Showing posts with label launch. Show all posts

smart continues its mobility concept further: market launch for the smart escooter in 2014

By Adji | Published Thursday, 10 May 2012

smart will launch the escooter on the market in 2014. For smart, this is the next logical step in implementing its comprehensive concept for future urban mobility. “The decision in favor of the escooter has been made,” announced Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, on the sidelines of the international dealer meeting in Davos, Switzerland. “With this step, we are adding a further important component to our smart mobility concept for urban mobility in the future,” he added.

Back in 2010, smart unveiled a comprehensive portfolio of electric products for urban transport at the Paris Motor Show. In addition to the smart fortwo electric drive as a coupé and a convertible, it includes the smart ebike and the escooter. smart is now consistently turning this concept into reality: the smart fortwo electric drive will be launched on the market in summer 2012, and delivery to customers of the first ebikes is just beginning. The fully electric escooter will be premiered within the next two years. The design of the escooter study is being developed and refined further. With its many innovative and trendsetting features, the new product will be unmistakably a genuine smart. Just like the ebike, the escooter will also be available for customers who (as yet) have no driver’s license for cars as a smart on two wheels.

“Anyone who thinks of urban mobility has to think of smart,” says Dr. Annette Winkler, the head of smart. “We offer the perfect zero-emissions vehicle for every requirement, and with our products, electric travel is a lot of fun too.”

A number of external studies and the awards that the brand has recently won illustrate how much the ideas from smart are in tune with today’s demands for individual urban mobility.

“We are especially proud that the ebike received the red dot award, and that our comprehensive mobility concept won the 2012 iF product design award,” Dr. Winkler added.

The judging panel for the red dot awards gave the coveted “best of the best” predicate to the series production version of the 2012 smart ebike. This year, the iF product design award, which has been internationally recognised since 1953, singled out the smart mobility concept, consisting of the smart electric drive, the smart ebike, and the smart escooter, as an excellent overall concept for urban mobility.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

Posted in 2014, escooter, launch, market, smart | Leave a comment

Available at dealerships from 31 March 2012: Market launch of the new Mercedes-Benz SL

By Adji | Published Sunday, 1 April 2012

Supreme sportiness, style and comfort define the new SL Roadster from Mercedes-Benz, which is available from Mercedes-Benz sales partners from 31 March 2012. Its body and body-in-white have been produced as all-aluminium constructions for the first time. At the market launch, there is a choice of two new powerful 6- and 8-cylinder engines featuring cutting-edge injection technology, with ECO start/stop function as standard. These engines are up to 29 percent more fuel-efficient than their predecessors. Two world-firsts are also being premiered in the new SL – the Frontbass system for the ultimate in listening pleasure even with the roof open and the MAGIC VISION CONTROL wiper/washer system, which applies the water to the windscreen directly from the wiper blade.

The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL takes the meaning of the famous abbreviation "SL" – super-light – quite literally.Systematic weight reduction is one of the outstanding structural design features of the new SL. Dr Joachim Schmidt, Member of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and Marketing, elaborates: "It was around 60 years ago that we celebrated the successful launch of our first super-light sports car. Since then, every generation of the SL has set new standards. And with the new model we are continuing this tradition."

The new SL sees Mercedes-Benz introducing an all-aluminium body-in-white into volume production for the first time. Together with a host of other intelligent improvements to points of detail, this leads to an overall weight reduction of up to 140 kilograms in comparison to the predecessor model. The aluminium structure is also superior to the predecessor's steel design in terms of rigidity, safety and comfort. "The new SL is the safest roadster in the world!" says Schmidt.

Environmental Certificate for the new Mercedes-Benz SL

The neutral inspectors from the TÜV Süd technical inspection authority have confirmed the high environmental compatibility of the new Mercedes-Benz SL in good time for the market launch, duly awarding the sporty and stylish Roadster the Environmental Certificate in accordance with ISO standard TR 14062. This certification is based on an exemplary life-cycle assessment for the SL, which entailed a comprehensive analysis of the Roadster's environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle – from production through extensive service to recycling at the end of its life.The results make good reading: the new SL-Class reveals advantages over the previous model in all impact categories. Primary energy requirements have been reduced by 23% and NOx emissions by 16% over the entire life cycle, for example. In addition, the new SL incorporates a higher percentage of high-quality recyclates and renewable raw materials. For the first time in automotive engineering, a secondary alloy has been qualified for aluminium inner panels in the body-in-white, in order to minimise the environmental impact in the manufacturing process. This goes far beyond the legal requirements. The Environmental Certificate and supplementary information are made available to the public in the "Life Cycle" documentation series, which is retrievable at http://www.mercedes-benz.com . In addition to the SL, the models of the A-, B-, C-, E-, M- and S-Class, the GLK, the SLK and the CLS have also received the Environmental Certificate from TÜV Süd.

