Auto news and reviews from Car Buyer's Notebook.com: Mercedes-Benz Archives

August 13, 2008

Mercedes-Benz to introduce Attention Assist

Stuttgart - Accident researchers at Mercedes-Benz are acutely aware of the danger in nodding off at the wheel (the "one-second nap"). In the view of these specialists, long holiday journeys without intermediate breaks involve a high risk of overtiredness, whose signs drivers often fail to notice in time.

For this reason Mercedes-Benz has developed the innovative driver support system Attention Assist. This is able to recognise driver fatigue at an early stage, and warn the driver that a break is called for soon. The system will enter series production in spring 2009.

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August 9, 2008

Europe's Luxury Car Makers Feel Pain

The shift among consumers to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars has spread to Europe's premium auto makers... "There appears to be a trend toward smaller engines and smaller cars which makes it difficult to sustain profitability at current levels," says Adam Jonas, pan-European auto analyst at Morgan Stanley.

Daimler Chief Executive Dieter Zetsche hinted last month that the company may launch some versions of the next-generation A-class and B-class compact cars in the U.S., expanding availability of Daimler's smaller cars. Last week, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said the company had canceled plans to produce an X7 SUV, in response to changing customer demands.

August 2, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Reports 11.6% Increase for July Sales

MONTVALE, N.J. -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported sales of 20,733 new vehicles for July 2008, an 11.6 percent increase over last July.

This brings the year-to-date total to 140,012 units, marking a 2.3 percent increase over the same period last year and setting the new record for MBUSA year-to-date sales.

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August 1, 2008

Daimler AG Reports 25% Increase in July U.S. Sales

NEW YORK -- Daimler AG today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 23,292 units in the U.S. for July 2008.

Mercedes-Benz USA today reported sales of 20,733 new vehicles for July 2008, a 12 percent increase over last July.

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July 22, 2008

Photographer Dan Lecca looks at Mercedes design

Claiming its place alongside Milan, Paris and New York, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin has become a top new global fashion event. This is not only evident by the mounting number of top international fashion designers on its runways and the growing contingent of celebrities appearing on its red carpets.

For the first time, American star photographer Dan Lecca has come to Berlin, as well. Regarded worldwide as the king of catwalk photography, Lecca is also the treasured resident photographer of several top designers, including Gucci, Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs.

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July 20, 2008

The new Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Stuttgart - Following its world premiere at Auto China in April 2008, the Mercedes-Benz GLK is being unveiled in its natural habitat for the first time.

Boasting a body that is as practical as it is arrestingly succinct, an exceptional power spectrum and a bold personality, the new arrival has what it takes to redefine standards in the compact SUV class over all manner of route profiles - both on and off the road.

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July 19, 2008

Mercedes-Benz and fashion - a perfect match

Mercedes-Benz has been committed to fashion for over a decade, establishing itself as an experienced partner of major international fashion platforms.

The Stuttgart-based automaker is the title sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks in Berlin, New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Mexico City, and supports numerous fashion events in Milan, Stockholm, Amsterdam and elsewhere in the world.

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July 15, 2008

Win a Smart ForTwo in School Raffle

LOWELL, Mass. -- ONE Lowell's raffle of a new 2008 smart fortwo will support its Lowell based anti-truancy program. The smart raffle is part of a larger fundraising event this summer, taking place on August 2nd and 3rd at Cawley Stadium and aptly titled ONE Lowell World Cup Soccer 2008.

This weekend of soccer features 16 international New England teams representing countries around the world. Event and smart raffle tickets can be purchased online http://www.onelowellsoccercup.org/.

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July 14, 2008

Mercedes Sponsors Fashion Award

Stuttgart/Berlin -- As part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Spring/Summer 2009, the ELLE Fashion Star award, the 'Mercedes,' will be conferred for the first time on July 19, 2008.

The new award will honour exceptional personalities in the international fashion scene in three categories: Platinum, Best Collection and Newcomer.

In an extraordinary fashion show, top international models will present fashions exclusively designed for ELLE as well as selected favourites of renowned designers including Chanel, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Jil Sander.

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July 12, 2008

Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series

Affalterbach - Sensational appearance, unique performance data, with light-weight design throughout and total exclusivity - that's the new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series.

This high-performance coupé is a motorsport engineering thoroughbred, opening up new drive dynamic vistas to sports car enthusiasts.

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July 7, 2008

smart car celebrates 10th anniversary

On July 2, 1998, a vehicle with an entirely new concept first rolled off the assembly line: the smart fortwo.

On that date an extraordinary success story commenced in Hambach, France. Until now, the compact two-seater has become the vehicle of choice of more than 900,000 customers in 37 countries.

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Mercedes-Benz Cars increases sales by eight percent in first half of 2008

The Mercedes-Benz Cars division posted considerable sales growth in the first half of the year. Deliveries of Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart, and Maybach brand vehicles rose by eight percent in the first six months of the year, setting a new sales record of 668,100 units (January - June 2007: 617,700 units).

The Mercedes-Benz brand also posted a new record from January to June, with sales rising by four percent to 599,200 vehicles (same period last year: 575,700 units).

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July 3, 2008

Daimler's U.S. Sales Rise on Small Cars

Daimler AG's June U.S. sales rose because of its new Smart two-seat car, while Bayerische Motoren Werke AG's Mini small cars posted a gain as the company sold fewer luxury vehicles amid a worsening economy.

U.S. sales for Daimler were up 13 percent from a year earlier to 22,121, including 2,545 Smart cars, the Stuttgart, Germany-based company said in a statement. Its Mercedes-Benz luxury brand reported a drop of less than 1 percent to 19,576.

Mini sales climbed 25 percent to 5,211 cars, Munich-based BMW said in a statement. The company's total fell 11 percent to 26,155 vehicles, as the BMW brand slid 17 percent to 20,994.

``BMW sales in June were probably also impacted by the stock market and declining home values,'' said John Wolkonowicz, an automotive analyst at Global Insight Inc. in Lexington, Massachusetts. ``BMW's buyers are younger than Mercedes buyers, causing them to feel the pinch more from their declining stock portfolio and home equity.''

July 1, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Reports 19,576 New Vehicle Sales for June

MONTVALE, N.J. -- Mercedes-Benz USA today reported sales of 19,576 new vehicles for June 2008, bringing the year-to-date total to 119,279 units, marking the best sales for the first half of any year company's history.

Highlights for the month include a 25.1 percent increase (5,977 vs. 4,776 units) in sales for the company's volume-leading C-Class.

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June 29, 2008

Survey: Mercedes C-Class has 'APEAL'

Once again, as last year, the premium products of Mercedes-Benz have emerged among the winners of a consumer survey carried out by the renowned US market research institute J.D. Power and Associates.

With the results of this year's "APEAL" study, US consumers have once again confirmed the extremely high design and concept quality of the Stuttgart-based automotive brand.

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Mercedes-Benz brings diesel SUVs with AdBlue injection to U.S.

In October 2006, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to begin a BlueTEC offensive within the U.S. passenger vehicle segment to coincide with the introduction of ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel.

The E320 BlueTEC was a huge success right from the beginning and was voted "2007 World Green Car of the Year".

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June 23, 2008

Red Carter Named 'Mercedes-Benz Presents' Designer

MIAMI -- Red Carter, known for his sophisticated, sexy swimwear, has been selected as the "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer for this season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.

Red Carter will debut his Spring 2009 collection on July 19th at 10pm, at Cabana Grande at The Raleigh Hotel.

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iPhone your Mercedes

Stuttgart - Whether it be a quick call to a business colleague for an important discussion, listening to favourite music tracks or checking home and office e-mails whilst on the move - the Apple iPhone is a leading-edge business tool with multimedia capability, available in Germany and other markets.

Now Mercedes-Benz allows the iPhone connection to be fully integrated into the vehicle architecture for the first time - once again pointing the way ahead for the automotive industry. The new Apple iPhone cradle allows simple switching between the telephone and audio functions.

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June 17, 2008

Daimler to Start New Share Buyback Program

STUTTGART, Germany -- For the further optimization of Daimler's capital structure, the Board of Management of the company decided to carry out a new share buyback program. The Supervisory Board of Daimler AG has approved this decision.

In exercise of the authorization granted by the Annual Meeting of April 9, 2008, the decision of the Board of Management allows for the buyback of 10% or approximately 96.4 million of the outstanding shares for a maximum amount of euro 6 billion.

