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First SL of the new series delivered at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen Customer Center

By Adji | Published Tuesday, 3 April 2012

The first example of the new SL series has been recently delivered to its owner at the Mercedes-Benz Customer Center in Bremen. Klaus Hahn, a furniture store owner from Solingen, Germany, came along with his wife to pick up the roadster. "I've been owning SL roadsters for 20 years, because I like the combination of comfort and sportiness. I find the technology of the new model particularly fascinating.", said Hahn. He opted for an SL 350 version in metallic Cavansit Blue paint job.

Andreas Keller, head of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen: "For the new edition of this automotive icon, we have designed our body shop from scratch. The new SL is produced almost entirely from aluminum and this site has now become an excellence center for lightweight construction technology. We are very proud that Bremen continues the success story of this cult sports car. "

In 1952, the forefather of the SL was taking part in international grands prix as racing car. In 1954, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the first street-legal model: the legendary 300 SL Gullwing. In 1963, 1971, 1989 and 2001 further generations of the sports roadster followed, which were first produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen and, since 1989, at the Bremen facility too. Over 650,000 SLs were manufactured after serial production started in 1954.

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz SL takes the meaning of the famous letters "SL" – super, lightweight – literally. For the first time Mercedes-Benz has implemented an all-aluminium bodyshell in a series-production model. Only very few components consist of other materials. The designers use the even lighter magnesium for the cover behind the tank. High-strength steel tubing is integrated in the A-pillars for safety reasons. The aluminium structure is not only lighter but also proves superior to the predecessor's steel construction in terms of rigidity, safety and comfort. Compared to the previous model, the new SL 350 is 140 kilograms lighter, whereas the new SL 500 weighs 125 kilograms less.

Mercedes-Benz offers the new SL in two distinct versions: SL 350 with a V6 engine and SL 500 with a V8 biturbo unit. The new BlueDIRECT engines deliver 225 kw (306 hp) in the SL 350 and, respectively, 320 kW (435 hp) in the SL 500.

The new SL features two world premieres: the FrontBass system provides a concert hall atmosphere even in an open car. It uses the free space in the hollow aluminum structures in front of the footwell as a resonating chamber for the woofer. MAGIC VISION CONTROL is a new and highly efficient wiper/washer system. The innovative wiper blade concept always applies the washer fluid just in front of the wiper blade lip via the channels integrated into the blade – in both directions of wipe. For the first time, a fully heated wiper blade is available as an option that prevents snow or ice from forming on the blade in winter.

The HANDS-FREE ACCESS system is another Mercedes-Benz innovation which provides hands-free, contactless operation of the boot lid. The driver simply moves their foot in the vicinity of the rear bumper. Mercedes-Benz is the only car maker to offer a system which not only automatically opens the boot lid but closes it as well.

About the Mercedes-Benz Bremen Plant

With more than 12,800 employees, the Bremen plant is the largest private employer in the region. Currently, eight models are produced at the site: the C-Class sedan, the C-Class station wagon and the C-Coupe (together with the Black Series version of the C 63 AMG Coupe), the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, the GLK and both SLK and SL roadsters. In 2011, the plant has produced over 313 000 vehicles, which is more than ever before. The market research firm J.D. Power and Associates has awarded the factory last year for its production quality as the best passenger car production plant in Europe. In the future, the facility will play an important role in the Mercedes-Benz production network: it is bound to become a competence center for high-volume series cars with the launch of the next generation C-Class.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

Posted in black series, bremen, center, delivered, first, mbnews, mercedes-benz, new, SL, sl-class | Leave a comment

TRIVIA: Well-weighed development - the first Mercedes-Benz SL models in the 1950s

By Adji | Published Tuesday, 20 March 2012

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 194 series) racing sports car came as an overwhelming surprise: although people had hoped for a car like this from Mercedes-Benz during the post-war period, it still left the world speechless when it was presented in March 1952. That same year, the 300 SL enjoyed enormous success at all the major international racing sports car events. Despite its surprise effect, however, the 300 SL racing sports car was not a product of chance, but the result of thorough engineering work. From it emerged the W 198 series production sports car with the identical model designation, 300 SL. The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (W 121) was developed in parallel. The brand showed both cars in February 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York and received a tremendously positive response.

