Archive for 2009

Happy Birthday! ~ Mercedes-Benz-Blog is 2 years old! ~ 31.12.2009 - The story continues!


Reaching the first year of virtual life for Mercedes-Benz-Blog was a tremendous achievement, taking into consideration the hesitating start we faced. Now, two years only prove one thing - the complete success of our initiative of delivering the latest and most interesting news about Mercedes-Benz.

This otherwise little lifespan, yet long and hard for the team behind Mercedes-Benz-Blog, has shown to everyone of us, every day, that we were constantly receiving the sweet and well-deserved recognition from our faithful visitors and fans.

Throughout 2009, we added and created new widgets or media sections, in order to keep the weblog attractive and make it handier for the users. The No. 1 achievement of the year, which we are very proud of, is creating a separate weblog for the so popular Mercedes-Benz-Blog TRIVIA section. And so, Mercedes-Benz-Blog TRIVIA -- A professional look on Mercedes-Benz Heritage & Innovation was born.

Other great stuff we managed to do is to better promote Mercedes-Benz-Blog on the internet. For that, we have improved our Twitter page by constantly updating it and we have recently created our official pages on Facebook and Youtube.

And the numbers speak for themselves:

- Total number of visits(1.01.2009-31.12.2009) = 258991 (and growing)
- Total number of page views(1.01.2009-31.12.2009) = 485627 (and growing)
- An average of around 810 visitors per day, which marks a growth of 80 % compared to the previous year
- An average of around 1500 page views per day, which marks a growth of over 78 % compared to the previous year


The analysis posted above only demonstrates one big thing:Mercedes-Benz-Blog matters!

The days of hard working have been highly fruitful. And our success is our visitors' success. Thank you very much for your devotion and we promise we will try our best to make Mercedes-Benz-Blog shine brighter and brighter from one day to the following one!

Happy Birthday Mercedes-Benz-Blog!Happy Birthday Everybody!

May All Of You Have A Wonderful New Year!



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Daimler AG looking for a partner to co-develop future small/compact models


Daimler is currently in talks with several companies as to eventually establish a partnership for building its future range of small-sized and compact cars.


The information was revealed by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, the President of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, during an interview with Handelsblatt, a German daily newspaper. At this moment, among the potential partners, the most likely to be signed an agreement with and also the most rumoured one is Renault. The French group is keen to find a suitable, as well as low-cost, shared technical platform for developing small/compact models;on the other hand, Daimler is seeking an attractive and new range of powerplants to be installed under the hood of the forthcoming A- & B-Klasse replacers. We should get a definitive answer by mid-2010, when Daimler AG is said to officially announce the deal.

In the past, Daimler and BMW had been in talks for a possible cooperation, but the discussions never had a positive outcome.

1. BREAKING NEWS:Daimler and BMW to announce possible partnership at the end of November

2. Daimler & BMW on the way to partnership


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Artist Impression - 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Klasse FL rendered by Reichel Car Design


Source of the photo >> Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog


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Explanation needed for the last two articles


It could come as very strange for the visitors of the weblog to see the last two articles:

- MICHAEL SCHUMACHER JOINS MERCEDES GP PETRONAS
- MERCEDES GP SIGNS LONG-TERM AGREEMENT WITH PETRONAS

In fact, they are the official press releases that I had to wait for in order to post them here. They were issued only several minutes ago by the media service of Daimler AG;the cause of the postponement is still unknown.

Hope it won't happen again in the future!


Adrian Dorofte
Editor In-Chief, Mercedes-Benz-Blog



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MICHAEL SCHUMACHER JOINS MERCEDES GP PETRONAS


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart/Brackley, Germany/United Kingdom, Dec 23, 2009

The MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team can confirm today that seven-times Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher will make his racing return in 2010 with the Silver Arrows team.



With seven Drivers’ World Championships, 248 Grand Prix starts, 91 victories, 154 podium finishes and 68 pole positions, the 40-year old German needs no introduction following an illustrious and record-breaking Formula One career from 1991 to 2006 at the Jordan, Benetton and Ferrari teams.

Michael’s return to racing with MERCEDES GP PETRONAS sees his return to Mercedes-Benz Motorsport where he began his racing apprenticeship as part of the Junior Programme in 1990, racing in Group C sports cars and DTM, and sees Michael renew his partnership with Ross Brawn with whom he won all seven of his World Championships.

Today’s announcement confirms the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS driver line-up for the 2010 season with Michael partnering his compatriot, 24 year old Nico Rosberg, in the Silver Arrows cars.

Michael Schumacher: “MERCEDES GP PETRONAS represents a new challenge for me both in a sporting and a personal context. It is a new chapter in my racing career and I am really looking forward to working with my old friend Ross Brawn and my companions from my days with the Mercedes Junior Programme. I am convinced that together we will be involved in the fight for the Formula 1 World Championship next year and I am already looking forward to getting back onto the race track. For me, this partnership closes the circle. Mercedes supported me for so many years when I began my Formula 1 career and now I can hopefully give something back to the brand with the star.”

Nico Rosberg: “It is fantastic that Michael is returning to Formula One and will be my team-mate at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. It’s a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time. I’m sure that we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed! It is also great news for our sport and the fans.”

