2012" from the Design Center Stuttgart.

The flagship truck from Mercedes-Benz has won over the international juries with the high quality and ergonomics of its interior and the consistent exterior design of the vehicle's different variants.

The new Mercedes-Benz Actros

The new Actros model series produced in Wörth is predestined for long-haul transport. The designers have gone back to the drawing board to evolve a totally new Actros that meets the ever increasing requirements with regard to comfort, economy, driving dynamics and diversity. In terms of equipment options and models, the diversity of the series offers a perfectly configured vehicle for virtually any type of deployment in long-haul transport.

Credits: Daimler AG

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iF product design award 2013: Mercedes-Benz design takes top honours in international competition

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The designers at Mercedes-Benz have been rewarded for their one-off Concept Style Coupé vehicle and Actros with the internationally renowned "iF product design award 2013". Last year the Concept Style Coupé laid down the template for the lines of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, which has recently celebrated its world premiere. With its avant-garde design, this four-door Coupé is now establishing a new segment. For the Actros, the “iF product design award” is the fourth consecutive major design prize.

For decades, the "iF product design award" has ranked as one of the world's most important design awards and represents the seal of approval for outstanding design. This year, some 49 experts from the areas of design, industry and education selected their favourite items from among more than 3000 contributions. As part of this process, the Concept Style Coupé and Actros from Mercedes-Benz emerged victorious against some established competitors.

With the Concept Style Coupé, Mercedes-Benz delivered a convincing statement in favour of the avant-garde design of sporty coupés. The four-door Coupé presents itself as a style rebel: non-conformist, provocative and masculine. Technical highlights include a striking headlamp design featuring innovative indicators, the new four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 155 kW (211 hp), and also the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

"The response to the Concept Style Coupé was overwhelming. The most frequent comment by far was 'Please put this car into series production.' That's precisely what we are doing now," explains Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. As the recently presented newcomer to the range, with its frameless doors the Mercedes-Benz CLA adopts the design of the Concept Style Coupé concept vehicle and seamlessly transfers it into series production. In this way, Mercedes-Benz is once again demonstrating that the concept vehicles of the premium automotive manufacturer are completely at home in the real world.

The Concept Style Coupé has already received the "Best of Best" award at the Automotive Brand Contest.

Also recognised was the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle design. For the Actros, the “iF product design award” is the fourth consecutive major design prize.

The flagship commercial vehicle has already received the “red dot” design award from the Design Centre in North-Rhine Westphalia, the “German Design Award 2013” in the “Transportation and Public Space” category and the “Focus in Gold 2012” from the Design Center Stuttgart.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Movie Star: The new A-Class takes the "Night train to Lisbon"

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For his film version of Pascal Mercier’s international bestselling novel "Night Train to Lisbon", Oscar-winning Danish director Bille August turned to international stars such as Jeremy Irons, Martina Gedeck, Jack Huston, Mélanie Laurent – and two vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. So when Raimund Gregorius (Jeremy Irons), the film’s main protagonist, sets off in search of author Amadeu de Prado (Jack Huston), he is driven through Lisbon by eye specialist Mariana de Eca (Martina Gedeck) in an A-Class. The author himself – in film flashbacks of his life – drives a Mercedes-Benz 280 SE.

The film’s premiere in Germany is on 20 February 2013 in Hamburg and in Switzerland on 21 February in Berne. Both premieres are being supported by Mercedes-Benz with a limousine shuttle service. From 20 February 2013, film fans will be able to log on to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dyFIh4hVwg to see an exclusive "making of" feature about the film. The film can be seen in cinemas in Germany from 7 March 2013.


