Two victories in the Arctic Van Test: successful completion of endurance test in Alaska

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Vans. Born to run: Mercedes-Benz Vans recently demonstrated the validity of this brand claim under demanding conditions. The Mercedes-Benz Citan and Vito models both came out on top in the icy Arctic Van Test in Finland. The Sprinter Arctic Drive in North America posed an even bigger challenge, as it required the Sprinter to perform a long distance drive to Alaska under extreme conditions.

Citan: Clear winner in the Arctic Van Test’s Small Van category

The new Mercedes-Benz Citan clearly outperformed the competition in its category. This was the first time the model had participated in the Arctic Van Test, and it immediately made a good impression in terms of the driving experience it offers - which was a major focus in the development of the smallest Mercedes-Benz van. The Citan boasts the typical brand combination of outstanding driving performance regarding handling, safety, and comfort.

The test series in Finland included trips through urban areas, long-distance drives, handling tests on slippery surfaces of ice, and heating system performance following a cold start. The Citan clearly beat the competition at temperatures that dropped as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius. The Arctic Van Test is sponsored by renowned commercial vehicle publications from several European countries.

Vito: Number one in its class in the Arctic Van Test

Along with city delivery vans, the jury for the Arctic Van Test also closely examined the performance of compact vans in cold winter conditions. These vans were put through the same demanding tests - and in the end, a van with a star had once again come out on top.

“These two victories confirm that our vans perform outstandingly even under extremely difficult conditions,” says Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. “We’re especially pleased by the fact that the Citan was able to achieve a victory in its very first Arctic Van Test.”

Sprinter: On the road in Alaska at temperatures of minus 50 degrees Celsius

Even more challenging was the endurance test, nine Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans were put through in North America by automotive journalists. The vans were sent on a 5,300-kilometer drive that started in Edmonton, Canada, and continued through British Columbia and Yukon before finishing in Anchorage, Alaska. During the test, the Sprinters had proved that they can succeed even under extreme conditions that included cold starts at temperatures that reached nearly minus 50 degrees Celsius. Both the vans and their drivers were certainly put to the test on snowy and icy roads on a drive that featured frost heavings and steep mountain passes.

The independent test drivers praised the superior performance of the Sprinter’s V6 CDI engine, as well as the model’s low overall noise levels and good drivability in all situations . The Sprinter’s functional and comfortable cab also provided a fitting contrast to the inhospitable conditions on the road outside.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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50 Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL for Danish postal services

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In the coming months Mercedes-Benz Danmark is due to deliver 50 new Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL battery-powered electric vehicles to the Danish postal services (Post Danmark). This is the largest order for Vito E-CELL panel vans in Europe to date.

“We are delighted about this major order from Scandinavia. The successful conclusion of the contract with Post Danmark underscores just how ably our Vito E-CELL has demonstrated its worth in this large-scale operation in Denmark over the past months”, said Klaus Maier, Head of Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The electric van delivered a convincing performance in the course of a field test on the island of Bornholm

Denmark was one of seven target markets in Europe chosen by Mercedes-Benz Vans to test the Vito E-CELL in the early days of its introduction to the market. In the meantime these electric vans, available in panel van and crewbus versions, are available in over 15 European markets.

The pilot operation with Post Danmark began on the island of Bornholm with three vehicles in mid-2011. A crucial factor for the decision in favour of the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL was the combination of the advantages of a classic van with those of a state-of-the-art electric drive system. Highlighted in this context were its sophisticated powertrain engineering, its powerful lithium-ion battery and its above-average performance figures in respect of drivability and load capacity.

The Vito E-CELL’s electric motor delivers 60 kW and produces a torque of 280 Nm. The lithium-ion battery with an overall capacity of 36 kWh is well protected underneath the load compartment floor. The load compartment, which can be utilised without restrictions of any sort, can accept a payload of up to 850 kilograms. The vehicle’s top speed is limited to 89 km/h. This benefits the van’s range, 130 kilometres according to NEDC (New European Drive Cycle), which is ample to meet the requirement profile of the Danish postal services since the new electric vans “made by Mercedes-Benz” are intended for short delivery rounds (with numerous stops in between) in the larger Danish cities.

“The field test with the E-CELL Panel Van on the island of Bornholm ran to the full satisfaction of our customer, so the Danish postal services will now use these vehicles on a widespread basis. Without such ambitious enterprises, it would be very hard to make our vision of emission-free mobility become a reality”, added Markus Denzler, Managing Director, Commercial Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Denmark and Sweden.

