M-Class technology

The new M-Class will come with a host of technologies, enhancing its performance on the road, power and economical statistics. These include an anti-lock braking system, an electronic traction system, automatic transmission and an electronic stability programme.

Sales of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class so far

From the start of the car’s launch back in 2008 the vehicle has sold around 1,500 units, which is quite a respectable figure.

Competition

The Audi Q5 and BMW X5 will provide strong competition. The battle between these SUV’s may decide the overall winner in the race for number one. Currently BMW hold that position with Mercedes-Benz close behind. Audi were nowhere near the top spot but showed the largest amount of growth. Many expect them to rival the top two at the end of 2012.

Confident mood

Peter Honegg, the Chief of all Mercedes-Benz India’s operations said how he was in confident mood ahead of the release of the M-Class. His exact words were “At the start of this year, we had promised to introduce exciting new models into the market. We are proud to present today the new M-Class,”

“We are confident that the quality drive and the luxurious experience it can deliver will be a big hit with the customers and it will be warmly received,” he said.

Special edition

There will also be the addition of an AMG edition variant of the M-Class available. This will be a special edition model with just 100 units being made. There has been no prices revealed as of yet.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class are having high hopes placed on them by Mr Honegg. He believes that the premium compact segment has a great deal of potential. He said “We expect to become number luxury sellers of luxury cars in India by 2020, the growth will get a boost when the compact models enter the Indian market,”

Mercedes-Benz managed to sell 7,500 last year. That represented a growth of 30 per cent from 2010. Growth rates may not reach this level this year however. BMW sales hit 9,400 and Audi sales hit 5,511 in 2011.

What’s it’s name?

It’s been through the mill when it came to deciding on what name to give the car. First it was called the BLK and then the GLC now it has been named the GLA.

The MFA platform shared

Looking at it, the car appears to resemble an A-Class and B-Class combined. In many ways all models are very similar. The car shares exactly the same wheel architecture as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the B-Class, with that being the MFA platform of the wheelbase measuring 2,700mm and offering 500 litres of space.

Similar size in terms of dimensions

The size of the GLA is similar to that of the B-Class with a length of 4440 mm width reading of 1800 mm width and 1500 mm of height. This makes the car slightly larger than the Range Rover Evoque and the Audi Q3. Only the BMW X1 beats it in terms of having a larger wheelbase.

Sportier looks

The Mercedes-Benz GLA has sharp styling with a sporty looking profile. In that sense it may offer something different to rivals as it has a sportier type of approach. Rivals appear to look slightly bulkier.

Four cylinder engine – diesel and petrol available

There will be a four cylinder engine under the bonnet of the GLA. There will both a diesel and petrol variant, coming with turbo diesel and direct injection technology respectively. There will also be front or four wheel drive transmissions available too.

Release date

The release date of the Mercedes-Benz GLA is expected to be towards the end of next year. The Mercedes-Benz CLA is expected to arrive on the market before that in the spring of 2013.

The likes of Audi and BMW will be taking notice. Their X1 and Q3 variants will have some stiff competition from a model that is newer and fresher. Many expect the Mercedes-Benz GLA to add some dynamism to the market, giving buyers a more attractive option. Will the car sell well? In our opinion it is perhaps the best option, offering a great performance and practicality without the bulk.

Daimler hit profit

Daimler, Mercedes-Benz’s holding group reported a profit increase of 20 per cent, hitting an astonishing £1.2 billion.

Marketing campaign for new models

As strange as it may sound to some, Mercedes-Benz’s profits have dipped. It may not come as a surprise to those who are up to date with Mercedes-Benz’s strategy.

A lot of money has gone towards the release and marketing of new models. The release of the new C-Class has put Mercedes-Benz led to a huge campaign, giving the company huge expenses. This is part of a long term strategy at Mercedes-Benz. Short term losses will mean future profits.

Revenue up by 9 per cent

Revenue for the German car giant has increased by 9 per cent to an estimated €27.01 billion. Mercedes-Benz also managed to sell 502,086 across the world which is a fantastic record. Daimler’s shares have recently increased by a fantastic 3.2 per cent it is estimated.

Mercedes-Benz truck division

The truck segment of Mercedes-Benz is currently in the same boat as their car division. They spent more on newer truck models in an attempt to gain higher future profits. Another example of executing a long term target was that Daimler halted production in order to increase production capacity as a plant in Beijing.