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June 14, 2008

Ford works with U of Mich on Transport Options

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford Motor Company has announced it is working with researchers, academia, and public and private companies to develop long-term strategies to confront growing transportation and personal mobility challenges in large and increasingly congested metropolitan areas.

This announcement coincides with the release of the ninth annual Ford Sustainability Report and the 2008 Sustainable Mobility Summit hosted by University of Michigan (U-M) in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Wednesday and Thursday, June 11-12.

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June 10, 2008

Alanis Morissette partners with Mercedes-Benz Blue-Tec

Seven-time Grammy winning artist Alanis Morissette has partnered with Mercedes-Benz and its “Mixed Tape” online music magazine for “Underneath,” the first video/single from her highly anticipated new album Flavors of Entanglement (Maverick/Reprise Records).

Alanis, a strong supporter of environmental causes and organizations, chose the fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC for the music clip.

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June 9, 2008

Change at the Top of Daimler Communications

Hartmut Schick (46), since January 2002 Head of Global Communications of Daimler AG, will take over a new executive position within the operative business of the group. His new position will be announced shortly.

Prior to the career change to communications Schick, who is a graduate engineer, was active as Chief of Staff for the Chairman of the Board of Management. From 1997 to 1999, he built up the Mercedes-Benz Plant in Juiz de Fora, Brazil.

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June 8, 2008

Mercedes G 55 AMG Gets an Upgrade

Following its most recent makeover, the G 55 AMG from Mercedes-AMG is now even more attractive.

Boasting an upgraded performance of 373 kW/507 hp, this offroad classic has also been given a fresh look, incorporating a reworked radiator grille and new 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. Inside, the exclusive interior features the latest generation of telematics equipment and optional climatised seats in combination with designo leather upholstery for enhanced passenger comfort.

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June 7, 2008

Mercedes global sales up 10% on year

Stuttgart – The Mercedes-Benz Cars division - with the brands Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart, and Maybach - sold a total of 111,100 vehicles in May 2008, a decrease of four percent from the 116,000 units sold in May 2007.

Unit sales over the first five months of the year rose ten percent at the division, however, reaching the new record level of 548,800 vehicles (January-May 2007: 500,500).

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June 5, 2008

Mercedes-Benz receives three awards for best product quality

Stuttgart - Mercedes-Benz is one of the most successful auto brands in
this year’s customer survey conducted by U.S. market research institute J.D. Power.

The Stuttgart car brand receives two gold awards for the highest vehicle quality in their respective market segments, and is also honoured for the world’s best production plant. This outstanding result is one outcome of the initiative launched by Mercedes-Benz to raise customer satisfaction and product quality.

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Report: Initial Auto Quality Improves Considerably

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Initial quality in the automotive industry has improved significantly in 2008, with substantial gains demonstrated by nearly three-fourths of the 36 ranked nameplates, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS) released today.

Overall quality improves to 118 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2008, down from 125 PP100 in 2007.

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Report: Mercedes Plant Receives Award for Top Quality

LONDON -- The Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen, Germany, plant receives the Platinum Plant Quality Award, while two other German plants also receive awards, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 U.S. Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS) released today.

The Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, receives the Platinum Plant Quality Award for producing vehicles yielding the fewest defects and malfunctions.

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June 3, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Sets Another Record With Best May Sales

MONTVALE, N.J. -- Mercedes-Benz USA today reported its highest May on record with sales of 21,785 new vehicles, a 0.1 percent increase over last May.

Sales for the month brought MBUSA's year-to-date volume to 99,703 new vehicles, a 1.1 percent increase compared to the first five months of 2007.

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Daimler AG Reports 12% Increase in the U.S. for May 2008

NEW YORK -- Daimler AG today reported sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 24,480 units in the U.S. for May 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported its highest May on record with sales of 21,785 new vehicles, a 0.1 percent increase over last May.

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June 2, 2008

Success: Mercedes Sells 300,000 C-Classes in First Year

In the year since its market launch, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is continuing the success story of the predecessor model: more than 300,000 customers have purchased either a sedan or station wagon variant of the new model since it’s official introduction on March 31, 2007.

“The sedan got off to an excellent start, and since its premiere at dealerships at the end of last year, the new C-Class station wagon has also been enjoying high popularity,” says Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars.

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May 30, 2008

Mercedes-Benz opens new advanced design studio in California

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz is moving its Southern Californian advanced design studio from Irvine to a newly-acquired, spacious facility near Carlsbad, in order to strengthen its creative base in the U.S. At the new Carlsbad facility, the styling masterminds pondering the car of the future have almost three times more space in which to realize their creative ideas.

Thus, Mercedes-Benz is underscoring the continually growing influence of the advanced design studio on the internationally-oriented design strategy of the world’s oldest vehicle manufacturer.

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Mercedes G-Class Celebrating 30th Anniversary in 2009

Stuttgart – It has been the definitive cross-country vehicle since 1979. It has won the Paris-Dakar Rally, is deemed a worthy means of transport for the Pope, ranks as an automotive design icon, is a serial winner of readers' polls and constitutes the gene pool for a Mercedes-Benz SUV family that now numbers four model series in all.

It is, of course – the G-Class. It has been in production for 29 years now, making the G-Class by far the longest-serving passenger car model series there has been since Mercedes-Benz came into existence in 1886.

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Mercedes Customer Center in Maastricht Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Stuttgart– Customer satisfaction and brand loyalty are major factors that contribute to Daimler AG’s long-standing success in the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors.

Since its establishment in 1998, the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (CAC) in the Dutch city of Maastrichthas been a key precondition for customer satisfaction.

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May 29, 2008

Garmin Announces New StreetPilot for Mercedes

SOUTHAMPTON, England -- Garmin, global leaders in portable satellite navigation, today announced Mercedes-Benz Accessories will continue its relationship with Garmin by selecting the nüvi 760 as their latest portable after market navigation solution.

The nüvi 760 named the 'StreetPilot III' by Mercedes-Benz, is customised with a specially designed mount for the new generation A-Class, B-Class and C-Class cars will be available at dealers across Europe May 2008.

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Cadillac Tops 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

TUSTIN, Calif. -- A study released today by noted automotive consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc. summarizes the results of its 2008 model year vehicle satisfaction research. AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new passenger car or light truck.

In a year that promises to be the toughest in a decade, owner-based awards like AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award will help customers make their purchase decisions.

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May 28, 2008

Mercedes Launches Sex and the City Minisite

Mercedes is already running TV commercials for their tie in with the Sex and the City film, and has also launched a minisite that trumpets the new GLK SUV that appears in the movie.

The minisite has a couple screensavers, wallpaper based on the image you see here and info about the movie and the GLK.

May 21, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Accessories presents 2008 Motorsports Collection

Stuttgart – The new 2008 Mercedes-Benz Motorsports Collection is the perfect outfit for a sporty appearance at the trackside. The Collection is now available from authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers in the product categories of Formula One, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, SLR, DTM, AMG and Accessories.

The range includes sporty and elegant clothing items for men and women, as well as high-quality sunglasses, watches and bags as useful accessories for the grandstand and driver areas – not to mention useful and beautifully designed items ranging from travel luggage and key-rings to model cars.

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May 20, 2008

Mercedes rolls out new A-Class

Stuttgart – With more than 500,000 units produced within three and a half years, the A-Class is among the bestsellers in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. Now the latest generation of this compact car is showing itself to be more youthful, attractive and environmentally compatible than ever before.

This is ensured by a completely revised design, high-grade appointments and new technical developments which further improve safety, comfort and economy.

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Mercedes-Benz B-Class better than ever

After three successful years, Mercedes-Benz has overhauled the design and engineering of the B-Class. The facelift programme focused on environmental compatibility, economic efficiency and comfort, with further advances being made in each of these areas.

Thanks to a series of detailed improvements, the four-cylinder engines now burn up to seven percent less fuel than previously, and distinguish themselves with remarkably low exhaust emissions that undercut the current EU limits by as much as 90 percent.

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Mercedes sponsors around the world sailing expedition

Stuttgart/Monaco – A globally unique environmental project was launched today at the Monaco Yacht Club when the biggest polar exploration sail boat ever built, the PANGAEA (Greek for "all earth"), was baptized by Mrs. Gaynor Rupert at a ceremony attended by H.S.H. Prince Albert II.