About the film

Raimund Gregorius, known affectionately by his pupils as "Mundus", is a classics teacher at a college in the Swiss capital, Berne. One day, on the Kirchenfeld Bridge, he meets a beautiful young Portuguese woman. Just as she is about to throw herself into the waters below, he is able to seize hold of her and save her. But the lady disappears soon afterwards, leaving behind only her jacket and a book by the Portuguese doctor and poet Amadeu de Prado. Gregorius is fascinated by the book and determines to find out more about the life of its author. Finding a rail ticket tucked inside the book, he makes an impulsive decision to use it and leaves his class mid-lesson to embark on what proves to be a very eventful journey to Lisbon. Following in the footsteps of de Prado, he becomes involved in a high-stakes game, fraught with political as well as emotional intrigue. His journey transcends both time and space, touches upon questions of philosophy, history and medicine - not to mention love. It takes him on a liberating search for the true meaning of life.

© 2013 Sam Emerson / Concorde Filmverleih (Distributor). All rights reserved.

Further information about the film is available at http://nighttrain-film.com .

Credits: Daimler AG

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Triple victory in the Design Trophy 2013: Mercedes-Benz builds the most beautiful cars

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The readers of the German motoring magazine "Auto Zeitung" have voted for their favourite cars with the most appealing design. Models from Mercedes-Benz took first place in three categories: the A-Class was the winner in the compact class, and the CLS Shooting Brake took the laurels in the Estate Car class while also being voted the most beautiful car of all – the overall champion.

This year 24,258 readers of "Auto Zeitung" cast their votes for the most beautiful cars. The only criterion was: which has the best design? The candidates were the new models that appeared in the last year, voted for in five categories.

Readers voted the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake the most beautiful car of all categories, and at the same time this unconventional creation by Mercedes-Benz designers took first place in the Estate Car category.

In voting the CLS Shooting Brake the design champion of all classes, the readers recognised the conceptual creativity of the designers at Mercedes-Benz. Indeed, the CLS Shooting Brake is surprisingly different from anything seen previously. Essentially it is a completely new form of sports car with five seats and a large tailgate.

A long bonnet, a slim window line with frameless side windows and a roof extending to the rear end with a dynamic rearward slope give the CLS Shooting Brake the dramatic proportions of a coupé. However, a closer look reveals an unexpected "bonus" in terms of function: five doors and a large load capacity under the tailgate – despite the low, sporty contour of the roof. On request the load compartment is available with flooring of American cherry wood featuring contrasting inlays of smoked oak. The luxurious wood floor is protected by aluminium rails. Finished to the highest standards of craftsmanship, these high-grade materials give the load compartment of the CLS Shooting Brake the elegance and hand-built look of yacht decking.

Chairman of the Board of Management Dr Dieter Zetsche: "Every genuine motoring legend appeals to the heart and mind in equal measure. The functionality of a vehicle is a matter of course – it is taken for granted by our customers. The crowning achievement is the allure. The CLS Shooting Brake combines both in a way that no other automobile can match."

The most eye-catching car in the compact class was the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It thrills with its progressive design and a dynamic, radical design idiom that underlines its exceptional status in this segment. The A‑Class has a particularly distinctive and sporty character. Pronounced feature lines in the flanks lend structure and character to the exterior. The new, dynamic style of the A-Class is harmoniously matched by an innovative interior with an extremely high level of perceived quality.

This year the Mercedes-Benz A-Class also won the vote for Germany's most popular automobile. The motoring organisation ADAC accordingly presented it with the "Gelber Engel 2013" ("Golden Angel 2013") award.

The A-Class also scores on an international basis. More than 100,000 car enthusiasts from 52 countries voted the Mercedes-Benz A-Class the "Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2012". They were able to cast their votes on seven mini-websites, made available in various languages by the TV channel Eurosport.

"The A-Class is a clear statement confirming the new dynamism of the Mercedes-Benz brand," says Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Five new assistance systems bring even higher levels of safety to Vans with the Star

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With five new assistance and safety systems, Mercedes-Benz Vans is continuing to extend its role as an innovation leader among van manufacturers. The systems include three world premieres for this category of vehicle: Crosswind Assist, Collision Prevention Assist and Blind Spot Assist. They were presented yesterday for the first time by the Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer as part of a Mercedes-Benz Vans TecForum held at the Boxberg testing ground. The new systems are expected to be introduced in vans with the star in just a few months.

