Mercedes-Benz started the year right on track. Providing the right momentum for the company’s new fiscal year is its Mercedes-Benz Cars division that posted a 16 percent increase last month.

Last January, Mercedes-Benz’ worldwide sales went up a few notches and sold a total number of 90, 400 vehicles compared to only 77, 000 units in January of 2007. The Mercedes-Benz AG alone sold a total of 82, 300 cars last month from only 73, 500 units last year.

Among its best-sellers, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class bagged the top spot for January’s sales. It amassed 26, 800 cars from its station wagon and modified sedan vehicles. The units sold last month was doubled from the previous record of only 13, 400 vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz’ compact cars A-Class and B-Class, on the other hand, had a decent first month for 2008 as the combined units sold equaled to a three percent increase or 17, 000 vehicles worldwide from the previous record of 16, 500.

In the company’s homeland, the luxury brand went up to 13 percent or 15, 500 cars from 13, 700 of January 2007.Outside Germany, which includes Italy and U.K., pocketed a decent 12 percent or 27, 900 from 24, 900 units last year.

Mercedes-Benz’ micro-car Smart ForTwo was not left behind as its sales jumped to 8, 000 across the globe. From only 3, 400 units in January 2007, the diminutive car, which has a capacity of only two adult passengers, received a good reception from motorists as the total units sold actually doubled. Complementing such feat in the Smart ForTwo line is the launch of this model into the U.S. market last month.

The Daimler-produced automaker has truly established its momentum with its more than successful first month for this year.

Source: Market Watch.

Trumping other nifty car models by a considerable margin, the Mercedes Benz C-Class scored the largest vote as the most popular car. The “Yellow Angel 2008” award of ADAC, a motoring organization, was thus finally rewarded to this nifty Stuttgart-model

Annually given out by the ADAC to reward exceptional performance in cars, the “Yellow Angel” awards takes its nickname from the phrase coined for the ADAC’s breakdown service personnel—who are among the most friendly in the field—and is one of the few awards in Europe that major players in the motoring industry aspire for.

The awards serve as a credible indicator for consumers who buy cars with an eye for price and performance, along with practicality, economy and safety. Environmental compatibility is a major factor in the selection process as well.

The vote included a total of 36 vehicles introduced into the market in 2007. The count for voters reached around 340,000, with the majority casting their votes and siding with the Mercedes Benz C-Class, allowing it to top the runner up by more than a tier or two. With nearly 16 million members all in all, ADAC is already one of Europe’s largest motoring organizations. Thus, making ADAC’s decision to reward the “Yellow Angel 2008” award to this hunky German sensation a mark of good judgment, if not precisely that of excellent common sense. Packing along a number of standards and advanced features—such as agility control—since it entered the market last March 2007, the Mercedes Benz C-Class unquestionably has more than looks to commend it.

Source: topspeed.com

Mercedes Benz manufacturer DaimlerChrysler India took the 9^th Auto Expo as an opportunity to launch the latest C-Class sedan to hit the Indian luxury car market, the Mercedes Benz C-Class.

After its launch in Europe in early 2007, the C-Class will finally be debuted in India after such an extensive testing and development work. This is targeted at making some India-specific changes, especially in the face of their automotive market.

As a direct competitor of the BMW 3-Series, the new C-Class sedan is priced by Daimler Chrysler India (DCIL) at Rs 27 lakh for the petrol C200 Kompressor variant, and at Rs 30 lakh for the diesel-engined C220 CDI variant. Competition not only in terms of price tag that is, but also with performance and luxury. The C-Class models will be re-rated for their power output’s improved performance. The two variants of the powerplant were delivered forward from the previous version of the C-Class sedan.

Here’s the inside details about the C-Class sedan launch, care of Auto Expo 2008:

The car is said to be assembled in the company’s Pune plant, and it features some interesting changes in the design layout—inside out. In fact, the new C-Class sedan is notably about seven centimeters longer, and about 4 cms wider than its older version. Just as well, the wheelbase increased notably about 4 cms, and its interiors gets to have a generously sized interiors.

Completely geared with Mercedes Benz’ newly-developed Agility Control package with situation-responsive shock absorber control, Pre-Safe preventive occupant protection system and Adaptive Brakes, the new C-Class is definitely making a good impression on the Indian market.

