Chinese F1 Grand Prix 2013: Nico, Lewis, Ross and Toto preview the third race of the season at Shanghai

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The Formula One season resumes next week with the third round, the 2013 UBS Chinese Grand Prix, taking place at the 5.451 km Shanghai International Circuit, located 40 kms outside of the city. This year´s race will be the 10th anniversary of the Chinese Grand Prix which made its debut during the 2004 season.

• ´Shanghai specialist´ Nico has led 78 of a total of 168 laps (46%) in the past three years in China
• Nico and Lewis have won the last two Chinese Grands Prix in 2012 and 2011 respectively
• Mercedes-Benz is the most successful engine manufacturer in China, with four wins in the past five races
• Shanghai has a medium Safety Car risk, with deployments in one third of the nine races so far

Nico Rosberg
“I travel to China next week with very good memories from winning my first Formula One race in Shanghai last year, and having led the race there for the past three years. I enjoy the Shanghai track a great deal and I have a positive feeling going there with the car that we have at the moment. The team have been working very hard to develop our car since returning from Malaysia and I will be at the factory on Monday to complete my preparations in the simulator for the next two races. We´ve had a strong start to the season and I´m confident that we can keep pushing and hopefully score some good results in China and Bahrain.”

Lewis Hamilton
“I´m looking forward to getting to China next week and going racing again; it feels like a long time since Malaysia! My first two races with my new team have been a great experience and everyone has made me feel so welcome. We´ve had a better start than we expected and to have finished in fifth and third places so far is really positive. I know there is much more to come so we will keep working hard and pushing the development of the car. I´ll be at the factory this weekend and look forward to hearing about the work that´s gone on in the last couple of weeks and the upgrades that we will take to China.”

Ross Brawn
“The Chinese Grand Prix of course holds great memories following the first win for Nico and our Silver Arrows team in Shanghai last year. That win was an extremely proud occasion for us all and certainly one that we hope to emulate in the future. Our season has started well, perhaps better than we expected, however we´re fully aware that there is still a gap to close and that we must keep up the pace of development. A lot of hard work has taken place at our factories over the last two weeks to do just that and I look forward to seeing how that translates to track performance. The Chinese Grand Prix race is well established now in its tenth year and it´s an important market for both Formula One and Mercedes-Benz. The circuit itself is challenging with fast curves, tight corners and two hairpins. The layout requires good straightline speed, braking stability and traction, and the temperatures are likely to be cooler than we have experienced in the first two race weekends.”

Toto Wolff
“One year on from Nico´s win, a lot of people will be asking whether this is something our team can repeat in 2013. But like they say, yesterday´s home runs don´t win today´s games, and that´s definitely true for us. We start again from zero this year and need to work hard to adapt the car to suit the circuit and the tyre compounds we have available, in the conditions that we find on track next weekend. Then we will see where we stand relative to the competition. We have made a solid start to the season in the first two races with Nico and Lewis both performing at a very high and equal level. The development race will be critical this season so we have more new parts planned for China. Our aim has to be to improve on our good start to the season and continue scoring good points in both championships.”

~ Official photo and details courtesy of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS ~

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Mercedes-Benz unveils unique photographic exhibition to mark the launch of the new CLA Coupé: #Untamed showcases unusual Instagram photos in Paris

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Mercedes-Benz is marking the market launch of its new four-door coupé, the CLA, with an internationally unique exhibition of photographic art. The digital photo installation #Untamed opened yesterday in a Mercedes-Benz pop-up store in the centre of Paris. On display are hundreds of personal photos taken by Instagram users from around the world, all of which reflect the philosophy behind the CLA: unconventional, unusual and untamed. The photos show just how unique every human being is and how much one person's individual style and perspective on the world can differ from those of others. Participation is possible until 10 April. The exhibition runs until 13 April 2013 and admission is free. All visitors will also be offered the opportunity of a test drive with the new CLA, also at no cost, through the French capital.

"We are absolutely thrilled by the creativity shown by internet users in interpreting the idea behind the online campaign", commented Anders Sundt Jensen, Head of Brand Communications for Mercedes-Benz Cars. The international online campaign #Untamed was launched on the website www.untamed-installation.com by Mercedes-Benz in February. All users are invited to upload the three most creative and unusual pictures from their personal Instagram photo stream and have them evaluated using the #Untamed Score. This indicates how unique the style of the pictures is compared with the pictures of other users. The choice of motif is completely free. There is just one thing the photos should not be: average. An artistic display of all the pictures submitted by 10 April 2013 is being mounted in the Mercedes-Benz pop-up store in Paris and presented to an international, art-loving public.

