Reader survey: “The best cars of 2012″: The M-Class and SLS AMG Roadster are the best cars
by Philipp Deppe | 27.Januar 2012
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is the best car among off-road vehicles, while the SLS AMG Roadster super sports car is the best cabriolet. These are the results of a reader survey conducted by specialist German motoring magazine “auto motor und sport”. The SLS has now received the title of “Best car of the year” for the third time in a row.
The motoring magazine “auto motor und sport” has been conducting its vote for the “Best cars of the year” in ten different categories since 1977. This year around 210,000 readers from 14 European countries, as well as China and Brazil, took part in the longstanding survey to decide the best cars of 2012. When it came to off-road vehicles, the majority of readers voted for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, thereby acknowledging not only its characteristically distinctive design and variable interior, with that all-important sense of wellbeing, but also its excellent energy efficiency and thus environmental acceptability. In addition, the permanent all-wheel drive system of the M-Class also impressed with its well-balanced ride comfort combined with excellent driving dynamics both on and off road, along with the car’s outstanding range and high level of safety. The G-Class picked up second place.
In the case of the cabriolets, the readers of “auto motor und sport” placed the SLS AMG Roadster in pole position, honouring it as the best car of 2012 in its category and as such paying tribute to both its uniquely exciting design as well its exquisite engineering and technology. The super sports car excels with its uncompromising lightweight construction, superior driving dynamics and exemplary safety. These attributes are ensured by a unique technology package consisting of a lightweight aluminium spaceframe body, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine producing 420 kW (571 hp), seven-speed dual clutch transmission and a sports suspension with aluminium double wishbone suspension. This combination guarantees dynamic performance at the very highest level.
Source: Daimler AG
Topics: M-Class, SLS AMG | No comments »
Environmental Certificate for the Mercedes B-Class: B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY produces 16 percent less CO2 emissions than its predecessor
by Philipp Deppe | 26.Januar 2012
The neutral inspectors at the TÜV Süd technical inspection authority have confirmed the high environmental compatibility of the new Mercedes B-Class, awarding the compact sports tourer the Environmental Certificate in accordance with ISO standard TR 14062.
This certification is based on a comprehensive ecological life cycle assessment of the B-Class, documenting every detail of ecological relevance.
“The new B-Class is the first model of a completely new generation of compact vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. It sets clear benchmarks in two fields which are crucial to efficiency – aerodynamics and the drive system,” explains Professor Dr Herbert Kohler, Chief Environmental Officer at Daimler AG. “The high level of environmental compatibility goes beyond reductions in fuel consumption, as the Environmental Certificate in accordance with ISO standard TR 14062 now confirms.”
Mercedes-Benz analyses the environmental compatibility of its models throughout their entire life cycle – from production through their long years of service to recycling at the end of their lives. This analysis goes far beyond the legal requirements. The Environmental Certificate and supplementary information are made available to the public in the “Life Cycle” documentation series, which can be found at http://www.mercedes-benz.com
Over the entire life cycle of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class – from production and service over 160,000 kilometres to recycling – the new model in the guise of the B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY with 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission causes 16 percent less CO2 emissions than its predecessor when the latter was discontinued in 2011. The energy balance shows a similarly positive picture, with primary energy consumption over the vehicle’s entire life cycle cut by 14 percent in comparison to its predecessor. This corresponds to the energy content of around 2400 litres of petrol. MORE »
Topics: B-Class | No comments »
Timeless – 60 Years of the Mercedes-Benz SL
by Philipp Deppe | 25.Januar 2012
Before the launch of the new SL in spring 2012, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is dedicated to its own exhibition. The exhibition “Timeless – 60 Years of th Mercedes-Benz SL” presents models of the automotive icon of six decades – for the first time all together in one room!
“Timeless – 60 Years of the Mercedes-Benz SL” shows this sports car family for the first time and gathers no gaps, including the racing car 300 SL (W 194), the legendary winning car of the Carrera Panamericana in 1952, the 190 SL (W 121 ) of U.S. astronaut David R. Scott in 1958, the 1963 230 SL (W 113) Liege-Sofia-Liege rally car driven by Eugen Böhringer, the 2001 Formula 1 season Safety Car SL 55 AMG (R 230) and also the newest SL (R 231).
