Daimler Awards Best Suppliers in Recognition of Outstanding Performance

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Daimler AG has granted 2012 Daimler Supplier Awards to 16 suppliers in recognition of their outstanding performance over the past business year. The awards ceremony was the highlight of this year's event, which took place last night with the theme "Night of Masterpieces" in the Mercedes-Benz Center Stuttgart, and was hosted by the TV presenter and news anchorwoman Judith Rakers.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, delivered a speech to more than 450 top-ranking representatives of the most important Daimler suppliers and around 200 representatives of Daimler Management in which he emphasized the importance of the suppliers for Daimler's success: “Our goal is profitable growth. In order to achieve this, we need you as our partners.” Zetsche expressed his sincere gratitude to the suppliers gathered there in recognition of their teamwork and their contribution to the records achieved in the 2012 business year: “You are not just our key suppliers, you are also our key supporters.”

With the Daimler Supplier Awards, each year, the company rewards above-average performance in terms of technology, quality, cost, and delivery reliability.

The awards from the three Daimler procurement divisions were given to the suppliers by the relevant Management Board Members and Heads of Procurement: Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Board Member Manufacturing and Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans, and Dr. Klaus Zehender for Production Material Procurement Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars and Vans; Andreas Renschler, Board Member Daimler Trucks, and Dr. Holger Steindorf for Production Material Procurement Commercial Vehicles; Wilfried Porth, Board Member HR and Labor Director, and Wendelin Wolbert for Non-Production Material Procurement.

With this year's "Special Award for Innovation," three suppliers (Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH, ASK INDUSTRIES S.P.A., and Foster Electric (Europe) GmbH) were jointly rewarded for their contributions to the high-end sound system of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which will soon celebrate its world premiere. Prof. Thomas Weber, Board Member Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development said: “The high-end sound system satisfies even the most demanding customers – from now on, they can experience the natural sound of a concert hall in our new S-Class. This innovation really does deserve special acknowledgment on our part!”

The high-end sound system of the new S-Class was developed in close cooperation between the three renowned suppliers and Daimler engineers. The stated goal was to create the world's best sound system in the automotive sector. On the suppliers' side, the overall system lead was the responsibility of the Berlin, Germany-based high-end audio specialist Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH. Founded in 1977 by musician and engineer Dieter Burmester, it has devoted itself to achieving the absolute sound experience under his leadership, seeking "art for the ear." The amplifier hardware is provided by ASK INDUSTRIES S.P.A., an Italian company that is one of the leading suppliers of high-quality automotive audio solutions. The loudspeakers are the contribution of Foster Electric (Europe) GmbH, also an acknowledged expert for acoustic masterpieces.

The winners of the 2012 Daimler Supplier Awards are:

Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars and Vans

Exterior - Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG
Rewarded for global investments in production facilities to ensure just-in-sequence delivery at nearly every Daimler site.

Interior - Lear Corporation
Rewarded for the next generation of the E-Class seats.

Electrics/Electronics - Kathrein-Werke KG
Rewarded for the fact that cars from Mercedes-Benz would be unthinkable without Kathrein products.

Chassis - Hirschvogel Holding GmbH
Rewarded for outstanding performance in the MRA and MFA projects.

Powertrain - BorgWarner Turbo Systems
Rewarded for outstanding performance in the following projects: OM651 (2nd phase), OM660 (1st phase), M27 (1st phase) biTurbo, AMG M177/178, M133.

Procurement Daimler Trucks and Buses

Exterior - MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KG
Rewarded for the main and front mirror in the new Mercedes-Benz Trucks (Actros, Antos, and Arocs).

Interior - Consolidated Metco Inc.
Rewarded for the joint development of an innovative oil pan for the Detroit brand as part of the New Engine Generation project.

Electrics/Electronics - WABCO Fahrzeugsysteme GmbH
Rewarded for outstanding performance on the brake components for the new Mercedes-Benz trucks (Actros, Antos, and Arocs).

Chassis - mefro wheels GmbH
Rewarded for leading technological development of new tires (weight reduction).

Powertrain - Johnson Matthey PLC
Rewarded for outstanding willingness to perform in the Daimler Trucks #1 project.

International Procurement Services

R&D Services - APL Automobil-Prüftechnik Landau GmbH
Rewarded for outstanding performance in powertrain testing of passenger car transmissions as well as functional and endurance run testing of commercial vehicle engines.

Production Machines and Equipment - EBZ SysTec GmbH
Rewarded for high quality and consistent customer support in the following projects (among others): Body shell for the C-Class 204 and C-Class 205 in Bremen, Tuscaloosa, and East London.

Contract Logistics - DB Schenker Deutschland AG
Rewarded in recognition of many years of a successful and reliable partnership for logistics services at the Mercedes-Benz locations in Bremen, Dusseldorf, Wörth, and Stuttgart (e.g. space-saving storage concept for SKD bodies and I-Park management for the Bremen plant).