This marks the start of a four-year expedition around the world headed by adventurer Mike Horn and that is sponsored by exclusive partner and main sponsor, Mercedes-Benz.

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May 19, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Remembers Automotive Historian Beverly Rae Kimes

MONTVALE, N.J. -- Beverly Rae Kimes began writing about automotive history in 1963, after receiving a master's degree in journalism from Pennsylvania State University.

She wrote hundreds of articles and wrote or edited over twenty books in the field, including My Two Lives: Race Driver to Restaurateur with Rene. Dreyfus, the French racing champion of the thirties.

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Daimler Financial Services Hosting Volunteer Fair for Detroit Community Agencies

Daimler Financial Services Americas is hosting 12 Metro Detroit community service agencies in an effort to match-up employees with the agencies.

Every Daimler Financial employee is provided one day per calendar year of paid leave to participate in a personal community service activity. That day is in addition to a robust corporate Community Relations program that places large groups of employees working on community projects in Metro Detroit and other cities throughout the year.

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May 16, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Uses Internet to Launch GLK SUV

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz launches an innovative Web Special www.mercedes-glk.com to promote the debut of its new GLK compact SUV.

The special features an interactive music video that users can help to design, as well as a “GLK Backstage” section for discussions with the engineers who created the new model. Just as the GLK is setting new trends in the SUV world, so too will the GLK Web Special open up new possibilities for user interaction in online marketing.

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Daimler Supports Earthquake Victims in China with 500,000 Euro

STUTTGART, Germany -- Daimler AG is supporting the earthquake victims in China together with its local companies Daimler North East Asia (DNEA) and Beijing Benz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive Ltd. (BBDC).

The money is being provided to locally active aid organizations such as China Charity Foundation and the Chinese Red Cross. In addition, DNEA has provided the Chinese authorities with trucks for use in disaster areas.

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May 14, 2008

Video: 2008 smart car crash test

The Smart car is getting a lot of attention for its small size and style, and now it's earning impressive crash test ratings. In recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, the 2008 Smart Fortwo, the smallest car for sale in the US market, earned the top rating of good for front and side crash protection. Its seat/head restraints earned the second highest rating of acceptable for protection against whiplash in rear impacts.

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May 12, 2008

2008 Fuel Economy Guide Available for Download

The EPA has issued a comprehensive PDF guide to fuel economy of all 2008 vehicles, which you can download by right-clicking here.

In today's gas market, buyers are more sensitive than ever about buying cars that get good mileage, and more important, they want the government ratings to be as accurate as possible -- nobody wants to buy a vehicle that gets 10% worse mileage in the real world than the sticker rating.

To address this situation, the EPA has started using an updated test to assign more accurate MPG ratings to new vehicles, and you can learn about that by watching the video in this post.

May 11, 2008

Mercedes sponsors design contest around new GLK SUV

Stuttgart— This fall will see the European launch of the new Mercedes-Benz GLK SUV. With its striking design, combining the rugged form of an authentic off-roader with the archetypal styling of all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, this model is destined to set new standards in the SUV world.

To mark the launch of the new GLK, Mercedes-Benz has devised a unique design competition that extends way beyond the parameters of automotive design: “The design:project”.

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May 9, 2008

Daimler names Martin Jaeger new head of Global External Affairs and Public Policy

Stuttgart -- The Board of Management of Daimler AG has appointed Martin Jaeger (43) as its new head of Global External Affairs and Public Policy.

Jaeger, currently Foreign Office spokesman for the German Federal Government in Berlin, will succeed Robert G. Liberatore who left the Group at the end of March. Martin Jaeger will take up his new post on September 1, 2008, and will be responsible for the company's global relations with governments and other political and civil organizations.

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May 8, 2008

Mercedes SL 63 AMG Edition IWC, comes with free watch!

The AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO has developed a new limited edition vehicle, the exclusive SL 63 AMG Edition IWC.

Limited to a total of 200 units, the new roadster features an eye-catching designo magno Kashmir white finish as well as an AMG Exterior Carbon package with a matte surface.

In keeping with the exterior appearance, the vehicle’s interior is fitted with Carbon matte trim as well as Tobago Brown nappa leather upholstery that creates additional visual and tactile highlights.

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Mercedes sells 500,000th SLK

Stuttgart - With the delivery of the 500,000th vehicle since its market launch in 1996, Mercedes-Benz has now reached another milestone with the successful SLK compact roadster.

All in all, about 310,000 customers opted for a model from the first generation of this dynamic two-seater, and its successor has now sold 190,000 units since its market launch in March 2004.

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Daimler Financial Employees working with Habitat for Humanity in Pontiac

Pontiac, MI -- Eleven Daimler Financial Services employees from various departments will spend a day roofing a house in Pontiac as part of its continuing efforts toward community outreach in Metro Detroit.

Daimler Financial Services has previously participated with and contributed to Habitat for Humanity through volunteer and team building initiatives the last several years and through sponsorship of homes through financial contributions.

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May 7, 2008

Daimler Financial Relocating Employees to Texas

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Daimler Financial Services Americas today announced that an additional 60 employees from its Mercedes-Benz Financial business unit will have the opportunity to relocate to its brand new operations center in Fort Worth, Texas, by early next year.

Klaus Entenmann, President and CEO of Daimler Financial Services Americas, and Franz Reiner, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Financial, visited employees in the Parsippany, N.J. and Costa Mesa, Calif., business centers last week to explain the decision.

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Mercedes-Benz global sales up 22%

Stuttgart — Combined sales of the four brands of Mercedes-Benz Cars (Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart, and Maybach) reached a total of 119,000 units for April, an overall increase of 22 percent from the 2007 figure (97,800).

Since the beginning of the year, Mercedes-Benz Cars has thus delivered 437,700 vehicles, representing a 14 percent increase compared to the same period last year (384,600).

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May 2, 2008

Mercedes Revs Up for 'Sex and the City' Movie

MONTVALE, N.J. -- On May 30, when eager fans storm theatres nationwide to catch up with four of their favorite New Yorkers in the highly anticipated motion picture "Sex and the City," they'll see some familiar Mercedes-Benz icons and a new member of the family making its screen debut.

Featured in the film are the Mercedes-Benz flagship S-Class sedan and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which is the backdrop for some scenes.

Moviegoers will also get a preview of the all-new 2010 GLK-Class, a new compact SUV that combines a unique blend of styling, versatility and performance.

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May 1, 2008

Mercedes-Benz USA Reports April Sales of 20,271

MONTVALE, N.J. -- While experiencing a marginal three percent decrease in its April sales (20,271 vs. 20,895), Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) maintained a 1.4 percent increase for the first four months of the year (77,918 vs. 76,880), bringing year-to-date sales to the highest level in the company's history.

Highlights for the month include growth in the sales volume-leading C-Class model line which posted a significant 33.5 percent gain (6,850 vs. 5,131 units) for the month and a 37.8 percent jump (23,991 vs. 17,413 units) for the year-to-date.

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Daimler AG Reports 22,954 Unit Sales in April

NEW YORK -- Daimler AG today reported total group sales (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 22,954 passenger vehicles in the U.S. for April 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

While experiencing a marginal three percent decrease in its April sales (20,271 vs. 20,895), Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) maintained a 1.4 percent increase for the first four months of the year (77,918 vs. 76,880), bringing year-to-date sales to the highest level in the company's history.

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April 29, 2008

10th Anniversary of Mercedes Customer Center in Bremen

Today, the Mercedes-Benz Customer Center Bremen will mark its tenth year with an anniversary celebration. It was opened on April 27, 1998, after a construction period of 15 months.

The imposing glass structure was the third customer center in a Mercedes-Benz passenger car plant, following Sindelfingen and Rastatt. Every day, about 140 customers pick up their new cars here, and roughly 100,000 visitors experience the Mercedes-Benz brand at the site every year.

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Daimler Achieves EBIT of euro 1,976 million in First Quarter

STUTTGART, Germany -- Daimler AG (stock exchange abbreviation DAI) today presents its interim report on the first quarter of 2008. Daimler achieved EBIT of euro 1,976 million in the first quarter (Q1 2007: euro 3,292 million).

The Mercedes-Benz Cars division improved its EBIT and thus compensated for the lower earnings recorded by Daimler Trucks and Daimler Financial Services.

