The economy rebounded in all of the key markets worldwide in the first half of 2010, leading to a growing demand for consumer goods and therefore to an increase in transport volume. In line with these developments, the demand for vans also recovered substantially in many of the core markets.

Mercedes-Benz Vans has greatly benefited from this development, raising sales to over 106,000 vehicles in the first six months of the year, an increase of more than 50% over the same period of 2009. This increase was mainly due to the rapidly growing economies in Latin America (sales up by 51% to approximately 6,000 vans) and the most important sales market of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Western Europe (sales up by 39% to 76,200 vehicles). Higher sales in France, the UK, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands contributed especially to this growth. Sales in Germany were up slightly to 28,700 units (+12%). The Vans unit also recorded strong sales growth in Eastern Europe, where the results improved by 26% to 6,700 units. In the NAFTA region, the new sales organization of Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. and Canada got off to a resounding start, boosting sales to 5,200 units (January-June 2009: 300 units).

Revenues rose by 33% in the first half of 2010, to €3,674 million. EBIT grew substantially from minus €101 million in the first half of 2009 to €191 million between January and June of this year. This improvement in earnings was primarily the result of higher sales compared to the previous year, particularly in Western Europe. Thanks to a return on sales of 5.2% in the first half of the year, Mercedes-Benz Vans is among the leaders in profitability in the vans sector.

Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, talked today in Stuttgart about the business development of Mercedes-Benz Vans in the first half of 2010 and the strategy of the division. Commenting on the results, Mornhinweg said: “We really took off in the first six months of 2010 and are now clearly back on track. Our results for the key financial figures of sales, earnings and return on sales speak for themselves, particularly after the difficult situation we faced in 2009. Our current market share of 17.4% makes us the clear market leader in the segment for mid-size and full-size vans in the European Union. And we’re continuing the offensive by launching the right products on the market at the right time and moving forward with our global growth strategy.”

Numerous measures implemented for safeguarding the long-term future of Mercedes-Benz Vans

The success of Mercedes-Benz Vans is due to a long-term strategy which encompasses the three core objectives “Growth in Existing Markets,” “Growth in New Markets,” and “Technological Leadership.”

In order to generate additional growth in existing markets, Mercedes-Benz Vans is increasing its investment in the successor generations of the current product range and in sales and service activities. Furthermore measures for ensuring compliance with global environmental legislation are top priority. Even in economically challenging times, Mercedes-Benz Vans continued to invest heavily in safeguarding its long-term future. In the past three years the unit has spent €250 million on developing the new generations of the high-quality Mercedes-Benz Viano and Vito, as well as on expanding the production facility in Vitoria, Spain, which manufactures both models. The Vito for commercial use features a higher payload and is very robust, while the Viano sets the standards for safety, comfort, and driving pleasure in full-size vehicles. The models are also equipped with economical, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly engines with BlueEFFICIENCY technology. Both of the vehicles will make their public debut at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in September.

The strategic alliance with Renault-Nissan will also help the unit achieve further growth in Europe. In the light commercial vehicle segment, the collaboration concluded between Daimler and Renault-Nissan in April 2010 envisions adding a completely new city delivery van for commercial customers to the Mercedes-Benz Vans product range in 2012.

In North America, Mercedes-Benz Vans is starting a sales campaign with a new sales organization in the U.S. and Canada and a focus on a two-brand strategy. In addition to being sold with the Freightliner nameplate as in the past, the Sprinter has also been sold as a Mercedes-Benz vehicle in the U.S. since the beginning of the year in order to provide customers with the best service possible. The number of dealers will increase from 120 in January 2010 to around 200 in 2011.

Latin America is another established market for Mercedes-Benz Vans. Mercedes-Benz has been successfully producing vans for the South American market in Argentina for more than 50 years. With a market share of 40%, Mercedes-Benz is by far the best-selling premium automaker in Argentina. It occupies a strong position in Brazil as well, with a market share of more than 16%.

Clear strategy for activities in growth markets

Along with the growth it achieves in its established markets, Mercedes-Benz Vans is also looking to profit from the growth potential in emerging markets. Volker Mornhinweg believes there will be promising growth opportunities in Asia over the short and medium terms. “In line with the slogan ‘Go East,’ we are the first automaker to manufacture vans in China, the most dynamic growth market of all,” he says. “Our vans have been rolling off the assembly line there since April — but that's not all. We've also been building vans for the Asian market in Vietnam for the past 15 years.”

In April 2007 Mercedes-Benz Vans joined up with Fujian Motors Group to establish the first joint venture for building vans in China. The 50:50 joint venture, called Fujian Daimler Automotive (FDJA), has already sold more than 3,000 Vito and Viano vans produced locally in China since the start of production in April 2010. Also the Sprinter as a mini-bus version will be produced locally within this important growth market, starting from 2011.
Russia also offers promising growth opportunities for the vans business. Here, the market volume for mid-size and full-size vans in 2009 was 87,000 units. According to current forecasts, that figure could rise to 300,000 vans as early as 2020. Mercedes-Benz Vans is examining a range of options for efficiently penetrating the Russian market in the near future.

