In its meeting today, the Supervisory Board of Daimler AG extended the contract of Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, a member of the Board of Management of Daimler, until February 28, 2018.Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard has been a member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG since February 18, 2010. In that function, he is responsible for Manufacturing and Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars and for the entire Mercedes-Benz Vans division.
“We look forward to continuing the excellent cooperation with Wolfgang Bernhard in the Board of Management of Daimler AG and as a member of the Mercedes-Benz Cars team. This management continuity is important for the ongoing consistent implementation of the division’s strategy and for the achievement of our corporate goals,” stated Dr. Manfred Bischoff, Chairman of Daimler’s Supervisory Board.
Wolfgang Bernhard’s contract of service would have expired in February 2013. Pursuant to Section 84 Subsection 1 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG), the Supervisory Board decides on reappointment after the beginning of the last year of a Board of Management member’s current period of office.
Dr. Bernhard was born in Böhen (in Germany’s Allgäu region) on September 3, 1960. After completing high school in Bavaria, he studied at the Technical University of Darmstadt from 1980 until 1986, graduating as an industrial engineer with the special subject of electrical engineering. From 1987 until 1988, he studied at Columbia University in New York, where he gained an MBA (Master of Business Administration). After that, he studied at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt from 1988 until 1990, obtaining a doctorate on the subject of international exchange-rate risks.
Previous positions at the company:
- Head of the Mercedes-Benz Vans division, 2009
- Member of the Board of Management, COO Chrysler Group, DaimlerChrysler AG, 2002 – 2004
- Deputy Member of the Board of Management, COO Chrysler Group, DaimlerChrysler AG, 2000
- Chairman of the Management, Mercedes-AMG GmbH, 1999
- Center Manager for S-Class Assembly at the Sindelfingen plant and responsible for the start of the new S-Class, 1994
- Project Manager for reducing material costs and increasing productivity at the assembly plants of Mercedes-Benz AG, 1992 – 1993Credits: Daimler AG Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Daimler AG responds to the interest from decision-makers and users from the public and service sector with a wide range of products. In booth 321 in Hall C4 and in action spaces on the open-air exhibition grounds multifunctional vehicles with innovative special-purpose bodies and comfortable as well as safe workplaces demonstrate attractive solutions for ever more demanding tasks.Star among the special vehicles sporting the “star” is the New Actros, which will be introduced at an international trade show for the first time. The “Truck of The Year 2012” with Palfinger and Meiller special-purpose bodies demonstrates how environmental awareness paired with comfort and dynamism can add value to a municipal vehicle fleet.
The smaller but exceptionally versatile Fuso Canter TF with a new front, optimised functions, ecologically relevant and ergonomically sophisticated technology can be seen among other things with a Variopress special-purpose body from Faun.
The sustainability of the alternative drive system that uses liquefied natural gas is substantiated by the eco-friendly Econic LNG with further expanded operating range for even better cost-effectiveness, while the Sprinter – this time as a Doka version with equipment from Schmidt Winterdienst – provides convincing arguments first and foremost with its flexibility in day-to-day municipal operations.
Five Unimogs on exhibit
The Unimog is represented at the Ifat Entsorga with a total of five “all-rounders” that once more offer compelling evidence of their versatility as powerful, economical, user- and eco-friendly carrier vehicles equipped with street-sweeper equipment, road-marking machine, mowing implement, snowplough or tunnel washing machine.
The Axor and Zetros also offer specific solutions for municipal road maintenance operations.
All vehicles reflect commitment to cost effectiveness and sustainability but also to driver comfort and safety.
Last but not least, an Atego race truck adds further to the appeal of the trade show exhibit.
New record for in-door exhibition space
After the successful premiere of the merged trade shows Ifat and Entsorga in 2010 – some 110,000 visitors from 185 countries and 2730 international exhibitors – the world’s leading trade show for environmental technology 2012 will most likely set new records. For the first time the show will occupy 215,000 square metres of exhibition space, 180,000 square metres thereof in fully booked halls.
Once again the latest innovations and services in the water resources, sewage, waste and raw materials management will be presented. The focus is among other things on waste collection and transport with suitable vehicles and special-purpose bodies as well as on street cleaning and maintenance with summer- and winter-specific equipment. A practice-oriented surrounding programme with discussion forums and live presentations aims at providing the expert audience with in-depth knowledge and new experiences for day-to-day municipal operations.
The doors of this year’s Ifat Entsorga at the “Neue Messe München” will be open 7 to 11 May.
Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Daimler AG has made an excellent start to the year 2012. “Our company is on the way to its best form, but is not there yet. We are confident we can do more, and that also applies to our share price,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, according to the text of his speech to the expected 5,800 shareholders at the International Congress Center (ICC) in Berlin.In the first three months of the year 2012, the Group once again sold more vehicles than in the same period of last year. Unit sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars in the period of January through March increased by 12% to more than 340,000 units compared with the prior-year period. The division thus achieved its best-ever first quarter and its best-ever monthly unit sales in March. The growth drivers since January have been the C-Class models (plus 27%), the S-Class (plus 18%) and the SUV segment (plus 8%). There was also strong demand for the new B-Class, the first of five cars in the new compact range, with orders received for over 100,000 units to date. Although the B-Class is so far only available in Europe, more than 35,000 cars have already been delivered to customers. In September, the new A-Class will be launched, the second car of the new compact car portfolio.
Global car markets should grow by 4% this year. “At Mercedes, we’re on a roll, and we want to beat that,” said Zetsche and affirmed the unit-sales forecast for Mercedes-Benz Cars. The division assumes that this year it will surpass the unit-sales record it set in 2011.