Alongside the Untamed exhibition all those interested can find out about the new CLA in unique surroundings. The temporary store in the heart of Paris invites visitors to a special Mercedes-Benz brand experience on four floors.

The exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. (closed Sunday) at the Mercedes-Benz pop-up store: 25 Boulevard des Capucines, Paris 75002.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Mercedes-Benz Collection 2013: Fine materials, high-quality workmanship

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Exactly 444 products are to be found on the 170 pages of the new Mercedes-Benz Collection 2013 catalogue. Highlights include the Fitness, Trekking and Kids' Bikes as well as high-quality luggage. The new catalogue is available now from Mercedes-Benz sales partners or can be browsed online at www.mercedes-benz-accessories.com .

Watches, Fashion, Accessories, Travel, Key Rings, Gift Ideas, Sport, Model Cars and AMG – just a look at the headings of the nine sections of the catalogue is enough to get an idea of the diversity of the Mercedes-Benz Collection 2013. Here are some of the highlights at a glance.

The new Trekking Bike 29 features an exclusive Mercedes-Benz frame with 29-inch Schwalbe wheels, a high-quality 9-speed (27-gear) Shimano DEORE gear shifter, a lockable Suntour NCX-D LO suspension fork as well as hydraulic Tektro disc brakes from Shimano. The bike is supplied fully equipped with lighting, mudguards and a TOPEAK rear carrier. The Trekking Bike 29 is priced at 1399 euros ^[1] and is available in 49/52/55 cm frame heights and in an exclusive matt black/white colour combination.

The Fitness Bike 29 has a high-quality Shimano DEORE 9-speed gear shifter. It also features a lockable Suntour NRX-D LO suspension fork with a travel of 80 mm, hydraulic Shimano disc brakes, Ergon handlebar grips, an adjustable stem and a high-quality Phorm saddle for excellent comfort, even on longer rides. The white/silver colour combination underlines the sporty character of this bike model. The Mercedes Benz Fitness Bike 29 is available in three frame sizes (49/52/55 cm) and is priced at 1199 euros.

Our Kids' Bike is a fun way to introduce children to the joys of cycling. Its 2‑in-1 design means that it can be converted easily from a 16-inch child's bike into a balance bike. In balance bike form, it makes the first attempts at riding easy and enjoyable, helps to develop the child's sense of balance and makes graduating to riding with pedals much easier. New for the Kid's Bike is the blue metallic paint finish – a nod to the colour palette of the new A-Class. Alternatively it is also available in white and pink. The Kids' Bike is suitable for children aged from 3 to about 6 years and is priced at 299.90 euros.

The Mercedes-Benz Collection 2013 comprises a total of 27 watches, among them the Chronograph Business Style for 399.90 euros. This timepiece is made in Switzerland. The case (diameter: 41.5 mm) and bracelet (with solid, folding safety clasp) are made of stainless steel. The Chronograph has a Ronda 5030.D quartz movement with stopwatch function. The anthracite-coloured dial has a sunray polished finish and recessed minute markers. Other details include luminous hands and hour markers, anti-reflective mineral crystal with magnifying window and a fixed bezel with tachymeter scale. The watch is water-resistant to 10 ATM.

A padded laptop compartment (for screen sizes up to 15 inches) as well as a large, wide-opening compartment with pockets are key features of the Men's Business Bag. It is made from black calfskin and has a removable leather shoulder strap. Other features include credit card slots and a pen loop, a large inner compartment with zip fastener and key holder, a zipped outside pocket and a "smart sleeve" for fitting over the extending handle of a trolley suitcase. The Business Bag has a decorative Mercedes-Benz star logo stud and is priced at 349.90 euros.

As bold colour statements go, the pink iPhone® Sleeve made from soft Italian calfskin is hard to beat. The sleeve (39.90 euros) is suitable for iPhone® 4 and 4S models and is handmade in Germany. It is complemented by the women's Manicure Set (79.90 euros). The pink case, which is also handmade from soft Italian calfskin, contains nail scissors, tweezers, nail file and nail cleaner. The instruments are made in Solingen, Germany.

A particularly fashionable highlight among the eight models that make up the sunglasses range is the women's Star model (99.90 euros) which has a plastic acetate frame. The outside is black while the grey inside is decorated with black and pink stars. The Zeiss lenses are tinted grey and graduated. A black, leather-look case and a grey cleaning cloth with a star pattern are included.