Five new assistance systems – three world premieres

Preventing accidents from happening in the first place rather than mitigating the consequences afterwards – active safety is paramount for Mercedes-Benz Vans. The five new assistance systems will increase the high level of safety of Mercedes-Benz Vans even further.

Crosswind Assist keeps a van safely on course when the wind is gusting strongly. The Collision Prevention Assist alerts the driver if the vehicle gets too close to other moving vehicles on the road ahead or to the end of a queue of traffic, while the Blind Spot Assist warns a driver that is about to change lane that vehicles in the next lane are dangerously close. All three systems are celebrating their world premieres in the van class. Also new are the Lane Keeping Assist and Highbeam Assist.

Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans: "When it comes to safety, we have always enjoyed a pioneering role with our vehicles and are now launching a new era in assistance and safety systems for vans. These systems will support the driver and help to avoid accidents, thereby also ensuring the maximum availability of our vans."

Mercedes-Benz Vans has a long tradition of taking a pioneering role in relation to assistance and safety systems: it was the first brand in this sector to introduce Antilock Brake System ABS in its flagship Sprinter model as early as 1995. This was followed by the Electronic Stability Program ESP in 2002. Further trailblazing advances from Mercedes-Benz Vans came in 2006 with the further development of the system to create ADAPTIVE ESP. This system takes the actual weight of the vehicle and its centre of gravity into account when calculating the control characteristics. Both generations of ESP have led to drastic reductions in accident numbers.

Generally speaking, accidents involving vans happen in very similar ways to those involving passenger cars. This has been evidenced by a recent research report undertaken by, amongst others, accident researchers working on behalf of the insurance companies, and Germany's Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt). When it came to looking at the mileage, the researchers even registered a lower accident risk for vans than for passenger cars.

In developing its new assistance systems, Mercedes-Benz Vans was able to benefit from the unique expertise available in the company's Group Research division as well as from the experience gained by its passenger car and commercial vehicle units. Dr Sascha Paasche, Head of Development at Mercedes-Benz Vans: "We are fortunate in being able to benefit from a very special network and a transfer of knowledge within the Daimler Group. This is just one more reason why we are at the top when it comes to safety engineering."

Credits: Daimler AG

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Retro Classics 2013: Mercedes-Benz S-Class and brand clubs take centre stage

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Mercedes-Benz Classic and the brand clubs officially recognised in Germany are putting the fascinating history of the S-Class on centre stage during their joint appearance at Retro Classics 2013 in Stuttgart. The internationally renowned trade show for classic cars and motorised vehicle culture will be taking place this year at the Stuttgart Trade Fair from 7 March (preview) to 10 March 2013.The Classic Division of the world’s oldest car manufacturer and the brand clubs bearing the three-pointed star standard will have a strong presence on 2,400 square metres of floor space in hall 7. “This year, Mercedes-Benz Classic will be appearing with the officially recognised brand clubs in hall 7. This joint presence is of central importance for us, both in terms of content and from a spatial perspective, as it highlights the strong association between Mercedes-Benz Classic and the highly dedicated members of the brand clubs,” says Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic.

S-Class showpieces from various historical eras

The unique tradition of the S-Class will come alive at Retro Classics 2013 with showpieces from all eras of the premium and luxury class vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and the predecessor brands. The showpiece selection underscores how deeply rooted the S-Class is in the brand’s history – far beyond the more recent model-series history since the 1950s.

Mercedes-Benz Classic have brought an absolutely spectacular showpiece out of the museum and to the exhibit: the 60-hp Mercedes-Simplex, model year 1904, which served as the touring car of businessman Emil Jellinek, the father of Mercedes Jellinek, the brand’s namesake. And from the company’s own collection, the exhibit features a 1929 Nürburg 460 (W 08) and a “Großer Mercedes” (large Mercedes) 770 (W 07) dating from 1931.