The Daimler Trucks division was also very successful with its strong product portfolio; according to preliminary figures, it sold about 107,000 vehicles from January through March of this year (plus 20%). A major contribution came from Daimler Trucks North America with growth of 41%. Fuso also continued its positive development in Japan, while unit sales in Europe and Latin America decreased by 5%.
From today’s perspective, the division anticipates further growth in unit sales in 2012. In any case, the new Actros is likely to gain market share in the euro zone. The opening of a new plant in Chennai, India in the next few days will be an important step towards conquering new sales markets. As of the third quarter, trucks will be produced specifically for the Indian market under the “BharatBenz” brand.
The Mercedes-Benz Vans division's core markets developed as follows in the first three months of the year: Unit sales increased by 23% in North America and by 10% in Latin America, despite the upcoming model change for the Sprinter in the latter market. In Europe, however, unit sales decreased by 8%. The division is nonetheless confident for the full year that it will maintain the level of unit sales in the euro zone that it achieved in 2011. As of September, sales will be stimulated by the new Citan city van, following its debut at Germany’s IAA international motor show for commercial vehicles in that month. This new small van targets a segment with a total volume of about 700,000 vehicles per annum, of which Mercedes-Benz Vans intends to take a market share of 4 to 5%.
Daimler Buses sold about 5,000 units in the first quarter, lower than the prior-year number. According to preliminary figures, Daimler Financial Services smoothly continued its business development of 2011 and increased its new business to €8.2 billion in the first quarter of this year. The division’s contract volume remained at a record level.
Based on the divisions’ development, Zetsche affirmed the forecasts for 2012: The Group expects its total unit sales to increase again significantly along with further revenue growth. The target for EBIT from the ongoing business is the high level of the prior year (2011: €9.0 billion).
Achieving sustained growth through innovation
The motto of this year’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, “Growth and Innovation,” brings together two topics of fundamental importance for the future of the Daimler Group. By 2020, the annual global vehicle market should have growth by approximately 40 million to about 120 million units. “The question is not whether this growth will take place, but how it can be made sustainable,” said Zetsche. He believes that innovation has the potential to convert growth into prosperity. “Where that occurs, growth will be ecologically compatible and productive for both society and the economy,” explained Zetsche.
The Daimler Group is at the forefront with both of these topics, and has a first-class starting point for sustained innovation and profitable growth. With the Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy, the Mercedes-Benz brand aims to reclaim its position as the leading manufacturer of premium automobiles also in terms of unit sales. Daimler Trucks intends to defend its first place with its Global Excellence strategy. And the other divisions have similar plans to defend or take over the top position.
In 2012 and 2013 alone, the Group will invest €10.9 billion in research and development and €10.6 billion in property, plant and equipment. Daimler will extend its leading role with green technologies. Some examples are the further development of the automobile into a zero-emission vehicle and the digital networking of automobiles to control traffic and reduce congestion.
With internal-combustion engines, the CO2 emissions of Mercedes-Benz Cars’ fleet has been reduced within two vehicle generations by 35% to an average of 150 grams per kilometer. A fleet average of 125 g/km is to be achieved by 2016.
Mercedes-Benz already sells the world’s most economical full-size sedan: the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid with consumption of 4.2 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers. Starting this summer, the Daimler Group will be the first premium manufacturer to supply an electric car for all: the e-smart.
Affirmation of medium-term goals
At the event in Berlin, Zetsche affirmed Daimler’s medium-term targets for unit sales and earnings: In the year 2015, more than 1.6 million Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, over half a million trucks, more than 400,000 vans and approximately 42,000 buses are to be sold.
As of the year 2013, Daimler aims to achieve an average return on sales in its automotive business of 9%. The targets for the divisions are a return on sales of 10% for Mercedes-Benz Cars, 8% for Daimler Trucks, 9% for Mercedes-Benz Vans and 6% for Daimler Buses, and a return on equity of 17% for Daimler Financial Services. Mercedes-Benz Vans and Daimler Financial Services already achieved or surpassed their targets in 2011.
Record year 2011 and a high dividend
Daimler had presented its figures for the year 2011 in February. In its jubilee year, the Group set records for unit sales, revenue, EBIT and net profit. Worldwide, 2.1 million vehicles were sold and total revenue increased by 9% to €106.5 billion (2010: €97.8 billion). Group EBIT amounted to €8.8 billion (2010: €7.3 billion) and the Group’s EBIT from the ongoing business was €9.0 billion (2010: €7.2 billion). Net profit increased to €6.0 billion (2010: €4.7 billion).
In view of the very positive business development, the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board proposed the distribution of a dividend of €2.20 per share at today’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. This constitutes a total payout of almost €2.3 billion and a dividend ratio of about 40% in relation to the Group’s net profit. The dividend for the year 2011 is one of the highest in Daimler’s history.
Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The new DENZA brand for the electric vehicle developed by BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd. (BDNT), the 50:50 joint venture between Daimler and Chinese electric battery and car manufacturer BYD, was formally revealed today in Shenzhen at the “EV – The Future” event.The DENZA brand launch event is the latest milestone in the successful cooperation between Daimler and BYD. Following the BDNT joint venture contract signing in May 2010 and granting of the China business license in March 2011, development has been progressing on schedule.
“The exciting new DENZA brand is a highly visible seal of approval for the leading-edge design, technology and personality of the new car which we are convinced will resonate with customers here in China,” stated Ulrich Walker, Chairman & CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia and Chairman of the Board of Directors of BDNT. “BYD and Daimler have been visionaries in the development of sustainable mobility and new technologies. We are at the forefront in China as the first company to form a joint venture for the development of a pure electric vehicle, and we’re continuing our pace forward with this landmark event today.”