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April 28, 2008

Mercedes Uses Stealth to Bring Sexy GLK to City Movie

Although the all new GLK small SUV isn’t scheduled to hit dealers until October 2008, the opportunity for a vehicle to be showcased in a scene of the summer’s hottest film, Sex and the City, was too good to pass up. It was however, quite challenging to secure an early release from the prototype vault at the Stuttgart factory.

Having not made its debut prior to the shoot on Rodeo Drive, the vehicle had to travel to the US in a cloak of secrecy.

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April 25, 2008

Interview: Kim Cattrall sexes up the Mercedes GLK

I: Kim, I heard that in the new 'Sex and the City' movie there's gonna be a Mercedes involved which nobody saw yet.

C: Yes, when we were filming with my co-star - it was the GLK Mercedes SUV - there were so many photographers in Beverly Hills and there have been very many photographers in New York. When we were filming.

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April 23, 2008

Mercedes-Benz tractor brings BURAN space shuttle to Technik-Museum

In the first days of April, in the port of Rotterdam a crane hoisted the BURAN onto a sixteen-axle low-bed trailer with a Mercedes-Benz Actros SLT 4160 8x6/4 heavy-duty tractor unit, which had previously been placed on a pontoon barge.

The first thing onlookers saw when the barge carrying the BURAN came around a bend in the Rhine, was the leaf-green Actros heavy tractor unit of the Kübler haulage company.

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Mercedes-Benz CL550 Leads Industry Trend with AWD for 2009

MONTVALE, NJ – The luxurious 2009 CL550 coupe (382 hp, 391 lb.-ft) will receive the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive system as standard equipment.

As modern all-wheel-drive systems become even more refined, they are increasingly popular, especially in the luxury car market. With negligible weight and fuel-efficiency tradeoffs, full-time all-wheel-drive systems provide year-round traction and stability benefits on both wet and dry roads.

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Mercedes Econic: Ten Years of Haulin' Trash in Style

When it was first unveiled at the "Entsorga" environment fair in 1998 as the true specialist for municipal, waste collection and short-radius distribution applications, the Mercedes-Benz Econic fused into a single vehicle all of the characteristics which were expected at that time of vehicles from many different sectors: from waste disposal trucks and fire engines to airport ground service vehicles, from tankers and furniture delivery trucks to milk collection vehicles and fuel oil delivery trucks.

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Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Dealers affirm commitment to the performing arts

ATLANTA, GA – Michael S. Taormina CFE, Managing Director of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and Randy Powell, representing the Atlanta Area Mercedes-Benz Dealers kicked off a special campaign with the donation of two C-Class leases to help raise vital funds for the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Foundation at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 18th outside of the main theatre entrance.

The first 500 people who donate a $1,000 in order to have a seat named in their honor in the John A. Williams Theatre will be entered in a random drawing for one of the two leases.

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April 21, 2008

Ford Model T Facts

-- October 1, 1908 marks the anniversary of the first Model T built for sale.

-- The Model T was the first low-priced, mass-produced automobile with standard, interchangeable parts.

-- The Model T was equipped with a 20-horsepower, four-cylinder engine with a top speed of approximately 45 miles per hour, weighed 1,200 pounds, and achieved 13-21 miles per gallon.

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April 19, 2008

smart fortwo to be Launched in China in Mid 2009

BEIJING, and STUTTGART, Germany -- The smart fortwo will also be available to Chinese customers from mid 2009. This was announced by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, at the Auto China Beijing 2008 (22 - 28 April 2008).

This means that smart is now set to open up another major automobile market, following the successful launch in the USA.

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April 18, 2008

Mercedes GLK SUV Debuts in China

MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-Benz released official pictures and information today of the all-new GLK-Class sport utility vehicle. The versatile SUV will debut at Auto China in Beijing on Sunday, April 20, and make its U.S. dealer showroom debut in January 2009 as a 2010 model.

Powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine the 2010MY GLK350 will form the basis of the U.S. lineup, and will be offered in both 4MATIC and two-wheel-drive versions, riding on standard 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with 235/50 tires.

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Mercedes C 63 AMG takes role in race track safety

The new C 63 AMG will be at the start as the official Safety Car for the second DTM race of the season in Oschersleben (April 19/20, 2008).

The top-of-the-range C-Class model with its 336 kW/ 457 hp AMG 6.3-litre V8-engine and modifications to the brakes, suspension, cooling and exhaust system is in perfect shape for its demanding task. The development and production of the C 63 AMG Safety Car was in the hands of specialists from the AMG development team and the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO.

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April 17, 2008

Mercedes-Benz brand: History of the three-pointed star

The invention in the 1880s of the high-speed engine and the automobile enabled Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz – independently of one another – to lay the foundations for the motorization of road transport.

With the help of financial backers and partners, they both invested their private developments in their own enterprises – in Mannheim, Benz founded the firm Benz & Cie. in October 1883, and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) was formed in November 1890.

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April 16, 2008

smart car book wins literary award

The highly regarded "Motor Presse Club" has awarded the author prize 2008 to the book "sideways. a smart art project" which was recently presented. The distinguished jury of the "MPC car book prize" awards this special prize every year for outstanding literary achievement in the field of car books.

For the award-winning book, smart and the publishing house "Gestalten Verlag Berlin" asked artists to submit contributions on the subject of the environment and smart.

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April 14, 2008

Mercedes CL 500 4MATIC: luxury coupé with all-wheel drive

From summer 2008, Mercedes-Benz will also be offering all-wheel drive for its luxury CL-Class coupé for the first time.

The new CL 500 4MATIC is equipped with a 285-kW/388-hp V8 engine, and in addition to 4MATIC it features innovations such as the Intelligent Light System and the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE as standard.

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Mercedes CLS: four-door coupe refined and improved

Mercedes-Benz is about to make the CLS even more irresistible with the new-generation of the world's first four-door coupé set to be unveiled in spring 2008.

Understated but masterly neatly sums up the result of the restyling programme for the CLS: at the front, it is the modified radiator grille that stands out, with two louvres now instead of the previous four.

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The Mercedes CLC Boasts A Youthful Spirit

The CLC is the new "youngster" in the Mercedes Coupé family. It shares some of the family's unmistakable features, yet retains its very own personality with its powerful proportions and striking rear end, which sets the tone with its youthful vitality and self-assured appearance.

The Mercedes designers have completely redesigned the front and rear so that the Sports Coupé embodies the contemporary Mercedes design idiom with its distinctive coupé radiator grille featuring a large Mercedes star in the centre, and the new projection-beam headlamps.

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Dream machines: The current Mercedes-Benz Coupé family

Vienna - The Mercedes-Benz Coupé family is more youthful, more attractive and more innovate than ever before with the new CLC Sports Coupé, the new-generation CLS-Class and the 4MATIC version of the CL.

The CLC is the new youngster in the Mercedes range, the compelling entry-level model in the Mercedes-Benz Coupé family.

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April 11, 2008

LeaseTrader Releases Its Top-10 Index for March

MIAMI -- LeaseTrader.com, the company that helps consumers with car lease transfers, announces its monthly Index for March, with the BMW 3 Series again topping the list of America's most preferred leased vehicle.

The BMW 3 Series continues to top the LeaseTrader.com Index mostly because of its combination of performance, price and affordability.

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April 10, 2008

Mercedes introduces new 4 cylinder diesel engines

What better way to mark the 150th anniversary of Rudolf Diesel's birth than a brand new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines from Mercedes-Benz which outstrip all previous benchmarks for performance, torque, emission properties and, most notably, fuel economy in their segment?

In its most powerful variant, the new four-cylinder unit musters up 150 kW/204 hp from its 2143 cubic centimetres, meaning that it delivers around 20 per cent more power than the engine it replaces.

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Daimler's Zetsche: 'We have a clear strategy for sustainable profitable growth'

BERLIN -- Daimler AG (stock exchange abbreviation DAI) expects approximately 6,600 shareholders to attend today's first Annual Meeting under the new name of Daimler in Berlin.

Six months after the start of Daimler, Chairman of the Board of Management (CEO) and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Dr. Dieter Zetsche sums up positively (according to the text of the speech): "All of our business operations are developing well -- our key figures are significantly better than they have been in recent years."

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Daimler Shareholders Approve Increase in Dividend

BERLIN -- Daimler AG's shareholders approved the distribution of a dividend for 2007 of euro 2.00 per share (prior year: euro 1.50 per share) at the Annual Meeting held in Berlin on Wednesday. The total dividend distribution thus amounts to euro 1,928 million. The item of the agenda "Resolution on the Allocation of Unappropriated Profit" was approved with 99.88 % of the votes cast.