313,902 sold in the first three months

Mercedes-Benz sold 313,902 cars during the months of January, February and March this year. Surprisingly that also included an increase in sales in the Western Europe region where the economy has been crumbling.

Improvement year upon year

Dieter Zetsche, the Head of the Mercedes-Benz division said that this year has been “A strong quarter”. He continued to say “Despite higher investment in future growth and a challenging market environment, we succeeded in surpassing the very good prior-year results”

Despite a fall in profits at present, Mercedes-Benz is confident that they will reach the same amount of profit as last year.

It is not only the company’s sales that have performed wonders; it is also Mercedes-Benz’s financial services division. Their earnings increased by 7 per cent. Previously the division recorded a loss of €131 million but have now recovered to make a profit of €86 million.

What’s so special about the Mercedes-Benz SLR MCLAREN?

The price tag of $500,000 says it all. Only specialised companies will insure the vehicle. It’s only available for the rich and famous. You’ll see celebrities driving around in a SLR McLaren and boasting. When you do see one, it’s unlikely that you’ll see one on the road as only a handful were made. The only chance you’ll get to see one is through the media.

Acceleration

For the lucky ones who do own one, they are able to accelerate from 0 – 60 MPH in only 4 seconds.

Astonishing power

The car contains a hand built AMG 5.4 litre V8 engine. This is able to produce an almighty 617 BHP. Mated to an automatic transmission gearbox, power is able to sent back to the rear wheels. The gear shifts are utilised through paddles mounted to the steering wheel. The car is able to reach a top speed of 206 MPH. The 722 S was able to achieve a tremendous 650 BHP. Would you need more power? For all of that power comes carbon ceramic antilock brakes, as such power needs to be contained by an advanced braking kit.

The interior

The interior contains a mixture of aluminium and carbon fibre. The doors do not open in conventional fashion. They swing up and outwards, making the vehicle look like it was inspired by the Transformers movie. Considering that the Mercedes-Benz McLaren is ultimately a sports car, it offered a surprising of comfort within. Seats are covered with Alcantara suede along with a Bose surround sound stereo. Adaptive cruise control and dual zone climate control, two features which you would typically expect on a car like this.

The 722 S

The SLR McLaren also was available in a limited edition 722 S trim and was available as a two seater soft top convertible. Kanye West purchased the standard version however.

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is seemingly just a type of toy for the rich and famous. It was eventually replaced by the SLS AMG.

Mercedes-Benz models on offer

That exact amount equals to $61,294.04. The Mercedes-Benz’s to be given away in question includes the SLK 350, the E350 Saloon, the ML 350 or even the E350 convertible.

Not as easy as that

For those who think they’ll be able to grab a free Mercedes-Benz and run off, it’s as easy as that. Those who try and end their agreement early after signing up will face a $3,000 fine and will to pay the vehicle’s worth.

Promotion details

The promotion has been brought about in order to celebrate the bank’s name change from the Community Bank to the C1 Bank. The deal is set to end at the end of July throughout the bank’s 18 branches. The deal only extends to Residents of Florida only however, so anyone who lives outside of the state will not be offered a chance to take up the deal. Only two Mercedes-Benz’s per household will be allowed.

Is the deal as good as it sounds?

Some may not warm to the deal. As soon as a brand new car is purchased, it loses it’s value after it is driven away from the showroom. Some may just prefer the money built from the interest rather than the Mercedes-Benz, despite the car’s being some of the most desirable across the United States.

How the interest rate breaks down

The interest rate works out to be $12,000 per year with the rate standing at 1.20 per cent. In total over the 5 years $60,000 will be paid out. The value of the Mercedes-Benz is $61,294 as mentioned earlier. It would appear that the deal would not be favourable to all in that sense. A few has described the offer as slightly too “gimmicky”

Not many residents of Florida would be able to afford a $1 million CD, if they did then they would probably have the funds the purchase the Mercedes-Benz in question themselves. Will the idea actually take off?

Two categories

Part of the award’s criterion consists of how the workplace enhances the community. The Mercedes USA facility in New Jersey marks the only automotive company on the list, ranking at number eight. It is within the category of larger sized companies, employing more than 250 employees at a time. The other is for the smaller sized companies employing less. There must a minimum of 15 people within the company however.