Prices in Germany for the new Mercedes-Benz SL incl.19 % VAT:

- SL 350 93,534 euros
- SL 500 117,096 euros

Credits: Daimler AG

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

Posted in 2012, launch, market, mbnews, mercedes-benz, new, R 231, SL | Leave a comment

PREVIEW: Mercedes-Benz shows us a glimpse of the G-Class 2012 at new GLK launch

By Adji | Published Thursday, 22 March 2012

In the official photo set of the new GLK-Class 2012 (X 204), Mercedes-Benz have inserted an image that contains not only the compact SUV, but also the vehicle which can be considered its grandparent: the G-Class 2012 generation. This is not the first occasion when the German carmaker intentionately "leaks" a photo of a forthcoming car using the launch moment of another model from the lineup: in 2008, a few days ahead the official reveal, they previewed the A-Class Coupe facelift in a picture emphasizing the Active Parking Assist of the new B-Class facelift that had just been released by mid-March that year (see the respective photo HERE). Sticking to the Gelandewagen, the photographed example is a G 350 BLUETEC, equipped with a 3.0-litre diesel V6 unit rated at 211 hp. The visual tweaks are minor, but enhance the historical refinement of the G-Class - new alloy wheels, new exterior mirrors and a strip LED daytime running lamps under each of the traditional circular headlights. The interior, the safety and assistance technologies, the telematics as well as the powertrain are the key parts that underwent major upgrades to ensure the 30-year old 4x4 stay fully up-to-date. With the unveiling of the new G-Class 2012 set for Beijing Motor Show in April, there's not much time left till we get the first official details - it's a matter of weeks.

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

Posted in 2012, auto china 2012, g-class, gelandewagen, glimpse, GLK, launch, mercedes-benz, new, official, preview, W 463 | Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz launches media campaign for the new SL Roadster: former tennis player Boris Becker as "outsider" in the new TV ad

By Adji | Published Wednesday, 14 March 2012

Under the slogan "The new SL. Athlete. Esthete.", Mercedes-Benz starts on 12th March 2012 the media campaign for the sixth generation of its legendary luxury sports car. Various print ads in elegant monochrome look and an unusual TV ad in black and white starring Boris Becker put the key message in the spotlight: the SL is the perfect epitome of cultivated sportiness.

Check out the new SL-Class advertisement >> HERE

"The new campaign focuses on what the new SL is: the perfect fusion between a luxury coupe and a dynamic sports roadster," says Anders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communications at Mercedes-Benz Cars. "No other vehicle has reached a cult status as the SL and the new generation is even more convincing as a synthesis of exquisite comfort, refined sportiness and fascinating open-air driving pleasure."

The 44-second TV spot "Voice-over" is a humorous approach to the extraordinary performance of the new SL. The focus is on the all-aluminum body, which gives the premium roadster unparalleled dynamism and a significant decrease in the overall weight compared to its predecessor. As a passenger, Boris Becker enjoys the ride on a winding coastal road. Full of enthusiasm, he counts out loud the technical highlights of the SL: "V8 Biturbo, ..., from 0 to 100 in just 4.6 seconds, ..., full-aluminum body, 125 kilograms lighter than its predecessor" Annoyed, the driver slams on the brakes and invites the tennis legend to get out of the car. Surprised, Becker looks after the roaring SL and notes enviously: "And now, another 90 kilograms lighter...".

The focus of the print ads is the combination of luxury and feeling roadster, which is highlighted by the monochrome-look campaign in a particular way. Various motifs direct the SL in an urban environment, mediated by the photographic perspective which denotes vastness and pleasure to drive. Both the vehicle and the environment are uniformly decorated in fine silver gray, broken only by the red tail lights, black-tinted windows and a yellow element in the urban architecture.

Another component of the communication campaign is the SL Bodywork app, which will be available for download starting end of March, after the market launch of the luxury roadster, on www.mercedes-benz.com/sl, in the App Store and Android Market. The app offers the user, independent of time and place, a personalized fitness training programme in the areas of strength, endurance and stability.

