Friday, October 21, 2011, AutomotiveWorld.com
Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will build a fifth model at its Tuscaloosa plant in the US stat...Any questions? Email us or call our Member Services team on +44 29 2046 8902.Our free E-Newsletter service is an excellent way of staying up to date with news and features from around the global auto industry.
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11 August, 2011 German luxury car maker Mercedes Benz on Wednesday announced the launch of ‘SLK 350’ in the country, priced at Rs 61.9 lakh (ex showroom New Delhi).
Commenting on the sales expectations from the new model, Mercedes Benz India Director (Sales and Marketing) Debashis Mitra said: “Last year, we were selling 3-4 cars a month. We hope with the new SLK we will be improving that number”.
The new car will come to India as a completely built unit (CBU) and will be available in petrol version, Mitra said, adding that the company sold around 3-4 cars a month of SLK 200 last year.
Speaking about affect of the recent interest rate hikes and increase in cost of petrol on the luxury car segment, Mitra said the impact would not be substantial.
“..the luxury car industry will be impacted, we cannot say it won’t be impacted. But the growth rates are extremely impressive now. It will come down to impressive. But I don’t think it won’t go to low or something like that because its now growing at 50-55 per cent,” Mitra said.
Mercedes-Benz India sold 5,819 cars between January and December, 2010, the highest-ever sales figure registered by the company in the country.
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Friday, May 27, 2011, AutomotiveWorld.com
The Mercedes-Benz plant in Vitoria, Spain rolled out its one millionth Vito model on 13 May. The lan...*All prices are based on a 12-month membership period.Our free E-Newsletter service is an excellent way of staying up to date with news and features from around the global auto industry.
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Mercedes Benz will launch the new C-Class luxury car by this Diwali; yes we know it going to take another 7 – 8 months from now.
Mercedes Benz is currently facing heat from the rivals like BMW & Audi as the former stands the 1st position in luxury car sales in India.
Mercedes Benz is trying to push hard on this new updated C-Class to India which features a new engine that returns an outstanding 31% better-fuel consumption figure.
The new C-Class will also featured with many top-notch features including Start-Stop function, ATTENTION ASSIST driving assist, DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control system as part of the technology and will also feature with a 7-speed 7G Tronic automatic transmission including of petrol and diesel engines.
We will pass more details when it arrives till then check out the pictures below.
New Mercedes Benz C-Class Pictures:
If our sources in the automotive industry are to be believed then we soon will see the facelifted version of the Maybach series in our country.
Mercedes launched record number of models & variants in year 2010 and expanded its portfolio in India with global models. With the introduction of the refreshed Maybach we could soon see Indian billionaires chauffeured in one.
Globally the facelifted Maybach made its debut at last year’s Beijing Motor show. The facelifted model isn’t very different from previous model, what we get is more extra zing outside and inside. There are a total of 6 models in the Maybach lineup, all based on the same platform but having different wheelbase, features and options.
New aerodynamic mirrors for improved merging and decrease in driving noise is perhaps the only sophisticated change to its exterior. The bumpers are new. As with the new trend amongst barges on four wheels, LED daytime running lights and a bucket full of chrome splashed on the radiator grille are also present on the Maybach. The stylish wheels and dark red taillights are new additions.
Inside, buyers will have access to wireless internet and features like perfume atomizer brought from the Zeppelin model. A 19” screen can also be requested on the compartment partition.
The power plant remains untouched except the little tweak in ECU for improved efficiency. A 12-cylinder bi-turbo engine finds the perfect home under the hood of the Maybach 57 and 62 models producing 900Nm of torque.
Since the revival of the brand in early 2000’s by the Mercedes Benz, this luxury brand, unlike Rolls Royce, hasn’t hit the right chords amongs people across the globe, Critics often pull up its looks and desirability factor in comparison to Rolls Royce or Bentleys, when discussing its poor performance. This is very important factor for the billionaire who is willing to go to any end to make a statement.
