Mercedes-Benz Recalls Diesel Vehicles

Image by henrymaxm via Flickr

Four models with diesel versions, the 2011 E-Class, 2011 R-Class, 2012 S-Class and 2011 ML-Class are being recalled due to a possible fuel leak. The company said that the recall will affect 6,872 units.

Here's the complete information of the recall from Daimler:

Report Date : October 17, 2011 at 09:34 AM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 11V496000

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
MERCEDES BENZ / E 2011
MERCEDES BENZ / GL 2011
MERCEDES BENZ / ML 2011
MERCEDES BENZ / R 2011
MERCEDES BENZ / S CLASS 2012

Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. Mfr’s Report Date: SEP 30, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V496000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6,872

Summary:
MERCEDES-BENZ USA (MBUSA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 VEHICLES INCLUDING E-CLASS (212 PLATFORM), MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 2010 THROUGH FEBRUARY 2011, R-CLASS (251 PLATFORM), MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2010 THROUGH APRIL 2011, ML-CLASS (W164 PLATFORM), MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 2010 THROUGH MARCH 2011, GL-CLASS (X164 PLATFORM), MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 2010 THROUGH MARCH 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 S-CLASS (221 PLATFORM) VEHICLES. THE DIESEL FUEL FILTER MAY LEAK FROM THE AREA AROUND THE HEATING COMPONENT.

Consequence:
DIESEL FUEL MAY BE DEPOSITED ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy:
MBUSA WILL CONTACT OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE DIESEL FUEL FILTER IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ USA AT 1-800-367-6372.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

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Daimler with Its Car-to-X Communication

Wireless communication at its best will be launched by Daimler through its Car-to-X Communication device.

Following three years of intensive research work, Daimler and the involved project partners are presenting the current status of the simTD project in Friedberg/Hesse today. It is also announcing the launch of the largest field trial for Car-to-X communication worldwide: from the spring of 2012, around 120 vehicles will be testing the new technology in real road traffic in the Rhine-Main region. “We are convinced that Car-to-X communication represents an important step on the way to accident-free driving,” observes simTD overall project coordinator Dr. Christian Weiß, who also heads the Cooperating Systems team in the Research and Advance Development department at Daimler AG.

The use of Car-to-X systems extends the vehicle’s field of vision – the “telematic horizon” – substantially. In addition to safety-related applications, comfort functions such as suggested routes to the nearest available car park can also be realised. By enabling traffic signal systems to be controlled according to prevailing requirements, Car-to-X communication can also help to optimise traffic flows, thereby contributing to efficient and thus sustainable mobility.
In Germany, the simTD research project (Safe Intelligent Mobility – test field Germany) is examining the everyday practicality of Car-to-X communication under the direction of Daimler AG.

As a pioneer in the field of vehicle and traffic safety, Car-to-X communication and the resultant assistance systems are a matter of high priority for Daimler. Against this background, the Group is contributing the largest individual share of funding among the industrial partners involved in the simTD research project and has provided the most vehicles for the test drives conducted to date. The importance of Car-to-X communication to Daimler is also demonstrated by its long-standing involvement in other projects relating to this area. The company is a founding member of the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium, for example, and plays an active role in promoting the standardisation of technology in the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

simTD is a joint project involving German automobile manufacturers, automotive parts suppliers, communications companies, research institutes and the public sector. simTD is being sponsored and supported by the Federal Ministries of Economics and Technology, Education and Research, Transport, Building and Urban Affairs and the Federal State of Hesse.

Source: Daimler AG

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Daimler's Joint Venture with Foton Approved by Authorities

The venture, Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co., Ltd. Has received the approval from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. This go signal is an important step in applying Daimler Trucks Global Excellence strategy and also this will allow them to directly participate in the growth of Chinese truck market.

• Milestone in implementing Daimler Trucks’ growth strategy achieved as Chinese authorities issue final approval for ‘Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co., Ltd.’
• Way is clear for both partners to establish the joint venture company
• Through joint venture Daimler Trucks will gain 50 percent stake in Foton Motor’s medium- and heavy-duty truck business

Stuttgart/Beijing – ‘Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co., Ltd.’ (BFDA) has received its final approval from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). “This is an important step for the global growth strategy of Daimler, as well as the local expansion of our portfolio,” says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “With our 50 percent stake in Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive, we are further strengthening our position as an important player in the China market. Having now received the final green light for the joint venture, this also sends out a clear signal that we deliver on what we promise.”

The final approval for the joint venture between Daimler Trucks and Foton Motor marks another important step in the implementation of Daimler Trucks’ Global Excellence strategy and will allow it to thoroughly participate in the growth of the Chinese truck market. In 2010, the Chinese market for trucks over six tons GVW had a volume of 1.2 million units. Forecasts indicate that about 1.5 million trucks over six tons GVW will be sold annually in China from now until 2020.

“This marks a milestone for the joint venture between Daimler and the Chinese truck manufacturer, Foton Motor, and for the implementation of Daimler Trucks’ worldwide strategy,” says Andreas Renschler, a member of Daimler’s Board of Management and Head of Daimler Trucks and Buses. “The flexibility, persistence, patience, and intercultural understanding of both parties were decisive factors in forging this partnership and obtaining the final go-ahead.”

“Receiving the final approval from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce is an important step in our China strategy, which is based on a thorough understanding of and long-term commitment to this country. Thanks to the great progress made during the past few months, the way is now clear for both partners to establish the joint venture,” says Ulrich Walker, Chairman and CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia. “Through this joint venture, Daimler will gain a 50 percent stake in Foton Motor’s medium- and heavy-duty truck business. This further strengthens our position to address all segments of the market in China: passenger cars, trucks, vans and financial services.”