The campaign was developed by the creative agency Jung von Matt / Alster and Jung von Matt / Spree. The TV spot was produced by Radical Media and directed by Christian Alby. Igor Panitz was the photographer of the print ads.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

Posted in 60SL, ad, advertisement, becker, boris, campaign, launch, media, mercedes-benz, new, R 231, SL, sl-class, tv | Leave a comment

GLOBE 2013: Daimler Buses Launches Growth and Efficiency Offensive

By Adji | Published Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Daimler Buses achieved its second-best sales result ever in 2011, selling a total of 39,740 vehicles or 2% more than in the previous year. The division achieved this result despite difficult sales conditions for complete buses. The only time that sales were even higher was in 2008, when almost 40,600 units were delivered. As a result, Daimler Buses continues to be the world’s leading supplier of buses weighing more than 8 tons GVW.

311,000 buses were sold worldwide, an increase of 2% compared to the previous year. Whereas business was booming particularly in Latin America, the bus market in Western Europe remained in a slump because of the financial and debt crisis. Market development was similarly negative in North America, which, like its Western European counterparts, suffered from public sector budget constraints and therefore from substantially fewer calls for bids.

Strong sales increase in growth markets

The main reason for the rise in sales at Daimler Buses was the increased demand in Latin America, where the division boosted sales of Mercedes-Benz brand chassis by 8% to 25,000 units. Sales were also buoyed by purchases made earlier than planned due to the introduction of the Euro V emissions standard in Brazil in 2012. The market share of Daimler Buses in Latin America remained at a high level of around 43% in 2011. Substantial increases were posted in Mexico as well. Business was also good in Turkey, where sales rose by 55% to the record figure of 1,100 buses.

By contrast, Daimler Buses was unable to buck the downward trend in Western Europe and North America. As a result, sales dropped in Western Europe by 17% to 5,900 vehicles and chassis. Sales of city buses once again declined steeply, as the public sector continued to be negatively influenced by budget restraints. The division sold 600 buses in North America, or almost one third less than in 2010. Budgetary constraints were also the defining factor in this market.

“In 2011 we kept pace with the global market as a whole,” says Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses. “We captured an impressive 12% of the global market, which makes us the world’s Number One bus supplier. More specifically, we clearly maintained our leading position in the core markets.”

Daimler Buses’ revenues and earnings both declined in 2011. At €4.4 billion (2010: €4.6 billion), revenues were slightly lower than in the prior year. These figures are the result of two contrary developments. Whereas the demand for chassis rose substantially, it dropped considerably for complete buses, which generate significantly more revenue per bus. This development therefore had an even bigger impact on earnings than on revenues, and EBIT declined from €215 million to €162 million. “2011 was clearly a chassis year, while the business with complete buses was very sluggish, particularly in Europe,” comments Schick.

"We've got the right strategy"

Even though Daimler Buses’ return on sales dropped to 3.7% in 2011 (2010: 4.7%), the division’s target for 2013 remains at 6%. “We have the right strategy, and we will systematically pursue it,” says Schick. A key element of this strategy is the GLOBE 2013 growth and efficiency offensive. This “fitness program” will be rolled out at all locations and along the entire value chain. “We will leave no stone unturned and make sure that nothing is omitted,” states Schick.

One of the aims of this strategy is to more strongly interlink the European production network, which has locations in Germany, Turkey, and the Czech Republic. The two German bus plants in Mannheim and Neu-Ulm will remain an integral part of this network, which is why the division invested extensively there in recent years as well as in Hosdere, Turkey.

“GLOBE 2013 will further increase the competitiveness of the German locations. We are making Mannheim and Neu-Ulm sustainably fit for the future. Daimler Buses is the only major bus manufacturer to remain faithful to Germany as a production location,” says Schick.

As part of GLOBE 2013, Daimler Buses will exploit existing growth potential in its traditional markets and further expand its business operations into new ones. In response to the introduction of the Euro VI emissions standard, the division is launching a product offensive in the city bus segment as well as in the coach market. Daimler Buses’ Travego Edition 1 is the first Euro VI-compliant coach. “Our products precisely meet our customers’ wishes, and we will systematically exploit growth potential,” says Schick.