According to Wilfried G. Aulbur, the CEO and Managing Director of DCIL, the company was setting a new sales record during 2007 just by selling 2,491 cars, with the C-Class and E-Class contributing sales of 779 units and 1,137 units respectively. This statement was captured at the launch conference. Just as well, the sales of the completely built units were 118 cars during the same period.

Aulbur also said that the company was able to strengthen its distribution and after-sales network, and that it is currently represented in 28 cities around the country. In other news, DCIL also launched the new CLK-Class, a sporty and luxurious coupe which toughened the company’s standing as a maker of luxurious, high-quality rides.

Source: sify.com

The European New Car Assessment Program crash tests has performed a series of crash tests and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class had been lucky enough to bag five stars from this European organization. NCAP has even recognized the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon as one of the safest cars available in the auto market today.

Having five stars from NCAP confirmed the safety concept that is behind the C-Class success. This model has been optimized based on the analysis of real-life accidents. As such, it naturally performs significantly well in the standardized rating crash tests. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class actually deserves the five-star rating it got from NCAP as it is equipped with a lot of safety equipment. These safety equipment include seatbelt tensioners, belt-force limiters, seven airbags, and NECK PRO crash-responsive head restraints that come as standard on the model. With all these installed, there’s no doubt the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the ability to offer the highest possible passenger protection in the event of a collision or any road accident. Even the structure to which the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been designed ensure that the forces of the impact of the collision are distributed over a wide area and on four independently acting impact levels. This only means that the passenger cell can remain mostly unharmed.

One would also be happy to drive this around and feel completely safe as almost 70 percent of its bodywork panels are made from only the state-of-the-art and high quality strength steel alloys. However, this doesn’t mean that the model is heavy to drive around as these steel alloys reduce weight and maximize safety. Of course, as these steel alloys are strong and durable, they also provide great protection to passengers from side collisions.

The safety systems that are incorporated into the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are based on the concept of the German automaker which are already tried and tested. This systems emphasizes on accident avoidance and anticipatory occupant protection.

Aside from the safety equipment incorporated in the model, there are other systems integrated in the model. These systems include the standard-fit ESP and Brake Assist which will gladly be of help to drivers in critical moments to keep them in control of the vehicle. Furthermore, the Brake Assist provide pedestrian protection as well as it reduces accidents that involve pedestrians.

All these safety systems and equipment make the Mercedes-Benz C-Class worthy of the five-star rating it got from the European NCAP organization.

One of the most-coveted production models of Mercedes Benz is here. Fans are excitedly waiting for the 2009 CLC Sport Coupe, and when World car fans got a spy shot leaked all through the internet, people now know that is only a matter of time until the German carmaker unleashes its new tiger.

The C-Class 2-door is now given a badge as the “CLC Sport Coupe”, and is now ready to battle it out with BMW’s 1-Series in the arena of luxury sports cars. According to the report, Mercedes Benz made only minimal changes to the Sport Coupe. The car is still the new C-Class at heart. It echoes the same features that the new C-Class has, especially the front fascia. The interiors were said to be the same as well, because this way the Sport Coupe will be more affordable in the market. Some notable changes under the hood are to be expected though. For instance, the Sport Coupe will be using a powerful V6 powerplant. The specs are not up yet but this car will surely fare well once it is ready to come out in the market.

While many critics found the Sport Coupe to be a bit of a disappointment, many also fear that BMW might make a more interesting counter-attack. With the lack of fresh and new sellable innovations that the CLC Sport Coupe is expected to have, BMW might just make their fleet of 1-Series more interesting. Nevertheless, a Mercedes is still a Mercedes. Its power and excellence can never be outdone. Needless to say, let the people see for themselves first before judgment day comes.

Mercedes-Benz has created an integrated marketing campaign for the launch of the new C-Class station wagon in the market on December 1, 2007. According to Due Motori, the campaign will include various communication activities across all media channels. It is also structured to help in the sales launch of the new Mercedes-Benz station wagon.

The report also said that the new station wagon will be shown on a stage, as the “star” of a modern opera in all forms of media. In order to highlight the great presence and agility of the new model, an opera theme was chosen.