The Vito E-CELL’s dynamic and agile drive is thanks to a permanent-magnet electric motor (output 60 kW, torque: 280 Nm), power electronics, a transformer and a battery recharger with an output of 6.6 kW located under the bonnet. Power is transmitted to the front wheels. The batteries of the Vito E-CELL are recharged in a maximum of five hours from a 380/400V mains connection. Recuperation feeds the battery additionally during the journey.

For the success of electricity-based technology for commercial vehicles to become sustainable, the determining factor in the long term will be their economic efficiency. Thanks to its complete independence from fuel, electric drive technology has a significant role to play here in terms of its overall economic efficiency over the period of operation.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Setra touring coach heads to South America - via China

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Across desolate steppe landscapes and through snow-capped mountains: this year for the first time global travellers will not only be able to discover the Silk Road, but also travel the length of the Pan-American Highway from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego - all from the comfort of a luxuriously equipped touring coach in the guise of a Setra S 515 HD from the new ComfortClass 500 series. What is set to be the world's longest coach journey is to be undertaken by coach tour operator "Avanti Reisen", and will commence on 8 April 2013 in Freiburg and come to an end on 22 December in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. In short: a world record.

Successfully navigating this mammoth route, along what for the most part will be uncomfortable roads and through very diverse climatic conditions, calls for a technically mature touring coach boasting outstanding driving characteristics as well as optimum comfort-enhancing and safety features.

Trust in the Setra brand is the best guarantee

A strong believer of this very sentiment is Hans-Peter Christoph, Managing Director of Avanti, who has already successfully travelled from southern Germany to China in Setra TopClass 400 touring coaches on two previous occasions. As a result he is more than happy to opt for a vehicle from the traditional Ulm-based Setra brand for this ambitious project too. In his opinion, trusting the buses of Daimler AG is the best guarantee when it comes to taking on the risk of tackling a round-the-world trip in a coach: "As far as I'm concerned, there is no better travel companion than the Setra."

Setra touring coaches: the ultimate solution for long-distance travel

Thanks to the combination of a luxurious specification with the powerful, environmentally friendly Euro VI "BlueEfficiency Power" engines, Setra coaches are quite simply the ultimate solution for long-distance travel. Featuring adaptive cruise control, the Lane Assistant system, Continuous Braking Limiter, Electronic Stability Program and Front Collision Guard (FCG), the bright red-painted S 515 HD fulfils the highest safety standards currently applicable. The drive train of the touring coach comprises the 10.7-litre OM 470 in-line six-cylinder engine which produces 315 kW (428 hp) and delivers its maximum torque of 2100 Nm at 1100 rpm. The Euro VI engine is coupled with the GO 210 six-speed manual transmission, which features a high sixth gear for reduced engine speeds.

5-star touring coach with ample legroom

With a five-star classification and measuring 12.3 metres in length, the new two-axle ComfortClass 500 model, which celebrated its premiere at last year's IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, provides ample legroom with 40 seats. In addition, the interior ambience is enhanced further by face-to-face seating with tables. On top of the technical refinements of the S 515 HD, the ambitious operator will also benefit from the added security afforded by the extensive service network of the EvoBus Omniplus service brand. An experienced mechanic will also be present on the trip.

A host of landmarks in 26 countries

Travellers can book the trip, which covers a total distance of 52,000 kilometres through 26 countries, either as a complete tour or in five individual stages. "The dream stage connects two of the world's most legendary routes and is peppered with a host of highlights. It makes its way to sacred Mount Ararat, through the Gobi desert, past volcanoes and Canadian lakes, and also through the green jungles of Central America as well as ultra-modern cities", explains Hans-Peter Christoph, stirring up interest in the epic coach trip, for which a few seats are still vacant.

ComfortClass 500: first touring coach design to feature Euro VI technology

In 2012, with the ComfortClass 500, Setra presented the world's first touring coach design developed entirely in line with Euro VI requirements, and set new benchmarks in terms of economic efficiency, value, comfort and safety with the dynamic sixth generation of the touring coach. The new premium touring coaches impress with a streamlined shape which was refined in the wind tunnel as part of a comprehensive development process.

Furthermore, a hybrid lightweight design concept that ensures even more strength at a significantly lower weight, as well as intelligent management of fuel consumption and electrical energy, make the new Setra touring coaches, built with precision manufacturing technology, appealing value-added vehicles that are among the safest coaches in their class. With the start of series production in the spring of 2013, the coaches are already implementing the Euro VI emissions standard which is due to come into effect in 2014 for new vehicles, as well as numerous other safety regulations and legal provisions planned for the coming years.

