Dr. Zetsche: No city car planned for the Mercedes-Benz premium brand

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Modern cities are becoming more and more crowded these days. Traffic and parking areas already put some serious issues to local authorities. In the 21st century, a new approach to mobility must be taken. While other premium constructors have chosen to downsize their lineup, Mercedes-Benz are not planning to offer a new model city vehicle placed in range just below the compact A-Class.

This matter is not of interest for the Stuttgart-based carmaker, as expressed by chief Dieter Zetsche. The Star brand will not accomodate a new model in the family, because the A-Class will stay the smallest member, at least in the short- and medium-term future.

Dr. Z highlighted the fact the new generation of Smart models will take the role of city cars for Daimler. Starting next year, the new fortwo will come into force, followed by the 4-seater fortwo+2 and a new SUV inspired by the forstars concept in 2015. The new vehicles will share most components and engine choices with Renault's future Twingo.

The future of city mobility is a tricky proposal. For Mercedes-Benz, the idea of a mini-class model is less feasible at the moment, although previous reports were indicating a different picture (see HERE). Spending high amounts of money on the development of such vehicles might not actually translate into high sales volumes, as their purchase price and practicality/usefulness level might not be attractive at all and so the revenue may be pretty badly affected.

Incorporating fancy technology and creating an entire marketing philosophy just for the sake of publicity and fashion for something that could actually not be very profitable in the end is risky, as is deteriorating the premium character of a famous luxury automotive brand with such less valuable models.

Note: The images illustrate what is just a digital proposition to a hypothetical mini-class Mercedes-Benz model designed by graphic artist Theophilus Chin and do not reflect the real position of the brand's officials.

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Winner of public vote: The A-Class is “The Most Beautiful Car of the Year”

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More than 100,000 car fans from 52 countries have voted the Mercedes-Benz A-Class as “The Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2012”. Voting was carried out via seven mini websites, provided in various languages by the TV channel Eurosport.

The award was presented on 29th January 2013 at the International Automobile Festival in Paris. Marc Langenbrinck, Director General of Mercedes-Benz Cars in France, accepted the award at the Hôtel des Invalides. The public vote has been held since 1987, and this time votes were accepted between 6th December 2012 and 20th January 2013.

The new A-Class has already received a number of awards for its progressive design, and was named “Germany’s Most Beautiful Car” at the 2012 AUTO BILD Design Award. The readers of the German ADAC Motorwelt and users of the ADAC internet site also showed their support for the A-Class: Germany’s favourite car was awarded the Yellow Angel 2013 by Europe’s largest automobile club.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Mercedes-Benz W 125 record-breaking car: 432.7 km/h – a world record for 75 years

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On 28 January 1938, the Mercedes-Benz W 125 record-breaking car set a world speed record on a public road which still stands to this day: a speed of 432.7 km/h was achieved by Rudolf Caracciola. The original vehicle is now showcased to impressive effect at the Mercedes-Benz Museum.

"Time and again our visitors talk about the spectacular presentation of the Mercedes-Benz W 125 record-breaking car, which is hanging on a vertical wall. Together with six other record-breaking vehicles, the streamlined car adds the impressive finishing touch to the high-bank curve in Legend Room 7‚ 'Silver Arrows – Races and Records'. Acoustically, there is even an atmosphere similar to that found on the race track", explains Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic.

Rudolf Caracciola, who at that time was the lead driver for the Mercedes-Benz racing department, achieved the record - which is still valid to this day - on 28 January 1938 on the road between Frankfurt am Main and Darmstadt, by hitting a speed of precisely 432.692 km/h over one kilometre with a flying start. In addition, the existing record over the flying mile was also set at 432.36 km/h. These figures represent the averages from two runs made in opposite directions.

For this top speed run, the Mercedes-Benz W 125 record-breaking car made use of an aerodynamically optimised body. Streamlined racing cars were not unusual at the time: Mercedes-Benz also successfully made use of them in circuit races.