See and read more on this topic >> HERE

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

Posted in 1950s, 60SL, development, first, mercedes-benz, mercedes-benz-blog, models, SL, trivia | Leave a comment

SPY: 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 222) - first FEP prototype spotted in Stuttgart

By Adji | Published Wednesday, 22 February 2012

The advent of this less camouflaged test vehicles, pictured above, signals the entrance into the last stage of development for the future generation S-Class (W 222). Around six months are left from this moment until the official reveal scheduled for the Paris motor show at the beginning of October. We shall probably see the finished product earlier, around one month ahead the world debut, when Mercedes-Benz usually releases some initial images and details to preview a new model.

While we are sure the new S-Class will definitely boast state-of-the-art technologies and system, we are worried about what we see in these latest spy shots. After shaving off the camouflage, the prototype reveals more of the exterior design. And, somehow, we do not feel the car. Afraid or not, we could be unpleasantly surprised when the S-Class is unveiled. All in all, the W 222 generation seems looks to be a shy evolution of the current W 221 model, as the new elements seem to have been simply applied to the old body.

Even though it appears to have grown in length, the style is basically the same, if one observes the greenhouse or the general aspect of the rear end. At least, the criticized bulged wheel arches are gone, but we can't help wondering about what could lie under the camouflage applied to the sides of the car. Crazy design experiments work for inferior models, but not for an executive limousine such as the S-Class, so it would better have a clean, elegant profile.

Some influence from the F 700 research vehicle of 2007 can be spotted: a mild, harmonious rear end with beautifully shaped LED lamps is left to fight with a very aggressive, heavy and gnarled front fascia, dominated by a gargantuan, powerful grille, also inspired by the F 700, but at least harking back to old, traditional Mercedes-Benz cars built during the first decades of the 20th century. To continue in the same note and the make room for equipment, such as the radars used for the MAGIC BODY CONTROL ride management system, the headlight needed to be bigger. And they are... huge and overdesigned, we say. So far, the evidence points to the computer-generated illustration Autobild released back in 2010.

Hopefully, the Germans haven't screwed up the new S-Class aesthetically and Mercedes-Benz is not living its own "Bangle era" as BMW did between 2000 and 2006. This prestigious model, boasting a rich heritage, does not need to be visually intriguing. It just has to be what it's intended to be: an S-Class by all means.

Image Credits: Mercedes Fans

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

Posted in 2013, FEP, first, mercedes-benz, prototype, s-class, spotted, spy, spyshots, Stuttgart, test, w 222 | Leave a comment

MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS release first teaser pics of new F1 W03 car

By Adji | Published Thursday, 16 February 2012

MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS is the last major Formula 1 team to unveil its new single-seater for the 2012 season, with the official premiere taking place next week in the pit lane of Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, ahead of the first test rounds on the Spanish track. Rivals speculate the Silver Arrows team will bring a series of spectacular aerodynamic and gas exhaust innovations on the F1 W03 car, this being the major reason of the delay. The dark teasers don't reveal too much, but we can be sure the nose will be in line with the new regulations. Hopefully, the Brackley engineers managed to find a more elegant, yet efficient solution, similar to McLaren's MP4-27, although the pictures seem to tell a different story...

Posted in f1, F1 W03, first, formula 1, mercedes amg petronas, new, pictures, release, teaser, W03 | Leave a comment

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

By Adji | 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.

Posted in 2015, first, glk-class, mercedes-benz, scoops, spy, spyshots, X 205 | Leave a comment

SPY: First 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG going up for auction in the U.S.

By Adji | Published Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Together with these recent spy pics came the information that Mercedes-Benz plans to auction off the first States-bound unit of the upcoming SL 63 AMG at an official barter held during the Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance in Florida, USA, on the 25th February 2012.