This palace on wheels was introduced in India in late 2004 and the 1st car was delivered to chewing tobacco giant Manikchand’s chairman on 7th October 2004 followed by richest Indian on earth, Mr. Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries. The King of good times, liquor baron Dr. Vijay Mallaya also received his keys eventually but after the initial euphoria, the sheen was lost, not only in India but also around the globe.
With the ever increasing list of millionaires in our country, the Maybach brand is expected to do better in its second innings.
Tagged as: Maybach, Maybach in India, Maybach India, mercedes benz india
Mercedes Benz India reported an outstanding 80% growth in sales in the year 2010. The company has sold 5819 units in 2010 compared to 3250 units in 2009.
The company’s saw this number due to E-Class at 2490 units, C-Class 2070 Units and the SUV range of M-Class, GL-Class and R-Class.
In the month of December, the company witnessed a 710 units sold that includes 371 units of E-Class, 141-Units of C-Class and the 127 Units of SUV range, that makes a growth of 115% increase compared to 334 units sold same month last year.
The official said that the company’s strategy focused on offering a comprehensive product portfolio, besides aggressive product launches and enhanced network in smaller towns and cities.
If one German does something new, of course the rivals are going to follow suit. Recently we brought the all new BMW 3 Series and walla! Mercedes strikes with the 2012 C Class.
If you have a look at the pic above, you can easily notice that this is just a modest facelift. One can easily make out the detailing of the outgoing car. A few touches from the elder sister –The E class, have also been borrowed near the head lamps. The designer hasn’t really bothered with the rear of the car.
Where major changes have taken place is under the hood. Mercedes has introduced a 4 cylinder; direct-injected 1.8-liter turbocharged engine that produces 201 horsepower. The top model gets a 3.5-liter V6 with 302 hp. There are 3 diesel engines as well with power ranging from 136 hp to 204 hp. Mercedes say that the new engines provide 15% better fuel economy.
The interior of the car gets a very E class-ish treatment with a new steering wheel and a new gauge cluster. Of course if it’s a German car, it has to be loaded with technologies. The gadgetry that does duties in the new car include
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Attention assist
• Distronic plus
• Speed Limit Assist
• Parking guidance including PARKTRONIC
• PRE-SAFE®Brake
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
Expect the new car to debut at the Detroit Motor show. Until then you can go through the press release
New look for Mercedes’ top-selling sedan this summer
The restyled MY2012 C-Class
• Energetic – new dynamic look inside and out
• Expanded – five new assistance systems for greater safety
• Efficient – new direct-injection engines with better fuel economy
• Experience – new-generation telematics
• Exceptional – more than one million sold since March 2007
The restyled 2012 C-Class sedan is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2011. The front and rear end of the popular Mercedes sedan have been enhanced with a more distinctive design. The luxurious interior is now emphasized by the stylish new dashboard, which features a premium, fine-grain finish and stylish trim elements, as well as a high-resolution color display in the instrument cluster. Fuel economy has been improved by as much as 15 percent, thanks to new direct-injection engines and the redesigned 7-speed automatic transmission. Five new driver assistance systems ranging from the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system through to the Blind Spot Assist are now available in the C-Class lineup. New generation telematics offer new infotainment and navigation features.
“In terms of driveline and safety systems, the new-generation C-Class offers the comfort and safety of our luxury vehicles – and with many high-end details in the interior evocative of the new CLS, the new C-Class sets completely new benchmarks in its segment when it comes to premium look-and-feel,” says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. This interior upgrade is further enhanced by the latest generation of telematics, which not only features completely new visuals, but also brings improved functionality.
A total of more than 2,000 new parts distinguish the newest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its predecessor. The U.S. market introduction is scheduled for summer 2011 (available to order in Europe as of January 2011). Alongside the generous standard equipment, the Sport and Luxury versions of the new C-Class form the basis of the individualization program, with both lines now more clearly differentiated from each other.