“We’re very pleased with progress on the development of the new all-electric car, and the DENZA brand really brings it to life,” said Mr. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD and Member of the Board of Directors of BDNT. “We have the ideal partner in Daimler. BYD provides experience in battery technology and e-drive systems, as well as bringing EVs into operation on the streets of China. In connection with Daimler’s design of premium autos, know-how in electric vehicle architecture and safety, and more than 125 years of experience in automotive excellence, DENZA is on the right track to become the leader in the New Energy Vehicle market in China.”
The DENZA name and logo have been carefully crafted to convey very precise themes. Primarily created with a focus on Chinese consumers, the name DENZA derives its strength from profound and positive associations with the Chinese characters 腾势 téng shì, which together mean “rising power and momentum” - referring both to the attributes of the car as well as the pace of development DENZA aims to be ahead in the New Energy Vehicle industry. DENZA is also a distinctive name in the English language with no prior associations.
The logo is designed around the flowing form of a central water-drop, supported by two hands. The blue water-drop represents the environmental friendliness of the all-electric vehicle, with blue also signifying advanced technology and a bright future. The curves on either side of the water-drop represent the hands of the two partners providing mutual support for the joint venture, as well as for the environment.
The first public appearance of the DENZA concept car will be at Auto China in Beijing in April, with first production planned in 2013. With rapid economic growth, increased urbanization, an open-minded consumer, and a supportive government, all the elements are in place to mark China as one of the countries with the highest potential for electric vehicle adoption.
About BDNT
In 2010, Daimler and BYD signed the contract for a 50:50 research and technology joint venture called “Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd,” (BDNT) that will develop an electric vehicle in and for China. End of February 2011 BDNT received its business license from Chinese authorities - just a few months after signing the JV contract. The vehicle will be marketed under the new DENZA brand jointly created and owned by the joint venture company BDNT.
Electric vehicles are especially well-suited for urban driving. With its many metropolitan areas, China has the potential to be among the world’s largest markets for zero-emission vehicles. Daimler and BYD are determined not only to participate in this growth of electric mobility in China but to accelerate it even further with their BDNT Joint Venture.Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
In order to secure its success also over the long term, Daimler has made the topic of sustainability into a key element of its growth strategy. “Sustainable growth is only possible on the basis of sustainable action,” stated Dr. Christine Hohmann-Dennhardt, Member of the Daimler Board of Management for Integrity and Legal Affairs, at the presentation of the company’s latest sustainability report. “That’s why growth, sustainability and responsibility constitute the triad of our entrepreneurial activity. And because we take this matter seriously, integrity will be firmly anchored in the individual target agreements for Board of Management remuneration as of this year.”Since 2011, there has been a Group-wide integrity dialogue between executives and workforce across corporate hierarchies and sites. This is intended to secure a sustainably changed awareness among executives and members of the workforce. At the same time, Daimler continues to further develop its compliance program. For example, the company has further refined its analysis for the assessment of risks in business units and its procedure for reviewing business partners. The BPO whistleblower system has been revised and supplemented in Germany with an external contact person in the role of a neutral mediator, Prof. Winfried Hassemer.
In addition, all employees receive continual further training in compliance courses. And since May 2011, Daimler has regularly provided its employees with information on topics related to integrity and compliance in 19 languages in the context of the Group-wide “fairplay” campaign. As another expression of its sustainable action, Daimler was one of the first signatories of the UN Global Compact and it has also been a member of the Global Compact’s LEAD group since January 2011.
Market success due to sustained innovation
The Daimler Group’s strong commitment to sustainability is also clearly visible from its entire product range – from the smart to emotional sedans and sports cars to heavy trucks – with the addition of innovative mobility concepts such as car2go. Last year, Daimler invested €5.6 billion in research and development. One result of that investment was the number of 2,175 new patent applications in 2011 and numerous product innovations that help to secure the Group’s long-term market success.
Prof. Thomas Weber, Member of the Daimler Board of Management for Group Research & Development Mercedes-Benz Cars and Chairman of the Daimler Sustainability Board, explained, “For us as the inventor of the automobile, the priority is on responsible mobility. Examples of that include the smart electric drive and the world’s most economical full-size automobile, the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID. Both models will be launched in the middle of this year. And our new Actros also sets standards for efficiency: It is the first long-haulage truck to meet the strict Euro VI emission standards already today, although they don’t come into force until 2014.”
Top rating for Daimler’s Sustainability Report
Once again this year, Daimler’s Sustainability Report focuses on the principles of materiality and stakeholder inclusiveness. With its reporting, Daimler fulfills the requirements of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). This year’s report has been given an A+ ranking once again. Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
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.
Daimler AG has honored its best suppliers with the Daimler Supplier Award 2011. The awards were presented at this year’s Daimler Key Supplier Meeting in the Mercedes-Benz Center in Stuttgart. As in previous years, the award was given in a variety of categories to 13 suppliers. This year’s special prize was presented in the “Partnership” category and honored the outstanding commitment demonstrated by the Japanese suppliers in the wake of the natural disaster that struck the country in March 2011.
With the annual Daimler Supplier Award, the company recognizes outstanding performance in the areas of quality, costs, logistics, technology, and innovation. Daimler has defined these value drivers as well as the principles for supplier collaboration in its globally standardized cooperation model known as the Daimler Supplier Network. In addition, the values of fairness, reliability, and trust are further aspects of the evaluation.
In his opening speech at the event, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler Board of Management and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, provided an overview of business development and the strategies for the years ahead, thanked the suppliers for their close cooperation, and highlighted what Daimler expects of it partners: “We have set ambitious goals for Daimler in the coming years. To reach them, we need strong partners with the will to innovate and grow with us.”
The fact that success must not only be measured by economic terms but also by looking at the manner of how it is achieved was emphasized by Dr. Christine Hohmann-Dennhardt, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG for Integrity and Legal Affairs: “Good business is our common responsibility, both in terms of quantity and of quality. This does not only apply to our employees, but includes you as our suppliers as well.”