The brand clubs have added to the showpiece collection from Mercedes-Benz Classic with cars from the period before the Second World War, such as the Mannheim (W 10) or the 500 K (W 29) model, for instance. But showpieces from the more recent vehicle history will also be on display.

First-rate parts supply for fascinating vehicles

Mercedes-Benz Classic ensures and promotes an active passion for classic motor cars first and foremost with a first-rate parts supply. The parts catalogue currently lists 38,702 model-specific spare parts items plus some 15,000 identical parts; the latest addition to Mercedes-Benz Classic’s parts stewardship is the model 140 S-Class (1991 to 1998). Genuine parts are available from all Mercedes-Benz dealerships, authorised trade partners and via the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center – many items are even available within 24 hours. Mercedes-Benz genuine parts for vehicles from all eras are therefore a further focal point at Retro Classics in Stuttgart this year.

Retro Classics will be held this year for the sixth time at the Stuttgart Trade Fair next to Stuttgart airport. This will be the trade show’s 13th year in all. Retro Classics has long been considered one of the most important dates on the classic scene’s calendar, not only in the Southern German Baden-Württemberg region with its extraordinary historical motor car tradition, but throughout Germany and the rest of Europe.The exhibit will open in the afternoon of Thursday 7 March 2013, with a preview for the press and professional visitors. Once again the hosts are expecting several thousand guests over the next three days: last year, approximately 65,000 visitors came to the 12th Retro Classics, where over 3,000 classic cars were on exhibit.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Classic: 50 years ago - “Pagoda” premiere in Geneva

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The launch of the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1963 caused quite a sensation: nine years after the introduction of the 300 SL (W 198) and 190 SL (W 121) sports cars in 1954, Mercedes-Benz presented the motoring world with a single successor to both these extremely successful early SL models. Known internally as the W 113, the two-seater Roadster was characterised by its exceptional comfort, excellent performance, and exemplary handling safety.

The team under Chief Designer Friedrich Geiger had produced a vehicle with a distinctly contemporary flair, which also set a new benchmark in terms of handling safety. For indeed, the 230 SL was the first sports car in the world to feature a safety body made up of a rigid passenger compartment with crumple zones both front and rear. The engineering designers’ work on the W 113 thus reflected the ideas developed by Béla Barényi with respect to the passive safety of automotive body shells.

The characteristic inward curvature of the removable Coupé roof improved the vehicle’s passive safety still further: the concave shape improved stability, while at the same time keeping the weight low. The curve of the Coupé roof, designed by Paul Bracq, was somehow reminiscent of the sweep of an oriental temple roof, so the W 113 model series soon acquired the nickname “Pagoda”.

Sports car with luxury-class genes

The technical basis of the Roadster was provided by the Mercedes-Benz 220 SE (W 111) luxury-class Saloon: the shortened and reinforced frame floor assembly of the sports car, including its front and rear-wheel suspension, stemmed from this predecessor of today’s S‑Class. The engine in the 220 SE also formed the basis for the development of the 150 hp (110 kW) M 127 six-cylinder in-line engine (with a displacement of 2306 cc), with which the new SL model series was launched onto the market in 1963. For the first time in an SL, a four-speed automatic transmission was available as an option.

Towards the end of 1966 the 230 SL was succeeded by the 250 SL model. Its six-cylinder in-line engine (M 129) also had an output of 150 hp (110 kW), but generated 10 per cent more torque. This meant that the vehicle could accelerate from a standing start to 100 km/h in 10 seconds, and thus 1.1 seconds faster than the version introduced in 1963. The top speed of both the 230 SL and the 250 SL was 200 km/h.

Finally, in 1968, the 280 SL with M 130 engine became the third and last version of the W 113 model series to enter the market. Its 2778 cc six-cylinder in-line engine developed 170 hp (125 kW) and could accelerate the sports car from a standstill to 100 km/h in 9 seconds. As before the top speed was 200 km/h, a very respectable figure for this era.