City buses in India — chassis in China

Big growth opportunities are also offered by new markets such as India and China. After having introduced two travel coach models in India since 2008, Daimler Buses is now launching the first Mercedes-Benz city bus there. India is the world’s second-largest bus market, with a current volume of about 46,000 buses per year. Experts predict that this volume will grow to around 80,000 units in 2020.

By then, the bus market in China is expected to increase from its current level of more than 100,000 units to around 150,000 units. Daimler Buses is taking a multi-track approach in order to exploit the opportunities in China. The division will begin selling chassis in the country this year. In addition, Daimler Buses will talk with the Chinese company Foton about joint projects. Foton and Daimler are already cooperating in the truck sector. The two companies are partners in the joint venture company Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co., Ltd., which produces Auman brand medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks in China.

Daimler Buses expects sales to be negatively affected by the introduction of the Euro V emissions standard in Brazil this year, whereas business will probably improve slightly in Western Europe.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

Posted in 2013, buses, daimler, efficiency, GLOBE, growth, launch, mercedes-benz, offensive, setra | Leave a comment

Watch the launch of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-27 Live!

By Adji | Published Thursday, 26 January 2012

Excitement is building at the MTC as there’s just a week to go before the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes contender for the 2012 F1 season is unveiled by Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, and you can watch it all happen LIVE right at McLaren.com!

Live coverage of the event will start on the morning of February 1 from 11am GMT, and you can join in the action by logging on to McLaren.com or watching through our Facebook page.

Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team principal Martin Whitmarsh will be among those giving us their thoughts on the new car and the forthcoming season, which starts in Australia on March 16.

So make sure you stay tuned to McLaren.com or facebook.com/vodafonemclarenmercedes for your first glimpse of the MP4-27!

* Official photo and details courtesy of VODAFONE MCLAREN MERCEDES *

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

Posted in launch, live, MP4-27, vmm, vodafone mclaren mercedes | Leave a comment

Market launch of new model generations: New B- and M-Class now at dealers

By Adji | Published Tuesday, 15 November 2011

The first vehicles from the new B-Class and new M-Class ranges will be going out to customers from 19 November. It has been possible to order these models since July and September respectively. Even prior to the dealer launch, the customer response has been outstanding. "The introduction of the new B-Class and the new M-Class brings two important models to the market, each of which raises the bar in its segment that little bit further. We have every confidence that they will continue to build on the success of their predecessors and help generate further momentum in terms of sales", emphasised Dr Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The new B-Class: premium is not a matter of size

Since 2005 more than 700,000 customers have taken delivery of a B-Class. With about a third of worldwide sales since the beginning of the year having been made in Germany, this represents its biggest market, followed by China, where the B-Class was introduced with great success in 2009.

The new M-Class: improved efficiency and an exceptional level of safety

With altogether more than 1.2 million units sold, the M-Class is the most successful SUV in its segment. Since its market launch in 2005, more than half a million customers have opted for the most recent model generation and, in spite of a model change being imminent, sales in October increased by 22.2% percent, making the M-Class leader in its market segment. The biggest sales market is the US, with a share of approx. 40 percent since the start of 2011, followed by China and Germany.

One of the most impressive features of this third generation of the Mercedes-Benz
M-Class is its outstanding energy efficiency. The fuel consumption of the new models lies, on average, 25 percent below that of their predecessors. The fuel-efficiency champion is the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, which gets by with an NEDC consumption of just 6.0 l/100 km (158 g CO2/km).

Further strengths of the premium SUV with permanent all-wheel drive include exceptional safety and well-balanced ride comfort as well as excellent driving dynamics both on and off the road. What is more, the ML features an array of new chassis developments and innovative dynamic handling control systems which further enhance both driving enjoyment and handling safety.

Source: Daimler AG

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

Posted in b-class, launch, m-class, market, mercedes-benz, new | Leave a comment

Ready, Set, Go! 450 New Mercedes-Benz Actros Trucks Hit the Road

By Adji | Published Thursday, 10 November 2011

To prepare for the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros at Mercedes-Benz sales partners and dealerships on November 12, 2011, an impressive star tour was held today, beginning at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth. Starting at 10 a.m., one of the 450 new Mercedes-Benz Actros demonstration vehicles left the world’s largest truck plant every 40 seconds.

The new Actros tractor trailers left the facility in pairs via a dual ramp. The vehicles are being driven to the various showrooms by Mercedes-Benz truck salespeople from all over Germany.

The sequence of departures was based on the final destination: those with the longest trips started first.