Mercedes-Benz is clearly the market leader in “green technologies”

The strategic approach of Mercedes-Benz Vans clearly includes the penetration of new growth areas such as the development of environmentally friendly technologies and safety-oriented technologies. In the area of the so-called “green technologies,” Mercedes-Benz Vans is the leader in the segment of mid-size and full-size vans.
This July, the unit presented the first electricmotive-powered van, the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL, which is extremely quiet and generates absolutely no emissions during operation. A small-batch series of 100 units of the new Vito E-CELL is currently in production, and testing by customers has commenced. Starting in 2011, 2,000 additional Vito E-CELL vehicles will follow.

Since its launch, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been thrilling customers all over the world, and more than 300,000 units been delivered to date. Says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars: “The new E-Class is a great success, setting standards not only for safety, comfort and efficiency, but also for market acceptance. This is demonstrated by the fact that each of the four models - the sedan, the estate, the coupe and the convertible - is currently the world’s best-selling vehicle in its comparative class. We are delighted about the positive customer response to the new E-Class models since they are essential to the success of Mercedes-Benz.”

Around 230,000 sedans, 28,000 estates, and 60,000 coupes and convertibles of the new E-Class family have been delivered to customers to date. The sedan was launched in March 2009, followed by the coupe two months later in May and by the estate in November. The market introduction of the convertible in March 2010 completed the model family, ensuring that Mercedes-Benz now offers an unparalleled range of products in this segment.

The sedan took the global lead in its comparative class only one month after its market launch and has since then successfully held this position. The vehicle is way ahead of its competitors, with a market share of more than 50 percent in Germany, around 40 percent in the rest of Western Europe, and over 30 percent in the U.S. In the first half of 2010, Mercedes-Benz sold 101,700 E-Class sedans worldwide, an increase of 62 percent on the same period last year. A long wheelbase version of the E-Class sedan was recently introduced to the Chinese market, which will further help boost sales.

The E-Class coupe is also very popular with customers and posted high growth rates during the first six months of the year. The biggest market for the E-Class coupe is the United States, which accounts for about 20 percent of total sales, followed by Germany, the UK and China. The new E-Class convertible, which was recently launched, has also met with an outstanding response, becoming the global market leader in its segment only two months after it was introduced.

The E-Class estate is also very well received, with sales growing at double-digit rates or more in nearly all markets during the first half of the year. In Germany, which is its most important market, the vehicle is by far the most popular estate in its segment. At 21,500 units, Mercedes-Benz delivered more than twice as many vehicles (plus 124 percent) in the first half of 2010 as in the same period last year.

The current E-Class’ predecessor, the 211 series, was also successful worldwide. A total of 1.6 million sedans and estates were delivered to customers in the six years following the vehicle’s launch. Over the past 60 years, the eight generations of the E-Class have thrilled twelve million customers worldwide.
The E-Class vehicles for global markets are manufactured at two German plants: the Bremen plant, which produces the coupe and the convertible, and the Sindelfingen plant, which manufactures the sedan and the estate. The long wheelbase version of the E-Class sedan is manufactured by Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. for the Chinese market.

For 2011, AMG is introducing its own special version of a new Mercedes-Benz V8 engine that produces more power while getting better fuel economy – an astounding feat, considering that increasing either one usually decreases the other. Replacing the normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 in the S63 AMG sedan and the CL63 AMG coupe, the new smaller-displacement 5.5-liter V8 features twin turbochargers, direct fuel injection, start/stop technology and multi-spark ignition.

The new AMG twin-turbo V8 produces 536 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque, while the outgoing engine produced 518 hp and 465 lb.-ft. In particular, the new engine makes 125 additional lb.-ft. of torque, and yet gets 25 percent better fuel economy.

Twin Turbos and Direct Injection

The new engine features twin turbochargers – one for each bank of cylinders. Welded directly to the exhaust manifold, the exhaust-driven turbochargers force intake air into the engine at a pressure of up to 1.0 bar, or about 14 pounds per square inch above normal atmospheric pressure. The engine's impressively compact layout includes an air-water intercooler nestled in the "V" of the engine – where the intake manifold is located on a conventional V8 engine.

Like its predecessor, the new engine features aluminum cylinder heads, pistons and cylinder block with cast-in Silitec cylinders, as well as a crankshaft, connecting roads and valves made of special forged steel. The AMG V8 has a 10.0-to-1 compression ratio – relatively high for a turbocharged engine. However, pistons crowns are four millimeters thicker to handle the higher combustion pressures, while shorter connecting rods allow existing block dimensions to be retained.

Among the many special AMG touches on the new engine are "pulsation holes" drilled through the internal webs of the cylinder block. While up-and-down movement of the pistons usually pushes air around inside the crankcase and robs power, the pulsation holes allow this internal air pressure to be better equalized between cavities, actually increasing power as a result.