The three SL models that made up the W 113 model series were each available as a Roadster with folding soft top, as a sports car with a removable Coupé roof, and in a further variant that combined the removable Coupé roof with a Roadster soft top. As an optional extra, Mercedes-Benz would fit an additional transverse seat into the rear of the sports car.

Production of the W 113 ended in March 1971 with 48,912 units to its credit. The completely redesigned successor of model series R 107 took over from the technically and stylistically trailblazing “Pagoda” – and went on to set new benchmarks in its turn, for example in the form of the first eight-cylinder engine for the SL-Class.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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The new Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG and A 45 AMG in new Driveclub™ racing game for PlayStation 4

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On 21st February, in New York, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) presented Driveclub a brand new racing franchise developed exclusively for Playstation 4 by Evolution Studios. The car line-up in this pioneering game, which conveys better than ever before the heart and soul of motor racing and the passion it inspires, includes several exceptional sports cars from Mercedes-Benz – first and foremost among them the new CLA 45 AMG and the new A 45 AMG. Both these high-performance vehicles will be celebrating their real-world premiere in March 2013. Driveclub and the new Playstation 4 console will be launching this holiday season.

Playstation 4 is SCEI’s next generation computer entertainment system that redefines rich and immersive gameplay with powerful graphics and speed, intelligent personalisation, deeply integrated social capabilities, and innovative second-screen features. Driveclub is the perfect fit for the lifestyle of the next generation of PlayStation gamers: an exhilarating, visceral and highly socially connected racing experience that showcases the immense capabilities of Playstation 4. Driveclub is a networked game to be played in real clubs, encouraging players to team up and to collaborate and compete with one another while experiencing the thrill of driving the best cars in the world, on the best roads in the world. The audiovisual quality of the cars and the tracks is staggering, and the view from the cockpit is absolutely true to life, immersing the player in every race and recreating the power and the drama that they would feel if they were actually sitting in the driver’s seat.

As well as the CLA 45 AMG and the A 45 AMG, further vehicles with the three-pointed star will join Driveclub.

Firing up the world's most powerful four-cylinder production engine

In March the A 45 AMG will be presented at the Geneva auto show. With this new family member Mercedes-AMG will for the first time be offering a high-performance vehicle in the compact class segment. The AMG-Version of the new four-door Coupé, the CLA, is celebrating its world premiere in New York. With a peak output of 265 kW (360 hp) and a maximum torque of 450 newton metres, their turbocharged AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is the world's most powerful four-cylinder power unit in series production. The power density of 133 kW (181 hp) surpasses even that of the most powerful super sports cars. At the same time they excel with outstanding efficiency, while also meeting the EU6 emissions standard. The A 45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG are equipped as standard with the fully variable, performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Supervisory Board of Daimler AG extends contracts of Dr. Dieter Zetsche and Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber

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In its meeting today, the Supervisory Board of Daimler AG passed a unanimous resolution to extend the contract of service of Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, until December 31, 2016. The contract of service of Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Board of Management Member for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, was also extended until December 31, 2016.

As of April 1, 2013, Andreas Renschler will assume Board of Management responsibility for production and purchasing of Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans. At the same time, Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard will assume Board of Management responsibility for Daimler Trucks.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche has been a member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG since December 16, 1998 and its Chairman since January 1, 2006. He is also Head of the Mercedes-Benz Cars division.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber has been a member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG since January 1, 2004 and is responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

Andreas Renschler has been a member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Daimler Trucks since October 1, 2004. Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard has been a member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Operations Mercedes-Benz Cars since February 18, 2010.

Dr. Manfred Bischoff: “The long-term orientation of the Group’s leadership is an essential factor for Daimler’s sustained success. With today’s extensions of the contracts of Dieter Zetsche and Thomas Weber, we are maintaining the important continuity at the top executive level.”