In their speeches, Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Manufacturing and Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans, and Andreas Renschler, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Daimler Trucks, explained the importance of close cooperation based on mutual trust and drew the listeners’ attention to the upcoming challenges. “With our product offensive, we want to develop new markets around the globe and grow together with you,” said Bernhard. “It is essential for us to have reliable partners in these times, as we need to flexibly adapt to volatile demand and are at the same time operating on all continents,” stated Renschler.
Together with the heads of the procurement units, Dr. Klaus Zehender (Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans), Dr. Holger Steindorf (Procurement Daimler Trucks & Buses), and Wendelin Wolbert (International Procurement Services), the Members of the Board of Management subsequently presented the awards to the 13 winning suppliers.
Daimler also presented a specially designed trophy to honor the great commitment shown by all of the Japanese suppliers following the natural disaster in that country in March 2011. On behalf of Daimler, Wilfried Porth, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Human Resources & Labor Relations Director, thanked the Japanese partners for their outstanding efforts to safeguard supply chains and production at the Daimler facilities in Japan. “Not only did we manage to cope with one of the biggest challenges in the history of the Japanese automotive industry, but together, we can overcome it and even can grow stronger due to the fact that we work together so closely and with such extraordinary engagement,” said Porth.
In addition to some 200 Daimler executives, the meeting was attended by around 450 representatives of the company’s key suppliers.
The winners of the “Daimler Supplier Award 2011” are:
Mercedes-Benz Cars and Vans
Exterior: voestalpine AG
Interior: Autoliv Inc.
Electrics/Electronics: Nexans Autoelectric GmbH
Chassis: Brembo S.p.A.
Powertrain: KSPG Automotive
Daimler Trucks and Buses
Exterior: BASF Coatings GmbH
Electrics/Electronics: VOSS Automotive GmbH
Chassis: GMF Umformtechnik Gmb
Powertrain: Craftsman Automation
International Procurement Services
Energy: Enovos Energie Deutschland GmbH
Assembly Systems: Atlas Copco Tools Central Europe GmbH
Telecommunication: NTT Communications Corporation
Manufacturing Equipment: Grob-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
Special Award for Partnership
Collective award for all Japanese suppliers of Daimler AG
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Daimler AG has entered into a strategic cooperation with the Museo Mille Miglia in Brescia, Italy. The aim is to highlight and strengthen the commonalities between the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Museo Mille Miglia. Planned activities include a mutual exchange of exhibits.
The first event will be an exhibition featuring five racing cars from the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection, which go on display on 15 February 2012 at the Museo della Mille Miglia - a museum whose history is closely linked with what is probably the most famous road race in Europe.
“Mercedes-Benz is part of the high level of continued fascination with the Mille Miglia road race,” says Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic and Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH. “This collaboration with the renowned museum in Brescia ties in with a tradition of joint projects.” And Cavaliere Attilio Camozzi from the Museo Mille Miglia adds: “Brescia and Stuttgart, the Museo della Mille Miglia and the Mercedes-Benz Museum – both are linked by art and a shared passion for motorsport. This is the basis for a partnership with a great future: sport as the ideal ambassador for economic progress and enrichment of the social life in both cities. Together we are strong.”
Mercedes-Benz is the only foreign automotive brand to have twice won Italy’s legendary 1,000-mile race on the original route. Rudolf Caracciola and Wilhelm Sebastian secured victory in the SSKL model in 1931, and Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson won the race in 1955 – with a fastest time that remains unbeaten to this day.
The cooperation pays homage to racing history – but it goes even further. Planned activities include exhibiting works of art from the Daimler AG collection at the Museo di Santa Giulia in Brescia, which is unique throughout Italy and Europe in terms of its location and exhibition concept.
The Mercedes-Benz Museum
- A place of innovation with 160 vehicles and more than 1,500 exhibits in total
- Committed to the history of the brand - then and in the future
The Mercedes-Benz Museum is the only museum in the world that seamlessly documents the 125-year history of the automotive industry from day one. Covering an area of 16,500 square metres on nine levels, it features 160 vehicles and a total of more than 1,500 exhibits. The museum regards itself as a place of innovation and shows that history, too, is always looking ahead to the future.
The exhibition not only presents the exhilarating history of the Mercedes-Benz brand; it also offers an insightful glimpse into the future. This is also reflected in the architecture of the Mercedes-Benz Museum created by van Berkel and Bos of the UN Studio in Amsterdam. The building’s interior is modelled on the double-helix DNA spiral containing the human genetic code. This is entirely in keeping with the Mercedes-Benz brand’s concept of originality based on reinventing the automobile, again and again.
The museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through automotive history, which starts when they take the lift up to the top floor of the museum. From here, two tours lead in opposite directions from the dawn of automotive history in 1886 back to the starting point, sweeping in long curves through the extensive collection - and intersecting at various points along the way.
The first tour runs through seven Legend (Mythos) rooms – each one dedicated to a specific era – that document the history of the brand in chronological order. The second tour features the entire range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles set out in five themed Collection rooms, presenting the brand portfolio and the collection in all their diversity through the decades. Visitors can switch between the two tours at any time. Both tours finish at the ‘Silver Arrows – Races and Records’ banked corner. The exhibition also includes the ‘Fascination of Technology’ section, which offers visitors an insight into everyday life at Mercedes-Benz and also takes a look at the future of the motor car.
Mercedes-Benz Classic
- Making the Mercedes-Benz legend accessible to everyone
- Museum, Classic Center, Archive and Club Management
- Activities with an international focus
For more than 125 years, the Mercedes star has been shaping the future of the automobile with unique innovations and timeless elegance. Mercedes-Benz Classic gives everyone access to the Mercedes-Benz legend and its traditions – through the Mercedes-Benz Museum, and in a number of other areas and locations.