This news update also suggests the sports roadster tweaked in Affalterbach isn't very far away, meaning the first photos and details could be released during the following weeks. Also, by looking at the latest scoops, it's easy to see the new SL 63 AMG is almost finished and readied for the public unveiling, set to take place most likely at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The 5.5-litre V8 unit lies under the hood of this performance model and is capable of delivering a staggering 571 hp peak output and approximately 800 to 900 Nm of maximum torque. These extreme numbers are completed by the AMG styling enhancements which includes, among other appointments, a modified front bumper, a new grille, bigger air intakes all over the body, 20-inch forged wheels with ventilated brake discs, quad exhausts, full leather interior, aluminium and carbon fiber trims.

Image Credits: Motor Authority

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

Posted in 2013, auction, boca raton, concours, d'elegance, first, mercedes-benz, SL 63 AMG, spy, spyshots, unit, USA | Leave a comment

SPY: First-ever shots of the future 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205)

By Adji | Published Friday, 27 January 2012

These images come as a nice and unexpected surprise: Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Department have already started work on the future generation of the C-Class (W 205).

The vehicle you see in the spy pics is in fact a test mule for the new medium class model - even though the exterior body comprises parts of the current W 204 C-Class and some design cues of the next generation carefully hidden under camouflage, the underpinnings together with all the secret innovations installed underneath the bodyshell are certainly fully belonging to the W 205. As it's still early for the 2014 C-Class, details are scarce: we do know the new generation will mark a design revolution, heavily influenced by the F 800 Style showcar. General dimensions will go up a bit, to improve passenger comfort, versatility, luggage space and make room in the portfolio for the announced sub-C-Class models. Furthermore, technical novelties could include a new series of powerful and frugal engines, as well as a new rear-wheel-drive platform with better dynamic capabilities and more high-end communication and safety technologies, that are to be partly borrowed from the upcoming S-Class (W 222), expected for late 2012. We are guessing the whole development phase for the W 205 C-Class will take more than two years, so the new generation might be ready for launch in mid 2014.

Image Credits: Autowereld

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

Posted in 2014, c-class, first, future, mercedes-benz, spy, spyshots, w 205 | Leave a comment

SPY: First scoop of the dashboard of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class (C 117)

By Adji

Starting summer 2012, Mercedes-Benz will introduce a one-of-a-kind alternative in the compact class: the CLC-Class, industry's first-ever compact 4-door coupe. Inspired by the CLS, the new addition to the lineup of the German carmaker boasts the essential elements that proved successful in the case of its bigger brother: a mind-blowing design consisting of flowing surfaces, intricate styling details and a rakish roof line which contribute to the overall visual coupe effect. Whereas the exterior looks highly individualised, in order to align the new CLC to the range it belongs and reduce costs, Mercedes-Benz designers have somehow sacrificed the style and the uniqueness of the CLC's interior. While we are sure build quality and customization posibilities through the 'designo' programme will score top marks, we can't be very satisfied with the almost total resemblance to the dashboard of the B-Class, as we would have expected a more extravagant approach, due to the fact the CLC is intended to be a niche vehicle. Anyway, last but not least, if UK residents were wondering about if they'd get the new Merc in RHD configuration, the picture above speaks for itself.

Check out more spy shots after the jump!

Image Credits: Autoevolution

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

Posted in 2013, C 117, CLC, clc-class, dashboard, first, interior, mercedes-benz, new, scoop, spy, spyshots | Leave a comment

"MYVAN" is online: Mercedes-Benz launches the world's first Social TV platform for tradesmen and van enthusiasts

By Adji | Published Thursday, 15 December 2011

"MYVAN" goes online as the first international Social-TV website in English and German, which specifically caters to a target group of tradesmen and van enthusiasts. Initiator and operator of the website is the business division of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

"Our goal with MYVAN is not only to establish a high-quality, brand-neutral, international platform providing service and entertainment but also to provide help for day to day life with the right transport oriented solutions. MYVAN will offer tradesmen who come in contact with the subject of transport sustainable benefits ", says Andreas Burkhart, Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The main contact point of "MYVAN" is the website: www.MYVAN.com. In conjunction an active exchange of experiences and opinions with users can take place via the website and the various social media channels. Therefore the content and services of "MYVAN" are also extended in various social web channels - the social media hub. This includes its own Facebook page, which in addition to the website is also used as a platform for dialogue and additional video playback. Video content is also mirrored on a dedicated YouTube channel. A separate twitter feed is used for live coverage of selected events and shoots. A flickr feed is used for visual documentation and rounds off the social media hub.

