125 years of the automobile was a momentous anniversary – and celebrations of this milestone represented the main focus of our activities in 2011. “Over the year, Mercedes-Benz Classic was able to demonstrate the fascination of the Mercedes-Benz brand on a world-wide basis. We were able to move both people and vehicles,” commented Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic and Managing Director of the Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH. “Vehicles from our own collection alone played a part in 1,400 events – almost twice as many as would be normal in a year without such an anniversary. A truly extraordinary achievement and a great result for the year.”
Just a few key data to show just how much was achieved in 2011: the three-wheeler patented by Carl Benz in 1886, for example, and which is considered to be the world’s first automobile, made 160 appearances at events all over the world. What is more, in spring 2011 the patent for the first vehicle to be powered by an internal combustion engine was made a UNESCO World Heritage Document. The company’s own collection of vehicles includes several replicas of this first Patent Motor Car.
The first long-distance journey with an automobile, undertaken in 1888 by Bertha Benz from Mannheim to Pforzheim in an improved version of the Patent Motor Car, was re-enacted over a distance of some 180 kilometres in the summer of 2011 by Germany’s South-West Broadcasting (“Südwestfunk”) radio station SWR 1, with support from Mercedes-Benz Classic. This was automotive history brought to life, and was extremely well received, both by people encountered along the way and as a response to the daily broadcast reports. The original route was in fact extended for the rerun as far as Stuttgart and the Mercedes-Benz Museum.
A review of the year reveals some impressive figures: in 2011, more than 1,400 vehicles were made available for appearances at nearly 470 events around the world. Altogether, the collection these days comprises more than 900 vehicles that represent the long history of Mercedes-Benz – passenger cars, commercial vehicles and racing cars. In fact the collection would be quite justified in describing itself as one gigantic museum on wheels. In 2011 alone 35 new vehicles joined the collection. One of these was the final car to leave the production line of the R 230-series SL: the last vehicle to be built went straight into the collection, ahead of the launch of the new SL in January 2012.
Mercedes-Benz Classic also took part with selected vehicles in numerous events in the international classic car calendar. These included, for example, participation in the Mille Miglia with a total of 18 vehicles; at the Goodwood Revival in honour of racing driver Juan Manuel Fangio, who would have been 100 years old in 2011; and in the “London to Brighton” veteran car run. A new participant in this year’s activities was a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE, which has been rebuilt by the Mercedes-Benz Classic engineers as a track vehicle for historical motor racing events and competed during the 2011 season in various events promoted by the historic racing vehicle series “Fahrergemeinschaft Historischer Rennsport e. V.” (FHR).
The Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive is considered one of the most extensive corporate archives in the whole of Europe, and probably the most comprehensive in the automotive industry. The figures make the scope of the archives very clear: if all the material in the archives were to be lined up a row, it would cover a distance of 15 kilometres. Adding to this are more than 3 million photos and 2,500 film media. The Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive and Collection themselves celebrated a round anniversary in 2011, having been officially established 75 years ago, in December 1936.
About 701,000 visitors from more than 175 countries visited the Mercedes-Benz Museum during 2011. 4000 guided tours in ten languages were given. This was due not only to the anniversary celebrations marking “125 years of the automobile”, but also to the attractive programme of events that has become a regular feature of the museum's activities. Since it opened five years ago, in May 2006, the new museum has welcomed 4.2 million visitors through its doors – around a third of them from outside Germany. The majority of visitors come from Germany, followed by China, the US, France and Switzerland.
Mercedes-Benz maintains various heritage sites as reminders of the inventors of the automobile. As just one example, in 2011 over 20,000 visitors from countries all over the world came to visit the birthplace of Gottlieb Daimler in Schorndorf, while well over 10,000 also visited his former workshop, the so-called “greenhouse”, in Cannstatt.
The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center is the main centre of expertise for all the technical aspects of classic vehicles dating back through the history of Mercedes-Benz. Again and again the Center sets new standards for the quality and authenticity of restoration work undertaken. Over the course of the year, for example, a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL that had been restored there to its original condition was sold to a customer – a superb example of a top-class collectors’ piece of this model. The determination to maintain authenticity is supported by an excellent replacement parts service for the brand: the warehouse inventory currently comprises some 35,000 active line items, and any part can be delivered to a customer in Germany within 24 hours. In 2011, replacement parts provision for the 124 model series was transferred to the Classic Center, adding a further 12,000 items to the inventory. Total revenues for the year from the sale of replacement parts for classic and “young classic” vehicles amounted to 126 million euros.