For the record runs in January 1938, the record-breaking car - which was based on the all-conquering W 125 Silver Arrow - was not only equipped with a specially optimised twelve-cylinder engine with two superchargers, but also featured a flat, completely covered body with wedge-shaped, tapered tail end. Using wind tunnel measurements, the engineers reduced the aerodynamic drag to a sensational Cd value of 0.157. This included using a radically scaled-down air intake on the front end. As a result, the record-breaking car only "breathed in" - through two small openings - the amount of air required for the 5.6-litre V12 MD 25 DAB/3-type engine to work. Engine cooling, on the other hand, was achieved without using fresh air: instead the radiator was embedded in a 500-litre chest filled with ice and water.

Year of construction: 1938
Cylinders: V12
Displacement: 5577 cc
Power output: 736 hp (541 kW)
Top speed: 432.7 km/h

Credits: Daimler AG

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7 Useful Tips to Prepare Your Car for Cooler Weather

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Guest Article by Don Elfrink*

It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing colors and the weather is cooling down. While you’re no doubt happy to see the heat of summer on the way out, cool weather presents some serious challenges for your automobile. You need to make sure that your car is prepared to handle the onset of cold weather so you are able to stay safe and sound on the road this winter.

1. Start Now

You might think that cool weather maintenance doesn’t need to be done until the onset of winter. However, fall is actually the perfect time to get a jump on things. Waiting until the weather goes from cool to cold can be a recipe for disaster, so don’t wait. Do it now.

2. Antifreeze

One of the first things you’ll need to check is your vehicle’s antifreeze. During the summer, your engine coolant keeps the engine within the normal operating temperature range. During cold weather, it does the same job, but it also keeps the coolant from freezing. Regular water (or weak antifreeze/water mixes) will freeze with low temperatures, creating serious problems for drivers. Blown radiator hoses are only the mildest threat here. Make sure you check your antifreeze level, as well as its freeze protection. If it’s been several years since it was changed, consider doing a full drain and fill.

3. Gauge Your Tires

While summertime brings thunderstorms and heavy rains that you’ll have to drive through, cold weather brings ice and snow. You’ll want to make sure that your tires are able to handle those threats. Check the tread on your tires (you can pick up a tire gauge at pretty much any auto parts store). If the tread is low, consider replacing your tires now, before they have to face the prospect of winter driving conditions. You might also consider looking into studded snow tires now if you live in an area where heavy snowfall is an issue.

4. Look at the Battery

Cold weather kills batteries. Heat during the summertime can definitely take its toll here, but the onset of winter sees the highest number of dead batteries. Don’t become a statistic – make sure that your car’s battery is fresh and up to the challenge. You should have a full charging system test performed as well to make sure your starter and alternator are in good shape.

5. Check the Wipers

We tend not to think about our windshield wipers until they’re needed, but that can be too late, especially during the colder months of the year. Make sure you have new wiper blades installed before the temperatures drop too low. You might even consider purchasing blades made especially for wintry conditions.

6. HVAC

You’ve been running your AC all summer, but now it’s time to crank up the heater. Make sure your heater works well before cold weather arrives. A heater that doesn’t do its job could be suffering from any number of problems, from a faulty heater core to a dying thermostat – all easy enough to rectify if caught in time, but real hassles if you let them wait.

7. Winter Prep Is Important

While it the cool, comfortable days might be a nice change from the heat of summer, don’t let yourself be fooled. Cold weather can arrive with no warning, and being caught unprepared is a bad thing. Make sure you have your vehicle prepped for the arrival of winter – if you are unsure exactly what to check, use a reputable mechanic and have them conduct a full inspection for any issues pertaining to winterizing your vehicle.

* About the author: Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto flooring company based out Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore, Elfrink was the operator of an automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on logo, carpeted, molded and all weather floor mats. He has previously written a guest article for our website, which you can find HERE.