Ross Brawn, Team Principal of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS: “I am delighted that we can confirm today that Michael will make his much-anticipated return to Formula One next year and drive for our MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team. As seven-time World Champion, Michael’s outstanding record in Formula One speaks for itself and I am looking forward to working with him again. With the completion of our driver line-up, I believe that we now have the most exciting partnership in Formula One with Michael and Nico, who provide the perfect mix of talent, experience, speed and youth. We can now turn our full attention to the preparations for the new season and everyone at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS is extremely excited about the challenge ahead. With the investment and support in our team provided by Daimler, Aabar and our new title partner Petronas, and with two such exciting drivers, we have all of the building blocks in place to have another successful season in 2010.”

Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports: “In April 1991, when I had been in charge of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport programme for just six months, Michael was standing beside me on the balcony one evening. Without the slightest doubt, he said in a low voice: “It’s about time that I got into Formula 1”. Michael had just turned 22 years of age and four months later, he made his debut at Spa in a Jordan. Mercedes-Benz helped him to this point and the rest is history: seven World Championship titles, more than any racing driver, 91 Grand Prix wins, more than any racing driver. Michael has more of everything than every other driver. As part of the Mercedes Junior Programme, Michael had raced in Group C sports cars and competed in a few DTM races. Ross Brawn, then our opponent at Jaguar, quickly realised Michael’s talent and they went on to win all seven of his Drivers’ World Championship titles together at Benetton and Ferrari. Our sporting ambition has always been that Michael should drive again where his professional career had started and Michael knew that. We often joked about it after the races and discussed the prospect seriously several times during the last 14 years in Formula 1. It didn’t happen in 1995, it didn’t happen in 1998 and it didn’t happen in 2005. I am delighted that it will now happen in 2010. I am very much looking forward to working with Michael and everybody at Mercedes-Benz and Daimler extends a very warm welcome to our ‘apprentice’ of 19 years ago. That apprentice is now the most successful racing driver of all time.”



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MERCEDES GP SIGNS LONG-TERM AGREEMENT WITH PETRONAS


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Dec 21, 2009

Mercedes GP is delighted to announce the signing of a long-term agreement with PETRONAS which will see the Malaysian national oil and gas company become the title partner to the new Silver Arrows works team.



From 2010, the new team will compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship as the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team and will carry the distinctive PETRONAS branding across the car and team liveries.

Leveraging Mercedes-Benz’s rich motorsport heritage and the long-standing involvement of PETRONAS in Formula One, the new title partnership also paves the way for future collaborations between the two companies. For PETRONAS, the partnership will enable the oil and gas giant to generate sustainable business growth, particularly in their downstream lubricants market, through the strategic partnership and business alliance with Mercedes-Benz, one of the most prestigious global automotive brands.

The Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team’s challenger for 2010 will make its track debut in its new livery at Valencia on 1 February 2010 for the first of the pre-season tests ahead of the 2010 Formula One season.

PETRONAS will continue to be the title sponsor of the PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix, scheduled to be the third race of the new season, which will take place at the Sepang International Circuit on 4 April 2010.

Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports, said: "We are very pleased to begin our long-term partnership with our new title partner PETRONAS. Daimler, our premium brand Mercedes-Benz and PETRONAS will work together both on and off the track and I am sure that everybody involved will guarantee their absolute dedication to success. PETRONAS’ home base in Kuala Lumpur is located in the middle of a fast-growing region for the automotive industry which makes this new partnership even more valuable. Within the limits of the new Formula One resource restrictions, the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team will be well positioned to achieve our goals. We will all strive to present efficient success in the future knowing at the same time that the new Formula One season with some fundamental rule changes will be a particularly challenging one."

Ross Brawn, Team Principal of the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team commented: “Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm our long-term agreement with PETRONAS and we look forward to working closely with our new partner in the future. The collaboration of the premium automotive brand Mercedes-Benz and a company as prestigious as PETRONAS gives our team a fantastic base from which to achieve our ambitions of competing at the top level of Formula One and building on the success of 2009 which saw the team achieve the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger, and we look forward to seeing the car run in the new Silver Arrows and PETRONAS livery at the Valencia test in February.”

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VIDEO: Interview with Michael Schumacher




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Mercedes GP Petronas to launch the F1 car at the end of January 2010


Mercedes-Benz officials have recently confirmed that the special launch event of the new Mercedes GP Petronas F1 single-seater will be organised at Mercedes-Benz Museum in Unterturkheim, at the end of the next month. Moreover, Michael Schumacher, the latest and most-awaited addition to the drivers' lineup of the new Formula 1 team, will get behind the wheel of the car he'll drive in 2010, for the first time, on February 10th, when the Jerez track FIA tests commence.


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Mercedes-Benz Econic powered by natural gas handed over to ALDI SÜD


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

- First natural gas powered Mercedes-Benz Econic for ALDI SÜD
- Tailor-made configuration with low cab for food distribution operations and city logistics
- Saving costs while protecting the environment: economy and ecology go hand-in-hand for the Mercedes-Benz Econic
- Econic as a natural gas powered semitrailer tractor has received the "Blue Angel" environmental award

Mönchengladbach/Wörth, Germany, Dec 29, 2009 – The first Mercedes-Benz Econic with NGT (Natural Gas Technology) for food distribution operations has been handed over to the ALDI SÜD group of companies in Mönchengladbach. The vehicle is a semitrailer tractor with a high roof and a refrigerated semitrailer. To honour its environmenttal responsibilities in the areas of procurement and distribution, ALDI SÜD decided in favour of an environmentally friendly natural gas engine - this is now being put to the test with this vehicle.