As always, Mercedes-Benz Classic continues to work closely with officially recognised brand clubs, which provide an important link between the classic vehicle scene and Daimler AG. The latest figures reveal that altogether the clubs currently have around 80,000 members, in all corners of the world, and held more than 200 events of their own in 2011. The German clubs alone saw almost 1,400 new members joining. Some of the clubs had anniversaries of their own to celebrate, in Germany for instance the Mercedes-Benz SL Club Pagoda (30 years), the Mercedes-Benz Veteran Car Club of Germany (30 years), the Mercedes-Benz Model Car Club (25 years), and the Mercedes-Benz R 129 SL Club (10 years). But Mercedes-Benz Classic also held its own events: in the spring of 2011 a group under the heading “Mercedes-Benz & Friends” travelled to the Côte d’Azur, where they were able to retrace the early history of the brand. August then saw some 2,000 vehicles and 1,800 club members from more than 30 countries, along with 200,000 visitors, gather at the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin to mark the anniversary of “125 years of the automobile” in what was the biggest celebration of the Mercedes-Benz brand ever to have taken place.
The division’s activities in the area of new media have also proved extremely successful. Over 21,000 fans follow what the world’s oldest automotive brand is up to on Facebook. The new Mercedes-Benz Classic app for iPhone® and iPad® has also already been downloaded more than 200,000 times. The app provides a state-of-the-art way to find out more about the heritage and the legend of Mercedes-Benz.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) and parent company Daimler AG will showcase vehicle technology of today, tomorrow and the future at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas from Jan. 10-13. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, will deliver a keynote address to discuss the true meaning of the connected vehicle - both what it is and what it isn't - at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 10, at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater.
Reporters are also invited to visit the MBUSA booth (#530 in the North Hall), where the company will demonstrate innovations including:
- mbrace2 - Mercedes-Benz's pioneering communications platform, offering the most comprehensive cloud-based system to date, accelerating the process of empowering drivers to customize their vehicle ownership experience to fit ever-changing needs. The mbrace2 system enables an incredible range of features and services related to safety, information, entertainment, personal assistance and vehicle care. These include cloud-based apps, traffic and navigation assistance, speech recognition, Internet browsing and searching, concierge services, automatic crash notifications, and more. The new platform is being shown as it will appear inside the re-designed MY2013 Mercedes-Benz SL, the first of many vehicles which comes standard this year.
- The mbrace2 smartphone app - Allows drivers to communicate and send information to their vehicle before getting inside. Drivers can use the app to find their vehicle, lock or unlock it, set valet parking protection, receive geo-fence alerts and Send2Benz, allowing drivers to socially connect with their friends and navigate to them.
- Mercedes-Benz Latest Suite of Advanced Driver Assistance System - The most comprehensive active safety system which keeps drivers safe by preventing accidents before they happen.
- The DriveStyle iPhone App - Coming later this year, Mercedes-Benz will offer the DriveStyle iPhone App, which allows drivers to interact with the vehicle rather than the phone, minimizing driver distraction. This technology will be demonstrated in the brand-new Mercedes-Benz C 350 Coupe.
- F 125! Research Vehicle - As a highlight marking 125 years of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a visionary outlook on future technical developments in the luxury segment. The F125! research vehicle anticipates future trends and paves the way for innovative large and luxurious automobiles. The vehicle provides emission-free driving with a range of 621 miles.
- DICE, "Dynamic & Intuitive Control Experience" simulator - Take a seat into the future and wave your hands to take control of the vehicle of the future.
Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
In 2011 Mercedes-Benz Cars sold more vehicles than ever before in a single year. A total of 1,362,908 vehicles of the brands Mercedes-Benz, smart and Maybach have been delivered to customers – around 77,000 units more than in the previous record set in 2007 (1,285,900 units).
2011 was also the best sales year in the history of the brand Mercedes-Benz Cars. With 1,260,912 units sold and an increase of 8.0% compared to the prior year the previous sales record of 2007 (1,185,200 units) was clearly exceeded. Since the beginning of the year sales of the brand with the star have been up every month. Particularly successful was the sales development in the fourth quarter. 341,624 delivered units made it the best-selling quarter in the company’s history. In December alone, worldwide deliveries rose by 15.1% to 124,387 vehicles despite the very good result achieved already in December 2010. Thus last month, more vehicles were sold than ever before in this period.