The shareholders also granted the Board of Management new authorization to acquire additional shares in a volume of up to 10% of the existing share capital.

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April 9, 2008

Mercedes Introduces Trailblazer Mountain Bike for 2008

From May 2008, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is adding a new mountain bike to its exclusive Bike Collection. The all-mountain machine with its high-quality components and elegant design is perfect for serious off-road riding.

The impressive features of this high-end cycle include a sophisticated four-link rear suspension that ensures outstanding riding comfort and excellent traction on difficult terrain. The bike is available in a Sport Edition and a Comfort Edition, with a number of parts specially adapted to the different physiques of men and women.

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Mercedes Offers Children's Bicycle

Mercedes has added a new model to their vaunted bicycle collection -- a children's bike that comes equipped with training wheels so you can start your tyke out, then remove them when they're ready to ride without the stabilizing assist.

Mercedes Introduces Trailblazer Mountain Bike for 2008

Mercedes Introduces Three New ... Bicycles

April 5, 2008

Mercedes-Benz M-Class and GL-Class both win readers' vote as "Car of the Year 2008"

Stuttgart – Shortly after being updated, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class has come first in one of the most prestigious readers’ votes in the off-road and SUV world.

Readers of the motoring magazine "AUTO BILD Allrad" have given this successful trendsetter among today's SUVs the accolade of "Car of the Year 2008" in the category covering off-roaders and SUVs costing between 40,000 and 60,000 euros.

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April 4, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Posts 4% Global Sales Increase in March

Stuttgart – In the first quarter of 2008, the Mercedes-Benz Cars division delivered more Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart, and Maybach brand vehicles than during the first three months of any previous year.

A total of 318,700 customers worldwide opted for a model from one of the four brands during the first quarter of the year (Q1 2007: 286,800), which corresponds to an increase of 11 percent. March sales at Mercedes-Benz Cars were up four percent to 131,500 units (March 2007: 127,000).

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April 1, 2008

smart sells 100,000th unit

Stuttgart – The smart fortwo continues its string of successes. Since the end of March 2007, the new model of the innovative two-seater has been purchased by a total of 100,000 customers, representing a sales increase of more than 80 percent.

Yesterday afternoon, Ulrich Kowalewski, director of the Mercedes-Benz Center Munich handed over the 100,000th second-generation smart fortwo to a 36-year-old customer in the recently re-opened smart Center Munich.

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Mercedes-Benz USA Reports March Sales Down 3.7%

Highest First Quarter on Record Despite Marginal Decrease for the Month

MONTVALE, N.J. -- While experiencing a marginal 3.7 percent decrease in its sales for the month of March (20,808 vs. 21,612), Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) maintained a three percent increase for the first quarter of 2008 (57,647 vs. 55,985) bringing year-to-date sales to the highest level in the company's history.

Highlights for the month include growth in various segments of Mercedes' diverse product portfolio.

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Daimler AG Reports 22,542 Sales for March 2008

NEW YORK -- Daimler AG today reported total group sales (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 22,542 passenger vehicles in the U.S. for March 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

While experiencing a marginal 3.7 percent decrease in its sales for the month of March (20,808 vs. 21,612), Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) maintained a three percent increase for the first quarter of 2008 (57,647 vs 55,985) bringing year-to-date sales to the highest level in the company's history.

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March 28, 2008

Mercedes A-Class Premiers in Leipzig

The new-generation A-Class will be stepping into the limelight at the "Auto Mobil International" (AMI) motor show in Leipzig from 5th - 13th April, 2008.

Following an extensive facelift, the successful compact car is younger, more attractive and more environmentally friendly than ever before.

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March 27, 2008

Harmon Kardon Rocks the New Mercedes-Benz SLK

KARLSBAD, Germany -- The Harman Kardon Discrete Logic 7 Sound System in the new generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster offers rich, three-dimensional surround sound from 5.1 and stereo recordings on both seats, whether the vario-roof is up or down.

Tailor-made technical components and careful acoustic tuning by the Harman Kardon acoustics specialists provide the basis for the authentic, rich-in-detail audio experience available in the new Mercedes-Benz SLK.

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March 26, 2008

Gorden Wagener to become New Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz

Stuttgart - From mid-2008 onwards, Gorden Wagener is to head the globally active design division of Mercedes-Benz.

The diploma’ed designer, aged 39, is to succeed Professor Peter Pfeiffer, who will be retiring after forty years of service with the company. Currently, Gorden Wagener heads the Strategic Advanced Design department and as such acts as director of the Mercedes design studios in California and Japan.

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Mercedes Head of Design Professor Peter Pfeiffer to retire in mid-2008

Stuttgart - After forty years of service with the company, chief Mercedes designer, Professor Peter Pfeiffer, will retire in 2008 at the age of 65.

He headed the globally active design division of Mercedes-Benz since April 1999. In this capacity, he was responsible for designing the passenger cars and commercial vehicles of the Stuttgart automotive brand.

Pfeiffer will be succeeded by Gorden Wagener (39), who currently heads the Strategic Advanced Design department and as such acts as the director of the Mercedes design studios in California and Japan.

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Mercedes Displays Engine Technology in Essen

Sustainability is the central theme of Mercedes-Benz at the Techno Classica 2008 – the leading classic car show worldwide – held this year from March 26 – 30 in Essen.

Exhibits spanning seven decades document the on-going developments of engine technology, from the earliest years of the four-cylinder to the Mercedes-Benz F 700 research car, whose DIESOTTO drive system delivers high output coupled with low consumption and low emissions – signaling the way ahead for the future of the internal combustion engine.

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Mercedes-Benz Partners with Invitation Based Online Community

Stuttgart– Mercedes-Benz continues to use new approaches in communication: the Stuttgart-based automotive brand is forging a strategic partnership with the exclusive online community ASMALLWORLD (ASW/www.asmallworld.net), to further expand its targeted, direct marketing to consumers.

ASMALLWORLD is an invitation only network with over 300,000 members from more than 200 countries. The partnership encompasses informative branded entertainment in the form of an Automotive Forum, blogs for prominent personalities, inclusion in the event calendar and ASW’s Internet TV, and invitations to important Mercedes-Benz events for selected members.

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Four-cylinder engines from Mercedes-Benz

What do four-valve technology, supercharging, common rail technology and CGI direct gasoline injection have in common?

Answer: They all celebrated their Mercedes-Benz premieres in four-cylinder engines.

Throughout the history of the brand from Stuttgart, this seemingly unspectacular engine type has always been at the cutting edge of outstanding innovation. Even the DIESOTTO technology, which was premiered in the F 700 research car at the 2007 International Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), was first introduced by Mercedes-Benz in a four-cylinder engine.

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March 24, 2008

Mercedes ML 320 Bluetec SUV

This ML 320 Bluetec SUV is Mercedes' new diesel entry in the United States which has recently been approved for sale in all 50 states -- to date it is the cleanest diesel in the world.

Merccedes-Benz Bluetec vehicles go on sale in the U.S. in the Fall and will also be available in the R-Class and GL SUVs.

March 19, 2008

Robert G. Liberatore Retires from Daimler

STUTTGART, Germany and WASHINGTON -- Daimler AG today announced the retirement of Robert G. Liberatore, Group Sen- ior Vice President and Head of Global External Affairs and Public Policy.

He (59) will retire from the company at the end of the first quarter. Liberatore is responsible for relations with governments and societies around the world and reports to the Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche. He will join the German Mar- shall Fund as a Senior Transatlantic Fellow.

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Mercedes First to Launch 50-State Diesel Protocol

Mercedes-Benz is continuing to build on its world-leading position in the field of clean diesel technology. The Stuttgart-based manufacturer has become the world's first car producer to receive a certificate for licensing BlueTEC SUVs in all 50 US states.

Mercedes-Benz will shortly be launching three BlueTEC SUVs – the ML 320 BlueTEC, the R 320 BlueTEC and the GL 320 BlueTEC – featuring the technology for the world's cleanest diesels.

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March 17, 2008

Sign Up for the AMG Driving Academy

Affalterbach – Enjoying sporty driving with coaching by experts and experiencing unforgettable events with fellow driving enthusiasts - that’s what the AMG Driving Academy stands for.

