The call of the hills: Daimler again a participant in the demanding Silvretta E-Car Rallye

Don't Copy From This Blog...

Daimler will again have the largest contingent of vehicles at the starting line of the third Silvretta E-Car Rallye, with a total of seven battery and fuel cell-powered electric cars. The event will take place at Montafon, Austria, from 5–7 July 2012. All the Daimler vehicles will cope easily with the tougher conditions of this year’s rallye, including longer distances, large height differentials and even steeper gradients than before. Furthermore, the smart ebike is going to travel parts of the Silvretta rallye route, as well.

For the first time, the Daimler entrants will include two brand-new smart fortwo electric drive cars. This model has been commercially available since mid-June 2012, making Daimler the first German automaker to launch a series-produced all-electric car on the market. They will be competing alongside their tried and proven counterparts: two Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL vehicles, two Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL vehicles and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL electric super-sports car, scheduled for market launch in 2013. It will be driven by Karl Wendlinger, a former Formula One driver and now an AMG brand ambassador.

Electric cars traversing the Montafon mountains

The three-day rallye through the mountainous landscape of the Montafon area is not a speed contest – instead, the victor will be the driver displaying the greatest degree of uniformity and skill. The overall distance of the course is more than 330 kilometres, around 30 kilometres longer than last year. The sections are also significantly more demanding than before. The task is to negotiate the various sections, including gradients of up to 15.2 percent and height differentials of as much as 4759 metres during a day, with incredible accuracy: the teams are expected to complete a series of trials in exactly the right time, to within a hundredth of a second, with penalties for faster or slower times. And because they are driving silent electric cars with zero local emissions, the competitors will enjoy the added benefits of clear mountain air free of emissions or noise pollution – surely the best possible way to experience the scenic mountain landscape in Austria’s Vorarlberg and Tyrol regions!

Mercedes-Benz and smart electric cars

The third Silvretta E-Car Rallye enables Daimler to showcase the world of future mobility, with its wide spectrum of electric cars powered by batteries or fuel cells, already operating reliably in everyday road transport conditions.

The participation of the new smart fortwo electric drive car in the Silvretta event will show that the new vehicle is now more than a superb inner-city car. Its enhanced power ratings provide more dynamic performance qualities and excellent acceleration, equally useful at traffic lights in Berlin as on a steep climb in the Montafon mountains. Its range of 145 kilometres, maximum power of 55 kW and top speed of 125 km/h make the new smart fortwo electric drive even more fun to drive than its predecessor. It should be noted that the previous model was already an impressive performer, with a range of 135 km, 30 kW output and a top speed of 100 km/h.

The competitors in the e-rallye will again include two Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL cars. This model offers space, flexibility and comfort, all with zero local emissions. Its range of more than 200 kilometres makes it ideal for local emissions-free driving, both in the city and on the open road. It is powered with a quiet, locally emissions-free electric motor with an output of 70 kW (95 hp). The A-Class E-CELL is fully ready for series production, and is already available to selected customers.

Another vehicle is the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL. This car has already proved its readiness for series production and suitability for everyday use, for example in the F-CELL World Drive event in 2011. The fuel-cell powered vehicle runs on hydrogen, with a 100-kW electric motor offering dynamic performance qualities equivalent to those of a 136-hp, 2.0-litre petrol engine model. The B-Class F-CELL has a range of around 400 kilometres per tank of fuel.

Another highlight back at this year’s event is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL. The performance of this outstanding concept model over the twists and turns of the Alpine rallye course will prove once and for all that thrilling and dynamic automotive performance can go hand in hand with electric propulsion. The fascinating gullwing design, now with a high-tech emissions-free powerplant developing a maximum output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 newton metres, is the standout pioneer in the super sports car market segment. The man at the wheel of the SLS AMG E-CELL will be well up to the task: as a former Formula One driver and a native-born Austrian, Karl Wendlinger knows all about fast cars and the mountainous route traversed by the Silvretta E-Car Rallye.

Two-wheeled electric mobility with the smart ebike

Not all of the electric vehicles in the Montafon mountains this year will be on four wheels. Daimler will also have the new smart ebike on board, to travel part of the route of the Silvretta E-Car Rallye, up hill and down dale, in tandem with the cars. The new member of the smart family successfully puts the characteristic smart on two wheels: everyday functionality, distinctive smart design and high-tech excellence, as illustrated by the outstandingly powerful and efficient drive concept. The pedelec (pedal electrical cycle) combines the comfort of a motorised bicycle with the ease of handling of a bicycle. These bikes can be operated in EU countries without a driver’s licence or insurance sticker, since the electric motor provides support up to a speed of 25 km/h. The smart ebike is fitted with a 423-Wh lithium-ion battery, and has a continuous power rating of 250 W and a torque of 35 Nm.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More

SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205) and 2015 C 63 AMG spotted in Germany

Don't Copy From This Blog...