“Dieter Zetsche and the Board of Management have a clear plan how to further enhance Daimler’s overall performance together with their team. Dieter Zetsche is distinguished of course by his great experience, but also by his ability to combine a feeling for cars with sound engineering knowledge and an entrepreneurial approach,” continued Dr. Bischoff.

“Research and development are two key areas in the automobile industry. I am therefore delighted that we will continue the successful collaboration with Thomas Weber. He will steadily continue to maintain Daimler’s claim to technological leadership,” stated Dr. Bischoff.

“Wolfgang Bernhard and Andreas Renschler are two highly experienced members of Daimler’s Board of Management. With this change, they will both be able to utilize their management know-how from their previous responsibilities within in their new functions, thus expanding their own expertise in all automobile areas,” explained Dr. Bischoff.

The contracts of service of Dr. Zetsche and Prof. Dr. Weber would otherwise have expired in December 2013. In accordance with Section 84 Subsection 1 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG) and with the Rules of Procedure of the Supervisory Board of Daimler AG, the Supervisory Board passes a resolution on reappointments to the Board of Management at the beginning of the last year of a member’s current period of office.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Mercedes-Benz Bank continues to grow

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Mercedes-Benz Bank AG achieved once again solid business results in 2012. The total volume of the bank’s leasing and financing contracts for Daimler vehicles rose by five percent to €17.8 billion at the end of last year. Compared to 2011, new business increased by one percent to the record figure of €9.1 billion. As a result, the Stuttgart-based automotive bank also increased the share of Daimler vehicles it finances or leases in Germany to an all-time high. In fact, Mercedes-Benz Bank put more than half of the new Daimler vehicles on the road last year with a leasing or financing agreement.

“Mercedes-Benz Bank is performing well. We continued to profitably grow in 2012, we have our credit risks firmly under control, and our direct banking business provides us with a strong basis for refinancing our activities. In addition, our profitability is higher than our return on equity target of 17 percent,” stated Franz Reiner, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Bank. The bank, which is a subsidiary of Daimler Financial Services AG, made a significant contribution to its parent company’s operating profit of nearly €1.3 billion in 2012.

Mercedes-Benz Bank did particularly well last year in the insurance business, where the number of policies (motor insurance, payment protection insurance, purchase price protection, and traffic-related legal expenses insurance) increased by six percent to nearly 260,000. Mercedes-Benz Bank also combines individual components such as leasing, insurance, servicing, and maintenance into complete packages, which it offers at a single monthly rate. The total volume of these complete packages increased by seven percent last year to nearly 160,000. The bank’s fleet management business also experienced strong growth last year, with the number of contracts rising by six percent to nearly 280,000.

Outlook: Growth in the fleet management sector and in Europe

Reiner expects Mercedes-Benz Bank to continue to grow this year through the systematic expansion of its product range. “We are expanding our business model by adding mobility-related services to the products of a purely automotive bank — namely, leasing, financing, and direct banking,” Reiner said. Among other things, the company will get involved in the rental car business and offer more financial services products for pre-owned vehicles.

As the fleet management business will be an important strategic growth segment in the coming years, the subsidiary Daimler Fleet Management will expand its business model in this area. “At Daimler Fleet Management we mainly focused on the German market, but we will now intensify our efforts to gain internationally operating customers from Europe,” Reiner said.

The stronger focus on business opportunities outside Germany is also evidenced by Mercedes-Benz Bank’s new service center in Berlin. In addition to serving commercial vehicle customers in Germany, the center now offers services to customers in Spain. In a few months from now, the Berlin center will also begin serving customers in Italy.

Mercedes-Benz Bank also plans to increase the number of branches it operates in Europe. The company currently has branches in the UK and Spain, where it offers dealer financing. Another branch will be opened in France this year, and preparations to expand into additional countries are under way. “Mercedes-Benz Bank is becoming more European in scope. We can invest in such growth projects, because of our financial strength and strong position in our home market,” says Reiner.