“We’re very satisfied with our sales development. In 2011 we sold more vehicles than ever before,” says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We also set the course for the future: The newly introduced generation of the C-Class, the C-Class coupe, the SLK, and the CLS are extremely popular among customers. The same applies to the new B-Class and new M-Class, which were introduced in Europe only recently. The full-year 2011 was also shaped by our strong development in important growth markets such as the BRIC countries and positive development in the U.S.”
Positive outlook for 2012 – new models to provide additional momentum
The year 2012 provides a good base to pursue last year’s success. Dr. Zetsche: “In 2012 we will consequently continue our product offensive and launch additional attractive vehicles on the market, which will give us a further boost. The vehicles will be spearheaded by the new A-Class, which will allow the brand to reach out more strongly to younger target groups. The new CLS Shooting Brake will underscore our leading role when it comes to innovative vehicle concepts and design.”
The new SL will also celebrate its market launch in 2012 just in time for the model series’ 60th anniversary. After the successful introduction of the new M-Class in 2011, additional demand will be generated in the SUV segment by the new GL, the new generations of the GLK and the time-honored G-Class.
Once again sales record in China, Russia, and India; dynamic development in Brazil
Mercedes-Benz continued to do outstandingly well in China (including Hong Kong) last year, where the brand surpassed its sales record of 2010 by 30.6%. The brand therefore substantially exceeded its full-year target of increasing sales in China by at least 20%. A total of 193,339 customers opted for a vehicle bearing the Mercedes star. In December alone, 23,227 people purchased a new Mercedes-Benz passenger car (+29.5%).
Over the past twelve months, Mercedes-Benz did also well in all other BRIC countries. The previous year’s record sales were substantially exceeded in both Russia (29,058 units; +47.3%) and India (7,089 units; +22.7%). In Brazil the brand built on the dynamic development of 2010, boosting sales by 35.3% in full-year 2011, to 10,197 vehicles. Summed up, Mercedes-Benz therefore reported a sales increase of 32.4% in the BRIC-countries in 2011.
Over the past twelve months, Mercedes-Benz also saw sales rise to all-time highs among others in Taiwan (+31.7%), South Korea (+18.8%), Mexico (+17.7%), Denmark (+15.0%), and Sweden (+12.2%). The development in Japan is also notable. Despite the strong earthquake in March and the serious consequences for the country, Mercedes-Benz sold 7.1% more vehicles in Japan last year (32,405 units) than in 2010.
Outstanding development in the U.S.; record sales in Canada and the entire NAFTA region
As in 2010, Mercedes-Benz posted double-digit growth in the U.S. and grew faster than the total market. From January to December 2011, sales rose by 13.3% to 245,231 units. Thus the United States were once again the brand’s second-largest market. Driven by the new generation of the C-Class and the new M-Class, sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles rose to 25,701 units in December (+27.9%). In Canada a total of 28,584 (+1.8%) vehicles with the Mercedes star were sold during 2011. Following the record set in 2010, this result represents a new all-time high. Mercedes-Benz also achieved a record result in the entire NAFTA region in 2011, with sales amounting to 279,946 vehicles (+12.2%).
Mercedes-Benz leads Germany’s premium segment in 2011
In Germany Mercedes-Benz has been the Number One automaker in the premium segment since 1993. Despite the sometimes limited availability of the high-volume A- and B-Class due to the changeover of production to the new models, the brand’s sales in its home market totaled 262,256 vehicles in 2011, which was almost as high as in the previous year (2010: 265,000 units). In December sales of the brand with the star rose by 16.8% (25,290 units). In Western Europe (excluding Germany) deliveries also nearly matched the previous year’s level (2010: 291,853 units) at 289,285 units in the past twelve months. A sales increase was recorded among others in the UK (+10.1%).