City logistics and natural gas power for environmentally sensitive urban areas

ALDI SÜD uses the new Mercedes-Benz Econic NGT to supply its branches on the left bank of the Lower Rhine from the central warehouse in Mönchengladbach. Traffic-calming zones, narrow entrances, illegally parked cars, increasing environmental regulations and access restrictions – as well as enormous time pressure – mean that city logistics make heavy demands on both the driver and vehicle. A modern distribution vehicle must therefore meet high requirements with respect to load capacity, manoeuvrability, environmental compatibility and economy. Lower CO2 emissions versus comparable, diesel powered vehicles, CO2-neutral operation when biogas is used as a fuel, zero particulate emissions and a low noise level - all these are the ecological benefits of the Econic NGT. Power is transferred by a six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle meets the stringent EEV emission standard (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicle), and is therefore entitled to bear the "Blue Angel" environmental emblem.

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Obituaries 2009


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Dec 28, 2009

Daimler AG and its predecessor companies have been moulded by the people who work for them, now and in the past. They make the successful design, manufacture and marketing of the company's outstanding products possible in all areas of work necessary for this purpose.



In 2009 several personalities who rendered major services to the company passed away. In acknowledgement we present their personal histories. May they also stand for all those who are not honoured on this occasion.

- Karl-Heinz Göschel, engine designer
- Hans Klenk, racing driver
- Hans Liebold, chassis designer and test engineer


Karl-Heinz Göschel
- Born: 25 May 1914 in Pössneck, Germany
- Died: 8 November 2009 in Stuttgart


The university-trained engineer Karl-Heinz Göschel was one of the fathers of petrol injection in the internal combustion engine. Prior to the Second World War and during the war he worked on this subject at Daimler-Benz AG as an engineer in aero engine testing, initiating fundamental improvements in the DB 605 and DB 603 engines to enhance high-altitude performance.

After 1945 he joined vehicle manufacturer Gutbrod as an engine designer and, together with Hans Scherenberg, who also was employed there after the war, made petrol injection in the car fit for series production in the two-stroke engine. In 1952 Göschel too returned to Daimler-Benz AG. Together with Scherenberg he made a great contribution to the introduction of petrol injection in the four-stroke M 196 engine that saw service in the W 196 Grand Prix racing car and in the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR sports car, as well as in the M 198 engine for the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL that came out on the market in 1954. In 1958 Scherenberg entrusted him with the supervision of heavy-duty engine testing – for Daimler-Benz an unusual career leap.

Finally, under the direction of Rudolf Uhlenhaut, chief car designer, Göschel became "Head of Passenger Car Testing in Untertürkheim", as the official title went, in 1967 – the place restriction was made because Karl Wilfert at Passenger Car Development in Sindelfingen would not have put himself under the control of a 'general testing manager'.

Göschel directed car testing and put his stamp on it up until his retirement at the end of June 1980, after which he received a consultancy contract. When the contract expired at the end of April 1981 his work for Daimler-Benz AG ended. His son Burkhard Göschel also is pursuing a successful career in the automotive industry, among other things at BMW as Management Board member responsible for Development, and at Magna.

Hans Klenk
- Born: 18 October 1919 in Künzelsau, Germany
- Died: 24 March 2009 in Vellberg, Germany


Hans Klenk was one of the racing drivers who supported the return of Mercedes-Benz to motor sport at the beginning of the 1950s. In 1952 he competed together with Karl Kling in one of the three 300 SL (W 194 series) racing sports coupés which were used in the Le Mans 24 Hours. This race ended in a double victory for Mercedes-Benz, but the car of Kling and Klenk with competitor's number 22 dropped out during the night because of damage to the alternator. In the major long-distance races of 1952, the Mille Miglia in Italy and the Carrera Panamericana in Mexico, Klenk was the co-driver of factory driver Karl Kling. The Carrera brought Mercedes-Benz another double victory, not least all due to Klenk's invention of the "prayer book", containing an exact description of the route. Before the race he covered every inch of the 3200 kilometre route and made a note of any unusual features according to the km reading of his car so that he could tell the driver about them during the race. At the same event the 300 SL had a collision with a vulture, but that could not stop the duo.

During his youth Klenk took an enthusiastic interest in cars and airplanes. At the tender age of eleven he took up gliding in his home town Schwäbisch-Hall-Hessental. A personal contact with aircraft designer Willy Messerschmitt convinced Klenk not to pursue his desired career as a surgeon, and he began studying aircraft and automotive engineering in Munich. During the war, Hans Klenk was a fighter pilot and flew a Messerschmitt Bf 109. He saw service in Schleswig-Holstein, Italy and elsewhere. In the early 1950s he set up an engineering office of his own in Stuttgart and built sports cars in small series using BMW components. In 1951 he participated in national formula circuit races with the Meteor racing car designed by him, with good results, at which point Mercedes-Benz became aware of him.

But his racing career was short: an accident during training on the Nürburgring put an end to it in July 1953. He barely escaped death and was unable to walk properly since the accident. He found a new professional alternative at Continental Gummiwerke, Hanover, where he initially served as racing manager and then, until retirement, as head of Public Relations.

Hans Liebold
- Born: 12 October 1926 in Erfurt
- Died: 3 October 2009


Hans Liebold rendered great services for several generations of Mercedes-Benz passengers, particularly as chassis engineer. In addition, outstanding vehicles of the brand were created with his participation, for example in the late 1960s and early 1970s all variants of the C 111, the Experimental Safety Vehicles of the 1970s, and several economobiles in the late 1970s.