A rich spotting session in Germany recently as photographers have managed to snap some hot shots of the forthcoming W 205 generation of the C-Class. Not only did they ran into the standard model slated to arrive in spring 2014, but they also had an unexpected encounter with a preliminary test mule of the future 2015 C 63 AMG superlimo.

The next series of the C-Class is currently subject to the development phase and is still a long way from serial production. Totally unsurprising, the street prototypes will continue to carry some heavy black cladding in the next year or so, so do not expect to see many hints of the new styling, expected to be sensational and more organic, in accordance to the latest brand design philosophy. A striking appearance and a more dynamic silhouette are the ingredients of the recipe. The new C-Class will bare some inspiration from the F 800 Style research vehicle, but also take on the trail of the upcoming S-Class flagship luxury model.

The sports atmosphere will be present in the passenger shuttle as well. Softer lines, attractive graphics, new technology and hi-end quality materials will invite the driver to experience the new mid-sized premium sedan bit by bit. Of course, the W 205 will ride like a dream, as the new MRA rear-biased platform and bespoke assistance instruments promise a self-confident on-road dynamism. Together with the powerful 4I and V6 with targeted BlueEFFICIENCY measures and ranging from around 150 hp up to at least 340 hp, the standard version of the C-Class will most certainly entitle itself as the best driving car in the market segment.

For the adrenaline junkies, there's also the choice of the C 63 AMG, which is supposed to arrive during summer of 2014 as a 2015 model. The new rocket from Affalterbach is already being tested outdoors, with the new underpinnings hidden under a C-Class body of the current generation. The engine used will be the new M157 V8 BITURBO petrol-based unit with a total displacement of 5.5 litres, arriving in a C-Class model for the first time since this spectacular powerplant was premiered in 2010. In its top version, the engine delivers 571 hp, but expect less for the next C 63 AMG: around 480-490 hp and a peak torque near 700 Nm.

Image Credits: Motor Authority

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More

The all new Mercedes-Benz Antos: World premiere of the first truck specifically designed for heavy-duty short-radius distribution transportation

Don't Copy From This Blog...

At the beginning of the week Daimler presented the new Mercedes-Benz Antos, the first specialist vehicle model series designed for heavy-duty short-radius distribution transportation use. The vehicle will celebrate its public premiere at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hannover in September. Whether put to use for food, heating oil, building materials or municipal transportation applications, with a permissible gross vehicle weight of between 18 and 26 tonnes the Antos is totally at home in the regional transportation sector.

Even though its exterior unmistakably reflects its relationship with the new Actros, the Antos boasts a number of special highlights in terms of its design. In line with its often urban area of application, on the one hand the Antos sports a very friendly look. At the same time, the relatively flat design for short-radius distribution creates an extremely robust and sturdy appearance.

The continuous 2.30 metre-wide cab of the new Mercedes-Benz Antos is available in the ClassicSpace design in short (S) and medium (M) lengths. The medium-length variant is also available as the super-flat CompactSpace cab, for trucks with cooling units fitted to the body, for example. The premium cockpit area provides the driver with an ergonomic place of work: the vehicle instruments are clearly arranged and easy to use from an ergonomic point of view. In addition, the modern multifunction steering wheel as well as the generous seat adjustment options help to make the day-to-day work of the driver easier.

Wide range of safety assistance systems

For the first time, all of the safety assistance systems with which drivers are familiar in the Actros are now also available for drivers in the short-radius distribution sector. The following systems are fitted as standard: the electronically-controlled braking system EBS with disk brakes all-round, the highly-effective engine brake, the anti-lock braking system ABS, the acceleration skid control system ASR, and Stability Control Assist. Right through to the third-generation Active Brake Assist, Mercedes-Benz has also put together an uncompromising safety package of additional optional assistance systems for the Antos. The new ABA 3 system now also automatically initiates full brake application on detecting stationary obstacles.

Euro VI engines from 175 kW (238 hp) to 375 kW (510 hp)

The Antos is making its debut with an exceptionally wide range of Euro VI diesel engines comprising three inline six-cylinder engines with displacements of 7.7 litres, 10.7 litres and 12.8 litres. Power outputs range from 175 kW (238 hp) for lighter applications as a single vehicle through to 375 kW (510 hp) for heavy-duty tractor/trailer and tractor/semitrailer combinations used under topographically very demanding conditions.

All of the engines meet the Euro VI emissions level, and also feature common rail injection and exhaust gas recirculation. The treatment of exhaust gas emissions is implemented by means of SCR technology with AdBlue injection, as well as an oxidizing catalytic converter connected in series and a particulate filter.