Avanti Reisen receives Sustainability Award 2013

Avanti Busreisen is a coach tour operator based in Freiburg, Breisgau, which has been run by Hans-Peter Christoph since 1991. As the owner of the company, he believes that the bus represents the most environmentally compatible, climate-friendly form of motorised travel. This year Christoph and his team have been awarded the International Sustainability Award by a German trade magazine dedicated to coaches. The focus of the company, which employs a staff of 22, includes long-distance inter-city and city tours as well as day trips. In addition, Avanti Reisen is also active in the rental and regular-service operations sectors.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Classic: Hans Herrmann celebrates 85th birthday

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Legendary racing driver Hans Herrmann celebrates his 85th birthday on 23 February 2013. Born in Stuttgart, Herrmann gained international recognition during his time as a works driver for Mercedes-Benz in the years 1954 and 1955. The cars he drove for the brand back then were the post-war “Silver Arrows”, the W 196 R Grand Prix racing car and the 300 SLR (W 196 S) racing sports car.

These days Hans Herrmann is regularly to be found behind the wheel of historical Mercedes-Benz competition vehicles, as a guest at any one of a variety of classic events, where he is able to convey to visitors the fascination of an important period in motor racing. “Our congratulations to our brand ambassador Hans Herrmann, who has been a good friend of Mercedes-Benz for almost 60 years now,” commented Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic, expressing his thanks to Herrmann for his contribution to keeping the brand’s heritage alive.

The legendary Alfred Neubauer, Head of the Mercedes-Benz racing department in the 1930s and again in the 1950s, discovered Herrmann as an up-and-coming talent and brought him into the works team, alongside Juan Manuel Fangio and Karl Kling, for Mercedes-Benz’s re-entry to Grand Prix racing after the Second World War. For the 1955 season, the team was then joined by Stirling Moss.

In the very first race of the new Silver Arrows at the French Grand Prix of 1954 in Reims, Herrmann drove the fastest lap time, 2:32.9 minutes – corresponding to an average speed of 195.463 km/h. Over the course of the season he took two Grand Prix podium places, in the 1954 Swiss Grand Prix and the 1954 Avus race, in each case coming 3rd. In 1955, Herrmann was seriously injured in an accident during practice in Monaco and was no longer able to start during that season.

Even after his Grand Prix racing career with Mercedes-Benz had come to an end, “Lucky Hans”, as his friends know him, retained close links with the brand. In 1961, for example, he entered the “Gran Premio Argentina” road race in a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE (W 111), finishing in 2nd place behind Walter Schock, also in a 220 SE, to deliver a double victory.

Versatile motor racing talent

After training originally as a pastry chef, Hans Herrmann began his career in motor racing in the Hessen Winter Rally of 1952 in a private Porsche 356. That same year he took a class win in the “Deutschlandfahrt” (Tour of Germany). In both 1953 and 1954, Herrmann then took class victory for Porsche in the legendary 1000-mile “Mille Miglia” race in Italy.

Through his participation in Formula 1 as well as Formula 2 Grand Prix races, sports car races and rallies, Stuttgart-born Herrmann proved himself to be an exceptionally versatile motor racing driver. Apart from the cars he drove for Mercedes-Benz, he competed above all in Porsche racing and sports cars. He also took the wheel at various times for B.R.M., Cooper, Maserati and Veritas.

Hermann achieved his greatest successes in sports car endurance racing. Among his wins were overall victories in the Targa Florio (1960), the 24 Hours of Daytona (1968), and the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1970). In honour of the grand total of eight Targa Florio races in which he had driven, Hans Herrmann was presented with a special award by the Sicilian town of Collesano in October 2012. “Noblesse oblige”: the one-time works driver arrived at the award ceremony in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR.

After capping his success in motor racing with the Le Mans victory of 1970, Herrmann withdrew from active motor racing that same year, at the height of his career. From then on he would devote himself above all to his automotive accessories business. But our “birthday boy” has retained close links with the world of motor sport to this day – above all as a brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz Classic.

Credits: Daimler AG

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Barcelona F1 Test 2013: Complete Report from MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS

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DAY 1 Report

MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS began the second pre-season test today with the track action having moved from Jerez to the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. Nico Rosberg was at the wheel of the F1 W04.

