The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Station Wagon was introduced just last week during the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. Now, Mercedes is celebrating the first production launch of the said model at the plant as the first vehicle for the model rolled off the assembly line during the night shift last Friday.

The head of the plant, Peter Schabert, said, “As our employees successfully mastered the launch of the new C-Class sedan last March, they are well prepared to also bring the station wagon onto the road in top quality.”

At the end of May this year, the predecessor of the new C-Class Station Wagon had been phased out. Since then, the staff at the plant made wide-spread preparations for the upcoming production of the station wagon which will also be manufactured in the same plant.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Station Wagon will be manufactured solely in Bremen and it would be from there that it will be delivered worldwide. The Series 204, on the other hand, will be produced at the plants located in Sindelfingen and East London. Schabert commented saying, “We’re extremely proud that Bremen is the home for all the C-Class station wagons worldwide.”

An Environmental Certificate has also been given to the new C-Class Station Wagon. This certificate proves that the environmentally oriented development process of the Mercedes-Benz has paid off as the station wagon conforms to the standards set forth by ISO.

Safety, agility, comfort, spaciousness, and versatility are some of the strong points of the new C-Class station wagon. Interested car enthusiast may already place their orders now for the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Station Wagon at service outlets and dealers.

The new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG will have two variants available which are the estate and sedan models. Both of these versions will have an AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine. This engine has the ability to deliver 336 kW / 457 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. This is a naturally aspirated engine, thus it also permits the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG to be able to speed up from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds. Drivers of this new Mercedes-Benz model will also be happy to know that the electronically limited top speed of the C63 AMG is 250 km/h.

The model is also installed with a lot of beauties under its bonnet like a continuous dual-flow AMG sports exhaust system. This system has two chromed twin oval tailpipes that have large cross-sections to decrease the back pressure. Another component of C63 AMG’s sports exhaust system is its performance catalytic converter. With this component at hand, the C63 MAG is able to comply with the emission standards set forth by EU 4 and LEV-II. NEDC is saying that the C63 AMG attains a fuel consumption pf only 13.4 l/100 km and emits just 319 g/km of CO2. The 6.3-liter V8 engine is also equipped with AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission. This completes the new Mercedes-Benz’ model powertrain package.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG sports impressive interior with designs that include unique AMG sports seats incorporated with head restraints, tubular-design AMG instrument cluster with AMG main menu, AMG performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design that has a 365-mm rim diameter, flattened lower section, doors and center console, aluminum trim panels on dome, AMG lettering and brushed stainless steel sports pedals, AMG velour floor mats, and Nappa leather upholstery.

The exterior features of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG include AMG bonnet with power domes, unique AMG radiator grill, AMG rear apron with a black diffuser insert, electrically adjustable and heated outside mirrors, flared front wings, EASY PACK tailgate and load-securing kit, bi-xenon headlights complete with headlight cleaning and cornering light function, AMG spoiler lip, 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels is five-spoke design which are wrapped with tires having sizes of 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear).

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG also has technical features in store such as the enhanced multi-link rear suspension complete with increased track width, new 3-stage ESP with Sport function, and fade-resistant AMG high-performance brake system.

The Mercedes Car Group has enjoyed a 7 percent increase in its September sales. Its September sales for this year rose to 124,000 units sold while last September 2006, the recorded sales were 116,000. Smart brands, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz deliveries also rose to 942,300 units over the first three quarters of this year. The brand also had a rise during the first three quarters as it was able to deliver 872,700 units. Last year, during the same period, it only delivered 846,300 units, thus there is an increase of 3 percent for this year.

This September, Mercedes-Benz was able to deliver around 30,800 C-Class sedans which are almost double the deliveries made in September 2006 of 15,800 units. The new Smart fortwo also achieved an increase amounting to 93 percent as it was able to deliver 10,500 units from last year’s sales record of 5,400 units. The entire smart brand sales records were up by 11 percent this September.

The US deliveries made this September increased by 13 percent to 22,500 units compared to the September 2006 deliveries of 19,900 units. Mercedes-Benz also had an increase of 9 percent in its Asia-Pacific region deliveries with this September’s sales of 14,300 units compared to the 13,100 units sold last September 2006. There may be market difficulties occurring at the moment but there is still rise in sales from August to September with sales of 28,700 units compared to 28,300 units last September of 2006. in Western Europe, Mercedes-Benz was able to sell 39,200 units which is a 3 percetn increase from last year’s 37,900 units sold.

Report from TradingMarkets Website

US Electronics Manufacturer Apple has decided to launch the new iPhone and so Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH has also decided to offer its customers with different tailor-made solutions which would permit Mercedes owners to use the iPhone even in their cars.

Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH offers the iPod Interface Kit. This will allow the driver to have access of the music keys of the iPhone or control it via the multifunction steering wheel of the car. On the other hand, the telephone functions could be accessed through the Bluetooth telephone module (HFP) of Mercedes-Benz. This may be further developed and when that happens there is a possibility of installing a special phone holder as well.