Special Award Innovation
- Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH
- ASK INDUSTRIES S.P.A.
- Foster Electric (Europe) GmbH
Jointly rewarded for the high-end sound system of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Readers of "MODELL FAHRZEUG" magazine choose Mercedes-Benz as "Premium Brand": Four first prizes for miniatures

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The readers of the magazine "MODELL FAHRZEUG" have voted four Mercedes-Benz vehicle miniatures for the first prize. Awards went to the SLS Roadster, the 300 SL Gullwing and two Unimog models. The German constructor was also honored again with the "Premium Brand Autoindustrie". The award was presented today at the Mercedes-Benz Customer Center of the Wörth plant.

A total of 162 models (including 20 Mercedes-Benz models) in 21 categories were presented for the voting of the readers of Germany's largest trade magazine for model cars. The readers also decided the winner of the "Premium Brand Autoindustrie" Award for 2012. Like it did last year, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH took the first place.

"We are really thrilled by the fact that we have succeeded to defend our position and win the prize for premium brands in 2012," said Holger Klein, Director for Collection & Licensing of Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH. "This award validates our product strategy, in which the highest quality standards and the proper selection of the most attractive items for our clients and collectors are the main focus."

Here are the winning miniatures from Mercedes-Benz at a glance:

Category / Model Car / Scale / Manufacturer

1. 1:87 Current Cars / Mercedes-Benz SLS Roadster / 1:87 / Herpa
2. 1:87 Trucks / Unimog train-truck "Roncalli" / 1:87 / Bubmobil
3. Various Scales / Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing / 1:12 / Premium Classixxs
4. Innovation Award / Unimog / 1:12.5 / Lego Technic

Credits: Daimler AG

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“Outstanding quality of design”: prestigious awards for Daimler AG Corporate Chronicle

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The Corporate Chronicle of Daimler AG is to receive a further award: at the award ceremony for the German Design Award 2013, due to take place on 15 February 2013 in the German city of Frankfurt am Main, this definitive work will be honoured with a “Special Mention for outstanding quality of design”. A jury made up of 30 design experts evaluated some 1500 submissions before determining who should win this coveted prize.

The “German Design Award” is the next in a long line of awards. As well as the “Best of Corporate Publishing (BCP) Award” 2011 in two categories and the “iF communication design award” 2012, the Chronicle also won the “Type Directors Club Award” 2012.

The 432-page Corporate Chronicle is divided into three sections and richly illustrated. It describes and explains each of the various brands and products of the world’s oldest automobile manufacturer in its respective historical context. Almost all text material and documents, including the 1800 or so illustrations, were sourced from the extensive archives of Mercedes-Benz Classic.

The design of the Chronicle, already the recipient of several awards, was the work of L2M3 Kommunikationsdesign GmbH. A highly respected design studio in Stuttgart, this was also the team previously responsible for designing the graphics used in the Mercedes-Benz Museum. This important reference work is published by Göttinger Steidl Verlag – a name that will be recognised by book lovers familiar with its upmarket literary publications and aspirational art books. The Chronicle is available in German and English in bookshops or online at: http://www.mercedes-benz-classic-store.com .

Credits: Daimler AG

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Autorevue Awards 2012: Mercedes-Benz the winner in five out of seven categories

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Mercedes-Benz cars enjoy an excellent reputation in Austria – as proved overwhelmingly by the results of a poll conducted by the magazine "Autorevue" to find the best cars in Austria. Voting was between 74 cars in seven categories. The readers of Austria's leading motoring magazine put Mercedes-Benz models in first place in five of them.

Details of the winners

Small and compact cars: Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Cross-country vehicles: Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Alternative concepts: Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID
MPVs: Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Cabriolets: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

The Autorevue Awards 2012 were presented at a gala ceremony at the Casino in Baden in front of an audience of 200 guests. The evening was also an opportunity to hand over the prize to the winner of a draw between all those took part in the poll. The lucky winner received a brand-new Mercedes-Benz A 180 CDI.

Credits: Daimler AG

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“Golden Classic Steering Wheel”: Mercedes-Benz receives three awards

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Mercedes-Benz has good reason to celebrate. “Golden Classic Steering Wheel” awards were announced today for three of the Stuttgart brand's vehicles in the annual reader poll of the German magazine “Auto Bild Klassik”. “A great result for us. Especially since the result is based on the views of the readers of “Auto Bild Klassik” , who clearly think a lot of Mercedes-Benz”, said Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic. “And we want to make sure that they continue to do so.”The Stuttgart brand was able to celebrate wins in three separate categories: first place in the category “Sports cars & Coupés” was awarded to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 194). In its heyday, this sleek racing sports car of 1952 with its unusual gullwing doors sped round the race tracks of the world to take victory on numerous occasions. Following a full restoration, the oldest vehicle of this type still in existence went on display to the public in early 2012.

Now 21.4 per cent of the readers who took part in the “Auto Bild Klassik” poll have voted for the legendary racer, putting it undisputed in first place.

In the category “Cabrios & Roadsters”, it was the Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet (W 188) that topped the list. Between 1952 and 1955, just 203 examples were built of this elegant, open vehicle with its fully lined soft top. More than a quarter of readers (26.9 per cent) could not resist the fascination of this exclusive vehicle and voted to make it the winner in its class.

