Surprinsingly, the first test vehicles used for developing the future generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class hit streets last week. Following the first scoop, new spy shots revealing a heavily camouflaged prototype have constantly emerged on the net since then. The last series reveal a pre-production car that underwent a "facial lifting".
Due in spring 2014 (according to internal sources), the new generation of the C-Class has a daring mission to accomplish: be ahead of every other competitor in the market segment of premium, medium-sized models. In order to do that, the Germans are determined to fight hard and build the best C-Class of all time. It was reported that the W 205 will follow the styling direction given by the impressive F 800 research car and will also be technically enriched with all the latest Mercedes-Benz innovations and technologycal advances.
The new C-Class will sit on brand new underpinnings: the revolutionary Mercedes Rearwheel Architecture, to be showcased on the forthcoming S-Class. The mid-sized limousine is expected to feature a complete engine lineup consisting of frugal petrol and diesel units, as well as alternative variants such as hybrid, electric and maybe fuel-cell. A new range of manual and automatic transmission, including the eagerly-awaited 9G-TRONIC to be premierly introduced on the 2013 S-Class, will transfer power to the rear wheels for the MRA or to all four wheels if 4MATIC traction is chosen. We guess efficiency figures might indicate values below 150 g/km - 100 g/km for CO2 emissions, while the targeted combined fuel consumption may well be lower than 6 litres/100 km. All of these will be possible with the help of the BlueEFFICIENCY package, available for all variants. On the other hand, performance figures could reach around 320-350 hp on the high-end standard versions, whereas the sensational C 63 AMG sports saloon is tipped to display a peak output of around 500 hp thanks to the addition of a twin-turbo V8 powerplant.
Inside, a whole new architecture is currently being mastered by Mercedes-Benz designers. Basic inspiration: the F 800, again. Instead of the interiors one is accustomed when talking about a model produced by the Stuttgart-based carmaker, the C-Class is rumored to boast a very dynamic and rather unprecedented dashboard, to attract new clients towards the brand. The new scheme will comprise new, quality materials and numerous attractive colour combinations and customization programmes. The new @yourCOMAND internet-based infotainment system will operate almost all the functions of the car and ensure a unique communication experience in real time. Besides that, safety will be at its highest possible level thanks to the complete set of airbags, the new generation of the PRE-SAFE crash anticipatory system, the DISTRONIC Plus, the ATTENTION ASSIST and the latest clever assistance systems developed by Mercedes-Benz engineers.
Image Credits: Auto Motor und Sport
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Together with these recent spy pics came the information that Mercedes-Benz plans to auction off the first States-bound unit of the upcoming SL 63 AMG at an official barter held during the Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance in Florida, USA, on the 25th February 2012.
This news update also suggests the sports roadster tweaked in Affalterbach isn't very far away, meaning the first photos and details could be released during the following weeks. Also, by looking at the latest scoops, it's easy to see the new SL 63 AMG is almost finished and readied for the public unveiling, set to take place most likely at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The 5.5-litre V8 unit lies under the hood of this performance model and is capable of delivering a staggering 571 hp peak output and approximately 800 to 900 Nm of maximum torque. These extreme numbers are completed by the AMG styling enhancements which includes, among other appointments, a modified front bumper, a new grille, bigger air intakes all over the body, 20-inch forged wheels with ventilated brake discs, quad exhausts, full leather interior, aluminium and carbon fiber trims.
Image Credits: Motor Authority
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Every Mercedes-Benz has to experience a good dose of cold weather development, and the 2013 GL-Class makes no exception. The large-sized SUV from Stuttgart has been recently spotted while running on snow-covered roads in Northern Scandinavia. Judging by the amount of camouflage, the future GL will soon celebrate its world premiere, most probably at the New York Auto Show in April, right in time for summer.
When it's unveiled, the 5-meter vehicle fitted with the 4MATIC permanent 4x4 system will be equipped with the company's latest technical achievements in safety and in-car communication. In standard specification, the high-end variant will be the GL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY rated at 435 hp and capable of 700 Nm. The anticipated GL 63 AMG will follow shortly after, towards the end of 2012, and will pack no less than 544 hp out of the 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. If one opts for the Performance Package, peak output rises up to 571 hp, which is more than enough to transform the "ordinary" GL-Class into an aggresive monster.
Image Credits: Motor Authority
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz has handed over more than a million A-Class models of the current generation to customers worldwide since the market launch in autumn 2004. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales & Marketing: "With the A-Class, 15 years ago Mercedes-Benz established the premium compact car segment. We already sold over one million vehicles of the second generation and with the new A-Class we will again set new standards in the segment and will fascinate our customers once again." At the Geneva Motor Show in March Mercedes-Benz will show the entirely redesigned A-Class for the first time. Market launch will be later this year.
Dr. Schmidt also said: "The new A-Class is the pulse of a new generation of sporty-emotional vehicles with which we seek to open up our brand increasingly to younger customer groups, and develop further market regions. This new model is an essential component of our product offensive in the compact car segment, which we launched with the introduction of the new B-Class very successful last year. "
The first model of the new premium compact cars, the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class, has been delivered since mid-November 2011. It has been received outstandingly well by customers and clearly exceeds the expectations.