Customer who would like to enjoy the wide-range multimedia functions of the iPhone while cruising in their car would need to have an optimal connection to the hands-free system and on-board electronics. At the time that the iPhone was launch, the iPod Interface Kit already allows the music functions to be activated. The Bluetooth telephone module is already available as well so the iPhone could be connected to the vehicle’s hands-free system. This way, drivers can have the pleasure of enjoying both entertainment and functionality from their iPhone units in their Mercedes-Benz rides. The sound could be heard from the loudspeakers and the music keys can be controlled from the multifunction steering wheel.

As mentioned before, the iPod Interface Kit will be further developed and it will incorporate a special phone holder into the on-board architecture. The multifunction steering wheels that provides access to the music keys also help drivers with maintaining control over the car and thus ensures the safety of all the passengers. There’s also a telephone status indicated in the on-board display. The phone holder that may soon be available will automatically connect the iPhone to the vehicle’s aerial. This way, it ensures that there is optimum reception available. The iPhone will also be continuously charged as it is plugged to the phone holder.

The special phone holder will be fitted and fastened into the center console. All that is needed of the vehicle is that it is factory-fitted with the optional extra pre-installation for mobile phone with interface.

Of course, it is an obvious fact that there is no need for fuel if the engine is not running. This saying has helped Mercedes-Benz design is Sprinter model to be able to save fuel and so to decrease impact on the environmental as well.

The idea behind the Eco-start technology of Mercedes-Benz employed in the Sprinter is that when the engine becomes idle and the gearshift is left to remain in neutral position, the engine will automatically switch itself off. The engine will only restart when the driver depresses on the clutch pedal again.

However, the possibility of saving fuel still depends upon the situation. In some cases, it depends on both the traffic density and application, and the maximum fuel saving potential is up to 20 percent. About 5-8 percent is the average amount saved. This technological system from Mercedes-Benz can perform best its function in urban areas where there is frequency in stops due to traffic lights.

Safety is also one of the factors considered in the Eco-Start system. The engine restarts upon the resuming the motion of the vehicle. This ensures that the servo assistance for the brakes and the steering is preserved. In all other cases, however, the engine will not start unless the driver depresses on the clutch pedal.

There are certain points that drivers need to remember about the Eco-Start. First, there is a need for sufficient battery voltage. Because if it is low or if there is failure in starting the engine, the Eco-Start syetm will be deactivated. Second, the driver must make sure that the vehicle’s hood is securely closed in order to avoid injuries when the engine is suddenly started. The safety logic feature of the system checks this. If driver does not wish to make use of the Eco-Start system, he could simply deactivate it via a button on the instrument panel.

Mercedes-Benz has chosen to end its current three-year contract with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) which was first started in 1996. the contract of the two companies will conclude by the end of 2008. the reason behind this conclusion is that Mercedes-Benz will soon be changing the activities that it will be sponsoring as in the future, it will shift its attention to golf, fashion and lifestyle, soccer, and equestrianism.

The CEO of ATP Properties, Richard Davies, said, “I would like to thank Mercedes-Benz for their support throughout our partnership. Both the ATP and Mercedes-Benz have achieved great things in our time together.”

Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars Vice President for Brand Communication said, “Over the years, our partnership with the ATP has had a very high brand fit for Mercedes-Benz – but we are now adding a new angle to our revised brand positioning. We are able to look back on a highly rewarding long-term sponsorship which fully met the targets we had set ourselves. Together with the ATP, we were able to support eminent developments in men’s professional tennis. Mercedes-Benz would like to extend many thanks to the ATP for extraordinary partnership.”

The German automaker is the leading sponsor of the ATP way back 1996 and it has been present to the well-known “star in the net” at over 40 tournaments per year. The idea of innovative branding idea on the worldwide ATP created a high point in its partnership with Mercedes-Benz that has endlessly developed over the 12 years the two companies were together.

Mercedes-Benz and ATP had a great time together with regards to their partnership as it got significant growth in the average number of viewers during TV coverage and tournaments. Also, over 35 million tennis fans came into contact with the German automaker during the ATP tournaments.

Mercedes-Benz has recently celebrated the tenth year of its A-Class model with an ‘Edition 10’ version. Now, the German automaker is doing the same with its luxury Sports Utility Vehicle, the ML350, as the vehicle is currently celebrating its 10^th year anniversary. This is the luxury SUV of Mercedes-Benz that it built in the United States. So, to honor this important year for the luxury SUV, Mercedes-Benz also decided on releasing a special limited edition which is appropriately named “Edition 10.” The ML350 ‘Edition 10’ will have a V6 engine as its power source and it features an exclusive Birch Wood and Macadamia and Black leather interior with a touch of aluminum on the instrument cluster and sports pedals. Mercedes-Benz’ initial offering for this vehicle is 1,000 units in the United States. Also, this limited-production special version offers a choice of Obsidian Black or Artic White paint complete with an eye-catching headlight surrounds, tail lights that are tinted, and a grill that has been coated with a chrome shadow finish and also with the front and rear skid plates. The interior will also sport the “Edition 10” logo on the floor mats.