The main focus of "MYVAN" is to create high quality content that is produced either in the form of films, photo galleries and / or texts. In addition, user generated content is included amongst other commenting possibilities. The user can comment on the different articles either directly on the website or on the other social media channels.

The goal of "MYVAN" is to provide users with news and trends from the world of vans and commercial vehicles. In addition, with the use of best practice examples as well as tips and tricks created especially for professionals an added value service is provided. This assists tradesmen in their professional lives helping them to successfully and sustainably further their business.

For this purpose, a total of five broadcast formats were developed:

- myNEWS: News from the world of vans, innovations from industry trade shows and events.

- myPRODUCT: Presentation of new product highlights, tests and information.

- myBUSINESS: Portraying tradesmen, best practice examples, tips, tricks and trends etc.

- mySPECIAL: Extraordinary stories from the van world and / or the user’s commercial vehicles.

- GET IT done: Entertainment format with special and adventurous transport duties

"With MYVAN and the mix of moving image and social media, we are responding to the paradigm shift in media usage and this will prepare us for the media convergence, the fusion of internet and television," says Nicolai Berger, Senior Manager of Marketing Communication and Product Information at Mercedes-Benz Vans. "We also want MYVAN to be a first mover in its competitive environment."

The global collaboration with partners and local companies is controlled centrally from the Mercedes-Benz Vans business division in Stuttgart. "We see MYVAN as an international format that has relevance beyond national boundaries," says Andreas Burkhart, Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Vans.

For more information: www.MYVAN.com .

Posted in c-class van, enthusiasts, first, internet, mercedes-benz, myvan, online, platform, social tv, tradesmen, world | Leave a comment

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes becomes the world’s first ever carbon-neutral Formula 1 team

By Adji | Published Wednesday, 14 December 2011

We are pleased to announce that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has today been certified as fully carbon-neutral; in doing so, our team has become the world’s first ever carbon-neutral Formula 1 team.

This has been a long-held ambition for all at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, but the route to achieving carbon-neutral status has been a challenging one.

Last December, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes became the first ever Formula 1 team to achieve the coveted Carbon Trust Standard. This ongoing certification was earned following a three-year audit of our team and our efforts to measure, manage and improve our carbon efficiency.

By implementing a series of efficiency-driven measures within the McLaren Technology Centre, we were able to achieve annual savings of more than 1500 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Additionally, we have invested in extensive training and familiarisation courses for the drivers of our fleet of trucks and transporters – this concentrates on safe and economical driving. Every vehicle is also fitted with monitoring telemetry that also helps us further develop and refine efficient driving techniques.

More recently, we were recognised by the government’s Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme, which publishes a performance league table of more than 2000 participating British businesses: we were ranked 92nd overall.

Most significantly, we were not only the highest-placed Formula 1 team in the scheme, but also the highest-placed automotive manufacturer – a not inconsiderable feat.

However, even the most carbon-efficient business finds it difficult to fully offset its carbon footprint while still engaging in its normal operating procedures. At Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, we’ve implemented a number of state-of-the-art solutions and improved our carbon efficiency by 8.6 per cent as a result. Nevertheless, in order to officially become fully carbon-neutral, we needed to purchase carbon credits in order to wholly offset our carbon footprint.

Therefore, in consultation with Carbon Neutral Investments, an independent carbon offsetting specialist, we set about investigating a number of potential carbon-offsetting schemes – looking to select projects that would prove to be both ideologically relevant to our core business and ethically viable too.

After a long, sustained search, we finally found a pair of initiatives that were a perfect fit: two hydro-electric projects in India and Brazil, chosen for their prominence on the current Formula 1 landscape and also for their employment of technical solutions that bring considerable value to local communities.