The Third Generation of Mercedes-Benz Direct Injection Systems

The world's first gasoline engine with direct fuel injection was the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. Since then, the company has pioneered direct injection for several high-efficiency European models, including the 2006 CLS350 CGI, powered by the world's first gasoline engine with piezo-electric direct injection and spray-guided combustion. This advanced V6 engine achieved 10 percent better fuel economy versus the normal V6 with port injection.

The fuel system in the new bi-turbo V8 represents the third generation of modern Mercedes-Benz gasoline direct injection systems, and the first to be offered in the U.S. market. System pressure of the electronic direct injection system is similar to less precise mechanical injection systems – up to 200 bar or 2,840 psi. The new V8 makes use of industry-leading electronics technology first used on Mercedes-Benz diesels – piezo-electric fuel injectors that spray gasoline directly into the combustion chambers. In the past, nearly all gasoline engines have used indirect port fuel injection.

Crystals are the Heart of the New System

Instead of conventional mechanical injector valves, piezo injectors feature a piezo-ceramic crystalline element that, in microseconds, simply changes shape when electrical current is applied. The blazingly fast piezo injectors make it possible to design very sensitive and precise injection systems, including the ability to program several small injections with each piston stroke. This is especially impressive, considering that engines idle at about 20 strokes per second and 200 strokes every second at high speeds.

The first injection is sprayed into the combustion chamber as the piston is descending on the intake stroke. Depending on speed, load and temperature conditions, another injection or two takes place during the compression up-stroke before ignition, forming a stratified mixture. A fourth injection can stabilize combustion if it's needed. Among other things, this advanced spray-guided combustion process demonstrates the potential of the internal combustion engine for continued development and refinement.

Multi-Spark Works with Multi-Squirt

Working together with the spray-guided direct injection, a rapid multi-spark ignition system begins combustion with the first spark, but has the capability to recharge and deliver up to three more sparks within a single millisecond, creating a gas plasma with more expansion than conventional ignition. The time lapse between sparks is adjustable, so combustion duration can actually be controlled, resulting in two percent better fuel economy, and a total of four percent improvement in combination with its companion direct fuel injection system.

More Efficient Cam Chain Drive

Mounted on the ends of the intake and exhaust camshafts, the hydraulic camshaft adjusters that vary valve timing are now 35 percent faster, and with a wider range of 40 crankshaft degrees, yet are more than a half inch smaller in height and width.

These smaller valve timing adjusters are made possible by a new cam chain drive system, in which the crankshaft drives an intermediate shaft above the crank. In turn, the intermediate shaft drives two short chains – one for each cylinder bank – that loop around the intake and exhaust camshaft drive sprockets. The new chain drive results in less tension and lower chain dynamics, for even lower friction and less noise.

A fourth chain drives a new variable vane-type oil pump in the bottom of the engine. At low engine speed and load, the oil pump only generates about 28 psi (or two bar) of oil pressure, and nozzles that spray cooling oil on the pistons are off. As engine speed and load increases, oil pressure goes up, and the oil spray nozzles are turned on. In this way, less energy is used when less cooling and lubrication is needed.

Three-Phase Low-Load Cooling System

Even the cooling system is significantly refined in the new engine, beginning with a two-stage flow circuit through the cylinder head. This improved coolant flow results in better heat dissipation, despite lower coolant circuit pressure, so that the water pump uses less engine power.

A three-phase cooling system helps the engine warm up very quickly. When the engine is first started, no coolant is circulating. As the engine warms up, coolant begins to circulate within the engine, but not through the radiator. Only when the coolant temperature reaches 221 degrees Fahrenheit (or 189 degrees under high load), coolant also circulates through the radiator. Coolant circulation through the heating system for the car's interior is controlled separately.

Start-Stop System with Direct-Start

Whenever the engine is automatically turned off to save fuel, the engine computer decides which piston is in the best position for first ignition. The direct fuel injection and multi-spark systems work with a starter motor to re-start the engine almost instantly. In the future, this new technology may actually be used to start engines without using a conventional starter motor.

The restyled CL-Class boasts two new safety features based on state-of-the-art radar, camera and sensor technology. Renowned as the flagship coupe from Mercedes-Benz, the 2011 CL-Class debuts Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, both designed to help the driver avoid danger through corrective braking. Building on the innovative technologies introduced last year on the E- and S-Class, the CL-Class now showcases the height of safety technology form Mercedes-Benz including features such as ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE Brake with automatic emergency braking, and Night View Assist PLUS with Pedestrian Detection. The 2011MY CL-Class will make its U.S. debut in Fall 2010.

Active Lane Keeping Assist
Using a multi-purpose camera mounted in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the images, Active Lane Keeping Assist recognizes lane markings and alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel (via an electric motor) if the car drifts from its lane unintentionally. Should the driver fail to react to this warning, the car intervenes by gently braking the wheels on the opposite side of the car. The unequal distribution of braking forces causes a yaw movement which helps the driver to stay in their lane. Active Lane Keeping Assist makes use of the existing ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) system to apply the brakes and maintain vehicle control.