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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BRABUS CAR CONFIGURATOR: Your Dream Car via Mouse Click

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With the new marketing tool „BRABUS Car Configurator“ every automotive enthusiast is now able to configure their own dream car on the company website of BRABUS. For its launch, the virtual tuning factory is available for the current CLS-Class as well as the SLS.

The user can customize the exterior with BRABUS aerodynamic components and wheels, then give the vehicle its individual note in the following steps. This is made with design elements as well as technical components. Furthermore, BRABUS engine tuning and bespoke BRABUS Fine Leather interior conversions can be selected additionally, of course.

Apart from different viewpoints of the desired vehicle, the menu offers a model-specific overview of the available customization components. The final configuration can then be sent directly to BRABUS or to the nearest BRABUS dealer, where a competent contact person will be further advising the prospective customer.

The configurator is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year at www.brabus.com/configurator. Shortly this tool will also include the product portfolios for the current M-Class and the SL.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH ~

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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International car manufacturers join forces in the name of hydrogen!

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September 13 marks an extraordinary milestone in the history of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV). Four international car manufacturers will join forces to demonstrate hydrogen-powered FCEVs are not just technologies of the future but of today. A total of 7 FCEVs from Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota will bring their individual hydrogen fuel cell systems to the European Hydrogen Road Tour 2012.

The tour will last one month, with special event stopovers in nine European cities, where interested public will be given the opportunity to experience the benefits of this alternative drivetrain. Several cities on the tour route will be the first opportunity for the general public to approach and test drive FCEVs where the only emission is water.

The event aims to reach out to politicians, industry leaders, press and public to help improve awareness around FCEVs, delivering a clear message. While the technology exists for Hydrogen Vehicles today, there is a real need to improve the European hydrogen distribution infrastructure. This tour also marks the most widespread effort to promote FCEVs in Europe this year.

Starting in Hamburg on September 13th, the FCEVs from participating manufacturers will afterwards move through Hannover, Bolzano, Paris, Cardiff, Bristol, Swindon, London and Copenhagen, supported by local organisations in each city. H2 Logic Denmark will provide mobile refuelling stations in some stopover cities.

The European Hydrogen Road Tour 2012 is part of the “H2moves Scandinavia” project. The project is the first European Lighthouse Project for hydrogen funded by the European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking programme launched by the European Commission and European industry stakeholders. The project focusses on gaining customer acceptance for hydrogen-powered FCEVs and preparing the market for hydrogen fuel cell technology. The experience from operating 19 FCEVs in Oslo and Copenhagen and the corresponding hydrogen refuelling infrastructure shows that the technology is reliable now even in harsh Scandinavian winters.

Michel Gardel, Vice-President Communications, External and Environment Affairs of Toyota Motor Europe today commented: “Toyota has been active in fuel cell technology for the last 20 years and we are working to commercialise our next-generation fuel cell car by 2015. The European Hydrogen Road Tour is a great opportunity for our company and partners to demonstrate the readiness of the technology to European consumers.”

Dr. Christian Mohrdieck, Director drive development fuel cell system, Daimler AG points out the importance of this technology: “On our way to zero-emission mobility fuel cell electric vehicles - with their great range while at the same time short refueling times - will play a central role for the future. However, the success of this technology depends crucially on certain conditions being in place, such as the availability of a nationwide hydrogen infrastructure.”

Thomas Brachmann, Automobile Engineering & Research, Honda R&D Europe (Deutschland) GmbH remarked that “Honda believe fuel cell electric vehicles are the ultimate mobility solution, providing a practical, clean and near silent answer to transport requirements. The European Hydrogen Road Tour offers a great opportunity to give the public, the media and government officials a chance to experience this zero emission technology for themselves.”

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe describes their reasons for joining the tour: “Hyundai is proud to be playing an integral role in the European Hydrogen Road Tour 2012. The Hyundai ix35 FCEV clearly demonstrates not only our commitment to producing hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, but also the benefits of FCEV. As the availability and performance of this technology improves, we can look forward to FCEVs providing sustainable mobility to future generations while dramatically reducing climate change.”