Our engagement with and funding of these two projects, in harmony with our ongoing efficiency programmes at the McLaren Technology Centre, have finally enabled us to become carbon-neutral – a source of considerable pride to everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team principal Martin Whitmarsh said:

“I’m both delighted and proud that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has become the world’s first carbon-neutral Formula 1 team. It’s a considerable achievement: the result of a lot of hard work by a number of extremely dedicated individuals within our organisation, and a testament to our philosophy of continuous improvement within the workplace.

“Vodafone McLaren Mercedes was also the first Formula 1 team to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard for our efforts in improving carbon efficiency.

“Today’s announcement is the strongest possible proof that we’ve gone farther than any other Formula 1 team in becoming more environmentally sympathetic and efficient – an achievement that’s of great importance not only to our entire organisation but also to all our partners too.”

* Official photo and details courtesy of VODAFONE MCLAREN MERCEDES *

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

Posted in carbon neutrality, f1, first, formula 1, team, vodafone mclaren mercedes | Leave a comment

First Locally Produced Mercedes-Benz GLK Compact SUV Rolls off the Line in China

By Adji | Published Monday, 5 December 2011

Marking another milestone for Mercedes-Benz in China, in early December the first locally produced Mercedes-Benz GLK compact SUV rolled off the line at the Beijing production plant of Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. (BBAC). This follows the June 2011 agreement between Daimler and Chinese Joint Venture partner BAIC to further expand their cooperation in China with various projects, including the GLK.

Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, member of the Daimler Board of Management, Manufacturing and Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans, explains: “The start of our local GLK production in China exemplifies our strategy of global expansion of production close to the market. We are thus supporting our sales success in our regional markets also from the production side, an important contribution to the Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy.”

Ulrich Walker, Chairman & CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia, adds: “The GLK has provedto be enormously popular with customers here in China, so it is an ideal addition to our lineup of locally-produced vehicles.” Emphasizing the importance of the Chinese market, Mr. Walker continued: “Nothing represents our long-term commitment to China more tangibly than the production of vehicles in China itself: The localized production of further Mercedes-Benz models is an important element of our growth strategy for the Chinese market. As early as 2015 we expect to locally produce two-thirds of all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars sold in China. The start of production of the GLK is another important milestone towards this goal.”

“The GLK adds to the locally-produced Long-wheel-base E-Class and new C-Class, and complements other current investments in BBAC, including the new engine plant and R&D Center. We’re also planning local production of additional Mercedes-Benz models,” explains Frank Deiss, President & CEO of Beijing Benz Automotive Co.

The Mercedes-Benz GLK has received a very warm welcome from customers worldwide since its debut in 2008. In particular in China, a growing number of customers have appreciated the brand’s compact SUV, with sales already well in excess of 20,000 units in the current year. China now represents one of the most important markets worldwide for the GLK.

Mercedes-Benz sold 168,940 vehicles overall in China (including Hong Kong) from January through November 2011, an increase of 29.9 percent compared to the same time-frame in 2010. Year-to-date sales in October 2011 already exceeded the total number of cars sold in 2010. The next few years are also certain to see further sales growth: in 2015, the company aims to sell more than 300,000 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in China.

About Daimler Northeast Asia

Daimler Northeast Asia, located in Beijing, includes Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Auto Finance Ltd, Daimler Northeast Asia Parts Trading & Services Co., Ltd., the Joint Ventures Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. (BBAC), Fujian Daimler Automotive (FJDA), Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd., as well as sales organizations in Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan.

Local production of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars began in 2006 at the 50/50 joint venture BBAC with the predecessor of the current E-Class. In spring 2008, the C-Class joined local production as the second model. Since May 2010, BBAC producesthe current E-Class as a long-wheelbase version especially customized to meet the requirements of the Chinese market.