Active Blind Spot Assist
The second innovation on the 2011 CL-Class, Active Blind Spot Assist, monitors both blind spots alongside the vehicle using close-range radar sensors. When a vehicle is detected, a yellow warning triangle is illuminated in the corresponding side-view mirror. Should the driver disregard this warning and activate the turn indicator, the warning triangle changes to red and an audible warning also sounds. If the driver continues to ignore these warnings and moves dangerously close to a neighboring vehicle, the system activates corrective braking intervention to the wheels of the opposite side of the vehicle. Like Active Lane Keeping Assist, the yaw movement helps correct the car’s path or minimize the consequences of
a collision.

The new S 350 BlueTEC which is now available from Mercedes-Benz is the most efficient and safest S-Class ever. And thanks to AdBlue® emission control it also offers one of the cleanest diesel models in the world. With combined fuel consumption of just 6.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (NEDC) – corresponding to CO2 emissions of 177 grammes per kilometre – the new diesel model is eleven percent more economical than its predecessor. At the same time, the power output is up ten percent at 190 kW (258 hp) and torque is 15 percent higher at 620 Newton metres. In addition, the S 350 BlueTEC already complies with the emission levels which are planned for 2014 with the introduction of the EU 6 standard. Other new features for the S-Class of model year 2010 include Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.

The new S 350 BlueTEC combines outstanding safety and comfort plus performance on a par with an eight-cylinder vehicle with the excellent fuel consumption and emission values of a mid-size model. At 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, the S 350 BlueTEC undercuts its predecessor model by 0.8 litres. CO2 emissions have similarly dropped by eleven percent, from 199 to 177 grammes per kilometre. At the same time output characteristics have improved, maximum power output rising from 173 kW (235 hp) to 190 kW (258 hp) with the current V6 engine and torque hitting a massive 620 Newton metres. The highly efficient and clean V6 diesel engine assures the luxury saloon of impressive performance, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

BlueTEC is a technology developed by Mercedes-Benz to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles, in particular nitrogen oxides. To this end AdBlue®, an aqueous urea solution, is injected into the exhaust flow. This releases ammonia, which converts up to 80 percent of nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalytic converter. As a result, the S 350 BlueTEC already complies with the emission levels which are planned for 2014 with the introduction of the EU 6 standard. The AdBlue® tank is installed under the luggage compartment floor and has a capacity of 25.7 litres. The tank is replenished at the regular maintenance intervals every 25,000 kilometres. The price for the new S 350 BlueTEC stands at € 76,279.00.

Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist

In parallel with the CL-Class, Mercedes-Benz is also introducing two new safety systems for the S-Class which can help to avoid dangerous situations and accidents. When the wheels pass over a broken lane marking, the system activates an electric motor in the steering wheel which triggers brief vibrations – a subtle but effective warning signal. Active Lane Keeping Assist takes effect when the vehicle unintentionally passes over a continuous line to the right or left of the lane. In this case it gently brakes the rear wheel on the opposite side of the vehicle to counteract the drift away from the lane. Active Lane Keeping Assist employs the ESP® electronic stability programme for this purpose.

Active Blind Spot Assist is now available as a further new feature for the S-Class. This system warns the driver by means of a red signal in the glass of the exterior mirror when it detects that changing the lane may lead to an accident. Close-range radar sensors scan the area directly alongside and behind the car for this purpose. If the driver ignores the warnings and a vehicle in the neighbouring lane comes dangerously near – when cutting in after overtaking, for example – gentle corrective braking intervention will take place via ESP® on the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle. This results in slight yawing of the saloon around its vertical axis as a result of the varying brake force distribution.

Where an accident is nevertheless unavoidable, braking intervention by Active Blind Spot Assist helps to reduce the severity of impact. Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are available for the S-Class now as part of the Driving Assistance package PLUS.

New leather appointments with stitching

To personalise the interior of the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz is also offering new, high-quality leather appointments which underscore the luxury saloon's exclusive character. A defining feature is the contrasting stitching on the PASSION leather package and the Exclusive PASSION leather package (standard for S 600). Colours and scope of appointments vary according to upholstery and package contents.
The PASSION leather package features the stitching on the fine leather of the seats and armrests as well as on the top and bottom of the instrument panel support and the door panelling, all of which are finished in ARTICO, a man-made leather which is pleasant to the touch. The Exclusive PASSION leather package features seats, armrests, instrument panel support, door linings, ruffled pockets and a rear shelf in fine leather with contrasting stitching. Alcantara is used for the roof liner and to cover the A-, B- and C-pillars.