Stepehen Cannon

Stephen Cannon, the President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA has recognised what a great achievement his department has achieved. He said “MBUSA has a long tradition of corporate citizenship here in the Garden State and we thank our associates for their dedication that has led to continued success here at our national headquarters in Montvale and our regional offices in Parsippany and Robbinsville.  To continue to receive this recognition in a recovering economy is a true statement of how we are driven to deliver exceptional customer experience to our many customers here in New Jersey and across the country.”

Official eligibility requirements to qualify for the award:

- Have at least 15 employees in New Jersey

- Be a for-profit, not-for-profit or government entity

- Be a publicly or privately held business

- Have a facility in New Jersey;

First phase

There were two stages in the competition. The first being an evaluation of the company’s philosophy, practices, policies, systems and demographics, worth a total of 25 per cent.

Second phase

The second phase consists of an analysis of an employee survey. This accounts for 75 per cent of the total evaluation for the award.

Scores combined

These two combined scores determine the winner and the final ranking. The whole award was managed by Best Companies Group (BCG). They used high class expertise in order to decide who was in the final list.

The New Jersey facility

The Mercedes Service facility in question located in New Jersey works with distribution, marketing as well as customer service for Mercedes-Benz and their luxury brand Maybach. They are a fundamental factor behind the recent success of the company in the United States. There are a total of 14 vehicles in the current Mercedes-Benz line-up.

Chain reaction

The vehicle in question was a white BMW X6 (some reports claim it is an X5) which was well and truly written off. The vehicle had completely turned on its head as it skidded into the showroom causing the damage. The BMW managed to hit the first row of new cars, causing a chain reaction between the collisions of the vehicles. Each Mercedes-Benz on the forecourt was worth an estimated £40,000 each, causing a great amount of damage.

A hunt for the driver

The driver of the BMW who caused the damage has not yet been found. Police have launched a search for the motorist behind the wheel who had made his way out of the vehicle and escaped the wreckage. The passenger of the vehicle was not able to escape from the wreckage and had to be cut out by the emergency services. He was subsequently arrested and taken to a nearby hospital. His questioning from the police was short lived however and he was released pending further inquiries. Cash as well as drugs were found within the vehicle.

A witness

A mechanic who works nearby, Paul Widall witnessed the crash after it had happened. He said “The BMW had flipped over on to its roof. It had hit the kerb, took the barrier out and flipped in mid air before rolling on to a post. There were bits of light and glass and plastic all over the shop.”

A watch commander, Ian Ainsworth was available for comment saying “It looks as though the driver has lost control on the bend and flipped it on to its roof and hit the cars in the garage. They were quite lucky it wasn’t more serious. I think the damage will run into quite a few thousands.”

The Mercedes-Benz garage has not yet been available to make any comments.

Police are on the hunt for the driver. If anyone has any information relating to the crash, they should the police on 0161 856 7201. You are also able to contact anonymously through Crimestoppers, an independent charity. Their number is 0800 555 111.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA also on it’s way

The Mercedes-Benz CSC (Concept Style Coupe) was showcased at the motor show. It will be go under production with the model name CLA it was confirmed at the Beijing event.

Styling strategy

Mr Wagener spoke about the strategy of the company saying “There is traditional design for cars like the S-Class, progressive design for vehicles like the CLA and dynamic design for the SLS and SLC.”

Rival to the Porsche and Aston Martin

The Mercedes-Benz SLC could prove to be a rival for the Porsche 911 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage. This could mean that car will come with a price tag of approximately £80,000. It is expected to be put through Mercedes-Benz’s AMG factory too, making it a wholly desirable vehicle.

Engines within

According to speculation, the SLC will contain a power 4.0 litre V8 engine. There could be another variant offered, with that containing a V6 powered engine seen on the SLK. Nothing has yet been confirmed on that front yet.

Will there be Sports Utility Vehicle Coupes?

Interestingly that may not be all the coupe’s Mercedes-Benz are planning to release. There may also be another coupe based upon the ML 4×4. They will be a unique type of vehicle, opening up a segment named “Sports Utility Vehicle Coupes”. To start off with Mercedes-Benz will release a vehicle based upon the A-Class. Sounds quite interesting, how exactly would they look? Squashed up versions of themselves?