The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s highest volume model range, and therefore especially important. The current range has chalked up global sales of more than one million units since its launch in March 2007. Since the market introduction of the first C-Class in 1982 (known then as the 190), Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 8.5 million vehicles around the world.
Dynamic, determined and confident exterior
The bumper now has a more distinctive and dynamic design, with the front end adopting the brand’s new design language. The central element of the front end is the grille, which is further enhanced by the new bumper design. The center air intake opens upward in a v-shape and forms the core element of the grille design. Distinctive lines emerge from the base of the aggressive arrow design in the center. Running beneath the headlamps, these character lines transition into the side profile. The outboard air intakes in the bumper are positioned very low down to give the car a more muscular stance.
The C-Class features a new aluminum hood, which contributes to weight reduction and consequently to improved fuel efficiency. Contours around the headlamps and grille bring additional emphasis to the front-end arrow form. Working together with the redesigned headlamps, the overall front-end look is far more distinctive.
Modified clear glass headlamps create a more dynamic and determined look and, together with the hood, grille and bumper enhance the arrow visual at the front end. This precise, contemporary look is reinforced by the design of both the exterior and interior of the headlamp units, which feature a finely balanced interplay between matte and gloss surfaces. The halogen headlamps follow the classic format with low beam located on the outside and high beam in the inside, while the indicator lamps are discreetly positioned in the outer corners toward the fenders.
The available bi-xenon headlamps come with active functions and bring added depth to the appearance with a series of LED modules. A C-shaped positioning light defines the nighttime design, with cornering lights located behind it and stretching outward to the main lamp module. At the base of the headlamps are broad horizontal LED indicator units. Also horizontal are the LED daytime running lights located in the bumper, which make the C-Class unmistakable from a distance.
On the rear bumper, the character lines and shutlines have been modified to add emphasis to the vehicle’s stance. This is especially evident in the steep rise of the character line running outward toward the rear lights. A continuous character line on the upper edge of the rear bumper runs into the fenders of the C-Class to provide a connection to the sides and emphasizes the sporty character of the rear view. A new one-piece jewel case on the tail lights provides further integration into the rear of the vehicle. The characteristic sinuous surface line is now reflected on the inside of the lights and is reminiscent of earlier models. The distinctive depth of the lights are achieved by LED indicators located in the center that appear to float in front of the more deeply set red LED bands above and below. The rear light pattern is particularly distinctive at night.
The bodyshell of the new C-Class is distinguished by its outstanding aerodynamics. With a cd figure of 0.26, not only is it best-in-class, its drag plane of cd x A = 0.57 m2 also cuts more smoothly through the air than most compact and even sub-compact cars.
Premium and sporty interior
One focal point of the work done in the interior was the redesign of the dashboard with the aim of creating a powerful, sporty and premium look-and-feel that includes extensive enhancement to the trim. The surfaces of the controls are more finely detailed and feature a metallic finish. The stepped hood of the instrument binnacle now extends to incorporate the central display and runs onward into the passenger side enhanced by a subtle character line. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the outer circular vents are accentuated with metallic trim elements. Central to the design of the new dashboard is a prominent trim panel. This element stretches from the central air vents along the passenger side to the outer air vent, adding visual width to the interior. The surface grain on the top portion of the dashboard continues along the upper edges of the door panels.
The new-generation center console is distinguished by its rectangular silver keys and emphasizes the premium feel of the interior in combination with matte keys, high-gloss surfaces and a new knurled control knob. Together with the new generation telematics, the restyled C-Class also receives a new instrument binnacle with integrated display. Oriented toward the driver are three tubular gauge surrounds with metallic surfaces that further enhance the aggressive character of the C-Class.
The luxury feel is emphasized by the new-generation leather steering wheel introduced with the all-new CLS and now available as standard in the C-Class. The steering wheel features a chrome-plated central spoke and further accentuates the car’s stylish and sporty ambience.