Liebold had a reputation for being the "fast project manager", as his colleagues called him. With a new type of chassis engineering he ensured not only safe, comfortable handling of the new Mercedes-Benz car models, he also was adept at assessing the interaction of all components and arriving at the best results through meticulous tuning effort. As a driver he was extremely skilled and precise, even at high speeds and critical physical limits – he felt quite comfortable with them, as he said of himself.

As a young man, before and after the Second World War Hans Liebold was very keen on flying and got his first pilot's licence at the age of 17. Over the years more would follow, including an aerobatics licence. After the war he studied mechanical engineering and automotive engineering at Hanover Technical University, obtaining a diploma and following it up with a doctor's degree. In 1957 he went to Stuttgart for an interview with the legendary head of Testing, Rudolf Uhlenhaut. He received a job in Passenger Car Advanced Design, was appointed manager of the Advanced Design department in car testing after a few years, and finally became Main Department Head Testing Passenger Car Advanced Design.

From the first day his work was determined by the search for ever new technical solutions, especially in chassis technology. Safe handling, comfortable suspension tuning and sophisticated axle developments were among his primary tasks, although he knew a great deal about all areas of the automobile. His thoroughness was influenced not least of all by his first superior, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, who was one to always thoroughly look into matters himself to gain new insights.

Under Uhlenhaut, Liebold was also project manager for the legendary Mercedes-Benz C 111. In the first two versions Wankel engines provided the motive power; afterwards, in several variants, diesel engines with which the performance capabilities of the up-to-date compression-ignition engine were demonstrated in several record-breaking runs. The last variant of the C 111 featured a turbocharged V8. With it Liebold clocked a speed of 403.978 km/h in 1979 to set a record for circuits. Hans Liebold retired at midyear 1991.






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2010 - What Merc goodies will it bring?


Following the 2009 pattern and because we are approaching 2010, it would be very clever from us to make a review of the new models agenda Mercedes-Benz has prepared for the next year.


The list includes:the new S-Klasse Coupe, the R-Klasse FL, the new CLS-Klasse, the new SLS AMG Cabrio, the C-Klasse FL and the new SLK-Klasse.
___________________

The first major automotive event of 2010 will be the North American International Auto Show in Detroit;this will be the chance to see the facelifted CL-Klasse, which, as you may already know, will also receive a new moniker:S-Klasse Coupe. The big luxury coupe will display refreshed front fascia and rear end, a slightly altered interior with a new steering wheel, new colour combos and exclusive materials and probably a completely new engine lineup, consisting of the MoVe(modular V6 and V8) units.
___________________

The R-Klasse crossover, a sales flop for the Stuttgart-based constructor, will be revamped in 2010;a complete overhaul of the front end, more powerful and efficient powerplants and some of the ultimate safety and infotainment systems that debuted on the E- & S-Klasse models are on the list. The R-Klasse FL could well be unveiled at the NAIAS, Geneva Motor Show in March, or as some insiders suggest, at the New York Auto Show in April.
___________________

The summer of 2010 will mean the switch in generations for the CLS-Klasse. The current C 219 model will be replaced by the completely new one, internally dubbed C 218. The next CLS will continue to display the same eclectic, yet sexy and passional exterior design as the previous model. The key features are the completely new V6 and V8 units, which make use of turbocharging and direct injection to improve fuel efficiency and CO2 emission levels, as well as bringing more power and driving pleasure. The infotainment systems(the new myCOMAND is likely to be introduced), the active/passive safety, dynamics and other assistance technologies, as well as the underpinnings will be taken from the new E-Klasse. The official premiere of the second generation CLS-Klasse is due to take place at the beginning of October, at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris.
___________________

The SLS AMG lineup will be completed next year by the addition of a cabrio version. The 'de-Gullwinged' SLS will feature a fabric top;the official unveiling will take place in the second part of 2010, at the Paris Motor Show.
___________________

The successful medium-sized model from Stuttgart will undergo a facelift procedure, that aims to somehow revamp the car, with modified headlights and tail lights with LED technology, a new dashboard with an on-mounted COMAND display, an updated engine range and a set of new assistance systems. The premiere may take place at Paris, in October 2010.
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The end of 2010, more precisely December, will mark the launch of the new SLK-Klasse (R 172). The compact, hard-topped 2-seat roadster will feature the clean and expressive design details and styling cues that debuted on the new SLS AMG Gullwing.

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VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Desert Gold - Driving Footage




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Michael Schumacher joins Mercedes GP Petronas


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart/Brackley, Germany/United Kingdom, Dec 23, 2009 - The MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team can confirm today that seven-times Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher will make his racing return in 2010 with the Silver Arrows team.



With seven Drivers’ World Championships, 248 Grand Prix starts, 91 victories, 154 podium finishes and 68 pole positions, the 40-year old German needs no introduction following an illustrious and record-breaking Formula One career from 1991 to 2006 at the Jordan, Benetton and Ferrari teams.

Michael’s return to racing with MERCEDES GP PETRONAS sees his return to Mercedes-Benz Motorsport where he began his racing apprenticeship as part of the Junior Programme in 1990, racing in Group C sports cars and DTM, and sees Michael renew his partnership with Ross Brawn with whom he won all seven of his World Championships.

Today’s announcement confirms the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS driver line-up for the 2010 season with Michael partnering his compatriot, 24 year old Nico Rosberg, in the Silver Arrows cars.

