Showing posts with label 2015. Show all posts

REPORT: Mercedes-Benz to become world's second premium carmaker by 2015

By | Published Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, wants the German automotive constructor to become the first worldwide premium carmaker by 2020, according to their comprehensive growth strategy. The gradual climb to the summit will encounter a successful checkpoint in 2015, when the Stuttgart-based firm is expected to come second in the official rankings.

This latest statement on the near outcome of Mercedes-Benz results from the analysis of The Center of Automotive Research at Duisburg-Essen University. To put it straight, the Star brand will no longer occupy the current 3rd place and, during 2015, will overpass the Ingolstadt opponent, Audi, by approximately 500,000 units sold per year, which means a total of 1.68 million cars compared to 1.63 million vehicles.

The substantial expansion of the sale volumes will be possible as Mercedes-Benz will introduce in their portfolio no less than 10 brand new models up to 2015, which help the Germans cover each niche of the market. Furthermore, the strategic alliance with Renault and the development of new, innovative and environmentally friendly technologies in all areas, as well as the minute attention for ensuring high-class quality products, will increase Merc's chances for a decisive victory in the competition with Audi and BMW, that currently holds the crown in the premium segment.

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Mister Mercedes stays for another 3 years

By | Published Saturday, 24 March 2012

The Board of Management of Daimler AG has extended the contract of Dr. Joachim Schmidt as Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars until 09/30/2015.


Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "Dr. Joachim Schmidt has realigned sales and marketing and thus set the course for sustainable growth in sales. He represents the Mercedes-Benz brand like no one else. We are delighted that he joins our management team for another three years."

Dr. Joachim Schmidt has been a member of the Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales and Marketing, since October 2009. In this function, he is also responsible for the management of global and national affiliates as well as of the "Sales & Marketing Executive Committee", which consists of sales and marketing heads of all automotive businesses.

Dr. Joachim Schmidt was born in Sindelfingen, Germany, on September 7, 1948. He studied mathematics at the University of Stuttgart, where he earned a doctorate in 1976. Dr. Schmidt began his career at Daimler-Benz AG in 1979, where he served as main team leader in car development.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Outlining the future of the automobile: The Mercedes-Benz 2015 model offensive

By | Published Monday, 13 February 2012

The expansion of the model portfolio is an integral and crucial part of the Mercedes-Benz 2020 Growth Strategy, which aims to settle the German carmaker as world's no. 1 premium constructor. In the first part, the plan includes the addition of at least 10 new models to the range by 2015 in all classes: compact, mid-size, full-size, large and SUV. Most of these future vehicles are niche variants that help Mercedes-Benz explore the clients' desires and offer attractive automotive choices that meet all the demands and fill every possible market gap.


In the compact class, Mercedes-Benz will soon launch the all new A-Class hatchback (W 176). Following closely after, we'll see the advent of a niche model: the CLC-Class 4-door coupe (C 117), which will spawn a CLC Shooting Brake version in 2013 (X 117). Towards 2014, the Stuttgart-based carmaker will launch the GLC crossover (W 156) in both FWD and 4MATIC variants. Also possible for addition are an A-Class 2-door Coupe (C 176??) and an A-Class Cabriolet (A 176??), that, if approved for series production, could hit streets by 2015 and 2016.

In the medium class, Mercedes-Benz plans to add two new models to the popular C-Class W 205 generation, scheduled for 2014. So, apart from the Limousine, T-Modell and Coupe version, the lineup will also comprise a C-Class Cabriolet (A 205??) and a C-Class Sports Tourer (V 205??) that are to be unveiled during 2015.

In the full-size segment, the German automotive manufacturer will premiere the CLS Shooting Brake (X 218), but another possibility is a new E-Class Sports Tourer (V 213??) to replace the current R-Class, but only after 2015.

The large-size class will gather a new range of high-luxury models based on the forthcoming S-Class (W 222) arriving late this year. During 2013 and 2014, Mercedes-Benz will start launching the S-Class Coupe (C 222??), the new S-Class with long-wheelbase dubbed XL (V 222??), the high-end S-Class Pullman (X 222??) and the future S-Class 4-door Cabriolet (A 222??). Previously emerged hints also suggested the 2015 reveal of a large S-Class 4-door Coupe version, but that rumor sounds fairly unlikely to come true one day.

Last, but not least, the Mercedes-Benz SUV class will grow with an SUV Coupe model entitled MLC (C 292) prone to be release by the end of 2014 and assembled at the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA facility, where the Stuttgart-based constructor is already producing the GL-, the ML- and the R-Class.

Note from editors: The details contained in this article are partly real and partly speculative, as they are based on reports that appeared in the last two-three years. The image you see above is part of an official and public document of Daimler AG (see HERE). The notes for each new model were made by ourself. As we can not entirely ensure the accuracy of the information we have, we used the "??" mark to signal this fact.

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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SPY: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK (X 205) starts taking shape - first test mule scooped

By | Published Sunday, 12 February 2012

Strange enough, Mercedes-Benz is currently testing two different generations of the same model: the GLK facelift of the X 204 model series and the future GLK, codenamed X 205. The second generation, scheduled for release sometime in 2015, is already having the first outing in Northern Scandinavia, where snow and ice dominate the picturesque landscapes.