Pictures: MB Passion
Topics: Classic, Events | No comments »
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class sports cars
by Philipp Deppe | 24.Januar 2012
In the 1950s, a very special star rose in Stuttgart: the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class was born. It all began with motor racing sports. With its successes in international competitions, in 1952 the 300 SL competition sports car (W 194 series, “SL” stands for “Super-Light”), became the initial spark for the start of two fascinating production sports cars – the “Gullwing” coupé and the roadster: the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and 190 SL laid the foundation for the tradition of this legendary sports car family in the year 1954.
Mercedes-Benz caused a sensation with the presentation of these two vehicles at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York. Specialists and the general public alike were enthusiastic. The 300 SL was presented for the first time as a series-production sports car (W 198 series), the famous “Gullwing” coupé. The totally newly-designed 190 SL (W 121 series) presented by the company as a roadster, created just as powerful an impact. This first-generation SL sports cars already allowed one to envisage the brilliant future that lay ahead of these attractive and innovative production vehicles with motor sport abbreviations in their designation.
Based on the legendary Gullwing coupé, the open 300 SL Roadster (W 198 II), which was built in parallel with the 190 SL, was launched in 1957. The body form of the two-seater open car was thus defined as the typical characteristic of the SL family. The 300 SL and the 190 SL together prefigured numerous features of later SL generations and both were thus the forerunners of all the SL series that followed.
In 1963 the SL, W 113 series arrived on the scene; it was dubbed the “Pagoda SL” because of the characteristic shape of its hardtop roof. It was followed in 1971 by the R 107 series that achieved the highest production volume of all SL series to date because of its long production life of 18 years. In March 1989 Mercedes-Benz introduced the R 129 series. Featuring numerous technical innovations, this car carried the SL-Class over into the new millennium. After a production period of twelve years and two facelifts it was replaced in 2001 by the R 230 series – the first one with a steel folding top. Finally, in the spring of 2012 the R 231 series is due to be launched as the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Source: Daimler AG
Topics: History, SL-Class | No comments »
“iF product design award 2012″: Five-fold success for Mercedes-Benz design
by Philipp Deppe | 23.Januar 2012
The designers at Mercedes-Benz have picked up yet another prize for no fewer than four models in the form of the internationally renowned “iF product design award 2012″. A top-class specialist jury has bestowed the award on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the SLK, the SLS AMG Roadster, and the Concept A-CLASS show car, as well as the smart electric mobility concept, all for their outstanding designs.
First presented in 1953, the “iF product design award” ranks among the world’s most important design awards and represents the seal of approval for good design. For 2012 the 24-member jury was again faced with the task of choosing its favourites, this time from more than 2000 candidates. Four models from Mercedes-Benz stood out in particular: the M-Class, the SLK, the SLS AMG Roadster and the Concept A-CLASS show car.
The M-Class won thanks to its characteristically distinctive SUV design and its variable interior with high wellness factor. The open-top SLS AMG Roadster, meanwhile, owes its victory to its exciting lines, which are reminiscent of the legendary 300 SL from the 1950s. The SLK Roadster also dominated the competition with its powerful sports car design, which portrays its outstanding qualities to brilliant visual effect – stylish comfort, light-footed sportiness and exemplary ecology.
With the Mercedes-Benz Concept A-CLASS, the jury acknowledged the birth of a new vehicle generation which provides a glimpse of the expressive design of the future A-Class.
As an overall concept, the trend-setting developments achieved by the automotive brand smart in the field of electric mobility also received the coveted “iF product design award 2012″. For its innovative e-mobility concept, smart created one-off vehicles such as the open-top smart forspeed, the smart e-scooter and also the smart e-bike, which is to be incorporated into the smart product line this year.
Source: Daimler AG
Topics: Marketing | No comments »
Rétromobile 2012: A meeting of the Le Mans winners
by Philipp Deppe | 22.Januar 2012
At the 2012 Rétromobile, Mercedes-Benz Classic commemorates a very special victory this year: 60 years ago the legendary 24-hour Le Mans race ended with a spectacular double victory, achieved with 300 SL (W 194 series) racing cars.
The impressive racing successes of the “gullwing” became the basis for the worldwide fascination for the SL model series from Mercedes-Benz which has continued undiminished to the present day. The trade fair presentation is organised in coordination with Mercedes-Benz France.