In June 2011, Daimler and its Joint Venture partner BAIC signed a strategic framework agreement to further expand their cooperation in China. The agreement includes the following projects: expansion of local passenger car production in 2011 with the GLK, with three models of the new generation of Mercedes-Benz premium compact cars planned for 2013; further expansion of production capacities for the C-Class and the E-Class Long-wheel-base version; production of 4-cylinder gasoline engines in 2013 for use in locally produced Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and vans; and a new R&D center to be established with a focus on vehicle testing and adaptation, as well as R&D activities with suppliers. With these projects, about 2 billion euros will be invested at BBAC.

In November 2011, Daimler and BAIC signed a Letter of Intent which will further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two companies. BAIC and Daimler will jointly analyze the possibilities of technological cooperation as well as cooperation in the field of research and development of new energy vehicles with the aim of further improving the competitiveness of both partners in China.

Source: Daimler AG

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

Posted in china, compact, factory, first, glk-class, line, local, mercedes-benz, production, SUV | Leave a comment

First new "Euro VI" Mercedes-Benz Actros delivered to France

By Adji | Published Tuesday, 25 October 2011

The first Actros Euro VI was handed over to the Transalliance transport company today as part of a major order for over 500 Mercedes-Benz trucks. Ulrich Bastert, head of sales at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, handed over the vehicle to Alexandre Michel, owner and CEO of the Transalliance Group, in Wörth today. "There is a good, long-standing partnership between our company and Transalliance. We are delighted that our customer Transalliance is introducing the first Euro VI truck into its fleet, thereby highlighting the company's future-oriented approach," said Ulrich Bastert at the handover. The French company will be taking delivery of this major order in the coming months.

The new Mercedes-Benz Actros is the first truck to be designed specifically for the Euro VI standard, which will become mandatory in 2014. Its pollutant emissions have been reduced to a barely detectable range. The new Actros model also sets benchmarks in terms of fuel consumption: in comparison to the established Actros, the new Actros designed to Euro VI standard results in a further 3-4 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

"For us, economy, safe driving dynamics and greater comfort for the driver are the most important characteristics of a truck. We are proud to have the first Mercedes-Benz Actros with Euro VI technology in our fleet," declared Alexandre Michel from Transalliance. "Our efforts to support and actively promote future-oriented technologies are also being showcased in the technology days which we are currently staging at Transalliance. This event offers customers and employees an opportunity to catch up on the state of the art in our business."

Transalliance is one of the largest logistics companies in Europe. Its fleet comprises 3200 vehicles, including 700 trucks from Mercedes-Benz. Transalliance's workforce in 2011 stands at 4500. The handover of the first new Mercedes-Benz Actros complying with the Euro VI emissions standard which is to be introduced in 2014 further strengthens the level of cooperation between the two companies and demonstrates the two partners' commitment to meeting the highest possible environmental standards.

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

Posted in actros, delivered, euro 6, euro VI, first, France, mercedes-benz, new, trucks | Leave a comment

SPY: The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (X 218) - first scoop

By Adji | Published Wednesday, 12 October 2011

In November 2010, the executive board of Daimler AG approved the serial production of the Concept Shooting Break, the showcar which previewed the new-generation CLS. Codenamed X 218, it will mark the birth of a new species in the niche vehicle class - the break coupe, which is in fact Mercedes-Benz's reinterpretation of the shooting brake shape. The first spy shots revealing partially camouflaged test prototypes of this model in action were captured near the firm's R&D centre in Stuttgart.

The carmaker will roll off the new CLS SB during spring next year, with a Geneva Motor Show premiere being highly possible. The latest addition to the prestigious CLS-Class lineup will boast a unique design, strongly inspired by its 4-door coupe sibling. The powerful, fast-back lines applied to a dynamic wagon aura will certainly attract a lot of views from passers-by. The technical package will be borrowed entirely from the current CLS: upscale customization, quality feel, clever assistance systems, state-of-the-art, internet-based infotainment means, refined dynamism and frugal BlueEFFICIENCY petrol and diesel powerplants. While there's no official word on this issue, the new CLS Shooting Brake could spawn in 2013 a '63 AMG' variant with up to 557 hp delivered by the 5.5-litre biturbo V8 engine.