COMMENTS

Michael Schumacher: "MERCEDES GP PETRONAS represents a new challenge for me both in a sporting and a personal context. It is a new chapter in my racing career and I am really looking forward to working with my old friend Ross Brawn and my companions from my days with the Mercedes Junior Programme. I am convinced that together we will be involved in the fight for the Formula 1 World Championship next year and I am already looking forward to getting back onto the race track. For me, this partnership closes the circle. Mercedes supported me for so many years when I began my Formula 1 career and now I can hopefully give something back to the brand with the star."

Nico Rosberg: "It is fantastic that Michael is returning to Formula One and will be my team-mate at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. It’s a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time. I’m sure that we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed! It is also great news for our sport and the fans."

Ross Brawn, Team Principal of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS: "I am delighted that we can confirm today that Michael will make his much-anticipated return to Formula One next year and drive for our MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team. As seven-time World Champion, Michael’s outstanding record in Formula One speaks for itself and I am looking forward to working with him again. With the completion of our driver line-up, I believe that we now have the most exciting partnership in Formula One with Michael and Nico, who provide the perfect mix of talent, experience, speed and youth. We can now turn our full attention to the preparations for the new season and everyone at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS is extremely excited about the challenge ahead. With the investment and support in our team provided by Daimler, Aabar and our new title partner Petronas, and with two such exciting drivers, we have all of the building blocks in place to have another successful season in 2010."

Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports: "In April 1991, when I had been in charge of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport programme for just six months, Michael was standing beside me on the balcony one evening. Without the slightest doubt, he said in a low voice: “It’s about time that I got into Formula 1”. Michael had just turned 22 years of age and four months later, he made his debut at Spa in a Jordan. Mercedes-Benz helped him to this point and the rest is history: seven World Championship titles, more than any racing driver, 91 Grand Prix wins, more than any racing driver. Michael has more of everything than every other driver. As part of the Mercedes Junior Programme, Michael had raced in Group C sports cars and competed in a few DTM races. Ross Brawn, then our opponent at Jaguar, quickly realised Michael’s talent and they went on to win all seven of his Drivers’ World Championship titles together at Benetton and Ferrari. Our sporting ambition has always been that Michael should drive again where his professional career had started and Michael knew that. We often joked about it after the races and discussed the prospect seriously several times during the last 14 years in Formula 1. It didn’t happen in 1995, it didn’t happen in 1998 and it didn’t happen in 2005. I am delighted that it will now happen in 2010. I am very much looking forward to working with Michael and everybody at Mercedes-Benz and Daimler extends a very warm welcome to our ‘apprentice’ of 19 years ago. That apprentice is now the most successful racing driver of all time."





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BREAKING NEWS: Michael Schumacher will drive for Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team in 2010


The German newspaper Bild reports in today's issue that Michael Schumacher, 7-times Formula 1 WDC, signed the previous day a 7-million euros contract for racing in 2010 with Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team. The official announcement should be made the upcoming days.


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PREVIEW - Latest Renderings: 2010 S-Klasse Coupe, 2011 CLS-Klasse, 2013 GL-Klasse


Schulte managed to deliver a very accurate rendering for the upcoming S-Klasse Coupe. This is 98% the real car.



A quite messy job by Reichel Car Design - some styling cues are simply irrational, like the ones that end on the rear door. The headlight design is far from being the real one. Plus, the car seems to be lacking the iconic beauty that made the CLS so famous. The next generation of the 4door coupe will retain this feature completely and will even do it in a more artistic way. So, this rendering doesn't show the real car.


We can't say whether this is the future GL, as no test prototype have appeared on streets so far. The changes are subtle, but all in all, it isn't a bad impression.

Source >> Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog,Motor Authority,Autobild

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Mercedes-Benz-Blog TRIVIA: Modern classics: the saloons of the Mercedes-Benz 123 series


Produced in over 2,000,000 examples, the 123 series saloon was one of the most popular Mercedes-Benz models, many of them still in use today, after more than 20 years since the last model of the range has rolled off the assembly line. The W 123 offered a broad powerplant lineup, a superior comfort compared to other cars of the time and technical innovations borrowed from the S-Class, such as the zero scrub radius double-wishbone front suspension, the ABS or the airbag. What's more important is the big value retention rate that is seen in the financial evaluation of the W 123, a very nice surprise for a car that was first introduced in 1976.

To read more about "Modern classics: the saloons of the Mercedes-Benz 123 series", click >> HERE



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Schumacher ready for the great comeback


The German former F1 driver and 7 times world champion is fit and healthy, according to his personal doctor, thus being totally able to race in a F1 car in the 2010 season.


After Schumacher underwent rigurous medical exams, Dr. Johannes Peil stated that Michael has made great progress throughout the last months, given the motorbike accident he suffered and the severe sore neck that emerged as a consequence. Willi Weber, the manager of Schumi, informed the journalists that he is very-well prepared for the competition.

However, Michael Schumacher needs to pass the official FIA medical exams in order to obtain the approval for competing in Formula 1 in 2010, which are to certainly take place soon.

The chances of a return have grown bigger and bigger in the last period after Luca di Montezemolo, CEO Scuderia Ferrari, announced that the German is free to leave at another team, also quoting Michael as saying that there's a strong possibility of him driving for Mercedes GP the next season.

It was rumoured these days that Schumacher's manager will resign from this position, but, in the end, Willi Weber completely denied the information. Moreover, it appears that Andy Shovlin, who worked in 2009 with champion Jenson Button, could become Michael's new engineer.