“At the Rétromobile in Paris we are showing three original vehicles from our collection, cars that achieved success at Le Mans” says Michael Bock, head of Mercedes-Benz Classic and manager of Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH. “The race is one of the most gruelling in the world. Winning the race was a great distinction.” Next to an original 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 194 series), the brand is showing a 1931model SSK and a Sauber-Mercedes C9 from 1989 at its 400-square metre fair stand in Hall 3.
Famous vehicles at the Rétromobile
300 SL – that was the designation of the competition vehicle with which in 1952 Mercedes-Benz returned to international motor sports for the first time since WW II. The development of the 300 SL can be traced back to the year 1950: the engineers pushed forward the development of the new racing car, some of whose components came from the Mercedes-Benz 300 representative saloon, the so-called “Adenauer Mercedes”. In June 1951 the Board decided to renew participation in racing sports, starting in 1952, and commissioned the construction of the 300 SL. The letters in its designation stand for “Super Light”.
In 1952 the Hermann Lang/Fritz Rieß team won the 20th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in their Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 194 series), ahead of Theo Helfrich and Helmut Niedermayr. The entire 1952 racing season was exceptionally successful for Mercedes-Benz. The other racing results reaped by the 300 SL that year: second and fourth places in the Mille Miglia rally, a triple victory at the Bern Sports Car Grand Prix, a fourfold triumph at the Great Jubilee prize at Nürburgring and a double victory in the third Carrera Panamericana in Mexico. Thus, the brand made its comeback to motor sports – and through the publicity effect generated, to the international markets – with a mighty fanfare. MORE »
Topics: Classic, Events | No comments »
Unimog U 500 with 4-wheel steering defies heavy snowfall in the Austrian Vorarlberg area
by Philipp Deppe | 21.Januar 2012
The Mercedes-Benz Unimog is in all-year-round use in the Austrian Vorarlberg region: snow clearing, road and crash barrier cleaning as well as grass verge mowing duties have been undertaken for many years now with the help of the “Universal-Motor-Gerät”, or “Universal Motor Device”, commonly known as the Unimog.
In early 2012, the tropical cyclone “Andrea” brought particular challenges for the Unimog fleet operated out of the Felsenau depot near Feldkirch/Frastanz, which is responsible for road maintenance services on some two-thirds of the roads in the Vorarlberg region. More than ten metres of fresh snow fell on the Arlberg pass, the most important link between Austria’s most westerly region and Innsbruck, taking the highway maintenance authorities by surprise. The situation was similarly dramatic in the Montafon region, over towards the Silvretta high Alpine road, in the Great Walser Valley and on the Flexen route towards Zürs and Lech. The only vehicle up to the task was the 210 kW (286 hp) Unimog U 500 fitted with a Schmidt 105 front-end snow cutter – clearing width 2.60 metres. This combination proved extremely effective in clearing the exceptional volume of snow from the roads, according to Helmut Feuerstein, technical director of the Felsenau depot.
4-wheel steering for exceptional manoeuvrability in snow
The metre-high banks of snow on either side of the road demand precision work from the Unimog’s driver. It is in situations like this that the transferable steering system VarioPilot and the 4-wheel steering system really come into their own. With 4‑wheel steering the Unimog becomes considerably more manoeuvrable than it already is, while its turning circle is reduced by up to 30 percent. It means that the snow cutter can clear bends far more quickly these days. Before the advent of 4-wheel steering, it was necessary to begin by cutting extra bays into a bend in order to achieve the necessary curve radius. It was a long-winded process that involved a lot of turning and forward and backward manoeuv res. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks now offers this unique technology as a variant for Unimog, Econic and all municipal and fire-fighting vehicles. MORE »
Topics: Unimog | No comments »
Free app for FleetBoard telematics system now available for buses
by Philipp Deppe | 20.Januar 2012
Daimler FleetBoard is the first supplier of telematics solutions to offer a fleet management and driving analysis app for the Apple iPhone and iPad. Operators can use it to control their fleet of buses or coaches at any time and from any location.