Made from carbon leather, the AMG Travel Wallet has space for 12 credit cards and features four large compartments for plane/train tickets as well as a zipped compartment and a pen loop. The Travel Wallet (approx. size 13 x 22.5 x 2 cm) is handmade in Germany and is priced at 189.90 euros.
The AMG Scarf is made from fine fabric with cashmere and can be worn by men and women. The striking visual features comprise the AMG/tyre tread design and the black AMG logo in the centre of the scarf and on the woven label. The scarf is priced at 149.90 euros.

Mercedes-Benz Collection: the highest quality standards

"The best or nothing" promise clearly carries through to the products in the Mercedes-Benz Collection. All items have been specifically designed, developed and produced for Mercedes-Benz. Ideas scribbled on a notepad are worked up into detailed sketches and later translated into precise technical drawings. These provide the basis for making prototypes. The next step involves evaluating the proportions, functionality and material selection in order to satisfy the demanding requirements of Mercedes-Benz.

True to its commitment to superb quality, Mercedes-Benz also has the products in the Mercedes-Benz Collection and their raw materials and components tested by the specialists at the independent SGS Institut Fresenius product testing centre. Over the course of numerous laboratory and safety tests, the products have to meet tough test criteria that far exceed the requirements laid down by law. It is only once testing has been completed successfully that the product can be put into production.

^[1]All prices include statutory VAT and are valid for Germany

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Techno Classica 2013: S-Class as the star of the Mercedes-Benz Classic

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From 10 to 14 April 2013, Mercedes-Benz Classic is making the exclusive history of the S-Class and its pioneering innovations the main focus of its brand presentation at the 25th Techno Classica in Essen. The world’s oldest car manufacturer will be presenting its exhibits at the largest international trade fair for classic vehicles on a stand covering 4500 square metres in hall 1 of the Essen Exhibition Grounds.

“The Techno Classica is actually one of the most important events in the year for classic cars,” is how Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic, highlights the importance of the leading international exhibition for classic vehicles. “Together with our officially recognised brand clubs, we will be able to communicate the entire world of Mercedes-Benz Classic and at the same time demonstrate our very close partnership with them,” anticipates Michael Bock.

And here the Stuttgart brand will be dedicating 1000 square metres of its exhibition space solely to its luxury class, top-of-the-range vehicles from the S-Class and their predecessor model series – from the early days of the automobile right up to modern times. A particular gem is the Benz “Prinz-Heinrich-Wagen” from 1910. Mercedes-Benz Classic has extensively restored this original special touring car at great expense and in accordance with the requirement for utmost authenticity. The car therefore stands for both the excellent motorsport tradition of the brand and the outstanding competence of Mercedes-Benz Classic in the field of extensive, true-to-original restoration projects. The project was carried out in co-operation with the Louwman Museum in The Hague (the Netherlands), who also had a “Prinz-Heinrich-Wagen” from 1910 restored to original condition.

S-Class Gallery

The focal point of the Mercedes-Benz Classic exhibition will be the presentation of the unique S-Class tradition in a gallery of twelve vehicles. The importance of the S-Class and its product values with their roots going way back in brand history to the invention of the automobile will be demonstrated by three exhibits dating from the first half of the twentieth century: the Mercedes-Simplex 60 hp (1904), which was used as a touring car by businessman Emil Jellinek – whose daughter Mercédès Jellinek lent her name to the brand – as well as a Nürburg 460 (W 08, 1929) and a model 770 “Grand Mercedes” (W 07, 1931). In addition to nine other vehicles representing the ancestors of the range-topping, premium-segment saloons since 1951, the Mercedes-Benz Classic exhibition stand will be taking a look into the future with the new 222 model series which will be given its market launch this summer.

The Benz “Prinz-Heinrich-Wagen” from 1910

The “Prinz-Heinrich-Wagen” exhibited at the Techno Classica is one of only two true-to-original vehicles worldwide to have survived the more than 100 years since their first racing appearance. It is extraordinary proof of the visionary technological leadership of this era. The ten Benz racing touring cars built at the time were specifically designed for the Prince Heinrich Tour of 1910 and they were technically far ahead of their time. The spirit of such excellence is part of the Mercedes-Benz brand values which have formed the basis for the creation of amazing vehicles across all eras”. The car from the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection reached the finishing line of the 1910 Prince Heinrich Tour in 11th place, and then in the same year it also went on the Tsar Nicholas Tour. The car still has the modified engine which the racing car was fitted with for this race in Russia.