Internal sources report that promotional fan material for Schumi's comeback, such as T-shirts, caps, flags, banners & more, are currently in the process of production.

Mercedes GP is expected to officially announce Michael Schumacher as driver for 2010 by issuing a press release closely after Christmas or at the beginning of January.

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Mercedes GP signs long-term partnership with Petronas


Mercedes GP F1 Team, the former Brawn GP, has recently signed a sponsorship deal with Petronas.


The Malaysian petroleum company withdrew the contract with the outgoing BMW Sauber and also chose not to support financially the newly formed Lotus F1 Racing. Instead, Petronas went for Mercedes GP, which was by far a much more appealing option. The long-term partnership will ensure a trustful source of money for the F1 team, a greater media visibility and public awareness, and, what's more important, stability. Moreover, Petronas will be the main sponsor, which will also result in the heavy display of the company's logo on the single-seater's livery. In addition to these, the team's official title will be, from now on, Mercedes Grand Prix Petronas Formula One Team.

UPDATE:The conflict between Mercedes GP and Henkel was solved today by mutual agreement.

Copyright © 2009, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6x6 ships to energy supplier in Finland


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

- Eltel Networks deploys the new Zetros in Finland for construction and maintenance of overhead power lines
- Zetros 2733 6x6 is faced with harsh operating conditions due to extreme weather and difficult terrain in Lapland
- Large rubber tyres help prevent damage to the delicate forest floor

Helsinki/Stuttgart, Finland/Germany, Dec 22, 2009 – Mercedes-Benz has achieved a first in the far North of Europe by supplying the world's first new cab-behind-engine truck designed for civil use - known as the Zetros - to energy supplier Eltel in Finland. Based in Espoo near Helsinki, Eltel Networks Oy took delivery of its Zetros 2733 with a 6x6 axle configuration (six wheels, with all six being driven). The company is Northern Europe's largest service provider of networks for energy supply and telecommunications companies. The Zetros will be deployed for the construction and maintenance of overhead power lines.



Difficult terrain, snow, ice and extreme minus temperatures make for demanding operating conditions in Lapland

The all-wheel drive three-axle vehicle is faced with the most demanding of requirements due to the adverse conditions: extreme minus temperatures, ice and snowstorms, as well as difficult terrain with a lot of sludge and significant gradients – above all the Zetros has to overcome all of this in the shortest possible time, for example to reach and then repair an overhead power line which may have split under the sheer weight of the snow.

Thankfully the design of the Mercedes-Benz Zetros is ideally suited to meeting such requirements:

- Permanent all-wheel drive with two-stage transfer case and off-road gear ratio of 1:1.69 to increase tractive power under extreme conditions.
- Reinforced frame with open C-profile longitudinal members and screwed C-profile cross members with inside reinforcements for the highest load capacity. Highly stable front end of frame for mounting front implements and also for lifting the vehicle. High flexibility for individual bodies.
- Single tyres for additional traction benefits, since the rear wheels follow in the tracks of the front wheels. High ground clearance thanks to 14.00 R 20-size tyres.


Positioning the cab behind the front axle has resulted in a number of significant advantages for the driver of this cab-behind-engine truck due to its design: the favourable and even weight distribution provides smooth handling over difficult terrain, and driver comfort is also significantly enhanced.

"Overhead power lines are built away from surfaced roads, and our staff need the best equipment for this. At the same time we also have to move through the outdoor locations in which we work in an environmentally responsible manner. The large rubber tyres of the Zetros mean that it has much less of an impact on the forest floor than tracked vehicles", explained an enthusiastic Juha Luusua, CEO of Eltel Networks, at the vehicle handover ceremony.

According to Yaris Pürsün, Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks : "The Finns are well known for choosing the best technical and economical solutions. The new Zetros is precisely the right vehicle to meet the demanding requirements and ensure that construction and maintenance work on the power lines can continue under the extreme conditions in Lapland."

Low centre of gravity, balanced weight distribution

Thanks to its cab being located behind the engine, the Zetros benefits from a low centre of gravity and a balanced weight distribution over the axles. As a result it is possible to mount large implements on the front of the vehicle, such as a snowplough for example. This is where the Zetros 6x6 has a clear advantage as a cab-behind-engine vehicle compared with a cab-over-engine truck, which for such uses would have to be configured as an 8x8 vehicle.

In addition, driving in difficult terrain is easier and more comfortable thanks to its low centre of gravity. The engine can also be accessed without tilting the cab, and due to its low design long items of equipment can extend over the cab.

The Zetros is equipped with a powerful 240 kW (326 hp) inline six-cylinder diesel engine which produces 1300 Nm of torque, ample for every situation. Built at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, the vehicle was fitted with a Hiab telescopic crane for Eltel which extends to a height of around thirty metres above ground. An aluminium platform behind the crane can accommodate building materials, and can also be fitted with crane grippers as well as a passenger carrying cage.

The first assignment for the new offroad member of Eltel's fleet of vehicles is the construction of a 220 kV high-voltage power line in Lapland. Some 310 pylons designed to carry six cables are to be erected on the 90-kilometre stretch between Sodankylä and Levi, an area which is famous for the world cup ski races.

Construction work is scheduled to begin in December 2009, and the project is expected to be completed by December 2010.