The trip recorder also makes it possible to display the most recent journey made. The app enables operators to monitor how their vehicles are being used, their drivers’ working hours, the fuel consumption of their buses and coaches and the drivers’ driving style. It is even possible to show the status of doors and loading ramps. To use the FleetBoard app it is necessary to have a vehicle equipped with FleetBoard, with a FleetBoard service contract. The new FleetBoard app is available for a limited period free of charge from the App Store. The app has already been available for some time now for trucks and vans.
Until now, the telematics system for buses has been known as Omniplus BusFleet. The bus-specific telematics system for rural-service buses, touring coaches and urban buses from telematics provider Daimler FleetBoard GmbH has been available and undergoing further development for some weeks now. Trust is important but, as fleet operators know, transparency is even better – and an indispensable factor if a company is to operate economically and efficiently. The bus-specific FleetBoard fleet management system provides effective support here. Fleet operators are able to take advantage of the FleetBoard app for buses, even if they are out and about themselves.
The FleetBoard system can be fitted ex factory in any fully equipped Mercedes-Benz and Setra bus or coach, or – as also in the case of buses and coaches made by other manufacturers – retrofitted. Several bus and coach companies are already working successfully with FleetBoard and making extensive use of the bus telematics system in their daily operations. “We have more than ten years’ experience of working with commercial vehicle fleets. Especially when diesel fuel prices are high, our customers also appreciate the way in which FleetBoard can help make significant reductions in fuel consumption” commented Markus Lipinsky, Managing Director of Daimler FleetBoard GmbH. MORE »
Topics: Buses | No comments »
Mercedes-Benz Announces Adam Scott Mercedes-Benz Golf International Brand Ambassador
by Philipp Deppe | 19.Januar 2012
Mercedes-Benz, the German car manufacturer, is delighted to announce the appointment of Australian professional golfer, Adam Scott, as its new international golf brand ambassador.
The 31 year-old Australian has had a hugely successful year, including his best finish at a Major championship when he finished in tied second place at The Masters in Augusta. He also triumphed at the 2011 WGC-Bridgestone International, earning him his first career World Golf Championship.
The Australian is currently ranked 10th in the Official World Golf Rankings. The association with Mercedes-Benz will begin in January 2012, and will entail global TV advertising, global print advertising, international PR and social media.
Scott commented: “It’s a real honour to be involved with Mercedes-Benz – a brand with a reputation which is second to none, and whose values mirror those of golf. The company is a huge supporter of the sport around the globe, partnering three major tournaments; The Masters, The Open, and The USPGA Championship as international automobile partner. Its involvement also impacts the amateur game with The MercedesTrophy, a tournament in its 22nd year, which attracts 60,000 amateur golfers from over 60 countries annually.” MORE »
Topics: Marketing | No comments »
Best Goods for Turkish Fruit Wholesale Merchant: 150 Mercedes-Benz Trucks for Delivery of Fresh Citrus Fruits
by Philipp Deppe | 18.Januar 2012
Daimler’s subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Türk has reeled in another major sale. By placing an order for 150 Mercedes-Benz Actros 1844 LS trucks, Turkish fruit and vegetable wholesaler Cekok Gida continues to put its trust in the dependability of Mercedes-Benz trucks.
The food company relies primarily on Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks, which make up about 90 percent of the firm’s total fleet of more than 240 vehicles. In addition to playing a major role in producing citrus fruits and other products and supplying them to wholesale markets in several large Turkish cities, Cekok Gida exports its high-quality goods especially to the member states of the European Union.
“We’re delighted that Mercedes-Benz Türk has once again posted a major three-figure order for the Mercedes-Benz Actros,” says Wolf-Dieter Kurz, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Türk. “Because Turkey is an essential sales market for Mercedes-Benz Trucks, we want to continue to boost sales here substantially in the future.” Following the sale of more than 200 Actros trucks to the chocolate manufacturer Tören Gida in November 2011, this constitutes another major order for the Turkish subsidiary.
At the symbolic handover of two Actros 1844 LS trucks in Istanbul, Ilhan Cekok, CEO of Cekok Gida, reiterated the reasons for the investment decision and expressed his trust in the brand with the star. “The great service network, low operating and maintenance costs, a high resale value, and especially the excellent partnership with Mercedes-Benz were the decisive reasons why we decided to add more Actros trucks to a fleet that already contained many Mercedes-Benz vehicles,” he said. “The Actros particularly shines with its low fuel consumption and handling stability.”