Fully-automatic transmissions for all variants

Consistent power transmission comes courtesy of fully-automated, quick-shifting Mercedes PowerShift 3 transmissions with eight and twelve gears. A special feature of the new Antos is the option to combine extremely compact engines such as the OM 936 with multi-gear transmissions. This results in favourable performance, even in the case of tractor/trailer and tractor/semitrailer combinations which are only occasionally fully loaded and using corresponding payload-optimised drive units.

Crawler mode is a special feature offering significant benefits for short-radius distribution transportation, which often features a high proportion of urban stretches and manoeuvring sequences in tight unloading areas: when in start-off or reverse gears, the driver can control the speed of the Antos using only the brake pedal.

Loader/Volumer: application-specific models for the first time

For specific areas of application, for the first time Mercedes-Benz is introducing specialist models for the Antos in the heavy-duty short-radius distribution sector as well as the Actros in the long-distance transport sector. Under the term Loader, Mercedes-Benz has grouped together payload-optimised variants which achieve record values in terms of unladen weight and payload. The Volumer, meanwhile, provides maximum load capacities thanks to its load compartment interior height of three metres.

Antos Loader: payload record for semitrailer trucks

The Antos Loader is the first semitrailer truck for 40-tonne vehicle combinations to come in below the 6-tonne unladen weight limit – and it does so even with an engine meeting the Euro VI emissions level.

Even with the larger OM 470 inline six-cylinder engine meeting the Euro VI emissions level and producing up to 315 kW (428 hp), the semitrailer truck weighs approx. 6400 kg. At this weight, the new Antos occupies an excellent position in the competitive environment, and even compared with Euro V vehicles it can be considered one of the leading trucks.

A prerequisite for this is a consistent design oriented towards low weight. In the case of the Antos Loader, this includes entrance supports made of aluminium, weight-optimised front windows and floor coverings, batteries with a reduced capacity, a combined tank for fuel and AdBlue, and also numerous other measures.

Antos Volumer for applications requiring a low load compartment sill

The benefits afforded by the Antos Volumer include a load compartment sill which is 80 mm lower than previously available. The interior height of up to three metres also provides customers with extended load options, which in practice can mean being able to transport an additional palette of goods.

In addition to a wide range of cabs, customers can also choose between different sizes of fuel tanks – depending on whether the priority is payload or range.

Mercedes-Benz Antos: in a class of its own

As the first specialist vehicle for heavy-duty short radius distribution transportation, the new Mercedes-Benz Antos is in a class of its own: the model series for short-radius distribution use covers a wide variety of applications in its segment. Companies are able to benefit from its economy and efficiency, body manufacturers from its good body mounting ability and individuality, and drivers from its user-friendliness, safety and handling.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More

Mercedes-Benz posts record global sales for the first half of 2012

Don't Copy From This Blog...

Mercedes-Benz remains on track for success, posting a new sales record for the first half of the year. From January to June, a total of 652,924 vehicles (+6.9%) were sold. In June, with 121,542 units sales were slightly above previous year’s record level (+0.9%).

The first two quarters of 2012 also witnessed the highest-volume sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division in the company’s history. During the first six months of the year, the company sold 708,517 units (+6.5%) of the brands Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Maybach, with the month of June accounting for 131,139 of these vehicle sales (+0.2%).

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Despite difficult market conditions in Southern Europe, we remain on course for record sales, and with a growth in sales of 6.9 percent in the first half of the year we have achieved the best sales results so far. Over the next few months, the market launch of the new A-Class in particular will provide a further boost to sales. This means we are well on track this year to surpassing the 2011 sales record. Also in June, Mercedes-Benz sales were slightly above previous year’s high level.”

The strongest driver of the positive trend in Mercedes-Benz sales in the first six months of the year was the U.S. market, where the company posted a new record with 128,595 passenger cars delivered (+15.9%). This makes Mercedes-Benz the premium brand with the highest number of new vehicle registrations in 2012. Besides the U.S., there were also extremely positive trends in the other NAFTA region markets. New sales records were set for the year to date in Canada (15,944 u., +9.9%) as well as in Mexico (3,431 u.; +28.1%).

Besides the NAFTA region markets, Mercedes-Benz also sold more vehicles between January and June than ever before in China (including Hong Kong) as well as in Russia. A total of 99,391 units (+7.8%) were delivered to customers in the Chinese market, while in Russia the growth in sales was 27.6%. The brand with the star also performed strongly in Japan, where sales for the first half of the year were up by 27.5%. Thus, Mercedes-Benz ranks number one among premium manufacturers on the Japanese market.

In Germany, Mercedes-Benz has been the most successful premium brand concerning new vehicle registrations since the beginning of the year. Over this period, the company has sold 128,529 passenger cars (+4.5%) on the domestic market.