In this early stage of development, a test mule is being used, as the real car is yet to be finished design-wise: hidden under the body of the current GLK are the new chassis and components that make the X 205 series. You can easily depict the vehicle as having a modified radiator grille, a humpier engine bonnet, some revised protection shields underneath, as well as a longer wheelbase and a wider track, with all four wheels visibly moved towards the extremities of the car.

Having seen this initial scoops, one has to take into consideration the future GLK will grow in size and be repositioned in the lineup as to make room for the anticipated GLC crossover, which is based on the new A-Class/B-Class models. Most probably, the styling will undergo a serious rehaul so that the car would look more dynamic and appealing to young customers. The powertrain, coming courtesy of the 2014 C-Class (W 205 generation), is expected to deliver better capabilities both on-road and off-road, whereas the engine lineup will certainly be enriched with more efficient, yet powerful units, and probably some alternative drives such as hybrid or electric. We should some design hints on the 2015 GLK as we approach 2014, when the test prototypes will lose most of the outer and inner camouflage and, possibly, Mercedes-Benz will launch a concept showcar to give us a better preview.










Image Credits: Motor Authority

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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PREVIEW: Mercedes-Benz developing a Superlight E-Class for 2015

By | Published Saturday, 12 November 2011

It is believed the second decade of the 21st century will rewrite all the basic principles of automotive engineering. Nowadays, car companies are rushing to launch new and innovative technologies in order to save the planet and contribute to making driver's tasks much easier to accomplish - if driving is perhaps seen as a risky challenge rather than sheer pleasure and automotive passion. Systems that make the engine run cleaner improve efficiency targets - but the overall weight of a car is one crucial aspect engineers must take into consideration if they ever want to meet the stringent targets they've set themselves. Using light mass materials to develop the chassis and main components is the path Mercedes-Benz will supposedly follow with the advent of the new generation E-Class by 2015.


Early this year, Daimler AG has put a solid foundation after it signed an official cooperation agreement with Toray Industries, a Japan-based professional multinational company centered around technologies in chemistry, electronics and advanced composite materials. The two giants have already developed an innovative molding process for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) which shall be used in the new models Mercedes-Benz will premiere beginning with 2012. Lightweight construction is another goal of the partnership and hereby one of the decisive statements in the German carmaker's plan for sustainability.

It has been recently reported Mercedes-Benz could be planning a special version of the future E-Class. The 'Superlight' limousine, as it might be called, will feature a lightweight chassis made up of CFRP and composite materials, which help to decrease the total mass of the car by 350 kilograms - reaching a final 1300 kilograms. Strengthness and body rigidity won't give any headaches to engineers, as it is well known that carbon fiber performs superbly in these two categories. Together with the constant breakthroughs in safety achieved by Mercedes-Benz, we could be in for one impressive automobile if the Superlight E-Class comes true in approximately four years from now.

The innovations don't end just here. The use of carbon fiber will create more interior space and it is highly possible the athletic sedan will adopt a different exterior styling compared to the standard model. Moreover, the Superlight E-Class is expected to feature alternative, efficient powertrains - fuel-cell, electric and hybrid versions are said to be on the decision table. If the project goes well, chances are more bespoke lightweight models from Mercedes-Benz will be revealed towards 2016-2017, including a sensational supercar, dubbed SCS.

Photo: Autobild

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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RUMOR: Mercedes-Benz allegedly prepping a sports van for the future generation C-Class

By | Published Wednesday, 26 October 2011

One year ago, we were reporting on Mercedes-Benz's plans to offer a new variant in the E-Class portfolio beginning with the next generation (W 213) due in 2016: a versatile van. According to the article, that particular model would also serve as a replacement for the slow-selling R-Class. Now, it appears Mercedes-Benz is working on a new sports van version for the future generation C-Class as well, which is prone to arrive in 3-4 years.


This is not the first time we hear this kind of 'gossip': in March 2010 we were revealing the carmaker's intention to produce a C-Class W 205 based van possibly dubbed CLR. Given the portfolio expansion in the premium segment of the last years and the anticipated growth based on niche models, it does not sound too fictional that Mercedes-Benz wants to reposition the lineup of models to customer demands. And the new C-Class van, a family-oriented car with dynamic potential and a versatile interior, could be the first to enter a new class in 2015. Together with the rumored E-Class Van that follows one year after, it will build up a serious competition for BMW's 5er GT and 3er GT. It remains much of a mystery whether Mercedes-Benz will discontinue the R-Class, as last week's press release expressed clearly the introduction of a fifth model to be assembled at Tuscaloosa alongside the M-, R-, GL- and C-Class. Which could spell a better fortune for the Grand Sports Tourer in the new sports vans family from Mercedes-Benz.