The new calendar of events features a wide array of offerings, where serious sports car lovers can improve their driving skills in line with their individual needs and further boost their active driving safety.

Founded by Mercedes-AMG in 2007, the AMG Driving Academy comprises five different programs: Emotion, Basic, Advanced, Pro, and Master.

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Mercedes Launches Culture of Driving Ad Campaign

Stuttgart - The most desirable of all Mercedes-Benz models appear like jewels before a spectacular mountain landscape: the new generations of the SL, SLK, and CLS.

Mercedes-Benz is presenting three dream cars together for the first time, in a brand campaign conceived to make the premium automotive brand even more desirable than ever before.

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March 16, 2008

smart launches fashion line for Spring 2008

To match the new look of the smart fortwo, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is presenting the multi-faceted Collection 2008, which underlines the urban lifestyle of the smart community with four product lines.

The products featuring the brand logo and pictograms of the smart fortwo or the smart fortwo cabrio stand for innovation, functionality and joie de vivre. With their two-tone design and versatility they carry typical characteristics of the brand to the world of fashion.

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Mercedes launches natural gas powered Sprinter

Stuttgart - Clean and economical at the same time – the natural-gas drive reconciles these apparent contradictions.

The new Sprinter NGT with bivalent natural-gas drive system underscores this view: substantially lower exhaust and noise emissions, considerably lower operating costs and a long range combined with the standard-fit drive are just some of the benefits.

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March 14, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Refines the B-Class

Stuttgart – After three successful years, Mercedes-Benz has overhauled the design and engineering of the B-Class.

The facelift programme focused on environmental compatibility, economic efficiency and comfort, with further advances being made in each of these areas.

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March 13, 2008

Mercedes launches three diesel SUVs in New York

NEW YORK - Mercedes-Benz is unveiling three new sport utility vehicles powered by the world's cleanest state-of-the-art diesel engines at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, open to the public March 21-30, 2008 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

The impressively fuel-efficient 2009-model diesel SUVs - the ML320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC and R320 BlueTEC - all come with a new AdBlue exhaust treatment system that meets the most stringent 50-state emissions limits.

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2008 Mercedes ML 63 AMG:The performance SUV honed to perfection

The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG now demonstrates even more emphatically its exceptional status as the performance SUV with the largest displacement and highest output. The new AMG front apron is an eye-catching feature with its high-gloss, chromed underguard.

The lower cooling air inlet appears even larger thanks to the central black grille. New-look headlamps flank the equally new AMG-specific radiator grille: painted in high-gloss black, its three radiator louvres feature chrome highlights.

Continue reading "2008 Mercedes ML 63 AMG:The performance SUV honed to perfection"

New Mercedes M-Class boasts more power, flair

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz has meticulously revamped the successful M‑Class. The new generation of the dynamic, stylish SUV now has even more distinctive characteristics, and looks even sportier and more powerful.

The front end of this off-roader is now defined by a redesigned bumper, recontoured headlamps and a larger, even more dominant radiator.

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March 12, 2008

Mercedes researches onboard oil quality monitoring

Stuttgart – Oil change intervals can be extended by around 25 percent by means of a special sensor.

Researchers from Daimler AG have developed a practical system that allows them to monitor oil quality directly on board a vehicle. This helps reduce operating costs, especially in commercial vehicles.

The longer engine oil remains in use, the more it is susceptible to impurities. Its quality is impaired and it gradually loses its lubricative effect; this can even lead to engine damage.

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March 10, 2008

The new generation Mercedes SL: Sportier than ever

Stuttgart - Mercedes-Benz will continue its long tradition of producing legendary sports cars when it launches the new-generation SL-Class in spring 2008.

The world's most successful premium roadster in its class features a new design with the emphasis firmly on sportiness and effortless superiority. These traits are also reflected in the handling qualities of the two-seater model, which now delivers even more athletic performance thanks to the new direct-steer system as well as offering enhanced comfort and safety.

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Portable nav system for the smart fortwo

The smart fortwo’s savvy nav concept is designed for the city. Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is now offering a new guide for the nimble two-seater that enables smart fortwo drivers to find their way through the urban maze of an unfamiliar city.

The "portable smart navigation system II" is as extraordinary as the smart principle itself: with its optimum integration into the car, clear voice output and high-resolution TFT colour monitor, it makes mobile navigation a joy.

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March 8, 2008

Restyled Mercedes SL Roadster for 2009

Scheduled to make its showroom debut this Spring, the SL features dramatic new styling with fenders that incorporate bold headlamps and modified gill-type air outlets behind the front wheels.

A redesigned hood with twin power domes and a wider, single-bar grille emphasizes the width of the body and makes a symbolic visual connection to the famous 1954 300SL.

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New Mercedes SL63 AMG Roadster Joins 2009 Line-up

In addition to the SL550, SL600, and SL65 AMG, Mercedes-Benz is unveiling a fourth member of its iconic SL sports car family – the SL63 AMG.

Perhaps the sportiest SL roadster ever, the new SL63 AMG is powered by a 6.3-liter, 518 hp AMG V8 engine that’s coupled to a newly developed MCT transmission.

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Updated 2009 Mercedes SLK Roadster Debuts in New York

MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-Benz will showcase the latest updates to their passenger car line-up at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, open to the public from March 21 – 30, 2008.

The 2009 SLK Roadster will make its regional debut in New York, with three models available, the SLK300. SLK350, and SLK55 AMG.

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2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupe Arrives in the U.S.

After making its fashion runway debut only three years ago as the world’s first four-door coupe, the highly successful CLS550 and CLS63 AMG are getting restyled for the 2009 model year.

An instant style icon from day one, the CLS coupe has spurred an automotive industry trend toward more eye-catching four-door cars – vehicles that blur the line between coupe and sedan.

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March 7, 2008

Daimler Announces Art Exhibition Program for 2008

Berlin -- With the opening of the “Classical : Modern II” exhibition on March 7, the Daimler Art Collection starts into the 2008 season. It is the first of four exhibitions which will be shown at the Daimler Contemporary in Haus Huth on Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz this year.

The “Classical : Modern II” exhibition shows 80 works of 35 artists, most of them from southern Germany, who represent German post-war trends.

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March 6, 2008

Mercedes 'Reflections of Beauty' Collection Featured at Fashion Week

LOS ANGELES -- Mercedes-Benz has been connected with artists for decades -- Andy Warhol in the 80's, Hiro Yamagata in the 90's, Georgio Armani earlier this century -- and whether the work is commissioned or simply inspired, the outcome is always unique and memorable.

When Mercedes- Benz committed to all three major fashion shows in the US, Davis Factor, noted fashion photographer, Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of Smashbox Cosmetics and Studio Services, was selected to combine the Mercedes-Benz silhouette with that of high fashion.

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March 3, 2008

Mercedes-Benz USA Reports Record-Breaking February Sales, Up 7.3%

MONTVALE, N.J. -- Mercedes-Benz USA today reported its highest sales volume for any February in the company's history with sales of 18,564 new vehicles, an increase of 7.3 percent over last February.

This brings MBUSA's year-to-date total to 36,839 new vehicles sold, an increase of 7.2 percent over the same period in 2007.

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March 1, 2008

Mercedes studies diesel hybrid SUV

The grand rehearsal at the beginning of this year already made heads turn, when the striking Vision GLK entered the SUV stage and was celebrated as a compact character actor marking a new design approach in this vehicle class.

At the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz is going a step further and adding the Vision GLK BLUETEC HYBRID to the line-up. This study illustrates the possibilities of the "TrueBlueSolutions" strategy in the compact SUV segment, true to the guiding Mercedes-Benz theme of producing the world’s most efficient and clean drive systems.

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Mercedes C-Class Diesels Improve Fuel Economy by 12%

From spring 2008, Mercedes-Benz will be adding three extra-economical BlueEFFICIENCY saloons to the C-Class range.

A raft of intelligent measures and technologies has enabled the fuel consumption of the high-volume C 180 KOMPRESSOR and C 200 CDI models to be reduced by up to twelve per cent, while retaining the high levels of comfort and safety typical of a Mercedes.

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Mercedes announces lithium battery breakthrough

STUTTGART, Germany -- Daimler AG has achieved a crucial breakthrough in battery technology. The Stuttgart-based automaker is the world's first manufacturer to have succeeded in adapting lithium-ion technology to the demanding requirements of automotive applications.