Besides the number of exclusive finishes and features that were made on the ‘Edition 10’s exterior and interior, it will also be loaded with enhanced standard equipment. These enhanced standard equipment include a GPS Navigation, power liftgate, a rearview camera, heated front seats, rain-sensor wipers, a harman/kardon premium audio system complete with six-disc CD changers, an integrated hands-free phone system, and a Sirius satellite radio.

This new ML350 ‘Edition 10’ model is included in the 2008 M-Class family. Other models included in the Mercedes-Benz M-Class are the fuel-efficient ML320 CDI diesel with a V6 engine capable of 215 horsepower, the ML350 which is the most popular M-Class model that also has a v6 engine but delivers 268 horsepower, the 328-hp with V8 engine ML550, and the ML63 AMG which is one of the high-performance M-Class models because of its V8 engine capable of delivering 503 horsepower. Perhaps the identifiable features on the models of the M-Class are their sleek exterior with a unibody platform, four-wheel independent suspension that delivers notable road driving comfort and performance. There are also practical technologies that could be found in the M-Class models which are the standard seven-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel traction control, and a full-time four-wheel drive.

The M-Class is actually the first sports utility vehicle that drives like a Mercedes-Benz. It first arrived in 1998 and from then on, it inspired the automotive industry to gar towards the production of more luxurious car-like SUVs. This was launched as the only sports utility vehicle in its class and it was the only one which was not based on an existing truck platform. It was the first one to be designed from the ground up. The M-Class’ first generation of sports utility vehicle had received many awards such as the prominent North American Truck of the Year.

According to the President of DaimlerChrysler Co. in Thailand, Wolfgang Huppenbauer, there are around 100 units of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Avantgarde that will be imported to be tested on the market before local assembly.

The German automaker will only consider adding imports of the model later if the demand for the new C-Class exceeds the initial import supply, as told by Huppenbauer. The price for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Avantgarde is at 3.99 million baht.

During the first quarter of 2008, Mercedes-Benz plans on assembling its C-Class Avantgarde locally and its target number of units to be sold for next year is 1,000 units.

Huppenbauer also said, “The retail price for the locally-assembled model cannot be disclosed until it has been endorsed by the authorities.”

Because the C-Class features better safety and an improved fuel economy, the company has high hopes that the model will be warmly welcomed.

Huppenbauer said, “Through innovative high-performance technologies, we aim to raise the bar even higher when it comes to safety, comfort and agility in the segment of compact premium automobiles.”

The C-Class is able to reduce the fuel consumption by 6 percent. Moreover, there is an 18 percent increase in torque and this translates to the practical effect of lessening the speeds of the engine, and thus fuel consumption is also lessened.

The fuel consumption benefited from the efforts of the company to maintain a low vehicle weight even though the model has large exterior dimensions and extra severe crash standards. Because the weight of the model was kept low, the new C-Class still has the same weight as its previous generation.

Another fact of the matter, the C-Class is now actually Mercedes-Benz best selling model series as it has sold over six million units worldwide.

Huppenbauer said that the falling luxury vehicle market locally was not to beyond expectation this year because of the economic and political outlook that seem to be uncertain.

During the first nine months of this year, the overall vehicle market deteriorated by 20 percent as opposed to the same period last year. In the same period, the sales of Mercedes-Benz declined by 10 percent to 2,500 units.

Based on the results in the first three quarters, the company forecast sales of 3,500 vehicles for the full year.

Huppenbauer said, “We cannot do it if the situation remains unchanged.”

Mercedes-Benz and NASSER Bin Khaled Automobiles (NBK) are bringing the new SLR McLaren Roadster to Doha soon after the model had been presented in the Frankfurt International Motor Show.

This unusual sports car was revealed at an exclusive reception hosted at NBK Automobiles – Mercedes-Benz showroom on Salwa Road.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and Maybach (Middle East) Regional Sales Manager Chris Vallnce said, “The new SLR Roadster benefits from the many years of technical experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren.”

The body of the SLR Roadster is completely made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic materials with exception of the two engine frames that are made from aluminum. Because of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic materials, the vehicle is an exception among the lot of high-performance sports car, as explained by Vallance.

The SLR McLaren Roadster has an amazing horsepower output of 626hp and its maximum torque is 720 Nm. It has an AMG V8 compressor engine, coupled to an AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission. With that, it is able to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers in just the little time of 3.8 seconds. Its maximum speed is 332 km/h, the same as the coupe.

It also has a fully retractable top that will open and close semi-automatically in a matter of ten seconds. Because of that feature, McLaren offers the pleasure of open-air driving in the highest performance class. But even though that is the case, the Roadster does not compromise the vehicle suitability for everyday use and its comfort.

The Roadster’s handling, aero-acoustics and aerodynamics have also been optimized for high speed driving.

Its aerodynamic concept is the same with the coupe which features an airbrake integrated into the access lid and a diffuser in the rear bumper. This provides enhanced downforce on the rear axle.

Its interior equipment includes semi-aniline-leather-upholstered carbon-fiber bucket seats. These seats could be individually adapted to the both the driver and the front passenger through various sized seat pads.

Other features include a multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, a navigation system with integral radio and CD player, and a high-quality BOSE premium sound system.