Preparations for the startup of the new A-Class are in full swing. Due to the model changeover of the compact cars, production has already been reorganized in large parts. Nevertheless, 97,808 vehicles of the current generation were delivered to customers worldwide last year. In the year before Mercedes-Benz sold 112,586 units of the A-Class. The cars were most popular in the European market, especially in the home market, Germany, where almost half of all A-Class models were sold. The second biggest market is Italy, followed by France and the U.K. The A-Class was introduced at the end of 2010 in China with great success. In 2011, the first year of full availability, Mercedes-Benz delivered 5,100 units to customers there.
Throughout the years the Mercedes engineers have developed numerous innovations specifically for the compact models. The A-Class thus quickly gained a reputation for being a trendsetter and innovation leader. For instance, it was the world's first compact car to get an internationally valid environmental certificate in 2007.
The new compact cars from Mercedes-Benz include, apart from the A- and B-Class, three other sporty, emotional variants, among them a coupé and an SUV. All of the five new compact models are produced in a production network by the Rastatt plant and the new plant in Kecskemét, Hungary. From 2013 on, step by step three of the new models will also be manufactured in China.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
car2go Europe GmbH, a joint venture between car2go GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG, and Europcar, the leader in car rental services in Europe, launched today the car2go service in Lyon, France. car2go provides Lyon residents with a fleet of 200 low-emission, self-service smart fortwo micro compact cars. As the world’s first mobility program with maximum flexibility and without fixed rental locations, car2go offers its members an opportunity to spontaneously rent vehicles anytime and anywhere without having to specify a time or place of return in advance.
“Innovative urban mobility solutions like car2go offer a way to help meet the challenges of urban congestion, reducing carbon emissions and improving quality of life,” said Gérard Collomb, Mayor of Lyon and President of ”‘Grand Lyon”. “Following the actions we initiated in 2005 with Velo’v, the first self-service bike sharing system, Lyon is innovating again with car2go, a new approach to car sharing which is complementary to other initiatives enabling our residents to move around town. Choosing Lyon, Europcar and Daimler strengthen the role of our city being one of the European leaders in terms of sustainable mobility.”
“We are excited to make our French debut in a city which is well-known for its innovation in the sector of urban transportation,” said Marcus Spickermann, Chief Financial Officer of the car2go Group. “More than 60.000 customers worldwide are using car2go in their daily lives, and we are convinced that car2go is a perfect fit for Lyon residents too.”
The car2go vehicles can be rented and returned within an operating area of 44 square kilometres covering the Lyon city centre. Members can find car2go vehicles spontaneously on the street, via the internet at www.car2go.com, and with the help of several smartphone applications. The vehicle selected can be unlocked using a personal membership card. At the end of the trip, car2go drivers do not have to bring the car2go back to where the trip started. They can simply leave the car at their destination - at any public parking space and at all Lyon carsharing-stations inside the car2go business area. Parking fees are included in the per-minute rental fee at no additional cost.
Lyon residents can register at www.car2go.com, and at the new car2go shop at Le Terra Mundi – 2 place de Francfort in Lyon. Until February 11th, 2012, Lyon residents can benefit from the special launch discount and save more than 10 Euro by only paying 4,90 Euro registration fee and receiving 60 free driving minutes. For members who register after February 11th, 2012, there will be a one-time registration fee of 14,90 Euro.
Customers pay only for the actual time they use the vehicle, by the minute, with discounted rates for hourly and daily use. The rental prices in Lyon are 0,29 Euro per driving minute, 12,90 Euro per hour and 39 Euro per day (24 hours). During stopovers, which can be used for example while shopping, a special parking rate of 0,09 Euro per minute will be calculated. Fuel, insurance, taxes and parking costs are fully included in the price that furthermore includes mileage up to 20 kilometres. Additional kilometres will cost 0,29 Euro each. Experience shows that the average range of a car2go rental is between 5 and 10 kilometres so the extra mileage costs are only relevant for those members who wish to leave the city and come back.
“The 2010 Europcar’s Transportation and Mobility Observatory showed that 47% of European urban drivers are considering giving up their cars and 61% of them consider that cars available in self service are an attractive mobility option. car2go will provide Lyon people with a fully-flexible service, combined with short term car rental services for a fully comprehensive mobility solution” said Philippe Guillemot, CEO of Europcar Groupe.
Thanks to a cooperation between car2go and the bikesharing service Vélo’v, Vélo’v customers will benefit from the reduced car2go registration fee of 9,90 Euro including 30 free driving minutes at any time.
car2go has already been successfully launched in seven cities: in Ulm and Hamburg (Germany), in Amsterdam (Netherlands), in Vienna (Austria), in Austin and San Diego (USA), and in Vancouver (Canada). The German city of Düsseldorf is going to follow soon – Lyon is the first home of car2go in France. A total of more than 2.000 car2go vehicles are currently on the road and more than 60.000 members have registered for the service worldwide.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The spring of 2012 will see the smart fortwo making its mark in a striking new look, featuring an upgraded exterior and a fresh leather/fabric mix in the interior. The smart fortwo is available for ordering now. The first vehicles will reach dealers at the beginning of April.