New generation of the C-Class with outstanding customer response – sedan model leader in its segment
In 2011 the C-Class confirmed the vehicle’s standing as a very successful model also with its new generation. In the C-Class segment, Mercedes-Benz recorded growth of 16.8% over the past twelve months to 401,340 units. Very popular and once again the most successful model in its segment during the year as a whole was the C-Class sedan. A total of 270,968 units were delivered to customers (+8.1%). In the year of the facelift, deliveries of the C-Class estate rose to a new all-time high of 76,446 vehicles (+21.6%). Demand for the new C-Class coupe has also been very high ever since the vehicle was launched on the market last June. To date, 23,698 units of the sporty coupe have been delivered to customers. The SLK also did well last year, with 26,756 customers buying one of the roadsters from January through December 2011. This corresponds to an increase of 85.7%.
E-Class segment attains new record result in 2011
Following the record sales of the previous year, sales in the E-Class segment rose by 4.7% in 2011 to a new all-time high (338,386 units). Deliveries of the E-Class sedan and estate totaled 244,341 units last year (2010: 252,775 units). 32,533 customers opted to buy the CLS model, which was introduced in January 2011 (+210.4%).
Sales of S-Class sedan surpass previous year’s high level
Despite having to face much younger competitor models, the S-Class sedan once again increased sales compared to the prior year. Since the car’s market launch in 2005 more than 440,000 units of the brand’s flagship vehicle have been sold. Sales of the CL also rose, with deliveries increasing by 6.9%. The SLS AMG has also met with a great response from customers. More than 5,000 units of the super sports car have already been sold since the vehicle was launched on the market in March 2010.
At more than 200 units, sales of the high-end luxury sedan Maybach were higher than in each of the two previous years.
SUVs post monthly record sales from January through December
The SUVs from Mercedes-Benz enjoyed another great year in 2011. They achieved new sales records each month from January through December, enabling them to surpass last year’s record figure by 24.0% (248,574 units). More customers decided to buy a GLK than ever before in a single year (93,836 units; +24.0%). The compact SUV is also popular in China, where it has been produced for the local market since early December. All other model series did very well throughout the world in 2011, increasing sales substantially compared to the previous year. Sales of the R-Class rose by 45.5%, while those of the G-Class increased by 28.3%. The GL boosted sales by 28.2%, and deliveries of the M-Class increased by 17.9% despite the model changeover.
B-Class does well during phase-out
In spite of production changes resulting from the B-Class model changeover and the associated limited availability of A- and B-Class models, Mercedes-Benz sold 194,133 units in this segment last year (2010: 222,373 units). Sales of the B-Class even continued to increase until shortly before the new model was launched on the market.
Sales of smart fortwo pass 100,000 mark
The smart fortwo did extremely well in 2011. Sales passed the target of 100,000 units, rising to 101,996 vehicles (+4.6%). Dr. Dieter Zetsche: “The development of the smart fortwo last year by far exceeded our expectations. Also for 2012, all lights are on green. The third generation of the smart fortwo electric drive and the smart ebike are two genuine highlights that will be introduced in the coming twelve months. We expect them to give the brand another boost.” In full-year 2011 the innovative two-seater was especially popular in China (including Hong Kong), where a total of 11,045 buyers drove home from the dealership in a smart fortwo (2010: 3,900 units). The smart fortwo also posted very high growth rates in other countries, including Mexico (+57.1%), Poland (+50.7%), the Czech Republic (+26.6%), and Taiwan (+21.4%). In Germany the smart fortwo defended its segment leadership throughout the year, with customers buying a total of 29,005 units (+3.3%). More than 1.5 million units of the brand have been sold since the first generation of the compact urban vehicle was introduced on the market in 1998.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The New Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
>> The new Mercedes-Benz SL: Lightweight, athletic, luxurious
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The New Mercedes-Benz A-Class and CLC-Class
An entirely new addition is the CLC 4-door coupe, which resembles the CLS and is developed on the MFA platform. Insiders suggest the car is to be premiered in April, at the New York Motor Show. If we look at the popularity of the CLS, it's not hard to imagine the CLC will also ignite a new niche. Its key points: the aerodynamic exterior design, the luxurious interior where the four passengers feel truly pampered and the outstanding technical package. In 2013, the uber-300 hp all-wheel-drive CLC 25 AMG is expected to spice things up even more.