SLS, CLS Shooting Brake and S-Class in-between

The Mercedes-Benz SLC will not be made available until the year 2014. To compensate Mercedes-Benz will release Black Series versions of the SLS this summer. The amazing looking Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is also due out this year. The brand new Mercedes-Benz S-Class along with the CLA will be released next year.

First ever Black box for the S-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will receive the first ever ‘Black Box’. This contains a very unique type of functionality with the health of the vehicle being detected online. This will help catch any early mechanical errors within the car, saving time and costs.

The Mercedes-Benz

G-Class was recently shown off at the Beijing Motor Show. The company’s AMG division supplied the vehicle with the latest engine from what they have created.

Rugged yet classy

The new G-Class has clearly kept its roots. The vehicle continues to look rugged yet has plenty of class and character at the same time. That specific combination could be down to the fact that the car was hand built in Graz Austria. There are now brand new LED daytime headlights with more modern looking bumpers and grille. The mirrors have also seen a nice upgrade.

New middle console

The middle console within the interior is a brand new feature. Upon it sits a delightful TFT monitor which displays information and data in colour. Another screen is also available which is utilised for the COMMAND and DVD systems. Internet availability along with satellite navigation will be utilised from the available screens. All that has been mentioned will be standard throughout the range.

The G350 BlueTec and the G63 AMG

Out of the four models which will be made available, just two will be sold here in the UK. We will receive the Mercedes-Benz G350 BlueTec and the G63 AMG.

The G350 will be the more economical and “sensible” choice. The car will be able to reach a maximum of 211 BHP and 540Nm of torque. It’s 3.0 litre V6 engine will be mated to a seven speed automatic gearbox. The car will record a fuel economy rating of 25.2 MPG and emit 295g/km of C02. The G350 is probably a better all rounder.

The G63 AMG replaces the G55 AMG. Perhaps the older badge would have suited the vehicle more as the engine within will be a 5.5 litre twin turbo V8. This is the same engine taken from the CLS 63 AMG. There is a great deal of extra power this time round, with the engine producing a maximum of 544 BHP. Emissions within the car have improved from 372g/km to 322g/km. The car will consume 20.4 MPG which is also an improvement, with the previous figure being 17.8 MPG. This vehicle contains start stop technology and 20 inch alloy wheels together with red brake callipers if requested.

There will be plenty of space within, with the boot containing 2,250 litres. That’s enough for a huge family shop and more!

Prices are expected to start from £81,745 for the G350 BlueTec and G63 AMG for the £117,610.

The current model naming structure

To start off with Mercedes-Benz had named their cars with a simple letter, C-Class for example. As the company expanded and become more successful, they had added another letter upon new models, the Mercedes-Benz CL for example. Naturally three letter models were founded as time went on, with the CLC and the CLS. The naming structure has received criticism. Some believe that some names of the models appearing to be misleading. There seems to be a problem with the naming structure as there is not enough room for evolution. What next? The Mercedes-Benz CLSXYZ?

The new naming structure

It is for that reason that Mercedes-Benz are planning a new route with their naming structure. It has been rumoured that the letter G will represent Sports Utility Vehicles as well as Crossover vehicles. The letter C will represent convertibles and coupes. SL will represent sports cars. However it is not as simple as that.

CLC to CLA

The Mercedes-Benz CLC name badge will not be used. As the vehicle uses MFA architecture which is used upon the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Mercedes-Benz B-Class, it will not be an appropriate name badge. The Mercedes-Benz CLA is deemed to be a more appropriate name.

GLC to the GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLC crossover will also contain the MFA infrastructure. It is due out in 2014 and will be marketed as the GLA for the same reasons as above.

Could there be a CLE?

So what about future coupes? According to the structure a Mercedes-Benz E-Class will be named as the CLE coupe. Could we see a CLE in the future? Would that confuse people to thinking that it has something to do with the C-Class? Technically speaking it does, with the vehicle containing a C-Class architecture within.

Other name changes may include the CL being changed to the SLC. The new generation SLS AMG, which will be downscaled as part of Mercedes-Benz’s new strategy, could take up the SLC or SLR badge.

There are still plenty of question marks regarding the Sports Utility Vehicle segment of the company. It has been rumoured that the GLK could be named the Mercedes-Benz GLC, considering that the car shares the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.