Copyright © 2009, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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German federal police force adopts prototype of a completely new water cannon


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

- Press launch of the completely redesigned "Water Cannon 10000" takes place at the federal police headquarters in Sankt Augustin
- Latest deployment technology is based on a three-axle Mercedes-Benz Actros 3341 with all-wheel drive
- Test phase to take place in several federal states up to Spring of 2010

Stuttgart/Sankt Augustin, Germany, Dec 17, 2009 – At the end of November the German federal police force took charge of the prototype of the "Water Cannon 10000" for the very first time. The official handover of the keys for the special vehicle, which is worth almost one million euros, was made by Julian Wagner, chairman of the board of Rosenbauer International AG, at a small ceremony attended by ministerial director Christoph Verenkotte, Head of the Federal Police Department at the Federal Ministry of the Interior, and Jürgen Schubert, Inspector of the Federal State Riot Police. The handover marks the beginning of what is expected to be a ten-year period of ongoing procurement, whereby the entire fleet of water cannons used by both the federal and state police forces in Germany is planned to be replaced.



The initial impressions of the vehicle are striking – there has never been a vehicle like this before. Even the external appearance is significantly different from the police water cannons used previously in Germany. "As far as we are aware this is the most modern vehicle of its kind in the world", confirms Achim Friedl, Divisional Head at the Federal Ministry of the Interior for Federal Police and State Riot Police Technology and Logistics. As an experienced specialist, Friedl was responsible for gathering information on designs and current procurement processes in a number of federal states, and also played a significant role in the implementation of the scheme as overall project manager. At the handover, ministerial director Verenkotte highlighted the fact that the prototype, which is the result of a significant development effort, has been completed on schedule – a complement appreciated by the attending representatives of the general contractor, Rosenbauer, the Austrian company which successfully secured the contract following an international tender process. As the basis for the new Water Cannon 10000 – so named after its 10,000-litre capacity water tank – the company opted for the Mercedes-Benz Actros 3341 featuring all-wheel drive and a technically permissible gross vehicle weight of 33 tonnes. Even when fully kitted out and manned, however, the new "WaWe 10", as it is known, does not quite reach this weight level, since its actual operational weight is around 31 tonnes. In addition to technical features and a reasonable price, the tender assessment process took into account reliability and the expertise of the participating tenderers, and also considered such factors as the lowest possible operating costs over what is expected to be a useful life spanning many years.

Almost ten metres long and 3.70 metres high, the special vehicle is driven by an environmentally friendly Euro 5 version of a V6 turbodiesel engine, producing 300 kW/408 hp and featuring BlueTec SCR diesel technology. The fact that the outline of the WaWe 10 bears such little resemblance to the familiar look of the Mercedes-Benz Actros, production numbers of which have now already exceeded half a million, is down to Rosenbauer having completely rebuilt the cab for the five-man crew. Just like the special-purpose body, it has been adapted for the specific functionality of this special deployment vehicle . The driver benefits from a convenient Mercedes Powershift automated transmission, while a Telligent braking system helps to ensure safe deceleration. The crew, comprising driver, commander, observer, and cannon operators, are accommodated in ergonomically designed working areas in the spacious cab, which also tilts on the chassis for maintenance purposes. Auxiliary heating and climate control help to maintain a pleasant interior temperature, even in the event of sustained deployment, and there is also a refrigerated compartment for storing refreshments.

The 10,000-litre water tank is housed in the centre of the aluminium body of the vehicle. To the left and right of this is the necessary additional equipment, mainly used for water intake from hydrants or open bodies of water, housed in lockable toolboxes. The pumping equipment - a Rosenbauer N 35 centrifugal pump with a rated output of 3500 litres per minute at 10 bar - is accommodated in the rear of vehicle.

It is driven by a separate diesel engine, thus ensuring that the three pumps - two on the front corners of the cab, each with a flow rate of 1200 l/min, and one on the rear of the vehicle with a flow rate of 900 l/min - can be operated totally independently of actually driving the vehicle. Floor spray nozzles beneath the vehicle are designed to protect the chassis against fire, while the cab and body roofs are also fitted with an automatic protection system. In addition to its main use, namely police deployment in the event of violent riots breaking out at demonstrations and large events, the WaWe 10 can also be used to back up the emergency services at disasters, for example for fire fighting or even for transporting drinking water.

Green light for production

The new WaWe 10 will gradually replace its predecessor, the WaWe 9, which is also entirely based on the Mercedes-Benz three-axle all-wheel drive chassis, and which in some cases is now already more than 20 years old. A total of 78 identical vehicles are expected to be brought into service by 2019 as part of a total order volume worth 75 million euros. Delivery of the first three series-produced vehicles is scheduled for 2010 following assessment of the prototype trial. Distribution of the new water cannon to federal and also state police authorities shall then be determined on a case by case basis according to the age and technical status of the vehicles awaiting withdrawal from service.

Copyright © 2009, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Mercedes-Benz-Blog on Facebook, Twitter & Youtube


In order to better interact with our kind and faithful visitors, we have first created our official page on Twitter. Then, less than a week ago, we set up one on Youtube. And today, it is the turn of Facebook.

The links heading to our official pages are:

- Mercedes-Benz-Blog on Facebook
- Mercedes-Benz-Blog on Twitter
- Mercedes-Benz-Blog on Youtube


Alternatively, you will be able to find the links in the widget placed at the top of the right bar, as you may already see.

Hope we'll share great moments online!

