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| Worldwide Sales At Mercedes-Benz Cars Increase 1.8 Percent In June 2008 |
| Posted July 4, 2008 At 7:45 AM CST by J. Davis |
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 Daimler AG is reporting today that worldwide sales at Mercedes-Benz Cars have risen 1.8 percent in June 2008 to 199,300 new units. This figure brings total sales of the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brands to a record 668,100 units through the first six months of the year, a 8.2 percent increase over the same period in 2007.
Individually, sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles were down slightly in June, falling 1.2 percent to 106,000 new units. Despite the decrease, year-to-date sales of Mercedes-Benz are up through
June, increasing 4.1 percent to 599,200 new units. As for smart, the compact brand continued its positive momentum, with sales jumping 34.2 percent to 13,300 units. Through the first six months of the year, sales of smart have reached 68,900 new units, a 64.0 percent gain over 2007's six-month ytd total...
Keep Reading "Worldwide Sales At Mercedes-Benz Cars Increase 1.8 Percent In June 2008"
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| eMercedesBenz Feature: The 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Racing Sport Coupe |
| Posted July 3, 2008 At 1:40 PM CST by C. Danielson |
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The Le Mans 24 Hour race has been ranking among the motor sport season's highlights ever since 1923. The competitors – and even more so the winners – have always attracted the undivided attention of the spectators as well as of the buyers, victory in Le Mans being equivalent to a boost in both image and sales figures.
In 1952, Daimler-Benz AG entered three of the newly developed, futuristically designed Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racing sports coupes in this traditional long-distance race. The competitors were taken by surprise but not disquieted because first of all, Mercedes had never before done particularly well in Le Mans, and secondly, the cars from Untertürkheim were inferior to the cars of the French, British and Italians in terms of performance. Nevertheless, however, Mercedes again faced up to the competition. The new SL cars had demonstrated speed and stamina for the first time in the Mille Miglia in early May and finished in a respectable second place in this renowned long-distance race. The 300 SL hit the headlines again with its triple victory in the Bern Grand Prix...
Keep Reading "eMercedesBenz Feature: The 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Racing Sport Coupe"
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| Mercedes-Benz Review Roundup: The SL-Class, SLK-Class And BlueTEC SUV Range |
| Posted July 3, 2008 At 12:20 PM CST by C. Danielson |
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Another batch of Mercedes reviews have managed to infiltrate the eMercedesBenz offices, with a grand total of three distinct model ranges analyzed by the testing powers that be. The new Mercedes SL-Class lineup, the new Mercedes SLK-Class lineup and the new Mercedes BlueTEC SUV lineup (M-, R- and GL-Class) -- these are the chosen ones. If you're in the market for any or just want to know how the new models perform, there should be plenty to keep you occupied.
As with all our Mercedes Review Roundups, you can find an excerpt from the first review below as well as the full collection of articles immediately after the jump.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (via Drive)
Reviewer's rating: Unspecified
"Driving a car like the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG is a special treat. Under the bonnet is a 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V12 with 450kW of power and 1000Nm of torque. That's roughly double the output of an average V8.
Fuel consumption? Let's just say fuel consumption isn't what the SL65 AMG is about. It's all about effortless performance. But if you must know, the official combined figure is 15.2L/100km. Drive it with even a remote sense of enthusiasm, though, and you can expect to use much more fuel in the real world..."
Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Review Roundup: The SL-Class, SLK-Class And BlueTEC SUV Range"
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| Daimler Receives Major Mercedes-Benz Coach Contract From Saudi Arabia |
| Posted July 3, 2008 At 9:45 AM CST by T. Philips |
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Daimler's Mercedes-Benz Buses and Coaches division has just announced that they've received a contract from SAPTCO (Saudi Arabian Public Transport) for 300 Mercedes-Benz Travego coaches. Half of the coaches are scheduled for delivery before the end of this year, while the second half will be handed over at the beginning of next year.
This marks the first time that SAPTCO - the country's largest bus operator - has opted for the Travego model, although half of the company's 2,500 vehicle fleet already bear Mercedes' three-pointed star. The Travegos will be used for journeys between the pilgrimage cities in Saudi Arabia, and all will be fitted with uprated air conditioning system boasting a 39kW cooling capacity to cope with the extreme climatic conditions of the region...
Keep Reading "Daimler Receives Major Mercedes-Benz Coach Contract From Saudi Arabia"
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| Are McLaren And Mercedes Set To Debut A Final Limited-Edition SLR? |
| Posted July 2, 2008 At 1:20 PM CST by C. Danielson |
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With the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren rumored to be soon coming to a close (at least in the field of supercar production), the German publication Auto Motor und Sport is reporting today that the two are planning a final venture before going their separate ways. According to the article, a new limited-edition SLR is set to be unveiled, with only 75 units scheduled for production.