Pure power and perfect design are also superbly combined in the winning car under the heading “Classics of the future”. In this case the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster took first place in the category “Cabrios and Roadsters” with 22.6 per cent of votes – followed closely by the new Mercedes-Benz SL (R 231), which took second spot in this category.

The widely respected competition “Golden Classic Steering Wheel” was run this year for the third time by the specialist magazine “Auto Bild Klassik”. A total of 24,906 readers of the “Auto Bild Klassik” magazine and its online issue took part. Awards were made in the five categories of “Classics of the year”, “Classics of the future”, “Find of the year”, “Restoration of the year” and “Personality of the year”. The full results may be found online at www.autobild.de/klassik-lenkrad.

Credits: Daimler AG

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"2012 Green GOOD DESIGN" award and "Automotive Brand Award 2012": Mercedes-Benz and smart pick up a string of high-class design awards

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Mercedes-Benz and smart build the most exciting vehicles: this is the conclusion suggested by the results of the latest design competitions. With the "2012 Green GOOD DESIGN" award, the "Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design" has paid tribute to the one-off Mercedes-Benz BIOME and smart forvision vehicles, as well as the smart ebike. The jury praised the exceptionally environmentally-friendly and sustainable designs of these vehicles in particular. In the "Automotive Brand Contest 2012" meanwhile – held by the German Design Council – Mercedes-Benz has made it onto the list of winners no less than 16 times.

Hundreds of products from numerous countries were put to the vote for the "2012 Green GOOD DESIGN" award. A jury comprising some of the world's leading design experts crowned the one-off Mercedes-Benz Biome and smart forvision vehicles as winners, along with the smart ebike, awarding them the internationally renowned prize - ranked among the oldest and most famous awards for designers. In addition to their design, the vehicles were primarily assessed in terms of such criteria as energy efficiency, recycling and sustainability.

Mercedes-Benz BIOME grows organically

The one-off Mercedes-Benz BIOME concept is the revolutionary vision of a vehicle which, taking its inspiration from nature, is fully integrated into the ecosystem, from the moment of its creation right through to the end of its service life. The Mercedes-Benz BIOME grows in a completely organic environment from seeds grown in a nursery. Out on the road the car emits pure oxygen, and at the end of its lifespan it can be simply composted or used as building material.

smart forvision stands for energy efficiency

The smart forvision is also a one-off vehicle concept which combines a futuristic design with technologies relating to energy efficiency, lightweight design and temperature management. One particular eye-catching feature is its roof made of transparent organic solar cells. It allows light to pass through and at the same time generates energy which is used to power the multimedia components as well as the fans which assist with climate management in the vehicle interior.

smart ebike – unconventional, high-performance "pedelec"

The smart ebike boasts an unconventional design in line with the style of the popular brand as well as functions appropriate for city use. These come courtesy of high-quality components such as the hydraulic disc brakes, LED light with daytime driving light function and also an exceptionally high-performance drive system with a completely maintenance and oil-free carbon toothed belt. For infotainment there is also a USB connection. The smart ebike is already available, with prices in Germany starting at 2849 euros (including VAT).

Automotive Brand Award 2012

The international expert jury of the German Design Council was faced with selecting the winners of the "Automotive Brand Award 2012" from among no less than 350 submitted suggestions. The Mercedes-Benz brand fared particularly well, with its products making it onto the list of winners no less than 16 times. A particular highlight picked out as the "Best of the Best" was the near-series one-off Concept Style Coupé vehicle. It provides a glimpse of the next member of the new compact car family from Mercedes-Benz. The four-door style rebel "sets the benchmark for avantgarde design in the executive segment", according to Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Its breathtaking proportions, sinewy fluid surfaces and sculptural lines are the physical expression of our dynamic design idiom."

Other awards for excellent design were also picked up for both the exterior and interior of the new A-Class, the SL-Class, the CLS Shooting Brake and the interior of the B-Class. The German Design Council also crowned a number of concept vehicles as winners, including the Mercedes-Benz F125, smart for-us, smart forvision and the standard version of the smart ebike.

Worthy of a special mention by the design experts were the innovative headlamps of the Concept Style Coupé. They are reminiscent of the ever wary, almost intimidating eyes of a predatory animal. In standby mode they shine red. The indicators are another special feature: when activated, the individual elements light up one after another in a "Mexican wave" effect.

Additional innovations from Mercedes-Benz which collected awards include the DICE sculpture, the Digital Drive Style app and the Mercedes-Benz diamond grille:

- The DICE (Dynamic & Intuitive Control Experience) sculpture provides a vision of the interactive, intuitive and at the same time safe operating experience in premium automobiles of the future

- The Digital Drive Style app enables the driver to access the main content on his iPhone® conveniently and safely via the large vehicle display and the controller - including Siri voice control

- With the progressive diamond grille and its innovative pins, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is redefining the radiator grille

Credits: Daimler AG

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