Mercedes-Benz Classic Centers
The Mercedes-Benz Classic Centers in Fellbach and Irvine (USA) are the first port of call for service and expertise in relation to classic cars bearing the three-pointed star. Classic Center experts restore, check and service classic cars based on the experience and knowledge gained from 125 years of automotive engineering. They have access to 50,000 original parts and custom products can also be manufactured on request.
For prospective buyers of classic cars, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center has something very special: the showroom presents a selection of exclusive Mercedes-Benz vehicles, each of which has been thoroughly checked over in the workshop before being offered for sale. These include vehicles such as the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘gullwing’ and rare compressor vehicles from the pre-war era.
Mercedes-Benz Clubs
Clubs that are officially recognised by Mercedes-Benz provide an important interface between the classic car scene and the manufacturer. Members of the worldwide community of official Mercedes-Benz clubs enjoy a host of benefits including support at events, rallies and trade fairs, as well as exclusive offers from Daimler AG.
The activities of the official Mercedes-Benz clubs are regarded as ‘highly valuable’ by Mercedes-Benz Classic. They aim to ensure that vehicles are perfectly maintained and our traditions are upheld.
Archive and Collection
Often referred to as the company’s memory, the Archive and Collection department preserves documents and vehicles from the history of the company and its products dating back more than 125 years. Providing a level of expertise on all car-related matters that is unique within the automotive industry, it is particularly useful for establishing the authenticity of vehicles. Above all, the archives are used by Daimler AG itself, which draws upon this wealth of information to uphold the traditions of the brand. Selected archives are also made available to the public – primarily to journalists, scientists, historians and writers.
A place where fascinating automotive history is still very much alive
If you look at the notable achievements of the last few centuries, there’s one key invention that stands out as having significantly changed the world: the motor car. This is a story which has captured our imagination for more than 125 years. The Stuttgart region has a number of attractions associated with the history of the motor car – the house where Gottlieb Daimler was born, Gottlieb Daimler’s memorial site, Carl Benz House, the Dr. Carl Benz Car Museum, the Maybach Museum and the Unimog Museum are all well worth a visit.
The Museo Mille Miglia
- Dedicated to the legendary road race through Italy
- Divided into nine time periods
- An atmosphere that brings motorsport history to life
The Museo Mille Miglia vividly documents the history of the Mille Miglia, Brescia’s legendary motor race. It opened its doors on 10 November 2004. The idea of the museum was conceived and implemented by the Associazione Museo della Mille Miglia Città di Brescia (Museo Mille Miglia Association of the city of Brescia), formed expressly for this purpose by a few Mille Miglia enthusiasts together with the Automobile Club of Brescia.
The museum dedicated to the legendary race for historic cars is situated inside the Monastery of Sant’Eufemia della Fonte, a magnificent building complex just outside Brescia on Lake Garda. Its wonderful location and historical significance add to the prestige of the Museo Mille Miglia.
The Museo Mille Miglia gives visitors a greater appreciation of this extraordinary sporting event, while illustrating a slice of Italian history, culture and social customs between 1927 and 1957 in the regions along the race route.
The museum is divided into nine time periods: seven sections are devoted to the Mille Miglia races between 1927 and 1957; one to the Mille Miglia races between 1958 and 1961; and one to the contemporary Mille Miglia. The exhibition also includes vintage cars associated with the legendary race. The tour is marked throughout by a red line running along the walkway and through all sections of the exhibition.
At the end, the route continues into an area reserved exclusively for institutions and companies, where particular settings or situations that have contributed to the adventure of the historical or current Mille Miglia can be recreated.
Finally, before leaving the museum, visitors can explore some of the rarest and most important collections dedicated to the historic Mille Miglia race, housed in the monastery’s former stables.
Museo di Santa Giulia
- A modern exhibition space covering 14,000 square metres
- History, art and spiritual life of Brescia from prehistory through to the present day
- A close relationship between building and exhibits
The Santa Giulia city museum in Brescia is housed in the historical complex of a former monastery dating back to the days of the Lombard rule and it is unique throughout Italy and Europe in terms of its design and location. With its modern exhibition space covering approximately 14,000 square metres, it takes visitors on a journey through the history, art and spiritual life of Brescia from prehistory through to the present day.
The Benedictine convent San Salvatore-Santa Giulia was founded in 753 under the last Lombard king Desiderius and his wife Ansa, and it played a very important role in the spiritual, political and economic life, even after the Lombards had been conquered by Charlemagne. According to tradition and as described in Alessandro Manzoni’s great tragedy Adelchi, Santa Giulia provided the setting for the dramatic story of Ermengarda, daughter of Desiderius and rejected bride of the Frankish emperor.
The monastery complex documents a period spanning several centuries with exhibits that include many extraordinary finds from various historical epochs that have shaped the city. In Roman times, the site on which the monastery was later built was a sprawling district with impressive residences known as Domus. The city museum also includes the Lombard Basilica of San Salvatore with its crypt, the Romanesque chapel of Santa Maria del Solario, the nuns’ choir, the sixteenth-century Renaissance church of Santa Giulia and the monastery cloisters.
The most distinctive feature of this museum is the close relationship between its monumental architectural elements and the objects and works of art on display. It has a total of around 11,000 exhibits, including Celtic finds such as helmets and decorative discs, Roman portraits and bronze figures, relics from the Lombard period, burial artefacts, frescos, art collections and handmade objects dating from the Middle Ages through to the 18th century. One of the main highlights is the large bronze statue of a winged Victory, the city’s symbol, which was found in the Capitolium.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
In agreement with the General Works Council, the Board of Management of Daimler AG has set a performance participation bonus for the year 2011 of €4,100 (previous year: €3,150) be paid to each entitled employee. The amount of the annual employee bonus at Daimler AG is always related to the company’s performance in the previous financial year.