“In a manner similar to the approach used with the launch of the new C-Class sedan, Mercedes-Benz is seeking to motivate existing and potential customers to experience the station wagon’s outstanding features for themselves,” says Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. “Along with proven traditional communication instruments, we will once again also be focusing strongly on various forms of hands-on experience with the vehicle and online communication. Measures here include exclusive driving events, a Mobile Marketing Special, and communication via innovative platforms such as Mercedes-Benz TV and FLOADED.”

The print campaign started in November 14, 2007, featuring three different ads and will be shown in high-circulation magazines and later on, in daily newspapers. The ad will show the C-Class station wagon at the center of the stage, flanked by a curtain and background scenery. An example of the message featured in an ad design is, “Act 2: A grandiose driving experience in every curve.”

The theme for the 30 or 45 seconds TV commercial will be “The Battle Against the Wind.” In the commercial, the C-Class station wagon will be depicted as battling the wind and later on becomes victorious. A storm will then rage into it, sending bolts of lightning. The C-Class will then swerve to avoid the lightning and impressively shows its agility.

For more information, visit: http://www.duemotori.com/news/auto_news/20273_Mercedes-Benz_Launches_Marketing_Campaign_for_New_C-Class_Station_Wagon.php

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.

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 C-Class offers passengers comfort during long journeys as it sports newly-developed seats and air conditioning system. When one takes a peek at the C-Class’ interior, one would see that it has appealing color schemes, a dashboard styled in a very appealing way, and the materials were made from only high-grade quality. All in all, it gives the interior of the C-Class a somewhat homely atmosphere. The load compartment has also been included in the color scheme as it too sports the color concept of the model. Also, the selected color scheme of the customers is reflected on both the carpeting and the side trims of the CLASSIC and the ELEGANCE models. The back compartment on the AVANTGARDE model is also provided with a black carpet. Wanting to add comfort in long journeys, the C-Class Estate has put a powerful air conditioning system, and its newly-developed seats have a multi-contour function as its option.

The Estate model is also proud to announce that among its class, it is the first to offer potential customers with the option of individually adjustable three-zone climate control. Another optional feature include a panoramic sliding sunroof. The dashboard has a color display that’s connected to the controller on the tunnel console, where the driver can access the audio and navigation system controls or the telephone. The Estate also has a clear menu structure, making accessing these functions easy. There are also direct selection keys in the center console and these are keys for the car radio, navigation system, CD/DVD player, plus the telephone can be switched on and off with just a push of a button.

Source: Mercedes-Benz Press Release via Autoblog

The C-Class Estate of Mercedes-Benz has come through an exhaustive program of testing, during which it demonstrated its typical Mercedes-like levels of safety in over 100 crash tests in all. The occupant protection concept is underpinned by an intelligently designed bodyshell, 70 percent of which consists of high-strength and ultra-high-strength grades of steel. The front-end structure comprises four impact levels which act independently of one another and enable forces to be distributed over a wide area while bypassing the passenger cell. The occupants are protected by a total of seven airbags as standard. The driver, front passenger and the passengers on the outer rear seats also benefit from belt tensioners and belt force limiters. The NECK-PRO head restraints in the front have a crash-responsive design, meaning that they move to cushion the heads of the driver and front passenger at an early stage in a rear-end collision to guard against the risk of whiplash.

The integrated child seats, which fold out of the rear bench seat have undergone further development and are now also fitted with a wraparound head restraint. Standard features such as the flashing brake lights, Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program make vital contributions to accident prevention. The ESP system now incorporates additional functions: not only does it monitor the tire pressure it also helps to enhance safety when towing a trailer with an automatic trailer stabilization function.

The anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE gives the new Estate the edge over other models in this segment. This optional system makes use of the time before an imminent accident to prepare the vehicle and its occupants for a collision. The result is a considerable reduction in the loads exerted on the passengers upon impact. The Intelligent Light System is another technical innovation borrowed from the luxury models in the Mercedes range and is the only system of its kind in this market segment at the current time. The system’s five different lighting functions are each suited to various typical driving and weather conditions.

Source: Mercedes Benz