Illustration: Autozeitung

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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The new 2015 Mercedes-Benz SUV coupe previewed at the Tuscaloosa plant

By | Published Tuesday, 25 October 2011

Following previous week's official announcement on the addition of a new model assembled at the US plant starting 2015, Mercedes-Benz chose to display a teaser image inside the Tuscaloosa factory. The banner showcases a liquid sculpture of the anticipated SUV coupe, that will be developed on the underpinnings of the new M-Class and will compete with BMW X6 and the upcoming Audi Q6. The definitive designation is yet to be decided, but we can speculate the car may be entitled MLC or GLS. Given past experiences, we expect Mercedes-Benz to release, in the coming years, a series of artistic sculptures and concept showcars to preview the new 4x4 model.

Image: @Dawn_Kent


Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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FUTURE PLANS: Mercedes-Benz going from V6 to I6 engines in 2015

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An interesting news appeared these days: Mercedes-Benz is said to launch a new series of 6-cylinder engines in 2015 which will reportedly switch from the current "V" architecture in favour of the in-line solution. The information was revealed by a company engineer at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.


If it happens to be true, the introduction of I6 diesel and petrol units into Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles will entirely be an unexpected, yet pleasant surprise. Even though such powerplants need some extra space in the engine bay, issues regarding a smooth and efficient functioning don't pose serious challenges for the engineers as the V6s do. With the use of state-of-the-art materials and casting technics, the unit's kerb weight can be further optimized. Moreover, the new straight-six engines from Mercedes-Benz will feature turbocharging, which brings extra advantages related to fuel economy, CO2 emission levels, maximum output, high-end torque and dynamic performance compared to the current direct injection found in the 3.5-litre gasoline V6 with 306 hp.

It will take time to digest this report and even more to convince Daimler officials to reveal, little by little, the secrets behind the future I6 engines, if they will eventually be launched. The Blue Efficiency Power units developed specially for the new generation of the Actros truck make use of the six-cylinder in-line arrangement and could serve as a solid knowledge basis to develop similar engines for Mercedes-Benz cars.

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Daimler to Produce Additional Model at the Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa Plant (USA)

By | Published Saturday, 22 October 2011


Daimler will further expand its U.S. plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama: as of 2015, an entirely new Mercedes-Benz model will roll off the production line as its fifth product. The plant has been the traditional production site of the brand’s M-, GL-, and R-Class SUVs and will also build the C-Class for the North American market beginning 2014. For the production of the new model, Daimler will additionally invest US$ 350 million, and will create some 400 further jobs at the plant.


Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler Board of Management and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “This new model from the Tuscaloosa plant is an important element of our growth strategy. It is one of the ten additional models which we will introduce within the next four years alone across all segments.” Referring to the Tuscaloosa plant’s role within the global production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Zetsche added: “At the same time, we are systematically broadening our manufacturing footprint in the NAFTA region.”

Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama: "Since the time Mercedes-Benz chose Tuscaloosa County for its first US assembly plant 18 years ago, the company has proven to be an outstanding partner for the state. We join MBUSI in celebrating this milestone, and welcome the hundreds of jobs this announcement brings to Alabama."
Just earlier this year, on the occasion of the Job #1 ceremony of the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class in July, Daimler had announced the decision to invest more than US$2 billion in the Tuscaloosa plant (Mercedes-Benz U.S. International – MBUSI). In total, investment in the plant between 2010 and 2014 will thus amount to US$2.4 billion, while the number of newly created jobs will add up to 1,400.

Markus Schaefer, President and CEO of MBUSI, commented on these decisions: “The entire MBUSI team is proud of its role in the success of the models made in Tuscaloosa. We are looking forward to making further important contributions to the product offensive of Mercedes-Benz.”

Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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REPORT: AMG official confirms plans to build new sub-SLS supercar

By | Published Wednesday, 5 October 2011


Rumors hinting at a new supercar in the Affalterbach yard appeared recently after the world premiere of the SLS AMG Gullwing in September 2009. Several scenarios were advanced by so-called company insiders in the last year: some were claiming the new hyper vehicle will feature a mid-engine architecture and possibly a hybrid powertrain with a 9-speed gearbox. It now looks the situation is far simpler and less fictional: lightweight construction, biturbo V8 unit, AMG double-clutch transmission with 7 gears and further helpful systems to enhance sports driving pleasure.


In a recent interview, Christoph Jung, responsible for performance models' development at Mercedes-AMG, revealed company execs are seriously taking into consideration slotting a new supercar under the current SLS to gun for the Porsche 911. Unlike the Zuffenhausen rival, the future SLC will receive a radical exterior styling to highlight the thoroughly-bred dynamics. Inside, there will be room for only two passengers, but that's fairly enough as along with the extensive use of lightweight materials (aluminium, CFRP etc.), the car's overall mass will be kept as low as possible. Under the front bonnet, engineers will fit a powerful V8 engine, sporting biturbocharging and probably cylinder shut-off technology (for the sake of efficiency) and at least 500 hp of peak output. Other top figures include around 4 seconds to reach 100 km/h and 300 km/h maximum speed. Base price could start from 80,000 euros, which is half the amount of money you'd spend on a SLS AMG. The SLC AMG is tipped to be unveiled in the next two to three years, which means 2014 or 2015. The usual coupe version could be followed shortly by a roadster version. Look for the first camouflaged test prototypes to hit streets beginning with 2013.

Illustration: Auto Express

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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