In the past jubilee year – “125 Years! Inventor of the Automobile” – Daimler set new records for unit sales (2.1 million vehicles), revenue (€106.5 billion), EBIT (€8.8 billion) and net profit (€6.0 Mrd.). On the basis of these excellent results, the company will pay the highest performance participation bonus in its history.
Wilfried Porth, Board of Management Member for Human Resources and Labor Relations Director of Daimler AG: “Daimler looks back on an excellent year. Our employees made the decisive contribution to that with their outstanding performance and maximum commitment. These exceptional efforts will be given special recognition with our performance participation bonus.”
Erich Klemm, Chairman of the General Works Council of Daimler AG: “Record earnings can only be achieved as a result of a record performance. For this reason, the General Works Council was in favor of an employee bonus also at a record level. The employees showed maximum flexibility with high levels of overtime, Saturday shifts and night shifts, and worked hard to achieve those record figures. We regard the performance participation bonus as appropriate recognition by the company of those efforts.”
The performance participation bonus for the year 2011 will be paid out with the salaries for April 2012. Those entitled to receive the bonus are not only the employees of Daimler AG in Germany paid according to collective wage-tariff agreements, but also apprentices and trainees, students from cooperative state universities and doctoral students.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Daimler AG (stock-exchange symbol DAI) today presented its preliminary and unaudited earnings figures for the Group and the divisions in the year 2011. Daimler increased its Group EBIT from the ongoing business by 24% to €8,977 million in 2011 (2010: €7,212 million). Including special factors, Group EBIT rose by 20% to €8,755 million (2010: €7,274 million). Both EBIT figures are new records. Net profit also reached a record figure of €6,029 million (2010: €4,674 million) and earnings per share amounted to €5.32 (2010: €4.28).
Overall, Daimler was able to set several records simultaneously in the anniversary year, “125! years inventor of the automobile.” “The Group achieved its best-ever results in 2011 for unit sales, revenue, EBIT and net profit. All of our divisions contributed to this success,” stated Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. Above all, Mercedes-Benz Cars also set new records for sales, revenue and EBIT. In its long corporate history, the car division has never performed better than in 2011.
“In total, we made the anniversary year also into a year of success for Daimler. This performance shows that with its strong portfolio of cars, trucks, vans, buses and financial services, the Group is strategically very well positioned. We are now putting all of our efforts into continuing this success and achieving our targeted rates of return on a sustained basis as of the year 2013,” emphasized Zetsche.
Financial year 2011
The excellent earnings for the year 2011 primarily reflect the very good situation of unit sales in the divisions. In 2011, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks and Mercedes-Benz Vans significantly increased their unit sales compared with the prior year in the major regions. Daimler Financial Services profited in particular from the lower cost of risk.
Special factors connected with the natural disaster in Japan resulted in total charges for the Group of €80 million. Insurance compensation has been taken into consideration in calculating this figure. Charges were also recognized from the impairment of Daimler’s equity interests in Renault (€110 million) and Kamaz (€32 million).
The special items affecting earnings in the years 2011 and 2010 are listed in the table on page 13 and in the individual divisions.
Daimler sold a total of 2.1 million vehicles in 2011, surpassing the prior-year figure by 11%. All of the automotive divisions contributed to the increase. Group revenue increased by 9% to €106.5 billion; adjusted for exchange-rate effects, there was an increase of 10%.
The net liquidity of the industrial business amounted to €12.0 billion at December 31, 2011 (2010: €11.9 billion).
The generally positive business development led to an increase in the number of persons employed worldwide to 271,370 as of December 31. This was 11,270 more than at the end of 2010. In Germany, the number of employees increased to 167,684 (2010: 164,026).
Due to Daimler’s success in 2011, the Board of Management and the General Works Council have agreed that the workforce’s performance will again be rewarded with a high performance participation bonus: In Germany, each eligible employee of Daimler AG will receive an amount of €4,100 (2011: €3,150) at the end of April 2012.
The shareholders will also participate appropriately once again in the Group’s financial success. In setting the dividend, Daimler aims to distribute approximately 40% of the net profit attributable to Daimler shareholders. In view of the good business development, the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board will therefore propose to the shareholders for their approval at the Annual Meeting to be held on April 4, 2012 that a dividend of €2.20 per share be paid out (2010: €1.85). This represents a total dividend of €2,346 million (2010: €1,971 million).
“In this way, we want our shareholders to participate appropriately once again in our financial success, and we anticipate a continuation of this dividend development in the coming years,” stated Bodo Uebber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG for Finance & Controlling and Financial Services.
Investments for the future
On the basis of the “Road to Emission-free Mobility” initiative, one focus will be on new, extremely fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly drive technologies in all the Group’s automotive divisions. The objectives are to optimize conventional drive technologies, to enhance their efficiency through hybridization, and to develop electric vehicles with fuel-cell drive and battery power. Another focus is on new safety technologies with the goal of avoiding accidents as far as possible and of alleviating the consequences of any accidents that might still occur.
In this context, Daimler therefore increased its research and development expenditure to €5.6 billion in 2011 (2010: €4.8 billion). R&D spending amounted to €3.7 billion at Mercedes-Benz Cars (2010: €3.1 billion) and €1.3 billion at Daimler Trucks (2010: €1.3 billion).
Investment in property, plant and equipment amounted to €4.2 billion (2010: €3.7 billion), of which €2.7 billion was invested in Germany (2010: €2.1 billion). The focus was on substantial capital expenditure on local production facilities, new products and new technologies. One of the main areas at Mercedes-Benz Cars was the expansion of production capacities for the successor to the A-/B-Class at the Rastatt plant in Germany and at the new plant in Kecskemét, Hungary. Daimler Trucks made substantial investments in 2011 in the launch of the new Actros heavy truck.