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The New Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (SB)
The CLS was born under a lucky star. First shown at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003 in concept form, the astonishing sedan boasting a sexy coupe silhouette immediately attracted a lot of enthusiastic views. The decision to release a series produced model was not hard and the first units started rolling out of the assembly line in 2004. The first-ever 4-door coupe was becoming increasingly successful as years passed so a replacement generation came in 2010 to further contribute to the consistent sales numbers. In order to preview the C 218 model, Mercedes-Benz unwrapped the Concept Shooting Break prototype at Auto China 2010. The company officials sensed the potential this new type of vehicle had and decided to greenlight the project. The CLS Shooting Brake is again a reinterpretation of the original rule the same way the CLS was back in 2003. The official reveal is set for New York International Auto Show in April this year.
>> Decision for serial production: CLS Shooting Brake will be built in the Mercedes-Benz Plant Sindelfingen
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The New Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
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The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (2013 MY) and G-Class (2013MY)
The All New Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 222)
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The 2013MY Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The business class models of Mercedes-Benz is bound to receive a mild update for 2013. Main changes include the addition of the LED Intelligent Light System adapted to the four-eyed configuration of the front fascia and minor modifications for the dashboard to keep in line with the latest cars unveiled by the Stuttgart-based carmaker. Technically speaking, Mercedes-Benz will add the new E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID to the lineup, as well as the E 400 HYBRID for the US market (in the first phase). Other than that, the engines stay the same as for the current model generation. Also, expect some upgraded features, like the COMAND Online, available right from the launch of the 2013 E-Class.
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The New Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series
A new chapter in the Black Series will be written this year with the launch of a specially prepped SLS AMG. The 'hardcored' gullwing will display a wider body equipped with lightweight aerodynamic panels to reduce drag and improve air flow and thus performance, as well as a lowered ride height and special alloy wheels. To save more kilos, minimalism will be the way to go for the passenger shuttle: a safety cage and only the neccesary commands. According to reports, power will come courtesy of a modified version of the 6.2-litre V8 with natural aspiration pumping out around 650 hp. The estimated price tag for the new SLS AMG Black Series is close to € 260,000 when the car is unwrapped in autumn 2012.
Image Credits: Autoblog, Carscoop, Daimler, Motor Authority, SpyShots.NL, The Motor Report
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
During spring this year, Mercedes-Benz will introduce the new A-Class which marks a complete shift from the past model. Underpinned by the new Mercedes Frontwheel Architecture (MFA) platform and boasting frugal powerplants and an unbeatable safety and technology package, the compact-sized car is set to attract new and younger customers towards the Stuttgart-based manufacturer. Latest spy shots come from Northern Scandinavia, where Mercedes-Benz tests all the future models under winter conditions.
The dynamic, yet classy silhouette proposed by the Concept A-Class show prototype will somehow make it unaffected onto the series model. Youthful and strong lines are the ones that characterize the spirit of the entire vehicle: the bold headlights with LED Intelligent Light System (as an option) and the angled grille with the big star sitting in the middle are like business cards for the new A-Class.
Inside, there's hardly any difference compared to the B-Class, at least from what we can see at the moment. The cladding on the dashboard prevents inappropriate views from getting a glimpse of the essential details. Although the chief of interior design at Mercedes-Benz suggested the W 176 would no longer feature the three-pointed star on the steering wheel, the image captured in the cabin of the prototype seems to contradict him: the 3-spoke steering wheel is borrowed from its MPV brother, as well as other components. Given the roof line and the general hatchback shape, don't expect too much leg and head room for the rear seats, but we guess two occupants sitting on them could travel quite comfortably. Measuring less than 4.5 meters in length means the luggage space in the trunk is rather restrictive, but the new A-Class is more of a lifestyle-oriented car than a practical one.
The low-end BlueEFFICIENCY units in the Mercedes-Benz engine bank will put the new A-Class into motion. For the beginning, there will be a number of four different versions as in the case of the new B-Class - the A 180 and A 200 with 122 hp and 156 hp; the A 180 CDi and A 200 CDI with 109 hp and 136 hp, respectively. Combined with the new 6-speed manual gearbox or the enhanced 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, the powerplants score impressive values for CO2 emissions and combined fuel consumption: between 114 and 137 g/km and between 4.4 and 5.9 l/100 km. Rumors say Mercedes-Benz will also release more powerful A-Class versions in the first year after the official premiere: the A 250 and A 250 CDI displaying 204 hp and the high-end A 25 AMG sporting a 4x4 platform and no less than 320 hp.