A good partnership between brand and clubs

Mercedes-Benz Classic and the officially recognised brand clubs once more demonstrate their mutual affinity at the Techno Classica 2013: the presentations from 17 clubs with a total of about 50 historical vehicles are included in the overall presentation of the brand’s own Classic area. “We really appreciate the great commitment shown by the brand clubs,” emphasises Michael Bock. “They are extremely important ambassadors for the long-lived fascination of the brand.”

Among the topics Mercedes-Benz Classic is taking up at the Techno Classica exhibition are the exemplary services provided by both Classic Centers and dealerships, the comprehensive services provided by garages and workshops, and the ready availability of Mercedes-Benz GenuineParts. The Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Mercedes-Benz Classic Store are also taking part in the exhibition.

Anniversary fair in Essen

This year it is the 25th time that the Techno Classica, the leading international trade fair for classic vehicles, will be held in Essen. The trade fair will be opened on 10 April 2013 with a preview, media and trade day followed by three more days from 11 to 14 April. The 2013 anniversary event has attracted great attention so that all of the 20 halls and the open-air section of the Essen Exhibition Grounds will be full. And very appropriately for the anniversary, 25 automotive brands from all over the world will also be exhibited at the Techno Classica.

Since it started in 1989, the Techno Classica has established itself as the leading venue and trading centre for the international classics scene. This year the organisers are expecting more than 180,000 visitors who will be awaited by more than 1200 exhibitors. There will be about 2500 high quality collector’s cars on show as well as restoration specialists, suppliers and spare parts providers – and in addition everything else connected with classic cars such as literature, models, accessories and art.

Did you already know…?
The history of the S-Class will be the focus of a special exhibition taking place at the Mercedes-Benz Museum from 18 June to 3 November 2013.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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AMG Customer Sports: Seasonal outlook 2013 - From the US to Japan – SLS AMG GT3 starts on five continents

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The customer sports program of Mercedes-AMG will take an active part in the 2013 racing year all over the globe. The SLS AMG GT3 will moreover start in the US for the first time. In the 2013 motorsports season, the race version of the gullwing car will take part in more than 22 race series on five continents. The German team H.T.P. Motorsport will enter three SLS AMG GT3 into the new FIA GT World. Seyffarth Motorsport will participate in the race series as well. The gullwings will fight for the overall victory in the 24-hour races of Nürburgring and in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium). Three SLS AMG GT3 are expected to participate in the German ADAC GT Masters. Three teams will be facing the competition in the Japanese Super GT Series. Two SLS AMG GT3 were recently entered into the US American Pirelli World Challenge by the teams Black Swan and Green Hornet Racing.

In preparation for the season at the end of February 2013, a great number of AMG customer teams took advantage of the perfect conditions in the test and setting drives on „Autódromo Internacional do Algarve“ in Portimão (Portugal). All support units of the AMG customer sports program gathered on-site, providing professional support. With Bernd Schneider, Thomas Jäger and Lance David Arnold (all GER), the teams were provided advice and assistance by experienced race professionals.

Ola Källenius, chairman of the board, Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “Our customer sports program is in its third year now, and this is the first time that the SLS AMG GT3 will also participate in races in the United States. This is one indicator pointing out to an exciting 2013 motorsports season. Racing is an essential part of AMG and its DNA. In 2013, AMG again is based upon three pillars: With the SLS AMG GT3 customer sports program, the Mercedes AMG C-Coupé in the popular DTM and with the team MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS in Formula 1, AMG is based very broadly.“

Uli Fritz, head of AMG Customer Sports: “In the 2013 motorsports season we also hold on to our philosophy of merely using the SLS AMG GT3 for customer sports and not for factory entries. We continue to focus on providing the AMG customer teams with the best assistance possible. Not only the victories of the previous years, but also our impressive number of sold cars, which has in the meantime risen to 63 race gullwings, have shown the success of this strategy. We want to thank the teams, which are facing the third year of competition with us, for their confidence – moreover we are looking forward to receiving the new teams in the family of AMG customer sports.“

AMG starts in US American Pirelli World Challenge

For the first time in the history of AMG customer sports, two SLS AMG GT3 started in a race on the North American continent. In the first race of the new US American Pirelli World Challenge on the race track „Streets of St. Petersburg“ in Florida, Peter LeSaffre (USA) of Green Hornet Racing as well as Tim Pappas (USA) of Black Swan were behind the wheel. The Pirelli World Challenge comprises nine races, almost 30 vehicles will be competing in the GT class. Black Swan were among the top ten twice already in the first weekend, winning places 8 and 9. Green Hornet achieved solid results winning position 11 in the first race, in the second race, however, Peter LeSaffre had to retire from the race prior to end.