So what can we expect from the final SLR?
If the rumors are to be believed, the concluding SLR will be modeled after the 300 SLR by Rudolf Uhlenhaut, and will feature an open-air only construction. Gone is the roof; gone is the windscreen - a small wind deflector will be the singular element between the SLR's occupants and the great outdoors. To reduce weight, a carbon plastic body will be used, while air conditioning and power windows will both be abandoned as well. The result in a weight savings of some 200 kilograms, enough to help the model reach 186 mph from a standstill in 26 seconds and achieve a top speed of 217.5 mph (8 mph more than the SLR 722 Edition)...
Keep Reading "Are McLaren And Mercedes Set To Debut A Final Limited-Edition SLR?"
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| eMercedesBenz Feature: Daimler-Benz Launches The Unimog At The German Agricultural Show In Frankfurt |
| Posted July 2, 2008 At 10:30 AM CST by T. Philips |
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Of the many automakers in existence, none have a heritage as illustrious as the one held by Mercedes-Benz. Over the course of the past 120 years, the company has introduced both vehicles and technologies that have forever changed the future of the automotive industry. To help showcase this legendary past and the many pioneering achievements noted along the way, we've decided to introduce a new segment we're calling the "eMercedesBenz Feature." In it, we'll highlight a wide variety of subjects ranging from the Mercedes' earliest triumphs to their modern-day innovations, all of which you'll hopefully find both fascinating and informative.
To kick off the segment, we'll begin by taking a look back at Daimler-Benz' introduction of the Unimog at the German Agricultural Show. The year was 1948, and it's purpose was straightforward: it had been devised as an implement that was to be superior to conventional tractors and simplify the farmer's work to the greatest possible extent. That's what the former head of aeroengine design at Daimler-Benz, Albert Friedrich, had had in mind – being out of a job after the war but burning for action. At the time, the project gained special significance through the announcement of the Morgenthau plan according to which the former German Reich was to be turned into an agrarian nation...
Keep Reading "eMercedesBenz Feature: Daimler-Benz Launches The Unimog At The German Agricultural Show In Frankfurt"
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| Daimler AG's U.S. Mercedes-Benz Cars Division Notes 13 Percent Sales Increase In June |
| Posted July 2, 2008 At 9:00 AM CST by T. Philips |
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 As a quick follow-up to our last post, Daimler AG is reporting that sales at its U.S. Mercedes-Benz Cars division are up 12.9 percent in June to 22,121 new units, compared to 19,589 new units in June 2007. These figures represent the combined sales of both Mercedes-Benz and smart passenger vehicles in the U.S., as opposed to just the June 2008 Mercedes-Benz sales statistics we brought you in our prior story.
When viewing the two brands independently, Mercedes-Benz posted a slight 0.1 percent decrease in sales of 19,576 new units, compared to 19,589 in June 2007. smart, however, noted sales of 2,545 new units, enough to give the U.S. Mercedes-Benz Cars division a nearly 13 percent improvement in sales. To date, combined sales of the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands now total 130,678 new units, a 10.5 percent increase over 2007's six-month ytd total of 118,240. The smart, as you remember, went on sale in America in mid-January, so the prior year's figures represent only the Mercedes-Benz brand...
Keep Reading "Daimler AG's U.S. Mercedes-Benz Cars Division Notes 13 Percent Sales Increase In June"
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| Mercedes-Benz USA's Sales Drop 0.1 Percent In June 2008 |
| Posted July 1, 2008 At 3:00 PM CST by C. Danielson |
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In financial news, Mercedes-Benz USA is reporting today that for the month of June, sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles dropped 0.1 percent to 19,576 new units (compared to 19,589 new units in June 2007). This figure brings sales at the U.S. Mercedes division up to a total of 119,279 new units through the first six months of year, a 0.9 percent increase over 2007's six month year-to-date total of 118,240 new units.
As for the models making headlines, the C-Class continued to be the volume leader for MBUSA, with sales of the sedan jumping an impressive 25.1 percent over last June (5,977 vs. 4,776 in 2007). The E-Class and the recently redesigned SL-Class both posted strong gains as well, with the two models' sales jumping 18.3 percent (4,360 units) and 12.3 percent (667 units), respectively. And last but not least, contrary to prevailing market conditions, the M-Class noted a 2.0 percent improvement in in the luxury SUV segment, with sales of the off-roader totaling 2,601 new units...
Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz USA's Sales Drop 0.1 Percent In June 2008"
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| Mercedes-Benz Review Roundup: The CLK63 AMG Black Series, GL320 BlueTEC, SLK-Class And SL-Class |
| Posted July 1, 2008 At 10:00 AM CST by C. Danielson |
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Have you been longing for a fresh batch of Mercedes reviews that analyze either the Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series, the GL320 BlueTEC, the new-generation SLK-Class range or the new-generation SL-range? If so, you're in luck ladies and gentlemen, because those are precisely the Mercedes models featured in our newest Review Roundup installment.
As is the case with all our Review Roundup segments, you can find an excerpt from the first review below as well as the full collection of articles immediately after the jump.
Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series (via TopGear)
Reviewer's rating: Unspecified
"In motoring, it goes without saying that certain things are mutually exclusive. You can't, for instance, have a low-slung sports car which works off road; you can't have a high top speed and good economy; and you can't have your dignity if you also have a small Korean hatchback. Also, despite many claims to the contrary, you can't have a car which performs well on the Nürburgring and on the ring road. Or, at least, you couldn't until now..."
Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Review Roundup: The CLK63 AMG Black Series, GL320 BlueTEC, SLK-Class And SL-Class"
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| 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK Konfigurator Goes Live On Mercedes-Benz.de |
| Posted June 30, 2008 At 3:25 PM CST by C. Danielson |
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You've read its extensive list of details; you've analyzed its various equipment and options packages; you've even set one of the many photos of it as the background image on your computer monitor. But today, ladies and gentlemen, if you reside in Europe, the wait is finally over. The new Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is officially on sale, with deliveries of the newest member of Mercedes' SUV family set to commence this fall.
To aid in the purchase process, Mercedes-Benz Germany has launched the new GLK Konfigurator (or the "Build Your Own Feature," as known to my American readers). As a result, you can now view the new SUV in a wide assortment of color combinations, equipment packages and options; get specific pricing; etc. The service is still a bit glitchy, at least running the newest version of the Safari web browser, but a few clicks of the refresh button alleviated any errors I encountered...
Keep Reading "2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK Konfigurator Goes Live On Mercedes-Benz.de"
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| Mercedes-Benz Türk Celebrates Production Milestones Of More Than 100,000 Trucks And 50,000 Buses |
| Posted June 30, 2008 At 1:35 PM CST by C. Danielson |
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In a ceremony at their Aksaray plant today, Mercedes-Benz Türk celebrated two milestone achievements, producing their 100,000th truck and 50,000th bus. The milestone vehicles -- a Mercedes-Benz Travego and Mercedes-Benz Axor -- were presented to Sakarya VIB (one of Turkey's largest bus operators) and Marti Container Services (one of Turkey's leading logistics companies), with Harald Landmann, head of Daimler Buses, on hand to deliver both personally.
The milestone achievements are just the latest in a long line of successes noted by Mercedes-Benz Türk. Since its inception in 1967 with 73 employees, the company has since grown to become Turkey's largest manufacturer of buses and trucks, employing 4,500 men and women and controlling 61.8 percent and 26.1 percent of the travel coach and city bus market shares, respectively. For the past six years, Mercedes-Benz Türk has also been the market leader for trucks over six tons, noting a current market share of 30.6 percent...
Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Türk Celebrates Production Milestones Of More Than 100,000 Trucks And 50,000 Buses"
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| Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Spy Photos |
| Posted June 30, 2008 At 9:55 AM CST by T. Philips |
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As evidenced by the teaser image appearing on the Mercedes AMG website, we know the Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series is set to be unveiled in July. For those of you that can't wait, however, a series of new spy shots depicting the new model at an extremely close range have appeared, granting you one of the best looks yet at the forthcoming model.
In terms of describing it, it's difficult to put into words the air exuded by the SL65 AMG Black Series' styling. It's like the Barry Bonds of SL's - a model injected with an immense dose of steroids that emanates sheer, unadulterated power. I think in many ways, it accomplishes this feeling of potency more so than even the SLR. While final judgment must of course be reserved for the finished product, I wouldn't be surprised if the new SL65 AMG Black Series becomes the most covetable modern-day SL produced, even when taking into account its various McLaren counterparts...
Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Spy Photos"
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| Mercedes-Benz Presents A Special Autographed 350 At Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday "46664" Benefit Concert |
| Posted June 30, 2008 At 9:00 AM CST by T. Philips |
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Welcome back ladies and gentlemen; I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. As you may have heard, last Friday stars from across the globe united in London's Hyde Park to take part in a benefit concert celebrating Nelson Mandela's upcoming 90th birthday. The event was designed to raise funds for Mandela's "46664" campaign - an initiative aimed at increasing awareness about the impact of AIDS, especially in Africa, as well as promoting effective HIV-prevention measures throughout the world.