Tailor-made high-end sound system

The new Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG sound system tailored to the luxury saloon's interior is available as a further new feature for the S-Class (standard for S 65 AMG). A combination of 15 loudspeakers and two amplifiers with a total output of 1200 W ensure a thrilling quality of sound from this high-end system. The algorithm of the digital sound processor allows a choice between high-end studio sound and surround sound, and the audio output can be focused exactly on the seat positions of the driver, front-passenger, rear seats or the centre of the interior.
Music can be enjoyed on long trips without tiring the listeners, thanks in particular to the dynamic compensation of driving noise: a microphone integrated in the roof lining between the gullwing doors provides a continuous supply of data on the current interior noise level. The digital sound processor analyses all the frequency bands and increases the volume according to the vehicle's speed – via individual adjustment of each loudspeaker and the different frequency ranges

Mercedes-Benz USA reported June sales of 18,997 vehicles, an increase of 25.4% with a 25.7% increase on a year-to-date basis.

Impressive gains were made in both the Mercedes-Benz passenger car and light-truck categories. The strongest performer for the month was the popular C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger as well as first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – with sales of 5,563. The 9th generation E-Class also continued to exhibit strong momentum with sales of 4,865 (up 74.9%) and the versatile M-Class SUV ranked third with sales of 2,124.

The company’s flagship sedan, the S-Class, boosted sales to 1,549 - a 106.5% increase. Also showing strong gains were the sporty SLK (up 153.8 %) and the commanding G-Class (up 124.3%). The company also sold 50 of its newly launched supercar, the SLS AMG, bringing its year-to-date sales to 218.

On a year-to-date basis, the company sold 106,967 new vehicles, an increase of 25.7% over last year.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,425 vehicles in June, up 7.1% compared to June 2009 sales of 5,999 vehicles. Year-to-date sales for the MBCPO program were 41,322 - a 6.1% increase over 2009 year-to-date sales (38,950
vehicles) during the same timeframe.

Today marks a special production anniversary for the Mercedes-Benz plant in Berlin: plant manager Thomas Uhr took delivery of the one millionth V6 diesel engine together with Harald Wolf, economic affairs senator, and Volker Stauch, Head of Powertrain Production Mercedes-Benz Cars.

"The Berlin engine plant has been a vital part of Berlin's industrial landscape and a key player in the business community for many decades," observed senator and mayor Harald Wolf. "We look forward to a continuing positive impact on the region."

"Although this is the oldest plant in the Daimler Group in historical terms, the magnificent enthusiasm and commitment of our workforce has kept it young and dynamic," added plant manager Thomas Uhr.

Thomas Uhr presented the anniversary engine to Michael Humper, manager of the nearby Mercedes-Benz van plant in Ludwigsfelde, where the engine will be installed in the one millionth commercial vehicle to be produced at the plant. The children from the Berlin plant's "sternchen" crèche were also involved in the ceremony to mark the auspicious occasion, making and painting a papier-mâché wall which the anniversary symbolically broke through as it rolled off the production line. Before the official part of the ceremony, the guests had an opportunity to experience the production of V6 diesel engines at first hand, as employees from the plant took them on a guided tour of various stages of the engine production process.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for Landesverkehrswacht Berlin e.V.

At the ceremony, plant manager Thomas Uhr handed over a symbolic key to Hans Zucker, president of the Landesverkehrswacht Berlin e.V. This key stands for the millionth commercial vehicle from the Ludwigsfelde van plant – a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fitted with the anniversary engine from the Berlin plant.

Landesverkehrswacht Berlin e.V. is a voluntary road traffic safety organisation which has been working to promote safety-conscious behaviour among all road users for 60 years now. A key area of its work focuses on road safety training and education for future generations. The Berlin plant has long been involved in promoting the development of children and young people and the new vehicle will support the Verkehrswacht's work in this area.

Top-flight engines from Berlin

The V6 diesel engine has been produced at the Berlin plant since 2005. Since 2007 the plant has also been producing the BlueTEC variant of the V6 – one of the cleanest engines in its class. In the E 350 BlueTEC it has a power output of 155 kW/211 hp at a fuel consumption rate of 6.8 litres per 100 km and already meets the EU6 emission regulations which are planned for 2014. Production of the upgraded variant of the V6 diesel engine is currently starting up at the Berlin plant. It is being premiered in the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class 350 CDI 4MATIC, in which the six-cylinder engine combines the high performance of a V8 model with the low fuel consumption of an economical V6 variant. It offers a maximum power output of 195 kW (265 hp), while undercutting its predecessor's NEDC fuel consumption level by 0.8 litres per 100 km.
Cutting-edge products from the plant

In addition to the diesel engines and the high-tech V12 engines, a new generation of transmission-integrated electric motors for Mercedes-Benz hybrid models will also go into production in Berlin in 2012. A shop offering 4000 m² of production space is currently being converted for this new field of production. In all, the company is investing around 40 million Euros in the development and production of the new engine, with half of this sum earmarked for facilities and equipment at the plant. A team of 50 will be concerned with the development and production of the new electric motors in the future.

Mercedes-Benz is offering a new service to truck customers: The TruckMobility mobility package offers full breakdown assistance for truck tractors and trailers. Thanks to an extensive, Europe-wide service network, which is available around the clock, the mobility service helps to keep vehicle downtime to a minimum. This is the first time Mercedes-Benz has offered this service on such a scale to truck customers.