The substantially revamped smart fortwo sports a markedly more dynamic appearance, featuring a larger radiator grille with integrated logo, striking front aprons in a new design, horizontally arranged LED daytime driving lights, muscular side skirts and modified rear aprons. "The way in which the fortwo now displays the smart logo more prominently stands for the brand's new self-confidence," notes smart boss Dr Annette Winkler." The smart fortwo has long become an icon that is a defining feature of urban traffic throughout the world."
The chrome-coloured logo is now positioned directly in the black radiator grille. The air inlets under the number plate have been combined into a single unit, lending the smart fortwo a bolder appearance. The new, optionally available LED daytime driving lights are now arranged horizontally. There is also a choice of three new alloy wheels: the smart fortwo passion comes with a new 9-spoke alloy wheel; two additional alloy wheels fitted with wide tyres and featuring a 3-spoke and 3-twin-spoke design respectively round off the range. The choice of colours comprises seven options, including matt anthracite for the first time. The smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive is now also optionally available in white. In addition to the three soft top colours for the smart cabrio which were previously available from the smart programme (black, red, blue), the smart BRABUS tailor made programme offers six other soft top colours.
While the main focus of this facelift is on the exterior, there are changes inside the car, too. These include a new, high-quality interior package in crystal grey, comprising a fresh leather/fabric combination for the seats, an imitation leather/fabric mix for the door trims and black imitation leather for the instrument panel in combination with a grey knee pad.
The pulse and passion equipment lines are generally more colourful options than the basic pure model. pulse and passion highlight the frame of the front grille and the rear trim strip in silver, for example, while the front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron are painted in the car's exterior colour. The door mirror caps are finished in the tridion colour. On the smart pure, these components are black.
The five lines – pure, pulse, passion, BRABUS and BRABUS Xclusive – are to be retained. Similarly, the smart fortwo will continue to be available as a coupé and cabrio version and with six engine and motor variants. The spectrum ranges from the particularly environment-friendly electric power train in the fortwo electric drive and the efficient micro hybrid petrol engine through the powerful turbo petrol engine to the fuel-efficient cdi turbodiesel. Prices begin at € 10,275 for the smart fortwo 45 kW mhd pure.
Here is an overview of the engine range:
The new model generation for 2012 represents the continuation of a unique success story for smart: as a trendsetter the smart fortwo has been redefining individual urban mobility for more than ten years now. It combines responsibility to the environment and high ecological standards with joie de vivre and a high fun factor. With its compact dimensions the two-seater takes up less road and parking space than any other car around.
More than 1.3 million smart fortwos have been delivered to customers since the first model was launched in 1998. 101,996 smart fortwos were handed over to customers worldwide in 2011 – 4.6 percent more than in the previous year.
The car2go mobility service is also attracting growing numbers of fans. Over 2000 smart fortwos are currently in operation for 60,000 customers in seven cities around the globe. car2go is already successfully up and running in Ulm and Hamburg (Germany), Austin and San Diego (USA), Vancouver (Canada), Vienna (Austria) and Amsterdam (Netherlands). car2go will be launching in Lyon (France), Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Washington D.C. and other cities in 2012.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Using the Unimog in various trades has a long history as its adaptability is a great advantage in this extremely diversified sector. Among those companies who really appreciate the Unimog is the scaffolding company Schneider Ltd. and its working relationship with this competent all-rounder goes back for about 30 years. Scaffolding erected by this Sonthofen company on churches, hospitals, schools, industrial buildings and mountain railway stations can be anything up to 50 metres high. One of the scaffolding company's key operations is renting out over 40 self-propelling aerial working platforms. This is where the Unimog U 400 comes into its own as it is able to do a really good job with its additional customised implements. The U 400 delivers all the equipment directly to the construction sites, taking even challenging mountain passes in its stride.
Top marks for Unimog after-sales service
Three generations of scaffold-builders at Schneider Ltd have been impressed by the after-sales service provided by Wohlgschaft in Wangen, the Unimog general distributor for the region. In particular the scaffolding company appreciates the Unimog GD's pick-up and delivery service, as well as its servicing of both equipment and vehicles. And Schneider passes on Wohlgschafft's reliability to its own customers by being able to stick to agreed-on dates. This is vital for renting out aerial working platforms and supplying the equipment on the agreed date has to be guaranteed.
The experts at the UGD in Wangen also do the configuration for the high performance U 400 fleet. Two trailer couplings – ball type and jaw type – for various types of trailer, compressed air connections for tricky manoeuvring, winches on the flatbed and implements for winter services ensure that the Unimog is kept busy year-round doing various kinds of work.
As usual, the U 400 product range also cuts a good figure in the scaffolding business with its off-road capabilities, manoeuvrability, handling and comfort, as well as with its narrow outer width of 2.20 metres. The Sonthofen scaffold- builders emphasise that the Unimog is unrivalled in the way it deals with the mountainous terrain and inaccessible construction sites found especially in the Allgäu area. And here the U 400 ensures that scaffold-builder Schneider's principles –punctuality and quality – are here to stay.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