“We are extremely proud of the new Actros, which is the result of more than ten years of hard work and great dedication,” says Hubertus Troska, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “I’m delighted that we are today sending the truck on its way so that it can fascinate sales partners and customers throughout Germany.”

The fourth generation Mercedes-Benz Actros, which is about to hit the road, is consistently economical, comfortable, safe, and environmentally friendly. The new design further increases the appeal of Mercedes-Benz’ new flagship truck. The Actros is the world’s most successful heavy-duty truck, with sales of more than 700,000 vehicles since the launch in 1996.

The new Actros was redeveloped from scratch, enabling Daimler to further improve the successful truck model. The vehicle not only improves business operators’ bottom line by cutting fuel consumption; it also reduces the strain on drivers by boosting handling and ride comfort. In addition, it already meets the stringent Euro VI emissions limits. Compared to the previous Actros, which has long since proved its worth, the new model consumes six to seven percent less fuel in the Euro V variant, and three to four percent less fuel in the Euro VI version. The vehicle is the result of more than ten years of hard work, over 20 million test driving kilometers, and more than €2 billion spent on development and production technology.

Source: Daimler AG

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

Posted in 450, actros, launch, market, mercedes-benz, new, trucks | Leave a comment

Available at European dealerships from November 2011: New B-Class to be launched at old price

By Adji | Published Monday, 19 September 2011

The second generation of the B-Class car heralds a new compact class era at Mercedes-Benz in terms of both design and technology. The entire drive programme is also completely new: four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with direct injection and turbocharging, dual clutch transmission and manual transmission. Ten new assistance systems support the driver. Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined with driving pleasure, plenty of space and the highest standard of safety that has ever been available in this class. The compact sports tourer is available for ordering now, with delivery to customers commencing in November. Prices begin at 26,001.50 euros (incl. 19% VAT.) for the B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY.

This means that the new model is being launched at the same price as its predecessor of the same name, despite marked improvements to the equipment and appointments. As a world first in the compact segment, for example, the new B-Class features COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST as standard. This radar-based system with adaptive Brake Assist helps to reduce the danger of a rear-end collision. Other standard features include the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness warning system, a kneebag for the driver, four power windows, LED daytime driving lights, a six-speed manual transmission and the Audio 20 CD entertainment system with USB connection and Bluetooth.

The B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY rated at 90 kW (122 hp) offers five kW more power than its predecessor, but consumes substantially less fuel. The sales start for the new B-Class marks the launch of the first model representing the new compact cars from Mercedes-Benz. "The new B-Class kicks off our offensive in the premium compact segment, which harbours vast potential for growth worldwide," explains Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Member of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing. "With an attractive portfolio comprising five fascinating, distinctive models, we are opening up our brand to new categories of customer and once again setting new standards in safety, efficiency, comfort and aerodynamics. Our sales volume and our market share in this segment are set to rise sharply once again across all variants."

Here is an overview of the prices:

Fuel consumption: up to 21 percent less than its predecessor

The fuel consumption of the new B-Class undercuts its predecessor by up to 21 percent. All the engines have been developed in-house. Both diesel models (B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and B 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY) now run on 4.4 litres per 100 km (114 and 115 g CO2/km respectively) – their predecessors required 5.2 litres per 100 km. The B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY attains a CO2 value of 115 g/km with automatic transmission – an improvement of 21 percent on its predecessor (146 g/km). The petrol-engine variants have also made great strides: despite a substantial improvement in performance, the B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY and B 200 BlueEFFICIENCY now run on 5.9 litres per 100 km (137 and 138 g CO2/km respectively), undercutting their predecessors by up to twelve percent.

Another premiere from Mercedes-Benz is the new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, which can be combined with any of the engines (2,165.80 euros). Its seven gears make it extremely versatile in adapting to engine speeds. An electric oil pump provides the transmission with start/stop capability. It shifts gear without any interruptions in tractive power and combines the comfort of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual transmission, particularly when moving off.

Highest standard of safety in the compact class

The Collision Prevention Assist assistance system is able to provide a driver who may be distracted with visual and acoustic warnings and to prepare Brake Assist for precision braking. Braking is initiated as soon as the driver steps emphatically on the brake pedal. The ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system also features as standard.

The PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system (392.70 euros) which features in the B-Class is available for the first time in this vehicle category. Core features of PRE-SAFE® are reversible belt tensioning, the closing of side windows and sliding sunroof in case of critical lateral dynamics and adjustment of the fully electric front passenger seat to an ideal position for maximum effectiveness of the restraint systems.

The B-Class protects its passengers with up to nine airbags. The standard complement comprises driver and front-passenger airbag, a kneebag for the driver, large pelvisbags incorporated in the seat to protect the chest, stomach and pelvis area and windowbags. Sidebags for the rear are optionally available (446.25 euros).

EASY-VARIO-PLUS system: variable luggage compartment, adjustable rear seats

The B-Class offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage. The rear seat backrest comes as standard as a folding variant with a 60:40 split. Alternatively, the B-Class is available with the so-called EASY-VARIO-PLUS system (672.35 euros). This enables flexible reorganisation of the interior in next to no time. Features of the EASY-VARIO-PLUS system include separate fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 140 millimetres. The luggage capacity then increases from 486 to 666 litres. Up to 1545 litres of stowage space is available when the rear seats are folded down.

The inclination of the rear seat backrest is also adjustable. In so-called cargo position, a washing machine can be transported with the tailgate closed without folding the backrest down, for example.

COMAND Online multimedia system with internet access

The B-Class features the latest multimedia generation available from Mercedes-Benz. Major features include greater operating convenience, larger displays, phone book transfer, display of SMS messages, wireless music reproduction via Bluetooth and a USB interface.

The multimedia system COMAND Online (from 3,117.80 euros) now provides internet access for the first time via a web-enabled mobile phone, plus various Mercedes-Benz services on the move. These include weather information and a special destination search via Google, as well as the option of downloading a route that has been previously configured on a PC using Google Maps and sent to the car.

The Becker® MAP PILOT (856.80 euros) makes a low-cost 3D navigation function, which can also be retrofitted, available for the standard Audio 20 CD radio. The navigation system boasts voice-controlled input of destinations and an intuitive user interface. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integrated operation via the central controls and the Audio 20 display, a concealed location in the glove compartment and updating via an internet portal.

The launch of the predecessor model series from Mercedes-Benz in 2005 laid the foundations for a new, future-viable market segment, attracting more than 700,000 delighted customers worldwide. The B-Class continues to enjoy great popularity in the year of the model change.

73,046 vehicles have been delivered to customers since January. This corresponds to a growth rate of 7.6 percent. In Germany, the largest market for the B-Class, sales are up by 5.6 percent. The second-largest market for the B-Class is China, where it was launched with great success in 2009. This year alone has seen sales rise since January in the order of 46.8 percent, to 9,738 units.

Source: Daimler AG

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

Posted in 2011, b-class, benz, launch, mercedes, mercedes-benz, new, november | Leave a comment

Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg to reveal new 2012 DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé at Frankfurt Motor Show

By Adji | Published Friday, 9 September 2011

MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg will unveil the new DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé for the 2012 season during the Frankfurt International Motor Show, at 12.00 CET on Tuesday 13 September 2011. Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management at Daimler AG, and Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, will also be present on the Mercedes-Benz stand in the IAA’s Festival Hall, Frankfurt.

Now available for download: Mercedes-Benz DTM driver Gary Paffett offers a tantalizing glimpse of the new DTM car in a sneak preview video, and explains the key differences between the 2012 DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé and the current DTM AMG Mercedes C-Class.

Download the video in English (with or without German subtitles) at: www.news2use.tv .

Press information and photos will be available on 13.09.2011 at 12.00 CET by visiting media.daimler.com. The first video clips of the new DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé will be available for download at the same time from: www.news2use.tv .

Michael Schumacher: “The IAA, the world’s most important show for the automotive industry, is the perfect setting for the première of our new 2012 DTM car.”

Nico Rosberg: “I can’t wait to see how the new DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé has turned out, which is why I’m so pleased to be there as we show it off to the world for the first time. It’s going to be a moment to remember.”

Gary Paffett: “I was at the film and photo shoot for the new AMG Mercedes C-Coupé recently and was seriously impressed by my ‘company car’ for next season. I can’t wait to begin testing very soon.”

Norbert Haug: “This new-generation vehicle, based on our Mercedes-Benz C- Coupé, will mark the introduction of an even more spectacular racing car from the start of 2012. I am certain that the spectators will get their money’s worth from the three-way fight between Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the DTM next year.”

Source: Daimler AG, news2use

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