The mobility package is available in Basic and Premium versions. The Basic package includes, for example, on-site assistance in the event of a breakdown, towing service, a replacement vehicle, and transport of the driver and passenger to the replacement vehicle’s location. In addition to these services, the Premium package includes the logistics service including arrangements for reloading the freight, the tire service, and organization of legal assistance. It also covers overnight lodging and travel costs. The services are available in connection with the complimentary MercedesServiceCard.

Truck drivers or freight-forwarding companies can request assistance around the clock by calling the customer contact center of Mercedes-Benz. The on-site breakdown assistance is provided right away by an experienced Mercedes-Benz service team. The mobility package is available for vehicles from the Actros, Axor, Atego, and Econic production series that are up to eight years old at the time of application for the package and have been driven a maximum of 1,000,000 kilometers. The package also applies to semi-trailers, superstructures, and trailers that are attached to the truck. The duration of the mobility package can be from one up to three years, and a Starter package is offered starting at €500.

The new TruckMobility services are being offered initially in Germany, but customers can use them in 40 countries throughout Europe - from Portugal to Russia and from Greece to Norway. Plans call for an expansion of the mobility service to further markets in the future. The mobility package is available at all Mercedes-Benz partners.

AMG is writing another chapter in its "AMG Performance 2015" drive system strategy: a completely newly developed AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine with a peak output of up to 563 hp and maximum torque of up to 664 lb-ft. will enter the lineup in late 2010. The new eight-cylinder unit known internally as the M 157 impresses with a wealth of technological highlights such as direct gasoline injection with spray-guided combustion and twin turbochargers.

This innovative, independently developed eight-cylinder power unit from Affalterbach sets new standards in terms of fuel consumption and exemplary efficiency: the 2011 S63 AMG, in which the V8 biturbo will have its market debut, acheives an estimated 22.4 mpg (NEDC combined consumption, provisional figure). An intelligently designed power transfer plays a major part in this: the unique AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission combines performance with economy, and includes a new start/stop function in the "Controlled Efficiency" driving mode. The new engine/transmission combination is the epitome of exclusivity, sophistication, high performance and economy.

The S63 AMG showcar is a homage to the impressive history of powerful AMG V8 engines: visually this high-performance sedan resembles the spectacular 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, the racing car that won a class victory and second place in the overall ranking for AMG at the 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) in 1971 - and made the company world-famous overnight.

"AMG Performance 2015" as the continuation of a success story

"AMG Performance 2015" strategy, and meeting its promise to continuously reduce both the fuel consumption and emissions of new models with the new engine/transmission combination - while reaching new heights with the central brand value of "performance".

The new AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine will play a major part in the Mercedes-AMG model strategy over the next few years. The unique AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission will also guarantee a thrilling yet economical power transfer in future AMG high-performance cars. The new engine/transmission combination is another milestone in the success story of Mercedes-AMG, which began in 1967. Another highlight in the company's more than 40-year history it undoubtedly the SLS AMG: this gull-wing model due to be launched in May 2010 is the first automobile to be completely independently developed by Mercedes-AMG. It means that as the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, AMG is not only fielding a masterpiece but also demonstrating development expertise at the highest level.

Direct gasoline injection with spray-guided combustion and twin turbocharging

While the AMG 6.3 liter V8 naturally aspirated engine has a displacement of 6208 cc the new AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo unit makes do with 5461 cc. The use of direct injection technology results in a reduction of exactly 747 cubic centimeters and increases efficiency. For the first time, AMG is also utilizing the advantages of direct gasoline injection with spray-guided combustion and piezo-electric injectors: thanks to its higher thermodynamic efficiency, this technology makes more efficient use of fuel and leads to lower exhaust emissions. AMG combines this spray-guided combustion with twin turbochargers. Other highlights include a crankcase wholly of aluminum, four-valve technology with adjustable camshafts, an air/water intercooler, generator management and a start/stop function as standard.

This high-tech package leads to a high output and torque yield, together with fuel consumption figures that are unrivalled in the competitive lineup. The AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine develops a peak output of 536 hp and maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. In conjunction with the AMG Performance package these figures are increased to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft. A look at the performance diagrams shows that no other engine in this output class achieves the figures delivered by the new AMG biturbo. The major difference between the two performance classes is an increase in the maximum charge pressure from 1.0 to 1.3 bar.

Quantum leap: fuel consumption reduced by 25 percent

With a provisional NEDC fuel consumption of 10.5 liters per 100 kilometers, the new S63 AMG is 3.9 liters more economical than the preceding model powered by the naturally aspirated AMG 6.3-liter V8 - despite an increase in output by 18 hp and in torque by 125 lb-ft. Engine specialists consider this achieved fuel saving of more than 25 percent to be nothing less than a quantum leap. CO2 emissions have likewise been significantly reduced: at 246 grams per kilometer, the figure is 28.5 percent lower than for the previous model.