The new C250 Sport and C300 4MATIC Sport models come with standard brushed aluminum trim, while the C350 Sport has distinctive Black Ash. The Luxury versions feature Burl Walnut trim.
Drivelines with more power and better fuel economy
Fuel economy has been improved by up to 15 percent. All new direct-injection versions feature exceptional efficiency and environmentally-friendly fuel consumption. All models also come with the redesigned seven-speed automatic transmission, with the gear ratios on all versions optimized for fuel economy.
The highlight in the engine lineup is the introduction of the new V6 gasoline engine in the C350 Sport Sedan, featuring the innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process. The improvement in efficiency is combined with a considerable increase in output. The C350 Sport Sedan now generates 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque (previously 268 hp and 258 lb-ft), while fuel economy has been improved by 5 percent compared with the outgoing C350 model.
The four-cylinder engine (new for the U.S. market) features direct injection and turbocharging and is also distinguished by outstanding combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. This marks an improvement of nearly 15 percent compared with the 2011MY C300.
New driver assistance systems
The C-Class attains an all-new level of safety with a total of five new driver assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection through to Blind Spot Assist. The assistance systems are based on state-of-the-art radar, camera and sensor technology and are setup to react to frequent causes of accidents such as proximity to the vehicle in front, fatigue and darkness.
The following provides an overview of the new assistance systems:
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Park Assist incl. PARKTRONIC
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
More user friendly, improved connectivity – the new generation of telematics
The new C-Class sees the debut of a new generation of telematics, which is scheduled for successive introduction across further model ranges. Key new features include improved user-friendliness with larger 3-D displays, phone book transfer, text message display, wireless music via Bluetooth and a USB interface now located in the center armrest.
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Do you want a Mercedes SLK? Can you play Golf? If not, then rush to your nearest golf club and get some lesson dude!
Let me explain:
Ever heard of hole-in-one? In golf, a hole-in-one is when a player hits the ball directly from the first start into the cup with one shot. How is it related to Mercedes SLK? You ask…here’s how:
A 39-year-old businessman living in Gujarat played a rare 140-yard shot on the 11th hole and won the jackpot in the Mercedes Trophy Invitational Golf Tournament at the Kensville Golf and Country Club course recently. And the jackpot was *drumrolls* – A Mercedes Benz SLK!! That’s worth a moollah of 75 lakhs just for one shot! What a fantastic day Mr. Businessman!
Parthiv Mehta (the lucky businessman) was ecstatic on the occasion (who wouldn’t be) -
When such a prize is on offer, that thought always remains at the back of the mind. But when it finally happened, I just couldn’t believe it
All of this happening stuff does make you think “Yea, life is unfair”. Nonetheless, Congratulations Parthiv! IAB wishes you happy roof-down motoring for life.
Dad can I borrow your golf clubs 
Source – timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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27 December 2010
By Tim Pollard
Mercedes has facelifted the C-class - expect the new car in dealers in March 2011. It's a classic mild Merc facelift, with a cosmetic polish-up and a raft of more detailed engineering changes.
It looks like a subtle upgrade, but Merc says more than 2000 new components are fitted (the new C-class Coupe arrives later next spring).
How to spot the new Mercedes C-class (2011)
That front bumper is new, with hints of S- and E-class around the snout. The grille surround stands out more and the air intakes are recontoured too. The headlamps are new (soon-to-be mandatory day-running lights are standard) while the bonnet is now aluminium, saving weight and contributing to the new look.
It's a slippery shape; Merc quotes a 0.26 drag coefficient.