In the western European region (without Germany), Mercedes-Benz in the first half of the year sold a total of 155,555 units in the face of declining market trends, and thus gained market shares. Despite the difficult market conditions, sales were therefore on previous year’s level (+1.1%). The brand continued to sell exceptionally well in the United Kingdom, where a new sales record was set with an increase in sales of 11.4%. The same applies to Switzerland, with a growth in sales of 35.9% for the first half of the year.

The B-Class remains a top seller among the different model series. More vehicles were sold in the month of June and over the first half of the year than ever before in these periods. Last month alone, the growth in sales was 42.9% (14,629 u.), while 68,950 units (+9.7%) have been sold since the beginning of the year.

The vehicles from the C-Class segment were also key growth drivers in the first half of the year, with a growth in sales of 14.9%. Additionally, the C-Class models celebrated a sales jubilee in June: as of last month, more than two million customers are enjoying driving a sedan, estate, or coupe model from the new model series. Furthermore, the C-Class coupe and the SLK were the top-selling vehicles in their segments in the first half of 2012.

In the E-Class segment, the CLS scored top marks with strong sales figures. Between January and June, deliveries of the four-door coupe increased by 38.9%. Therefore, the CLS also topped sales in its competitive segment. The same is true for the S-Class sedan, which also posted higher sales figures in the first half of the year. Since the start of the year, 37,539 units of the brand’s flagship model have been sold (+4.4%). Thus, as in the previous year, the S-Class once again was the top-selling model in its segment. Meanwhile, the new SL is still generating a very positive response from customers. Sales of the sporty roadster rose by +78.7% in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year.Mercedes-Benz SUVs remain on the track to success. The record sales figures from 2011 were surpassed both for June and for the first six months of the year. Results were supported by high growth in sales, for example with the M-Class (+32.7%), the G-Class (+18.5%), and the GL-Class (+7.2%). Last Friday saw the market launch of the next-generation GLK. This model series and the new G-Class, which will be launched in the next few months, as well as the completely new GL-Class, will positively influence brand sales even further over the rest of the year.

smart is still on track to maintaining its good sales level from last year. A total of 55,593 units (+1.4%) of the city runabout were handed over to customers in the first half of 2012, with the figure for June at 9,597 vehicles. The innovative two-seater achieved a particularly strong growth in sales between January and June in the U.S. (+85.8%), China (including Hong Kong) (+59.3%), and Mexico (+23.9%). At the same time, the sales figures in China and Mexico set new records for the first 2012 half-year. Another notable development was the increase in sales of the smart fortwo last month in the U.S., where shipments of the model more than tripled (+208.2%).

Overview of Sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More

Mercedes-Benz USA Posts Record Sales Across All Three Brands In June 2012

Don't Copy From This Blog...

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported combined sales of 25,388 with "Best Ever" months for its Mercedes-Benz, smart and Sprinter model lines. The 12.5% increase for the month brings the year-to-date total to 142,619, up 20.8 % and making this MBUSA's highest first-half on record.

Mercedes-Benz models posted June sales of 22,231, a 7.6 % improvement over June 2011, delivering a year-to-date total of 128,595 new vehicles to customers, up 15.9%.

"This marks a historic milestone for Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. market. Not only did we post all-time record sales across all three business units in June, we achieved our highest half-year sales in our 47-year history," said Steve Cannon President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA today.

Sales for the month of June were led by the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class - the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand on the car side for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers - took the lead with sales of 6,506. The 9th generation E-Class followed with sales of 5,589 and MBUSA's top-selling SUV, the M-Class, rounded out the top three with sales of 2,891.

At the high end, the all-new iconic sixth generation 2013 SL roadster - debuting in showrooms last month - posted sales of 346 yielding an increase of 217.4% and the SLS AMG supercar retailed 86 for the month, up 377.8% over the same period last year.

On a year-to-date basis, top performers again were the C-Class with 37,686, the E-Class with 30,366 and the M-Class with 20,626.

Monthly sales of the high-performance AMG models were 515, up 75.2% versus June 2011 (385) and up 62.4% year to date.

Sales of the company's BlueTEC diesel models were also up 50.3% for the year at 8,945 compared to the 5,953 diesels sold over the same time last year.

On the one-year anniversary of the smart brand coming under the MBUSA umbrella, sales of the model line achieved the highest reported volume since August of 2009. June sales of 1,017 vehicles represent a 208% jump for the month (compared to the 330 vehicles sold in June 2011), bringing the year-to-date volume to 4,748, up 86%.

On the van side, sales of Sprinter vans also saw best-ever sales in June with 2,140 - up 12% over last year and up 30.7% on a year-to-date basis.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,593 vehicles in June; an increase of 2.9% when compared to June 2011 (sales of 6,410 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 39,419 vehicles, a decrease of 1.1% over the comparable period (with sales of 39,855 vehicles).

Mercedes-Benz USA June 2012 Sales Chart

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More