Until now, the technology has been used primarily in consumer electronics. The new battery will be used in the series-production S 400 BlueHYBRID beginning next year. This important technology was possible thanks to 25 patents held by Daimler.

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Paco Rabanne Presents for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

LOS ANGELES -- World-renowned master couturier, Paco Rabanne and emerging Ukrainian designer, Veronika Jeanvie, have been chosen as the "Mercedes-Benz Presents" Designers for the Fall/Winter 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios from March 9-13.

The acclaimed Rabanne came out of retirement to mentor 28-year old Veronika Jeanvie, who has fused Rabanne's revolutionary techniques with her own silhouettes and shapes to create edgy feminine designs.

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February 26, 2008

Mercedes adds tail-lift to Sprinter van

Stuttgart – Furniture transport companies, removal firms and tradespeople in a wide range of fields are well aware of the problem: heavy and bulky items such as furniture, tool trolleys or goods in wheeled containers are difficult to load and unload.

Now an optional, electrohydraulically operated tail-lift makes it much easier to load and unload the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter panel van, while improving convenience and safety at the same time. It is available directly ex factory from Düsseldorf.

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Mercedes-Benz launches Mixed Tape Music Magazine

With around 2.5 million users and 28 million downloads so far, Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape has proved one of the most successful legal music sites worldwide since launching in 2004.

Now, Mixed Tape is entering a new era: Mercedes-Benz is keeping the popular download compilations and broadening its scope to include a monthly music show on Mercedes-Benz TV (www.mercedes-benz.tv).

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February 22, 2008

Maybach Landaulet: A $1.3 Million Uber-Convertible

Stuttgart– The tradition-laden Maybach luxury brand is adding a fifth model to its line-up. The new Maybach Landaulet resurrects the legend of the classic luxury landaulets, a feature of which is that only the chauffeur's area is closed.

An extra-large folding roof opens up over the pampered rear-seat passengers when required, leaving no obstructions between them and the blue sky above.

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February 20, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Bionic Car at The Museum of Modern Art in New York

For our in-depth report on the Mercedes Bionic Concept Car, click here.

NEW YORK -- The concept models of the Mercedes-Benz bionic car are appearing as part of the "Design and the Elastic Mind" exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art. The exhibition at the world-famous "MoMA" showcases trailblazing innovations in the fields of design and science.

The "Design and the Elastic Mind" exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York is devoted to the dramatic changes in aspects of human life witnessed in recent decades.

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Detlef Barthelmes New Director Sales and Marketing for Maybach and SLR

Stuttgart - Effective March 1, 2008, Detlef Barthelmes, 43, has been appointed Director Sales and Marketing for Maybach and SLR at Mercedes-Benz Cars.

He will be taking over this position from Klaus Nesser, 40, who is voluntarily leaving the Group after working for 12 years in various business units. Nesser will be moving abroad and taking on new professional responsibilities there.

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February 18, 2008

Daimler Creates New Position of Chief Compliance Officer

STUTTGART, Germany -- Daimler AG today announced that it has established the position of Chief Compliance Officer, representing another major step in strengthening its standards for business processes, internal controls and corporate governance.

This newly created position, which is at the Senior Vice President level directly under that of the Board of Management, will be assumed by Gerd T. Becht, effective March 1, 2008. Mr. Becht, 56, joined Daimler on June 1, 2006 from GM Europe.

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February 14, 2008

Daimler AG Releases 2007 Financial Results

STUTTGART, Germany -- Daimler AG today presented its preliminary and unaudited figures for the Group and the divisions for the 2007 financial year.

Daimler achieved EBIT of euro 8,710 million (US$12,719 million) in 2007 (2006: euro 4,992 million, US$7,290 million), surpassing the earnings target of at least euro 8.5 billion (US$12.4 billion) that had previously been announced for the year 2007.

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February 13, 2008

Mercedes reduces emissions with simulation technology

Stuttgart – Constantly improving fuel injection, combustion and exhaust gas aftertreatment in engine development: the researchers at Daimler AG are pursuing this objective with sophisticated simulation technology.

Their aim is to reduce fuel consumption even further, while at the same time complying with increasingly stringent emission limits for nitrogen oxides and particulates. By means of model calculations in combination with real-life tests, a higher degree of development maturity can be reached at an earlier stage.

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February 12, 2008

Mercedes Auctions Race Car for Charity

For the first time ever, Mercedes-Benz is set to auction one of its original racing cars from the DTM (German Touring Car Championships), in aid of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

The exclusive auction is to be handled by the renowned auction house Christie’s, and the proceeds will help fund social sports projects for children and young people.

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February 11, 2008

BMW 3 Series Tops January Lease Index

MIAMI -- LeaseTrader, the company that helps consumers with car lease transfers, announces its monthly Index for December, with the BMW 3 Series topping the list of America's most preferred leased vehicles for the third straight month.

The BMW 3 Series offers excellent luxury and space while delivering a quiet and comfortable driving experience. The car is among BMW's best all-time selling models because of its combination of power, agility, luxury and high performance.

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Mercedes DIESOTTO concept wins "Environment Grand Prize"

Paris – The DIESOTTO engine developed by Mercedes-Benz, which combines the best attributes of the petrol and diesel engine, was awarded the "Environment Grand Prize" in Paris.

The sought-after environmental award was received by the Head of Mercedes design, Prof. Peter Pfeiffer, and Reinhardt Lyhs, President of Mercedes-Benz France, during the 23rd "Festival Automobile International".

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Blair Creed Appointed GM of Mercedes-Benz Manhattan

MONTVALE, NJ - Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today announced the appointment of Blair Creed to the position of general manager, Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, effective immediately.

In this position, Creed will have overall responsibility for the operation of MBUSA’s only corporately owned Mercedes-Benz dealership in the United States.

In this role, Creed is a member of MBUSA’s senior management team reporting directly to Alan McLaren, vice president, customer services.

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February 10, 2008

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Sportier than ever before

Mercedes-Benz will continue its long tradition of producing legendary sports cars when it launches the new-generation SL-Class in spring 2008.

The world's most successful premium roadster in its class features a new design with the emphasis firmly on sportiness and effortless assurance. These traits are also reflected in the handling qualities of the two-seater model, which now delivers even more athletic performance thanks to the new direct-steer system as well as offering enhanced comfort and safety.

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Outfit Your Mercedes SLK with Matching Accessories

Stuttgart – In the new generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK, the striking design and powerful engines place the focus very much on the dynamism and sportiness of the Roadster. The extensive range of genuine accessories from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is designed to add a highly individual touch to this trend-setting car.

Driving pleasure and enjoyment are at the heart of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK accessories range. The latest selection of products, featuring exclusive wheels, glamorous chrome exterior elements, practical telematics modules and ingenious items that make optimum use of the space on board not only ensure a powerful and sporty look but unlimited individuality too.

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Mercedes-Benz Gear: Let the World Know

Stuttgart – To accompany the launch of the dynamic new Mercedes-Benz SLK, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is introducing a diverse collection of accessories which underline the sporty character of the Roadster.

In addition to three special product lines in black, red and brown, the range includes exclusive fashion items, an extensive range of watches and sunglasses, luggage items in contemporary colours and styles and practical travel accessories.

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February 9, 2008

2008 Mercedes SL 63 AMG: The sportiest SL-Class ever

Affalterbach – Emotional performance courtesy of cutting-edge engineering: the new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG in a nutshell.

The roadster is powered by an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 386 kW/525 hp and 630 Newton metres – which makes it today’s most powerful model with a V8 naturally aspirated engine in its class.

The SL 63 AMG comes exclusively with the all-new, innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. The newly developed power transfer concept features a compact, wet start-up clutch that replaces the conventional torque converter.

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Smart Hybrid Concept Wins Environmental Nod

The German “Öko-Trend” environmental research institute has awarded its environmental certificate for cars to the smart fortwo micro hybrid drive (mhd).

In extensive analyses by experts from the Wuppertal-based independent institute the smart fortwo mhd scored top marks for all environment-related criteria.

According to the institute’s findings, the 52 kW (71 bhp) petrol variant which has been available in certain markets since October 2007 scores excellent ratings in terms of fuel consumption, exhaust and noise emissions.

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Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK Roadster: Take a Look at Me Now

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadsters have long captured the hearts of sports car enthusiasts. Following an extensive facelift incorporating around 650 newly developed components, the SLK models of 2008 are even more dynamic and now offer an even more emotionally charged driving experience.