Start-stop now standard
Daimler claims efficiency gains of up to 31% in the new C-class, aided no doubt by the adoption of the seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission which now offers stop-start as standard. All the petrols are now direct injection:
C180 1.8 four-cylinder, 154bhp, 6.4L/100, 148g/km
C250 1.8 four-cylinder, 201bhp, 6.4L/100, 150g/km
C350 3.5 V6, 302bhp, 6.7L/100, 159g/km
There's a thorough workover inside, too. A high-definition colour display arrives from the E-class, giving the centre stack a more sophisticated air. Drowsiness detection systems are available, as is onboard internet access.
Roaming fingers will enjoy the new grain of the dashboard, and much of the swithcgear is now galvanised.
The C-class remains one of the most successful pillars in Merc's line-up. It's sold more than a million since launch in March 2007. Looking at the big picture, the numbers stack up even more impressively - Mercedes has moved 8.5 million compact execs since the first 190 in 1982.
Let us know what you think of the C-Class below
19 November 2010
By Ben Pulman
This is the new , the hotrod version of Mercedes’ sleek ‘four-door coupe’. And unlike its E63 AMG sibling, it uses a new twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8, good for a total of 550bhp and 590lb ft.
Hang on! So the isn’t just a sleeker version of the E63 AMG?
That’s right. The E63 AMG is powered by Mercedes’ naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8, but the CLS63 AMG utilises the new twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 that was recently unveiled in the S63 and CL63.
In the CLS63 AMG in base trim it produces 518bhp, the same as the E63, but at a much lower 5250rpm. And rather than the E’s 464lb ft, this hottest CLS manages 516lb ft all the way from 1750 to 5000rpm. That's Boeing thrust, that is.
How fast is the new Merc CLS63 AMG?
It’s enough to hurl the CLS63 to 100kph in 4.4 seconds, but direct injection, stop/start and a seven-speed gearbox also mean this CLS will return 9.9l/100 and puff out just 231g/km. Pretty darn impressive.
Not enough? Then an AMG Performance Pack option will lift the engine’s outputs to 550bhp and 590lb ft, thanks to a boost in turbo pressure from 1.0 to 1.3 bar, taking your benchmark time down to 4.3 seconds.
The AMG PP upgrade also includes a carbonfibre engine cover, a carbonfibre lip spoiler on the boot lid, red brake calipers and an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel. Other options a proper rear diff, ceramic front brakes, lots of interior and exterior carbon trim, and electronically controlled dampers.
Expect sales to begin in early 2011.
20 November 2010
By Robby Tyler
Now, what on earth, or for that matter not from earth have we got here?
It's the supercar.
It's a product of Merc's Los Angeles design studio, and they prefer to describe it as an 'Ultralight vehicle at one with nature.' The Biome was produced as part of the Los Angeles Design Challenge, taking part alongside the 2010 LA auto show.
Tell me more about the car...
In a nutshell, the concept is designed to integrate fully in to the ecosystem from 'dust to dust.' So they've concentrated on cleaning up the Biome's act, during production, over its lifespan, and at the time of its eventual disposal or recycling.
The Merc Biome is made from an ultralight material called BioFibre. It's an organic matter, which Mercedes claims is significantly lighter than metal or plastic, yet is supposedly more robust than steel. Testament to this is that the Biome weighs just 394kg, says Merc.
Mercedes also says that at the end of its serviceable life it can simply be composted or even used as building material. Imagine one of these doubling up as your downstairs loo.
What does the Biome run on then, moon-juice?
It is powered by a strain of biofuel called BioNectar4534, which the car stores in the BioFibre material of the chassis, interior and wheels. Mercedes claims the fuel emits nothing but pure oxygen. Which sounds completely at odds with conventional biofuels and the combustion process.
So, what to make of the Biome's design?
We see a great similarity to the 2005 Maserati Birdcage concept or perhaps a successor to Will Smith's Audi in iRobot. Or perhaps a new mouse design for your next Apple computer.
When can we expect to see the Mercedes Biome in our nearest showroom?
While the technology and research in the Biome is fascinating, we don't really need to tell you that nothing like this will be seen in the near future. Do we?