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Keep Your Car Looking Great by Detailing It

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Guest Article by Don Elfrink*

The appearance of your car has a huge impact on how much you enjoy it and how long you keep it. If your vehicle looks rundown and old, chances are good that you’re not going to enjoy driving it that much, even if it’s mechanically sound. However, you can keep your car looking great for years and years to come by taking the right steps. One of those steps is to have it detailed periodically. While you can certainly take care of basic cleaning on your own, a good detailing service can offer some significant benefits.

What Is Detailing?

Auto detailing is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. You take your vehicle to a professional detailing service and they go over it thoroughly, cleaning and polishing, buffing and shining it until it looks great. A good detailing service can offer a lot of benefits, even going beyond just giving you a good looking vehicle to drive. Protecting your vehicle’s interior and exterior will keep it looking great for years, but it will also help improve the value of your car immensely, as well as protecting the interior and exterior from the damaging elements.

What Should a Detailing Include?

Most detail shops offer several different levels of service – you’ll find them listed on their service menu. The majority offer a basic level cleaning, a mid-range option and a full-service cleaning. That lets you choose the option that best fits your needs and budget. However, you’ll find that going the full-service route is often the best choice. It can:

• Save you time and hassle
• Protect the interior and exterior of your vehicle
• Prevent damage from sunshine and acid rain, as well as dirt and grime
• Hide minor scratches and scuffs

What Services Should a Good Detailing Include?

Of course, you’ll need to know what services should be included in a quality detailing. The actual options you have available to you will vary considerably depending on the company you choose, but the most common options can be found below:

• Engine Bay – Not all detailing companies offer this, but cleaning the engine bay can help keep dust, oil and grease from building up. It can also help you spot leaks more easily.

• Washing – A full washing of the vehicle’s exterior should be performed. The service should use a microfiber cloth and a specialty car wash formulated for automotive paint rather than any other type of cleaner.

• Waxing/Polishing – The detail service should offer both waxing and polishing service. Waxing and polishing in conjunction will help remove imperfections, hide blemishes and protect against further damage from the elements (including oxidation and etching from acid rain).

• Interior – The interior of your vehicle should be thoroughly cleaned (from the seats down to the floor mats). A protectant should be applied to all vinyl and leather components (including the dashboard, console and door trim).

• Wheels – Proper wheel care is important, and a good detailing service will use the right cleaner and protectant for the type of wheels you have (steel, aluminum, etc.).

What to Expect in Costs

Auto detailing isn’t “cheap”, but it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, either. A full service on a car in good shape might run you about $150, but that will vary with different factors, including where you live, the condition of your car and the extent of the service that you choose. Rather than choosing based on price, it might be a better idea to choose a detailer based on the reputation, the services offered and the results they can provide for their clients.

* About the author: Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto flooring company based out Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore, Elfrink was the operator of an automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on logo, carpeted, molded and all weather floor mats.

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Superior S-Class is Professional Driver’s Chauffeur Car of the Year 2012

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The award-winning Mercedes-Benz S-Class adds yet another accolade to its name – Professional Driver’s Chauffeur Car of the Year 2012.

Mark Bursa, editor of Professional Driver and chairman of the judging panel, said: “The S-Class received consistent scoring from all the judges who tested it, and it’s a testament to its quality that a car toward the end of its product lifecycle can still outscore some newer rivals to win our Chauffeur Car of the Year category for 2012.”

He continued: “Good customer support has also played a major part. Mercedes-Benz made major improvements to its chauffeur programme this year, with the S-Class now matching its competitors pound-for-pound, so it boils down to taste. And the three-pointed star still carries a lot of kudos in the chauffeur industry.”

The S 350 BlueTEC L is equipped with one of the world’s cleanest diesel engines, returning 41.5 mpg and 177 g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle.