Key visual enhancements include new-look front and rear sections, as well as a meticulously modified interior with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel.

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February 8, 2008

First Factory-Authorized smart fortwo Cars Arrive in Puget Sound

SEATTLE -- O'Brien Auto Group today announced the arrival of the state's first factory-authorized smart cars. The announcement, made at the company's new smart center Seattle, paves the way for car buyers here to own a certified US version of the car that comes with warranty and factory authorized service.

"This is a major announcement for anyone in the state who's wanted to purchase a smart car but balked at the high-cost and inconvenience of buying a gray market version of the car," said Michael O'Brien, CEO of O'Brien Auto Group.

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February 7, 2008

Mercedes Global Sales Up 16% in January

The Mercedes-Benz Cars division delivered 90,400 vehicles to customers all over the world in January 2008 (January 2007: 77,700). Sales of the Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Maybach, and smart brands thus rose by 16 percent to set a new record.

The Mercedes-Benz brand alone delivered a record-breaking 82,300 passenger cars in January, an increase of 12 percent on the figure for January 2007 (73,500 vehicles).

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February 5, 2008

Mercedes-Benz USA Inks New Agreement with Callbright

HOUSTON -- Callbright, the leader in total call management solutions, announced the finalization of a multi-year agreement with Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA).

As a result, every Mercedes-Benz dealership in the U.S. has the opportunity to use a Callbright tracking number through their dealer website, enabling them to track phone and web leads, generate detailed reports, and maximize the opportunity of every call.

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Mercedes Begins Producing SL, SLK Roadsters

Bremen – The production of Mercedes-Benz roadsters at the Bremen plant is a tradition that goes back almost 20 years. The plant has been producing the SL-Class since 1989, and the SLK-Class since 1996.

In 2008, Mercedes-Benz will write a new chapter in the success story of these premium sports cars, which began with the legendary gullwing 300 SL in 1954: the company will be presenting both models in a new design.

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February 3, 2008

Updated: Mercedes Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Mercedes is offering 3.9% financing on the E-Class sedan and M-Class SUVs and 1.9% financing on the R-Class Minivan.

Programs end 2/29/08.

If you would like to research current auto rebates for all make and models for sale in the United States, check out CurrentAutoRebates.com, a fabulous service that allows you to check up on all rebate programs through a handy PDF report.

Since rebate programs from different manufacturers can change a couple times a month, we urge you to sign up for free updates at this page, to ensure you'll always have the latest info with which to make an informed purchase.

The service is free and available now!

February 2, 2008

Current Auto Rebates Has All the Updated Rebates!

With auto sales down 4.3% in January 2008, many automakers are increasing the rebate and incentive offers they have on the hoods of their vehicles.

Yet keeping track of all the rebate programs can be difficult work, which is why we began publishing Current Auto Rebates, the Internet's first document that lists every rebate program for every vehicle for same in the United States.

This 13-page PDF makes it easy for you to look up rebates on any model you're interested in, and even allows you to contact your local dealer who will give you a free price quote on the ride of your choice.

Since rebate programs can change several times per month, you may want to sign up for free updates to the publication -- when we update the document you'll get an email from us letting you know a refreshed version is available for you to download.

And if someone you know is currently shopping for a new vehicle, you may want to download a copy and email it to them -- they'll thank you for doing so!

February 1, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Reports January Sales Up 7.1%

MONTVALE, N.J. -- Coming off its fourteenth year of consecutive sales growth, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported sales of 18,275 new vehicles for January 2008, up 7.1 percent from last January, marking the best January sales in the company's history.

Strong demand in both the Mercedes SUV and coupes and convertibles categories fueled the increase in sales volume for the month.

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January 31, 2008

Mercedes Prepares Next Generation SL for Launch

Mercedes-Benz will continue its long tradition of producing legendary sports cars when it launches the new-generation SL-Class in spring 2008.

The world's most successful premium roadster in its class features a new design with the emphasis firmly on sportiness and effortless assurance.

These traits are also reflected in the handling qualities of the two-seater model, which now delivers even more athletic performance thanks to the new direct-steer system as well as offering enhanced comfort and safety.

Continue reading "Mercedes Prepares Next Generation SL for Launch"

January 30, 2008

With Home Prices Dropping, Car Prices Are Sure to Follow

It's accepted wisdom now that overall auto sales will drop in 2008. This is seen as a function of the housing bust, during which as much as 20% of new car purchases were funded by residential real estate profit, home equity cashouts and the general euphoria in real estate related industries.

Now that home prices are dropping -- and will continue to do so until they fall in line with median income -- we believe the average new vehicle transaction price will drop as well. If houses can fall 10%-30% in value, why not cars?

In November we ran a story from Comerica Bank stating the average transaction price of a new vehicle was $29,024. Our projection is this number will fall below $25,000, perhaps in 2009 if not this year, for several reasons:

1. Less money to spend. The option of taking cash out of a home to finance a new purchase is gone. The psychology of spending "free money" to buy a luxe ride will give way to folks actually having to make the payment out of their own pocket. And with many people paying even more for housing due to adjustable rates, they will choose cheaper rides.

2. Gas prices. While $3 a gallon gas isn't as draconian as five bucks, it will have an effect over time. People are already choosing more efficient crossovers and smaller SUVs over the big buses, and V8s are going out of favor. Look for more people to choose V6s in cars and for four-cylinders to pick up in popularity.

3. Negative equity. A greater percentage of folks are upside down in their cars, and have been rolling their balances into new loan agreements. To catch up, their new purchases will have to be cheaper and it's going to take years to eat away at the balance.

4. New frugality. In a tough economy, the value of money becomes more dear. People will start thinking twice about how much money they spend. They will choose cheaper cars, perhaps with more options, but the luxe-marques are in for a rough ride.

5. New wage structures. The Detroit car companies have made big headlines with their new labor deals, that allow them to replace higher paid union workers with new hires at a lower wage scale. The higher wages translated into higher sticker prices; the lower wages will allow for slimmer price hikes and even reductions.

6. Battle for fewer consumers. Don't let the tough talk fool you. As fewer cars are sold throughout 2008, the rebate war will kick into full swing -- and spiffs will help bring down the average transaction price.

This last reason is why we launched Current Auto Rebates, a site that publishes all the rebates for every model in a single PDF file, to make bargain hunting that much easier.

January 29, 2008

Mercedes and Infiniti Cars Benefit from Pulse Spark Plug

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Enerpulse, Inc. has released its Pulstar model DG1 pulse plug, designed for late model year Mercedes and Infiniti cars. Pulstar pulse plugs, which hold eight U.S. and foreign patents, were developed as a drop-in replacement for all spark plugs, including iridium spark plugs.

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January 28, 2008

Mercedes Debuts CLC Coupe at Fashion Week

Stuttgart – On the eve of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin, the Stuttgart-based automaker presented its all-new CLC coupe, which provides customers a new and compelling entry-level model for the Mercedes-Benz coupe family.

“Because of its expressive styling, premium equipment, and state-of-the-art technology, the all-new CLC especially meets the needs of young people looking for a dynamic car,” says Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars.

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Mercedes-Penz

Berlin -- The new Mercedes-Benz “Writing Instruments” collection is distinguished by outstanding materials, individual design and a colour scheme which echoes the Mercedes-Benz paintwork colours.

Mercedes-Benz will be presenting the exclusive selection of writing instruments, consisting of a fountain pen, a rollerball, a ballpoint and a propelling pencil, at the second Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin ‑ January 27 to 31, 2008.

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Mercedes Celebrates A Decade of Design in Como, Italy

Mercedes-Benz opened the Advanced Design Studio in Como/Italy in February 1998. The choice of location was deliberate, since as a source of inspiration in areas ranging from culture and lifestyle to design, fashion and architecture, southern Europe is second to none.

This inspiration is crucial to developing interior design concepts for vehicles – and this is what the Advanced Design Studio in Como has specialized in.

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Mercedes-Benz CLC: Sport + Coupé + Fun

Stuttgart - Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a stand-alone model series in the guise of the new CLC, the compelling entry-level model in the Mercedes-Benz coupé family.

The Sports Coupé's design, technology and equipment meet the discerning requirements of young drivers looking for an athletic car that gives an involving drive, while at the same time delivering the hallmark Mercedes quality standards in terms of safety, comfort, environmental compatibility and functionality.

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