In his speech in Istanbul, Wolf-Dieter Kurz underlined that Mercedes-Benz Türk puts great emphasis on contributing to the business success of customers like Cekok Gida. “We are working hard to meet the different customer demands in a continuously growing and changing market,” he said. “We are closely monitoring market developments so that we can continue to offer state-of-the-art trucks of the highest quality. We are looking forward to continue to work with Cekok Gida.”
Source: Daimler AG
Topics: Trucks | No comments »
Quiet and emissions-free driving in the city: Vito E-Cell vans cover 650,000 km in customer use
by Philipp Deppe | 17.Januar 2012
Quiet, emissions-free and practical – 100 battery-driven electric Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL vans have proven their worth in customer use in Berlin and Stuttgart. The world’s first van fitted with an electric drive system ex factory has been taking to the roads in the German capital since autumn 2010, and in Stuttgart since the beginning of 2011.
The two projects, each with 50 Vito E-CELLs, are intended to run over a period of four years. The final reports scheduled for the end of the promotional period indicate a positive result: the Vito E-CELL is ideally suited to use on inner-city routes. The vehicle has made the vision of emissions-free driving in commercial traffic a reality. A total of 230 Vito E-CELL vans are now in use in several model regions.
Automotive industry, commercial enterprises, energy suppliers and policy makers in successful collaboration
The projects serve to demonstrate how the automotive industry, together with commercial enterprises, energy suppliers and policy makers, can work together to provide crucial impetus to advance electric mobility in Germany. The German Federal Ministry for the Environment and Nature Conservation is lending its support to the Electrification of Mercedes-Benz Small Vans in Development and Production project (EMKEP) in Berlin. In Stuttgart, the Integrated Concept for Sustainable Electric Mobility project (IKONE) is being funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development. The two promotional initiatives are part of the German federal government’s second economic stimulus package.
Intelligent charging technology utilises green electricity
Mercedes-Benz and energy suppliers Vattenfall (Berlin) and EnBW (Stuttgart) have begun the implementation of new technologies in vehicles and their charging systems at both locations. The energy suppliers, for instance, have now provided charging stations to operators at their depots. The batteries of Vito E-CELL vans are recharged at these locations outside of operating hours.
Intelligent charging technology is used, based on the Smart Charge Communication Unit (SCCU) in the Vito E-CELL. The technology optimises the CO2 balance of the vans with certified green electricity, or even surplus wind energy (“Wind-to-Vehicle/W2V”). The charging technology can also be programmed to lower electricity tariffs to impact operating costs favourably. Where operators use several Vito E-CELL vans, the charging procedures are graded through a process of local charge management (LLM, in German: Lokales Lastmanagement) to ensure that the grid capacity is not overextended. MORE »
Topics: Vito | No comments »
A perfect start of the season for AMG Customer Sports: A 1-2-3 for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 in Dubai 24 Hours
by Philipp Deppe | 16.Januar 2012
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 scored a commanding 1-2-3 in the Dubai 24-hour race (January 12th till 14th, 2012). The Abu Dhabi Black Falcon team claimed victory with Thomas Jäger (GER), Sean Edwards (ENG), Jeroen Bleekemolen (NED) and Khaled Al Qubaisi (UAE). After setting a new distance record of 628 race laps, final driver Al Qubaisi drove the Gullwing with starting number 3 across the finish line. This first place was also the maiden victory for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 in a 24-hour race.
The first of HEICO Motorsport’s Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3’s came home second, two laps down. Driving duties in the car with starting number 6 were shared by Maximilian Buhk (GER), Christiaan Frankenhout (NED), Max Nilsson (SWE), Andreas Zuber (AUT) and Bernd Schneider (GER). Schneider, the five times’ DTM champion and AMG brand ambassador, drove in both of HEICO Motorsport’s cars as a part of AMG’s Customer Sports driver support programme. In the team’s sister car with starting number 16, he had been entered to partner Kenneth Heyer (GER), Andreas Simonsen (SWE) and Rodolfo Gonzalez (VEN). In a dramatic finish, final driver Simonsen managed to bring a small margin home to round out the clean sweep of the podium by finishing third.