Nick Andrews, Head of Fleet at Mercedes-Benz UK, said: “We are honoured to receive this award. The S-Class has always been the industry trailblazer when it comes to safety, comfort and driver assistance technologies, and this award cements its reputation.”

With its generous equipment levels, class-leading comfort and peerless safety standards, the S 350 BlueTEC L is priced at £64,610 on the road.

Credits: Mercedes-Benz UK

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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DENZA Unveils All-Electric Show Car at Auto China 2012 in Beijing

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DENZA unveiled its new all-electric vehicle show car at Auto China 2012 in Beijing. The battery-driven vehicle that defines a new level of sophistication in the Chinese New Energy Vehicle (NEV) segment is the result of the partnership between BYD and Daimler.

Auto China 2012 marks the first appearance of the DENZA brand at a motor show. It is also the first landmark event since the official launch of the brand, which took place in Shenzhen in March this year. The arrival of DENZA marked the first strictly NEV brand in the Chinese market.

“Even before the birth of DENZA, Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. (BDNT) has created a very special ‘first’: When Daimler and BYD made their partnership official in the spring of 2010, they founded the first joint venture in China dedicated solely to New Energy Vehicle. The Joint Venture is making extremely positive progress with the first prototypes of the future production model already out on the streets,” said Ulrich Walker, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BDNT and Chairman and CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia. “We are very much on track with the plans for our DENZA vehicle.”

Over 200 engineers and experts from both companies have gathered and combined their strengths at BDNT’s base in Shenzhen. BYD is providing its expertise in battery technology and e-drive systems, as well as their experience in bringing electric vehicles onto the roads of China. Daimler is contributing more than 125 years of excellence in automotive design and know-how in vehicle architecture, safety and quality.

The concept car unveiled today, a full electric battery-driven model, was designed, and will be built and sold in China. “We are reaching out to those who believe that state-of-the-art technologies and beautiful concepts can blend together into the perfect mobility solution without compromising on safety and comfort, to provide both a modern and green urban lifestyle,” remarked BDNT COO Arno Roehringer while introducing the car at Auto China 2012. “We are creating DENZA not only for the people of today, but also for inspiring our next generations.”

“We brought traditional Chinese elements forward into the next generation with a priority on ergonomic design and some futuristic innovations,” said CEO Lian Yubo, on hand to point out some of the features of the car to the gathering of auto media and various dignitaries. “The rear seating area was designed to feel as much as possible like a lounge area. The lounge character really comes out through the reclining rear seats integrated into the design.” He went on to describe the chrome inside and out, the wood and copper features in the interior, and the ambient light system that runs all throughout the cabin making night driving more pleasant without compromising safety.

The exterior chrome can be illuminated to provide perfected visibility and safety. It is visually integrated with the battery storage area, which succeeds better than most EVs at keeping the batteries out of passengers’ way. Combined with the rear-hinged rear doors, the DENZA concept car is easily accessible, with no awkward battery-related steps to clear while entering or exiting the vehicle.

The DENZA booth at Auto China is carefully designed to reflect the strengths of the car, as well as the values of the company. The main feature is a large white ribbon which flows all around the booth, defining its dimensions and the character of the interior. The sense of movement – like a car on the road - is reinforced by the actual movement of the light in the LED strip along its rocker panel. The LED light is the identical blue found in DENZA logo and in the body paint of the car. This “DENZA blue” color represents the company’s twin conceptual foundations of environmental responsibility and cutting-edge technology.

On DENZA

China is the home of DENZA because of its potential as an NEV market. With its expanding middle class, increasing urbanization, open-minded consumers, and a supportive government determined to reduce their reliance on crude oil, central government expects the number of NEVs in China to rise from its current level of 10,000 to 5,000,000 by 2020 according to the latest NEV industrialization plan. With the launch of its new concept car, and a production model slated for release in 2013, DENZA is “on track”.

Credits: Daimler AG

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