Credits: Carscoop
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz’s SUV models are celebrating another milestone. Since the launch of Mercedes-Benz’s first sports utility vehicle – the G-Class – over 30 years ago, more than two million G-Class, M-Class, R-Class, GL-Class and GLK-Class models have been delivered to customers. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Our entire SUV family is extremely popular among our customers, particularly in the USA and in its second-largest market China. With the launch of our first sports utility vehicle – the G‑Class – more than 30 years ago, we entered a segment in which we are now very successful with a total of five models. The SUVs today are an important pillar of Mercedes-Benz’s growth and have achieved a new sales record in every month since July 2010. The new Mercedes-Benz M-Class, which has enjoyed fantastic customer response to date, will give sales a further boost.”
In November 2011, Mercedes-Benz SUVs achieved another monthly sales record with deliveries of 25,552 models (+23.4%). From January through November, a total of 221,518 sports utility vehicles have been delivered worldwide (+24.3%), more than ever before in this period. The successful run-out of the M-Class was particularly noteworthy, as was the excellent start of its new models in the U.S. A new peak was set by the GLK, whose deliveries are at a record high since the beginning of the year (+25.6%). To meet the strong demand on the Chinese market, the small SUV is being produced locally in China since early December. The other model series have also developed positively in the year to date with significant increases in sales. R-Class sales jumped by 50.3 per cent, the G-Class recorded growth of 30.9 per cent, GL sales climbed by 28.9 per cent, and deliveries of the M-Class were up 15.8% despite the model change. In the coming year, the new GL and the new generations of the GLK and the G-Class will generate additional demand in the SUV segment.
The SUV models account for around one-fifth of global Mercedes-Benz sales. By far the largest market for the SUV family as well as the M-, GLK-, and GL-Class are the United States. The second largest market for the SUVs is China, followed by Germany. The classic sports utility vehicle, the G-Class, is most popular in its domestic market Germany, while the R-Class is most in demand in China.
The latest star of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family is the third generation of the M-Class, which was launched last November. One of its strongest features is its outstanding energy efficiency. As the most fuel-efficient SUV in its segment, the M-Class became the first vehicle in its class to receive the prestigious TÜV (Technical Control Board) environmental certificate – just in time for its launch. The strengths of the permanent 4-wheel-drive premium SUV also include excellent safety features and well-balanced driving comfort with strong driving dynamics both on- and off-road. Thanks to its outstanding safety systems, the M-Class was recognized as the best vehicle in its segment and awarded the top five star rating under the European NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) for excellent occupant protection.
The new M-Class is the top model in its segment when it comes to value retention. Just recently it was recognized by “Focus Online” and “Bähr & Fess Forecast” as one of the best performers in terms of residual values in 2015. The ML 250 BlueTEC can still yield 55 per cent of its new value as a four-year-old used car. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class was also awarded the “Golden Steering Wheel 2011” by readers of German “Bild am Sonntag” and “Auto Bild”. The other SUV models are also extremely popular among customers. This year, the longest-standing Mercedes-Benz model series, the G-Class, was crowned “SUV of the Year” for the eighth time. This major award is voted by the readers of the German “Off Road” magazine. Meanwhile, the readers of “AutoBild Allrad” gave the G-Class the victory in the “Off-road vehicles and SUVs over €60,000” category, followed by the GL-Class.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The total number of visitors to the Mercedes-Benz Museum rose once again in 2011, to 701,000. On the year marking the automobile's 125th anniversary, the visitors came from 175 countries worldwide. The newly designed Legend 6 exhibition room and the special 'Art & Stars & Cars' exhibition additionally attracted new target groups to the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Almost 4000 guided tours were conducted in ten different languages.
"Another successful year is drawing to a close. Since the opening in May 2006, over 4.2 million people have visited the Mercedes-Benz Museum," says Michael Bock, head of Mercedes-Benz Classic. "125 years after its invention, the automobile retains its special fascination to this day – the figures speak for themselves. We are particularly pleased about the high proportion of international visitors. Once again this year, almost a third of our guests came from abroad. This international appeal is attributable both to the anniversary year of the automobile and to our extensive programme in 2011."