The fourth of the four SLS AMG GT3s that were entered for the race also finished among the front-runners. The Gravity Charouz Racing team with Vincent Radermecker (BEL), Loris de Sordi (BEL), Eric Lux (LUX), Gerard Lopez (ESP) and Tomas Enge (CZE) was classified seventh to complete the good overall performance for the Gullwing cars.
All four Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3s put their mark on the Dubai 24-hour race by showing a commanding performance from the very beginning. In the field of the 72 cars, the Gullwings were among the fastest entries right away. Having started from 15th place on the grid, the Abu Dhabi Black Falcon SLS AMG GT3 moved up into the lead for the first time after two hours. Consistently fast lap times also allowed the other Gullwings to move up quickly into the ranks of the front-runners as well.
During the night, the teams from the AMG Customer Sports programme continued their largely trouble-free run on the 5.39 km long Grand Prix circuit, maintaining their fast lap times and partly alternating in the lead. After one third of the race, the Gullwing with starting number 3 finally took over the lead and held on to it until it crossed the finish line. MORE »
Topics: Motorsports | No comments »
Mercedes-Benz USA pushes automobile connectivity to the next level with the launch of mbrace2
by Philipp Deppe | 15.Januar 2012
Mercedes-Benz USA launched mbrace2, the next generation of telematics innovation that gives drivers top-of-the-line features related to safety, infotainment, personal assistance and vehicle care, at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas last Tuesday.
Powered by Hughes Telematics, Inc., mbrace2 was developed to work seamlessly inside and outside the vehicle, and offers a revamped control module with two all-new categories of services: Internet and remote access capabilities. It also includes a solution to remotely update all software modules via cloud networks so mbrace2 users always have the latest technology in their vehicles and at their fingertips. With mbrace2, new services are added to the mbrace Mobile Application, which is compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones. It launches in 2012 with the MY13 SL-Class in the spring and will be standard in most MY13 passenger vehicles.
“The connected services included in mbrace2 will enhance both the driving experience and the ownership experience for Mercedes-Benz customers” said Steve Cannon, president and CEO, MBUSA. “Traditionally, in-vehicle technology is finalized more than a year before a vehicle comes to market and is difficult to upgrade. The mbrace2 system solves the vehicle electronics lifecycle conundrum in a unique way, creating a truly networked vehicle that is always online, always upgradeable.”
Specifically, mbrace2 features 3G network connectivity and enhanced integration with other vehicle networks. The new Internet-based service called “Mercedes-Benz Apps” includes features such as Facebook, Google, open browsing, stocks, Yelp! and news headlines. New remote access capabilities include Travel Zones/geo-fences, remote vehicle health diagnostics, Curfew Minder, Driving Journal, Speed Alerts, Valet Protect, and Remote Horns & Lights. As aforementioned, all software can be remotely updated “over the air” for a continual stream of in-vehicle innovation throughout the life of a vehicle’s ownership. MORE »
Topics: General | No comments »
Icons of Style: Mercedes-Benz Features New SL Roadster and Supermodel Lara Stone in Calvin Klein Collection
by Philipp Deppe | 14.Januar 2012
The American photographer and filmmaker, Alex Prager, is known for creating surreal and enigmatic movie moments inspired by Frederico Fellini and David Lynch. Yet in her versions – heady with mystery, lust and desire – the woman is in control. Of her enigmatic images for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Icons of Style, Alex Prager said she chose cinematic greats as her Icons of Style. “I constantly reference Fellini characters and Hitchcock as well,” said Prager.
Dutch supermodel, Lara Stone plays the update on the Hitchcock blonde, a strong protagonist who overcomes loneliness and fear. This inner strength is underscored by a timeless and elegant dress worn by Lara Stone and designed by Calvin Klein Collection’s Women’s Creative Director, Francisco Costa.
The SL Roadster featured in the latest Mercedes-Benz Icon of Style campaign, combines technical innovation with sleek sportiness and classic luxury and reinterprets the legendary Mercedes-Benz classic of the 1950s for today.
Lara Stone commented, “It’s an honor to work with Mercedes-Benz on a project like this. Both Mercedes-Benz and Calvin Klein Collection brands represent great luxury and timeless elegance and it was a really unique experience.”
The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Collaboration, Icons of Style, is making its US debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2012 from February 9-15, 2012.