With figures like these, the new S63 AMG is not only considerably better than all its competitors, but also more fuel-efficient than much less powerful cars in this segment. Taking into account its enormous performance and torque figures the new AMG 5.5 liter V8 biturbo engine is in parts twice as efficient as many mid-segment or compact-class diesel engines.

At the same time the S63 AMG delivers superior performance at sports car level: the high-performance sedan accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The 60 mph mark is reached in just 4.3 seconds with the AMG Performance package, with the top speed increased to an electronically limited 186 mph.

Engine production - tradition of hand-built excellence

Like all other AMG engines, the new eight-cylinder biturbo is assembled by hand in the AMG engine shop taken into commission in 2002. A single, highly-qualified technician assembles the M 157 according to the "one man, one engine" philosophy, maintaining the very strictest quality standards. This painstaking care is attested to by his signature on the characteristic AMG engine plate.

AMG CEO Volker Mornhinweg: "Efficiency plus performance"

"With the new AMG V8 biturbo engine and the AMG SPEEDSHFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, we are confronting the challenges of the future and focusing on fuel consumption and exhaust emissions even more intensively than before. Our new high-performance engine shows that AMG occupies a leading position in terms of both efficiency and our brand commitment to "performance," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

"The new AMG V8 biturbo engine is yet another milestone in our impressive V8 history. For the first time we have combined spray-guided direct gasoline injection with turbocharging. With this high-tech package we are "best in class" with respect to fuel consumption, output and torque," says Friedrich Eichler, Head of Engine and Powertrain Development at Mercedes-AMG.

Key figures at a glance: *

• AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine
• Displacement 5461 cc
• Bore x stroke 98.0 x 90.5 mm
• Compression ratio 10.0:1
• Output 536 hp at 5500 rpm 563 hp at 5500 rpm**
• Max. torque 590 lb. ft. at 2000-4500 rpm 664 lb. ft. at 2500-3750 rpm** at 2500-3750 rpm*
• Engine weight (dry) 450 lbs

* provisional figures; ** with AMG Performance package

Exciting power delivery, characteristic sound

These on-paper figures raise high expectations which the 536 hp AMG5.5-liter V8 biturbo certainly meets. The flat torque curve ensures enormous pulling power in all speed ranges: 494 lb-ft. are already available at 1500 rpm, and the maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. is delivered just 500rpm later, remaining constant to 4500 rpm. Even more effortless performance is ensured by the engine variant with the AMG Performance package, which has a peak output of 563 hp. In this case the eight-cylinder delivers 645 lb-ft. of torque at just 2000 rpm, with a constant 664 lb-ft available between 2500 and 3750 rpm.

It is not only the unrivalled torque delivery of this turbocharged eight-cylinder that makes the heart beat faster, as the agile responsiveness with no irritating charger delay leads to an effortlessness and performance previously unknown in this output class. All perfectly matched by the characteristic, sonorous engine note. Moreover, this AMG high-performance engine naturally meets all the requirements with respect to smooth, quiet running and the comfort on long journeys that is to be expected of a Mercedes.

MCT 7-speed sports transmission with Controlled Efficiency mode and start/stop function

Power is transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission used exclusively by AMG, which is already familiar from the SL63 AMG and E63AMG and combines high emotional appeal with outstanding driving dyna-mics and a high level of efficiency. The wet start-up clutch replaces a conventional torque converter, and helps to save fuel. The exemplary fuel economy is also in large measure due to the standard start/stop function. This system is active in the transmission's Controlled Efficiency ("C") mode, and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the car comes to a stop. In "C" mode the sports sedan always starts off in second gear, and the transmission shifts to the next, higher gears at a noticeably early stage. With its high torque at low engine speeds, the V8 engine encourages a smooth, effortless driving style.

The eight-cylinder biturbo engine also features the generator management system familiar from the E63 AMG: whenever the engine is on the overrun or when braking, kinetic energy is used to charge the battery rather than being wasted as heat in the usual way. In all other operating modes a combination of onboard network and generator management enables the generator to be kept at a low voltage. This reduces the load on the engine and makes for fuel savings of around 0.15 liters per 100 kilometers according to the NEDC standard, and up to 0.2 l/100 km in city traffic with its frequent overrun and braking phases.

Long tradition of powerful AMG V8 engines

Powerful eight-cylinder engines are an integral part of AMG's history. 2005 saw the debut of the AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine known as the M 156. Depending on the model, this naturally aspirated, high-revving unit develops up to 518 hp and 465 lb-ft. Reserved exclusively for the new SLS AMG, the M 159 with the same displacement of 6.3 liters has a peak torque of 563 hp and maximum torque of 479 lb-ft. Another milestone in the history of AMG engines was the supercharged AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine introduced in 2001: the M 113 K developed up to 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Even more power was forthcoming from the supercharged AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine of the SLR McLaren dating from 2003 - the M 155 generated up to 617 hp and 575 lb-ft.

The supercharged AMG 5.5-liter V8, the AMG 6.3-liter V8 and the AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo were all able to win the Best Performance Engine category in the International Engine of the Year Awards.