Mercedes-Benz-Blog Team



Copyright © 2009, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Mercedes-Benz-Blog TRIVIA: Modern classics: the Estates of the Mercedes-Benz 124 series


The 124 series from Mercedes-Benz is clearly a worthy iconic car for the German brand. Though it was premiered in 1984 and its lifespan lasted no less than 12 years, the 124 can be considered a young classic, judging by the impressive number of highly satisfied customers who managed to find the luxury, safety, comfort, joy of driving and practicality in a single vehicle. Every model of the lineup-the Limousine, the T-Modell(or Estate), the Coupe, the Cabriolet-comprises these unique features that brought the 124 series the commercial success and the general public appreciation. And, by far, the timeless design is the key feature of the entire W 124 lineup.

The main actor of today's TRIVIA article is the S 124 Estate version. It was introduced in September 1985, at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main.
First large-scale use worldwide of four-valve-per-cylinder technology in diesel engines, 4MATIC all-wheel-drive architecture offered as an option, ASR acceleration skid control or the sophisticated suspension system were only some of the many innovations that the S 124 brought with it.

To read more about "Modern classics: the Estates of the Mercedes-Benz 124 series", click >> HERE

Enjoy!



Copyright © 2009, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Analysis by the environmental institute Öko-Trend: Three awards for Mercedes-Benz


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Dec 18, 2009

The Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID, the B 180 NGT and the smart mhd (micro hybrid drive) are the most environmentally friendly automobiles in their class. These are the findings from extensive analyses conducted by the independent experts at the internationally well-known environmental institute Öko-Trend.



As an institute for environmental research, Öko-Trend has developed criteria for the objective evaluation of the environmental compatibility of consumer goods. The experts at this neutral institute apply high standards during the assessment of automobiles. The Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID, the B 180 NGT and the smart mhd (micro hybrid drive) have achieved results that are well above the average. In the view of the Institute, they not only deliver excellent results in terms of fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and noise, but also excel by virtue of environmentally compatible production, choice of materials and logistics. They also feature particularly environmentally compatible systems such as a start/stop function and hybrid or natural gas drive.

In the assessment of these experts, the Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID is the most environmentally compatible car in the luxury class. With its combination of a 205 kW (279 hp) six-cylinder petrol engine and a 15 kW (20 hp) electric motor, plus an automatic start/stop function, this premium saloon has a fuel consumption of just 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. It therefore demonstrates that even in the luxury class, environmental protection is by no means an alien concept.

In the ranking by CARB (California Air Resources Board), regarding the Global Warming Potential, theS 400 HYBRID also performed outstandingly with nine of the ten maximum points. Accordingly CARB has given the premium saloon a top place in its list of buying recommendations for environmentally efficient automobiles.

Inthe analysis by the environmental institute Öko-Trend in the Compact Vans category the Mercedes-Benz B 180 NGT with bifuel drive achieved the highest ranking as the most environmentally compatible model. This natural gas variant of the B-Class lowers fuel consumption, emissions and fuel costs.

The smart fortwo mhd (micro hybrid drive) convertible was the winner in the Convertible/Roadster category according to the stringent environmental criteria of the Eco-Institute. The automatic start/stop function switches the engine off when the driver brakes and the vehicle speed falls below 8 km/h. It is restarted in fractions of a second when the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal again. This makes fuel savings of up to 20 percent possible in city traffic.

The "Öko-Trend Institute for Environmental Research" founded by the University of Wuppertal has already been publishing research results about the environmental compatibility of car models since 1997 (www.oeko-trend.de).


Copyright © 2009, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Gullwing wins the "iF product design award 2010": Major design award for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart/Affalterbach, Germany, Dec 17, 2009 – The new SLS AMG is to receive an internationally renowned design award, the "iF product design award 2010". The iF product design award was first presented in 1953, and ranks among the most important design awards of all. The 24-member jury chose 778 entries from around 2500 candidates in 16 categories; the SLS was up against numerous well-known competitors in the "Transportation Design" category.



"This sought-after award for the new SLS AMG is a great honour for us. It also reflects the extremely positive feedback on the design of the SLS that we have been receiving since the September world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main," says Prof. Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz.

All winners of the iF product design award are entitled to use the sought-after iF label for the entire lifecycle of the product receiving the award. The award ceremony is traditionally held on the first day of the CeBIT fair in Hanover: on 2 March 2010 the winners of the iF gold awards for outstanding design performance will also be announced. From then on, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will also be on display until August 2010 as part of a design exhibition which the organisers expect around 250,000 visitors from all over the world to attend. All the award winners can also be viewed in detail at www.ifdesign.de .

Breathtaking design with high captivation potential

The distinctive styling of the new SLS AMG enthrals with its passionate sportiness and reinterprets the breathtaking lines of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL – one of the outstanding design icons of the Mercedes-Benz brand. With its purist design the new SLS reflects the philosophy of contemporary sports car engineering: the bonnet which measures just under two metres, the low greenhouse positioned well to the rear and the short rear end with an extendable aerofoil are just as powerful a reminder of the superlative dynamism as the long wheelbase, the wide track and the large wheels. The short overhangs feed through into the proportions, as does the design of the super sports car with its low-slung front-mid-engine set well back and dual-clutch transmission in transaxle configuration. An undoubted styling highlight comes courtesy of the swing-wing doors, which lend the SLS AMG its incomparable charisma – making a unique statement in this vehicle segment.

This coveted design award is not the first for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: the Gullwing model was also victorious in the "Golden Steering Wheel 2009", "Auto Trophy 2009" and "TOPauto 2010" awards.


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