The 2012 Icons of Style key visual is the latest in a stunning series of outstanding visuals celebrating the unique combination of design and style that is Mercedes-Benz. Nick Knight has posed Julia Stegner in Gareth Pugh with the SLS AMG; Miles Aldridge photographed Milla Jovovich wearing a spectacular hat from Philip Treacy next to the Mercedes E-Class Convertible; Craig McDean and David James staged Karolina Kurkova next to the new CLS and last season, Terry Richardson captured Jessica Stam on the roof of the A-Class concept car. MORE »
Topics: Events, SL-Class | No comments »
Daimler Adds 1,200 Positions in Ramp-up of Truck Production in North America
by Philipp Deppe | 13.Januar 2012
Daimler Trucks North America today announced the addition of a second shift and plans to ramp up production at its Freightliner Truck Manufacturing Plant in Cleveland, N.C. This will result in the creation of 1,200 new jobs, including 100 at the nearby DTNA Components and Logistics Plant in Gastonia, N.C.
The additional workers will increase personnel at the largest Freightliner manufacturing plant in the United States by more than 70 percent, from approx. 1,600 to over 2,700. The Cleveland facility produces Class 8 heavy-duty truck models, including the Freightliner Cascadia, Columbia, and Argosy product lines.
DTNA is ramping up production in response to the positive market development in the NAFTA region. Freight volume is back up to pre-crisis levels, and vehicle fleets are now being gradually replaced after not having been modernized for several years. The demand growth particularly benefits heavy-duty long-haulage trucks, creating backorders as long as six months for the Freightliner Cascadia model.
In 2011 in the United States and Canada alone, Daimler’s North American commercial vehicle subsidiary substantially boosted truck sales, posting an above-average gain from the strong market rebound. With 94,155 vehicles through November 2011, sales were almost 55 percent higher than in the same period of 2010. DTNA is the most successful manufacturer of Class 6 – 8 trucks in the United States and Canada, with a market share of 32.7 percent (as of October 2011).
In response to the increased customer demand for Freightliner and Western Star brand trucks, DTNA had already increased its workforce by around 3,000 employees at various truck manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Mexico last year.
“The growing demand for our products shows that we are on the right track and is testimony to our brands’ focus on providing efficient business solutions for our customers’ transportation needs,” said Martin Daum, President and CEO of Daimler Trucks North America, at the announcement of the production ramp-up. “We’re delivering trucks with industry-leading fuel-efficiency technology and the lowest total cost of ownership, thanks to our access to Daimler resources and technologies.” MORE »
Topics: Production, Trucks | No comments »
Daimler and Google deepen strategic partnership
by Philipp Deppe | 12.Januar 2012
Today at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Daimler and Google announced a deepening of their strategic partnership to provide Daimler with access to the suite of application programming interfaces (APIs) known as Google Maps API for Business for the use of cloud-based, map-related applications in Daimler vehicles and early access to other new APIs as they are developed.
These applications significantly accelerate time-to-market in Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The existing services, which include the Google Maps and Places APIs, will create an enhanced motoring experience for Mercedes-Benz drivers across the world.
The collaboration will enable Daimler to use Google Maps for their in-car map displays, and significantly improve their ability to quickly and seamlessly integrate useful Google services into Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles. By making innovative Google products available directly within its cars, Mercedes-Benz is able to accelerate the adoption of cutting edge technologies.
Daimler has a strong history of bringing innovative solutions to market. After demonstrating their technological leadership with AMG Performance Media, an in-car telemetry system powered by AndroidTM in autumn 2011 at the launch of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, Daimler was named “International CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree”.
Ongoing successful long-term cooperation
Google and Daimler have been working in close partnership for many years. In 2007 Daimler was the first automotive manufacturer in the United States to launch the Google “Send-to-Car” functionality in a vehicle. This gave Mercedes-Benz customers the opportunity to easily send destinations from Google Maps to their in-vehicle navigation systems. As of 2011, Mercedes-Benz offers COMAND Online, a telematics system with cloud-based Mercedes-Benz apps that brings Google Street View, Panoramio and local search technologies to most Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Mercedes-Benz customers also have the opportunity to send individualized routes from Google Maps to their vehicles, as Daimler is first-to-market with the implementation of this Google service. In the second quarter of 2012 all these services will also be available with mbrace2 to Mercedes-Benz customers in the USA.
Source: Daimler AG
Topics: General | No comments »