Successful start of the 2013 motorsports season

The customer teams Abu Dhabi by Black Falcon and Erebus Motorsport GT celebrated a successful start of the season in winter 2013. In both the Dubai 24 Hours (UAE) as well as the Bathurst 12 Hour race (Australia) it was a SLS AMG GT3 to cross the finish line first. The GT3 prelude in Europe will take place the coming weekend. In Nogaro, France, the new FIA GT World will celebrate its premiere (29th March to 1st April 2013). 26 cars, 16 teams and eight brands will be facing the competition in the successor series of the FIA GT World Championship, which existed for many years. H.T.P.-Gravity Charouz will enter three SLS AMG GT3 in the categories Pro Cup, Pro-Am and Gentlemen’s Trophy. Seyffarth Motorsport is also going to participate in the new FIA GT World.

The first race of the German VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring had to be cancelled due to difficult weather conditions. The prelude of the VLN on the legendary Nordschleife (“north loop“) and the short circuit of the Grand-Prix course will take place on 13th April 2013. ROWE RACING and Car Collection will take part in the first VLN race, Black Falcon will have to skip the race because of an overlapping race.

Highlight of the season – 24 Hours Nürburgring

One of the traditional highlights of the German motorsports season is the 24 Hours Nürburgring – this year it will take place from the 17th to the 20st of May 2013. Black Falcon, ROWE RACING and Car Collection will be facing their strong competitors. Bernd Schneider (team Black Falcon), Lance David Arnold and Thomas Jäger (both team ROWE RACING) will support the customer teams as part of the AMG support program and take an active part in the endurance classic in the Eifel themselves.

Three SLS AMG GT3 in the ADAC GT Masters

In 2013, three SLS AMG GT3 will participate in the fight for the title in the ADAC GT Masters. H.T.P. Motorsport enters two cars into the race while Seyffarth Motorsport enters one. The ADAC GT Masters starts on 26th of April in Oschersleben and comprises 16 races. Two races take place every race weekend. The private TV station Kabel 1 again broadcasts all races live and in full length.

Blancpain Endurance Series – three teams in competition

In the Blancpain Endurance Series, three teams are facing the competition: Black Falcon from Germany enters two gullwing race cars. As in the previous years, the British team Preci-Spark will join the race. Fortec Motorsport from Great Britain is a new participant in this year’s race. The starting field of the Blancpain Endurance Series with about 60 cars is certainly going to show committing motorsports. The race in Monza, Italy on 14th April 2013 will be the prelude while the highlight of the season will be the 24-hour race of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on 27th and 28th July 2013. The final of the endurance championship takes place on Nürburgring on 22nd September 2013.

Five AMG customer teams starting in Asia

The SLS AMG GT3 will also play a great role in Japan. With RQ‘s Motorsport, Leon Racing, Gainer and Shift, four teams will participate in the Japanese Super GT. The PETRONAS Syntium Team will show its best performance in the Super Taikyu Series, in order to build on their success of 2012 and achieve a confident victory. Also in the Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race lasting 12 hours, the PETRONAS Syntium Team wants to continue to be as successful as last year.

From Australia to Brazil

Besides the big championships, which are mainly held on European tracks, customer teams with the SLS AMG GT3 will also take part in races on the continents of South America and Australia as well as in smaller national race series:

- Australian GT-Championship: Erebus Racing

- Brazilian GT-Championship: AMattheis Motorsport

- British GT-Championship: Fortec Motorsport

- DMV TCC: ANTeam, Land Motorsport, Schütz Motorsport

- FIA CEZ: Premium Poland Motorsport

- French GT-Championship: Autosport Promotion

- GT Open: Seyffarth Motorsport

- Slovakia GT: TopCar Machének

- Spanish and Portuguese GT-Championship: Sports & You

- Supercar International Series: Sports & You

Walk of Fame in Affalterbach

The new Walk of Fame is a tribute to the numerous successes of AMG customer teams and their drivers: As in Hollywood, the names of all AMG team and driver champions as well as the AMG endurance champions of 12- and 24-hour races are being perpetuated on engraved stone flags. A statement by Ola Källenius, chairman of the board, Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “Through the Walk of Fame in Affalterbach we want to give thanks to our customer teams and their drivers for their encouragement. We are very proud that, around the world, we have managed to achieve such a great number of victories with the race gullwing car in the course of just a few years. I am looking forward to a successful season 2013 and a Walk of Fame that will be ever growing.“

~ Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH ~

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