- Nico had completed 14 laps this morning when a gearbox issue required some work in the garage

- Nico was back out for the afternoon session, with the team focusing on car balance and tyre management

- By the end of today’s running, Nico had completed a total of 54 laps and set the fastest lap of the day

Lewis Hamilton will take over the programme for the second day of the test tomorrow.

Nico Rosberg
"We had a mixed day today with some laps lost this morning. However we were able to work through a good programme this afternoon and, of course, it’s always nice to be quickest at the end of the day. In general, I feel happy and comfortable in the car and it feels better than the last time we were here at this track. There is still some work to be done on tyre degradation and our programme this afternoon was helpful in understanding that."

DAY 1 Times

DAY 2 Report

Lewis Hamilton completed 121 laps today, the equivalent of 563 kms, on the second day of the Barcelona test.

- The morning focused on comparisons between exhaust configurations, running primarily on the hard tyres

- During the afternoon, Lewis concentrated on set-up work with longer runs on the medium compound

- Lewis’ fastest lap of 1:22.726 was set at the start of a ten-lap run on the hard tyre just before lunchtime

Nico Rosberg will be back in the car for the third day of the test tomorrow.

Lewis Hamilton
"We had a good day today and it was nice to get so many laps in. We’re making continual steps forward in terms of our understanding of the set-up and the tyres. The hard compound work in particular was pretty good today, although all of tyres are showing degradation so looking after them isn’t easy. The guys are working really hard both here and at the factory, and it’s encouraging to see the amount of work that’s being put in. We’re focusing on our own programme and just getting on with it."

DAY 2 Times

DAY 3 Report

Nico Rosberg completed his fourth day of pre-season testing this afternoon at Barcelona´s Circuit de Catalunya, running a total of 108 laps in cold but dry conditions. His pre-season mileage now stands at 1471 km.

- The morning programme focused on data gathering and set-up adjustments

- This afternoon, Nico concentrated on longer runs with the hard and medium tyres

- Nico ran soft, medium and hard compound tyres during the day´s programme

- His fastest lap of 1:22.611 was completed on the medium tyre on lap one of a seven-lap run

Lewis Hamilton will complete the fourth and final day of this week´s test programme tomorrow.

Nico Rosberg
"We didn´t have a perfect morning and it was tough out there with the low temperatures. They were causing a lot of tyre graining, which made it difficult to do much useful testing. It was a few degrees warmer after the break and that gave a completely different picture. In general, I´m pleased with what we´ve achieved this week - I did a lot of mileage and the team has done a good job over the winter. I feel more comfortable in the car and the balance is quite good, but we still need to work in a number of areas. That´s why I´m looking forward to testing next week and to see what progress we can make."

DAY 3 Times

DAY 4 Report

Lewis Hamilton completed his fourth day of pre-season testing today at the Circuit de Catalunya in cold and wet conditions. His mileage today of 242 km takes his total to 1513 km with the new F1 W04.

- The morning programme focused on making the most of opportunities for dry running before the rain began in earnest

- Lewis was able to complete an 18-lap run (16 timed laps) on the medium tyre just before midday

- In the wet conditions in the afternoon, the team focused on systems checks and tyre evaluations

Testing will resume at the Circuit de Catalunya on Thursday 28 February for the final pre-season test of 2013.

Lewis Hamilton
"The conditions today meant that we didn’t complete as many laps we would have done in the dry but we have gone through the test items that we wanted to achieve this week. We have been working on our consistency over long runs and we managed one run this morning on dry tyres; the car felt okay but the conditions were also very cool, so we cannot draw too many conclusions. Like I said in Jerez, I can feel that we have a good foundation with this car but there is still a lot to learn and we know that the name of the game is to improve our downforce. From a personal point of view, my relationship with the team is growing all the time and it’s going really well. I’m happy working with the guys, we are working in the right direction together and I’m pushing to extract the most from the team, just like they are with me."

Ross Brawn
"Overall, we’ve had a good week in Barcelona and achieved the programme that we set ourselves for this second test. The rain today was a little unfortunate; however we made the best of the conditions and were still able to take some useful data out of the day. Nico and Lewis are becoming more familiar with the car and its behaviour as each day progresses, and Lewis is settling into the team very well. Both drivers are providing excellent feedback which is pushing the development of the car both here and at the factory, and it is very rewarding to see their enthusiasm and commitment. We now have just four days of testing left until the first race in Australia, and a lot of work will be done before we return to Barcelona next week."

DAY 4 Times

~ Official photos and reports courtesy of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS ~

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