People from all over the world flock to see the first ever automobile
The visitors from a total of 175 countries reflect the international character of the Mercedes-Benz Museum. In 2010 visitors came from 158 countries. The share of international guests has risen by almost half in recent years, to 27 percent. The majority of guests came from Germany, followed by China, USA, France and Switzerland. There has been a sharp increase in the number of Chinese guests since 2009, resulting in a steady climb for China from fourth to second place in the visitor rankings.
How did the visitors become aware of the Mercedes-Benz Museum? While almost 40 percent relied on recommendations from friends and acquaintances, 7 percent of visitors stated that they had been prompted to visit the museum by the increased media coverage in the anniversary year. Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter have given rise to a two-fold increase in awareness of the museum as a leisure destination.
Many of the guests visited the Mercedes-Benz Museum for the first time in the year marking the 125th anniversary of the invention of the automobile. The top rankings from regular visitor surveys in 2011 confirm the guests' satisfaction, with over 90 percent of all visitors stating that their expectations had been surpassed and 98 percent confirming that they would recommend the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Two thirds of all visitors spent more than three hours at the automobile exhibition covering 16,000 square metres.
Group visitors and children's programmes on the increase
Almost 4,000 guided tours in 2011 marked a new record for the Mercedes-Benz Museum. The classic Automobile guided tour, carried out in a total of ten languages, remains the leading attraction. Exclusive after-hours tours in the evening, guided tours of the Untertürkheim and Bad Cannstatt engine factories and the special guided tour of the 'Art & Stars & Cars' exhibition also proved very popular.
The Mercedes-Benz Museum has also become a yet more attractive destination for groups: over 5,000 groups comprising a total of over 100,000 persons visited the exhibition – more than ever before. In addition, over 1900 school classes took advantage of the educational programme in the GeniusCampus area for children and young people. Another programme offered by the GeniusCampus enjoyed particular popularity, with almost 1000 children visiting over 80 children's birthday parties held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. The new programme "Motor mechanics for adults" also became firmly established, with over 100 workshops offering almost 850 participants an opportunity to lean more about present-day engine technology.
Outstanding exhibitions and events in 2011
For the inventor of the automobile, the anniversary marking 125 years of the automobile played a major role this year, as the Mercedes-Benz Museum is the only venue in the world where visitors can take in the entire history of the automobile – from Benz's patented motor car dating from 1886 to futuristic vehicle studies.
The year kicked off with the opening of the new exhibition room Legend 6, ‘New start – the Road to Emission-free Mobility’, which has since won various awards. The new exhibition room grants visitors an insight into the future and outlines the drive technologies of tomorrow. The future has already arrived for visitors arriving at the Mercedes-Benz Museum by e-vehicle, with six electric charging stations offering free electric power to replenish the vehicles' batteries during visits to the museum.
The special exhibition 'Art & Stars & Cars' shows the museum in a similarly pioneering and innovative vein. This first art exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum was conceived in collaboration with the Daimler Art Collection. A highlight of the exceptional exhibition comprising over 120 works was Andy Warhol's legendary Cars series, which was produced 25 years ago on the occasion of the car’s centenary. The Mercedes-Benz Museum also celebrated its fifth birthday in the middle of the anniversary year, on 22 May 2011. This proved one of the busiest days of the year, drawing over 5000 guests. The museum's summer season revolved around firm favourites such as the jazzopen stuttgart, the Mercedes-Benz Lounge and the Open Air Cinema programme – this year featuring the drive-in cinema event for the first time, which sold out in next to no time. Families with children were able to take part in Universal Children's Day at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in September, while the collectors' fair in November offered brand aficionados another opportunity to pick up some gems. This year, the Mercedes-Benz Museum once again offered events tailored to visitors with special needs – most recently on the Day of People with Disability in December.
2012 – spotlight on the Mercedes-Benz SL
"It will be a challenge to top 2011," observes Michael Bock. "But we have ambitious plans for 2012 and some great exhibitions in store. For the Mercedes-Benz brand, the first half of the year will centre on the new SL. At Mercedes-Benz Classic and at the museum we will be highlighting the 60-year history of the legendary SL series with special events and a major exhibition. All the models in one room – that will be a spectacle not to be missed. I am also looking forward to the 2012 Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film. As a partner to the festival, we will be presenting a special award – again focusing on the topic of 60 years of the SL. The special exhibition 'Timeless – 60 years of the Mercedes-Benz SL' will begin on 24 January 2012 and run until 2 September 2012.
Credits: Daimler AG
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