The divisions in detail
Mercedes-Benz Cars, comprising the brands Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart, set a new record in 2011 with sales of 1,381,400 vehicles (2010: 1,276,800). The division’s revenue rose by 7% to a record of €57.4 billion (2010: €53.4 billion).
The division posted EBIT of €5,192 million, a significant improvement compared with the prior-year result (2010: €4,656 million). Its return on sales was 9.0% (2010: 8.7%).
The increase in earnings resulted primarily from the worldwide growth in unit sales, especially in the mid-sized and SUV segments. Above all in China and the United States, the division was able to boost its unit sales due to its attractive product range. Improved pricing for new vehicles and lower warranty expenses also made positive contributions to earnings. There were negative effects on earnings from increases in prices of materials and higher expenses related to the launch of new models, increased research and development costs and negative exchange-rate effects.
Daimler Trucks increased its worldwide unit sales by 20% to 425,800 vehicles and revenue also rose by 20% to €28.8 billion (2010: €24.0 billion).
The division’s EBIT of €1,876 million was also significantly higher than in the prior year (2010: €1,332 million). Return on sales amounted to 6.5% (2010: 5.5%). The positive earnings development is mainly based on strong growth in unit sales with contributions from all the major regions (the NAFTA region, Europe, Asia and
Latin America). The successfully implemented optimization and repositioning of the business operations of the subsidiaries Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation and Daimler Trucks North America had sustained positive effects also in 2011, contributing to significant efficiency improvements and thus also to higher earnings. Negative effects on earnings resulted from higher material costs and the advance expenditure for the new Actros. In connection with the natural disaster in Japan, charges of €70 million were recognized. Without these charges and the impairment of the investment in Kamaz, Daimler Trucks would have achieved a return on sales of 6.9%.
Mercedes-Benz Vansincreased its unit sales by 18% to 264,200 vans of the Sprinter, Vario, Vito and Viano model series. Revenue of €9.2 billion was also significantly higher than in the prior year (2010: €7.8 billion).
The division posted a significant improvement in earnings. EBIT increased to €835 million (2010: €451 million) and return on sales improved from 5.8% in 2010 to 9.1% last year. The positive development of earnings resulted from significantly higher unit sales, above all in Germany, the NAFTA region and Eastern Europe. One of the main factors was the excellent market response to the new-generation Vito and Viano models. Higher material costs were more than offset by sustained efficiency improvements and better pricing.
Daimler Buses once again increased its sales of buses and bus chassis, despite difficult conditions for complete buses, to a total of 39,700 units (2010: 39,100). Revenue of €4.4 billion was slightly lower than in the prior year (2010: €4.6 billion).
With EBIT of €162 million, the division did not match the high level of earnings it achieved in the prior year (2010: €215 million). Its return on sales was 3.7% (2010: 4.7%). This earnings development is due to lower unit sales of complete buses in Western Europe and North America, especially in the city-bus segment, in which demand decreased. Higher prices due to the influence of inflation in Latin America also had a negative impact on EBIT. The division’s earnings were positively affected by higher shipments of bus chassis in Latin America (including Mexico) and by exchange-rate effects.
Daimler Financial Services developed very positively in all regions. Worldwide contract volume grew by 13% to the record level of €71.7 billion (2010: €63.7 billion). Adjusted for exchange-rate effects, contract volume grew by 12%. New business increased by 15% to €33.5 billion due to the higher volumes of unit sales by the automotive divisions.
The division significantly surpassed its earnings of the prior year with EBIT of €1,312 million in 2011 (2010: €831 million). Its return on equity was 25.5% (2010: 16.1%). The improvement in earnings was mainly caused by lower provisions for risks, improved refinancing conditions and an increased contract volume. On the other hand, earnings were negatively affected by expenditure related to the realignment of business activities in Germany. Another factor was that additional allowances for bad debts had to be recognized in connection with the natural disaster in Japan.
The reconciliation of the divisions’ EBIT to Group EBIT comprises Daimler’s proportionate share of the results of its equity-method investment in EADS, other gains and/or losses at the corporate level, and the effects on earnings of eliminating intra-group transactions between the divisions.
Daimler’s proportionate share of the net profit of EADS amounted to income of €143 million (2010: expense of €261 million). In addition, an expense at corporate level of €588 million has been taken into consideration (2010: income of €21 million). In 2011, this was primarily related to litigation and the impairment of Daimler’s equity holding in Renault (€110 million). Due to the sharp drop in the stock-exchange price of Renault shares at the end of the third quarter, the shareholding had to be impaired to its fair value.
Outlook
According to current estimates, worldwide markets for motor vehicles should continue to grow this year, with the exception of the Western European markets, which are increasingly affected by the debt crisis. Global registrations of new cars are likely to increase by approximately 4%, whereby the growth will primarily be driven by the Asian emerging markets, the US market and the Japanese market, which will benefit from catch-up effects.
Worldwide demand for medium and heavy trucks in 2012 is expected to be at least at the level of last year. Despite a perceptible growth slowdown, the North American market should prove to be the world’s most important driver of demand, expanding by 15 to 20%. Demand for trucks in Europe will be impacted by the ongoing sovereign-debt crisis and the resulting economic weakness. So at best, demand in that market can only be expected to be about as strong as last year. The Japanese market for heavy and medium-duty trucks should expand once again by 5 to 10% compared with the prior year, thanks to the country’s economic growth, which is benefiting from the reconstruction efforts. Overall demand for trucks in the emerging markets should grow only moderately this year.