Growth to result from Daimler’s model offensive

In the years ahead, Reiner also expects the bank to get a boost from the many new vehicle models that Mercedes-Benz will be launching in the coming months. “The Mercedes-Benz model offensive will provide us with outstanding growth opportunities in 2013 and beyond, as it encompasses a range of new commercial vehicles as well as new cars such as the new E-Class, the new S-Class, and the new CLA,” stated Reiner. In particular, Mercedes-Benz Bank will support the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class models this spring with complete packages for private and commercial customers.

Savings accounts from the direct banking business help secure growth and the provision of loans

In 2012, Mercedes-Benz Bank’s deposit banking business grew by ten percent to €12.1 billion. This puts the bank in a good position to continue to give customers and dealers affordable loans and thus to support Daimler sales. “Because of our good refinancing situation, we can always finance our planned growth without having to depend on the financial markets,” said Reiner. Mercedes-Benz Bank expects to continue to increase its contract volume and new business this year.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Daimler strengthens international research and development network with new site in India

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Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) formally opened its new site in Bangalore today. With 1,200 employees, MBRDI is the largest Daimler research and development centre outside Germany, and it also is the largest and ultramodern centre run by any German car manufacturer in India.

The company's Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development unit is strengthening its international knowledge network as part of the Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy. Already today, research and development staff is working at 22 sites in eight countries in order to meet the challenges of the future. Around 21,000 people work in research and development within the Daimler AG, including 4,300 outside Germany, creating a vast pool of knowledge covering a wide range of disciplines.

"Our new centre of competence in Bangalore gives us direct access to a highly qualified workforce and excellent networking with the locally based international and national supply industry," states Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "With enormous growth potential, India is one of the core markets within our global strategy Mercedes-Benz 2020. With our new research site MBRDI we are further expanding our presence on the market, in order to be closer to the customer also in terms of research and development."

MBRDI started off with just ten employees in 1996 and has since transformed itself from a purely research-based site for IT and vehicle electrics/electronics into a centre of competence with know-how in the fields of design (Computer Aided Design), simulation (Computer Aided Engineering), electrics/electronics (EE) and information technology (IT) for all divisions across the Daimler AG. The Indian site MBRDI filed 50 patent applications in 2012 alone.

"Our international research and development sites are the perfect complement to the R&D activities in Germany, helping to ensure the long-term success and the competitiveness of our traditional research and development sites," adds Professor Weber.

One project that exemplifies the cooperation between the world-wide sites is the "Human Body Modelling" (HBM) simulation tool, which was developed in close collaboration with the German research and development sites. In accident simulations, HBM enables a wide range of parameters to be taken into account, such as biomechanics, physical properties of the human body and many different crash situations. This globally unique system therefore allows evaluation of very complex accident situations and thus helps to make vehicle designs even safer by considering numerous different factors.

Wilfried Porth, Management Board Member for Human Resources, Labor Relations Director and responsible for IT at Daimler AG: “The close cooperation between our global R&D sites is of major strategic importance. It is only possible with a strong and integrated IT structure. Bangalore is a crucial part of our global IT landscape, both in engineering and non-engineering. We will use this IT know-how of the Indian “Silicon Valley” for the whole Daimler Group in order to support our profitability and growth.“

Global knowledge network

The company has representation wherever the centres of competence for relevant fields of knowledge are based – with highly qualified researchers and the appropriate "scientific community". Other local focal points of development are situated near the key production plants. These international activities focus on creating direct benefit for the customer through greater innovative pace and strength as well as shorter development times. This enables tailored solutions for particular growth markets.

The global knowledge network and the high level of investment in research and technology are essential investments in the future of the automobile and, therefore, in the competitiveness of the entire Daimler AG. In 2012, as in the prior year, Daimler invested €5.6 billion in research and development, with further investment totalling €10.8 billion planned for the period 2013 to 2014.

Credits: Daimler AG

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