The first AMG four-valve V8 accelerates "The Hammer" to 188 mph

Another important engine in the AMG story was the M 117, its first eight-cylinder unit with four-valve technology. With a displacement of 5.6 liters, 355 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, this V8 accelerated the 300 CE 5.6 AMG to a top speed of 188 mph in 1987. This made the coupé the fastest German car in series production, and American fans reverently christened it "The Hammer".

The S63 AMG showcar harks back to the historic success in 1971

A historic success was achieved by the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG in 1971: powered by an AMG V8 engine with a displacement of 6.8 liters and developing 422 hp, this signal red racing sedan crossed the finishing line in second place during its very first outing at the 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), securing victory in its class.

The spectacular S63 showcar is homage to this triumph, which made AMG world-famous overnight although the company had only been founded in 1967: decorated with sponsoring stickers identical to those on its historic predecessor, this powerful S-Class made by Mercedes-AMG is a sensation. The imposing tires in size 275/35 R 20 and 325/30 R 20 at the front and rear are just as eye-catching as the 4.5-centimetre wider front fenders on each side. The discerning car-lover will even discover exotic wood trim in the style of the original car in the interior.

The showcar is powered by the new AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

Concurrent with the market launch of the new Mercedes E-Class of the W 212 model series, BRABUS presents an exclusive tuning program for the new sedan. Highlights in the product lineup are the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine with 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW for the E 500 (E550 in the US), a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement program, light-alloy wheels with diameters of up to 20 inches, matching suspension solutions, a high-performance brake system and exclusive interior upgrades. All components are backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning WarrantyÆ of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers / 62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006).

To add sporty emphasis to the striking lines of the new Mercedes E-Class the BRABUS designers have developed an aerodynamic-enhancement kit manufactured from Pur-R-Rim plastics in OEM quality. The BRABUS front apron replaces the production bumper in its entirety. It sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle and gives the sedan an even more striking face. For further improved driving safety the apron features LED daytime running lights and auxiliary headlights, either high beams or fog lamps, depending on customer preference.

BRABUS aluminum front sport quarter panels improve venting of the wheel houses. Their integrated lateral clear-coated carbon-fiber air outlets add a decidedly sporty flair. The BRABUS rocker panels calm the airflow between the wheel houses and feature integrated LED entrance lights for added style and utility.

The rear apron with centrally located rear deflector provides the perfect backdrop for the two chrome-plated tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust system on either side. The styling concept is rounded out with a rear spoiler.

Just as important for the exclusive appearance are the BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels, available in various designs with diameters ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The largest version for the new E-Class features one-piece or multi-piece wheels in size 9Jx20 on the front axle and in size 10.5Jx20 in back. The corresponding high-performance tires come from Pirelli and YOKOHAMA in size 245/30 ZR 20 in front and in size 285/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle.

Various BRABUS suspension solutions from a lowering kit to sporty yet comfortable complete suspensions and even a special control unit for the AIRMATIC air suspension were developed to match the conversion to high-performance tires.

BRABUS also offers a special high-performance brake system for the new E-Class. The system consists of 375 x 36 millimeter (14.8 x 1.4 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs on the front axle with 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. The rear axle stops on 355 x 28 millimeter (14.0 x 1.1 inches) discs and six-piston calipers.

The eight-cylinder model E 500 (US: E550) can be elevated to new performance levels with the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine. Installing a special crankshaft and larger pistons increases swept volume to 6.1 liters (372 cu. in.). Additionally the cylinder heads are optimized for mixture flow, and fitted with special camshafts. High-efficiency metal catalysts are also part of the engine conversion.

The impressive results of the conversion are a rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW at 6,200 rpm and an enormous peak torque of 615 Nm (453 lb-ft) at just 3,100 rpm. In order to transfer this power to the road with as little slip as possible BRABUS offers an anti-slip rear differential with a locking rate of 40 percent. Powered by the BRABUS 6.1 engine the sedan turns in excellent driving performance: The sprint from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 4.7 seconds, top speed is 305 km/h (191 mph).

The BRABUS engineers are hard at work developing BRABUS ECO PowerXtra performance kits for the various CDI BlueEFFIENCY turbodiesel models and a BRABUS ECO PowerXtra BLUE tuning kit for the Mercedes E 350 BlueTEC. As the ëECOí badge indicates, the main development goal is an optimal symbiosis of added power, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions by way of a notably increased peak torque.

BRABUS stainless-steel sports exhaust systems with four chrome-plated tailpipes are available for all engine variants.

Luxurious and customized interiors are also part of the BRABUS product lineup for the new E-Class. The list of available accessories ranges from stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels to exclusive BRABUS fully leather interiors made from a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik and Alcantara leathers.

As a pioneer in the development of multimedia systems on wheels BRABUS offers custom-tailored seatback consoles for the front seats of the new E-Class. They come with integrated seven-inch LCD displays and DVD player.

Source: BRABUS

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