Mercedes-Benz Cars assumes that it will be able to further increase its unit sales this year and will grow faster than the total market. Its competitive model range will facilitate growth in traditional markets also under less favorable conditions. The division will also profit from the continuation of very strong demand for its models in the C-Class segment. In the luxury segment, the new generation of the SL will boost unit sales as of late March. With sport-utility vehicles, further growth is anticipated primarily due to the full availability of the new M-Class and as of September 2012 from the new GL. Furthermore, both the new GLK (a compact SUV) and the new-generation G-Class will be launched in June. The new models in the high-volume compact-car segment will also boost growth in unit sales. The new B-Class was already launched in November 2011 and the new A-Class will follow in September 2012.
On the engine side, the new and particularly efficient four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines and the ECO start-stop technology will be introduced in additional models. This will boost unit sales above all with commercial customers. With the help of the new engines and the particularly economical BlueEFFICIENCY models, Daimler was able to reduce the average CO2 emissions of the cars sold in the European Union to 150 grams per kilometer in 2011 (2010: 158 g/km).
Within the framework of the “Mercedes-Benz 2020” growth strategy, the product range will be significantly expanded across all segments in the coming years. In the compact-car segment alone, there will be five models with the three-pointed star in the future, which will increasingly appeal to younger customers as well. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz Cars will expand the top end of its model range – for example with three additional versions of the next S-Class and another SUV version, as well as with models such as the CLS Shooting Break, which will be launched in September 2012 as a completely new vehicle concept. Positive impetus is expected for smart this year from two highlights: The new smart fortwo electric drive will gradually be launched in more than 30 markets around the world, and the smart ebike will also be introduced.
In regional terms, Mercedes-Benz Cars sees further growth opportunities in 2012 above all in North America, as well as in China, India and Russia. Prospects in Western Europe are rather limited, however. But the division assumes that it will be able to further strengthen its position also in this extremely competitive market, due in particular to the expansion of the model portfolio. Fairly stable unit sales are anticipated for the smart brand.
Daimler Trucks also assumes that its unit sales will increase this year. Following the significant growth in 2011, the division intends to continue to grow faster than the total market in Europe. For the Brazilian market, demand is expected to fall at first following the record year 2011, due to the introduction of stricter emission standards.
The recovery of the truck market in the NAFTA region will probably continue. Because of the high average age of vehicle fleets there, the need to invest in replacements is still very high. On the basis of well-filled order books, the division assumes that it will be able to profit from that development to an above-average extent. Rising unit sales are anticipated also in Japan. Reconstruction after the natural disaster is leading to a stronger demand for trucks in that market.
With its activities in Russia, India and China, the division has created the right conditions for further growth in those markets. The final approval of the authorities for the joint venture in China was granted last year, the joint venture in Russia with Kamaz presented the first truck with components from Daimler, and the first plant in India will be opened in April 2012.
In general, the division assumes that it will be able to further improve its worldwide market position in the coming years. Daimler Trucks will be supported by a large number of new models and the flexibility of its global production network.
At Mercedes-Benz Vans, the positive trend of unit sales should continue, aided on the product side by the new city van Citan, which will enable the division to utilize additional growth potential in a new market segment as of this year. Van production in Argentina was changed over to the current generation of the Sprinter at the beginning of the year 2012. As a result, the range of products in Latin American markets is being significantly upgraded. Unit sales in China should be substantially increased by means of local production. As part of this development, in addition to the Vito and Viano models, the joint venture Fujian Daimler Automotive has also been producing the Sprinter since the end of 2011.
Daimler Buses assumes that it will be able to maintain its globally leading position in its core markets for buses above 8 tons with innovative and high-quality new products. However, a slight decrease in unit sales is anticipated in 2012 because of the introduction of Euro V emission regulations in Brazil. Slight growth in unit sales is expected in Western Europe, the stable core market, due to the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz Citaro, a product of outstanding quality.
Daimler Financial Services anticipates further growth for both contract volume and new business in its core business of vehicle financing and leasing. This should be supported in particular by growth in the BRIC markets and by the provision of financial services for the new cars in the compact-car segment. In the area of insurance, the division aims to achieve further growth in the number of policies brokered and in its market share. Strong growth is also expected in the new Mobility Services business unit, into which the car2go mobility concept was integrated in the year 2011.
On the basis of assumptions on the development of major sales markets and the planning of the divisions, the Daimler Group expects that its unit sales will increase again significantly this year, and that its revenue will also continue to grow. Daimler aims to post EBIT from the ongoing business in the magnitude of the prior year. This is based on the assumption of currency exchange rates at close to the present levels.
The following EBIT targets have been set for the divisions:
- Mercedes-Benz Cars: at the prior-year level
- Daimler Trucks: at least at the prior-year level
- Mercedes-Benz Vans: at least at the prior-year level
- Daimler Buses: at least at the prior-year level
- Daimler Financial Services: slightly below the prior-year level
Daimler aims for an annual average return on sales for the automotive business of 9% across market and product cycles. This is based on target returns on sales for the individual divisions, which are to be achieved on a sustained basis as of 2013, of 10% for Mercedes-Benz Cars, 8% for Daimler Trucks, 9% for Mercedes-Benz Vans and 6% for Daimler Buses. The target for Daimler Financial Services is a return on equity of 17%.
In the period of 2012 through 2013, Daimler will invest a total of €21.5 billion in research and development activities (€10.9 billion) and property, plant and equipment (€10.6 billion). That is €3.2 billion more than in the years 2010 and 2011.
In order to achieve its ambitious growth targets, Daimler will require additional employees in all its divisions. In connection with expanding the production capacities, new jobs will be created above all in North America, Asia and Hungary. By developing production capacities abroad, the jobs in Germany are being secured for the long term.
Table: Earnings in both years were affected by special factors, which are listed in the following table:
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