To lend their support to the cause, Mercedes was on hand as a sponsor for the event, as was a donated Mercedes-Benz C350 that will be put up for auction by the "46664" foundation. Before the concert, tennis legend Boris Becker took the C-Class to socially-disadvantaged children in London, who then were able to place their handprints on the sedan before attending the music event in person. During the concert, a number of performing artist and celebrities signed the C350 as well, including Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, Queen and Paul Rodgers, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds, the Sugababes, Razorlight, Jamelia, Zuccero, Geri Halliwell, Quincy Jones and Lewis Hamilton...
Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Presents A Special Autographed C350 At Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday '46664' Benefit Concert "
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| Mercedes-Benz Review Roundup: The C350 4MATIC, CLS550 And smart fortwo |
| Posted June 27, 2008 At 10:00 AM CST by C. Danielson |
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It's Friday, and what better way to make the work day go a little quicker than with a fresh batch of Mercedes reviews? My sentiments exactly, so it's great pleasure that I bring you the latest installment of our now infamous Mercedes Review Roundup segment. In this episode, the Mercedes C350 4MATIC, the new Mercedes CLS550 and the smart fortwo are the models analyzed for your viewing pleasure, thus giving you a small glimpse of what to expect from each.
As always, you can find a portion of the first review below as well as the full collection of articles immediately after the jump.
Mercedes-Benz C350 4MATIC (via The Independent & Free Press)
Reviewer's rating: Unspecified
"I jumped into my tester – a C350 4Matic – pushed the Keyless Go auto start and plunged this sleek, relatively ground-hugging sports sedan into the snow. Anybody watching would have thought me an idiot. One who’d soon be asking for a push back into the driveway. But I had no chance to gauge reactions as I shifted into ‘drive’ and the combination of permanent all-wheel-drive, traction control technologies and four snow tires began to chew through the white stuff like a pit bull through a pork chop..."
Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Review Roundup: The C350 4MATIC, CLS550 And smart fortwo"
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| Mercedes-Benz S-Class Top Performing Model In J.D. Power's APEAL Study |
| Posted June 27, 2008 At 7:45 AM CST by T. Philips |
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Owners of the Mercedes S-Class now have yet another to reason to bask in the superiority of their premium luxury sedan. That's because the model took the highest honor in the latest J.D. Power APEAL study, earning the position of top-performing model by beating out both the Lexus LS and Porsche 911.
The award is just the latest bestowed upon Mercedes-Benz by J.D. Power. As you may remember, earlier in the month the E-Class and CLK-Class were both given Gold Awards for boasting the highest vehicle quality in their respective classes, while Mercedes’ Sindelfingen plant managed to earn J.D. Power's Platinum Award (making it the assembly facility with the best delivered quality worldwide)...
Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz S-Class Top Performing Model In J.D. Power's APEAL Study"
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| Mercedes-Benz And Mike Horn Introduce PANGEA Worldwide Sustainability Project In Hamburg |
| Posted June 26, 2008 At 1:40 PM CST by C. Danielson |
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In preparation for their PANGEA expedition which kicks off this October, adventurer Mike Horn and Mercedes-Benz recently presented the PANGEA expeditionary sailing ship in Hamburg’s Oevelgönne Harbour Museum. A multitude of local residents came out to witness the the vessel as it made its one-and-only stop in Germany, while Mike and Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars, were both on hand to talk more about the expedition.
"The PANGAEA expedition’s philosophy and objective are in perfect harmony with our approach to sustainability at Mercedes-Benz. This is why we’re supporting this unique sustainability project," explained Dr. Göttgens. "It’s about actively campaigning to protect the environment and to fight global warming, while at the same time sensitizing young people in particular about conserving natural resources. After all, they’ll be shaping the world of tomorrow..."
Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz And Mike Horn Introduce PANGEA Worldwide Sustainability Project In Hamburg"
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| Get It While It's Hot: Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape 21 And Mixed Tape Music Magazine Now Available |
| Posted June 26, 2008 At 10:00 AM CST by T. Philips |
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With the launch of the 3G iPhone mere weeks away and Mercedes' recent introduction of the Apple iPhone cradle, you've no doubt already tossed your Windows Mobile-powered devices into the refuse heap and are planning how best to fill those fresh new 8 or 16GB iPhone hard drives you'll soon have at your disposal. The answer, ladies and gentlemen, is with the latest Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape - a compilation of 10 free songs from various international artists - all of which are available, via free download, even as I write this.
In this, the 21st Mercedes Mixed Tape installment, featured artists and songs include Kan Sano's "The Days," Reeno's "Don't Know Why," Stereo Inn's "Rockshow," Nelson Pocket's "Electrico" and Mohanski's "All The Cues (Midiot Remix)."
Keep Reading "Get It While It's Hot: Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape 21 And Mixed Tape Music Magazine Now Available"
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