Daimler will contribute its technological expertise to the joint venture — especially in the area of diesel engines and exhaust gas systems — so that Chinese emissions limits, ranging up to the Euro V standard, can be fulfilled. Localized production of
Mercedes-Benz’s redeveloped OM 457 engines will be an integral part of future operations at the joint venture।

“We are very pleased to see that the joint venture between Daimler Trucks and Beiqi Foton has obtained approval, since Daimler is a longstanding associate of ours here in China। This marks another milestone in the strategic cooperation between Daimler and BAIC”, says Xu Heyi, Chairman of BAIC.

“Both partners will use Foton’s truck brand Auman as a platform to grow business in China and look at cooperation opportunities outside of China. In addition to making use of our sales and service network for the medium- and heavy-duty truck sector, Foton Motor will also contribute its market know-how in China and the rest of Asia to the joint venture,” explains Wang Jingyu, CEO and President of Foton Motor.

Foton has experienced rapid growth since entering the truck business in 1998. Last year it sold nearly 105,000 units of medium- and heavy-duty trucks (and nearly 66,500 units during the first half of 2011) and is therefore already a key player in China’s truck segment.

A second truck plant is already being ramped up, giving the Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive joint venture a total production capacity of 160,000.

Source: Daimler

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Mercedes-Benz Worldwide Sales in August 2011

Mercedes-Benz cars are continuing to rise. Just last month, the sales went up to 7.9% from last year, which is equivalent to 87,384 worldwide sales.

“Our sales continued to develop very well in August. Germany, as our largest market, was an important growth driver, as well as many other markets in which we increased our sales considerably. All in all, we expect strong sales in the second half of the year and want to grow compared to last year. Record sales over the past eight months have created a very good basis for us to meet our full-year target of selling over 1.35 million Mercedes-Benz cars and smart fortwo— that’s more than ever before, “said Dr. Joachim Schmidt.

According to reports, what contributed to this growth is the increased delivery in Germany, a total of 23.2% increase. China, also had an increase, a 3.2% raise compared to August 2010.

SUV sales picked up, specifically the GLK, the SUV segment sold a total of 16,852 this month, a 28.4% increase year-to-date. The C-Class got a 9.7% increase while the luxurious S-Class posted 11.4%. Meanwhile, the E-Class convertibles posted an amazing 50.2% and the A-Class, not to be left behind, got a 66.3% increase.



Source: Daimler

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Car Production May Slow Down Because of Lack Of Engineers

German car manufacturers are not slowing down, despite of the weak economy as the sales are still stable, in fact even increasing.

At this point, these companies are developing and producing new models. The only issue with is the shortage of engineers in Germany. With the aging workforce and lesser number of people with the skills to do the job, development may slow down.

To respond to this need, Daimler is now trying to recruit skilled people from China and India. Also, the company is developing programs in the universities, so they can tap the talented and skilled students to work in the company. Training programs in plants and offices are now being implemented so that the workforce will be experts in modern technologies.

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Daimler Releases the Chronicle of the Company

The new chronicle of the company is going to be made available. The 432 pages book of illustrations and images is introduced in line with the company's 125^th year in the automobile industry.

The first part will show the biographies of the founder Car Benz, Wilhelm Maybach and Gottlieb Daimler. The next part, consists of about 250 pages shows the events in the “life” of the oldest car manufacturer in the world, from 1883 which is Daimler's first engine test until the 125^th anniversary celebration in January 2011.

Opening the chronicle alone is already a journey to the development of the automotive company as it has over 1,800 images that tells Mercedes-Benz/Daimler's history.

"With its many original photos from our archives and meticulously researched facts presented, the new Chronicle impressive as the pioneering work of Carl Benz, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, a global group is created, not only for the invention of the automobile is, but through constant innovation and ensure the mobility of future generations,” says Michael Bock, head of Mercedes-Benz Classic.

The Daimler Chronicle, despite the fact that it's still not in the market until August 16, already won two awards, "Best of Corporate Publishing Award" gave the Chronicle the title "Specials & Annuals - Corporate Books" and "Cover of the Year " silver medals.

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Mercedes Still Undecided about Maybach’s Future

Image via WikipediaA few weeks ago we’ve reported that Mercedes-Benz will officially say what will happen to Maybach on July 1st, however, they have updated that it will be delayed until the last week of July. There were two options then, to axe the brand or to sign a partnership with Aston Martin, the British carmaker.


For the latest news though, Automotive News said that a third option is now being considered. That is to keep the brand and make it a Mercedes-Benz sub-brand which will represent the top luxury car models like the GL-, CL- and SL- class, much like how AMG represents the company’s power and performance lines.


We’re still waiting for an official statement from Daimler and Aston Martin, as both companies still refuse to speak about their plans for Maybach.

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Maybach's Fate to be Decided by Mercedes-Benz

Image via WikipediaMercedes -Benz announced that they will officially say whether the luxury vehicle, Maybach, will continue production or not on July 1st. Daimler, Mercedes’ parent company is reportedly looking to either shut it down or revive it by sealing a partnership with British automaker Aston Martin.

In a press statement Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler, said that "there is a higher likelihood to come to a positive decision" as Aston Martin expressed its interest in sharing costs and sharing their production plant in Gaydon, England in exchange of access to AMG and Mercedes-Benz’ parts and engines.

The German carmaker revived the Maybach label in 2002 after investing about $1 billion with hopes of selling around 1,500 cars a year. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen as they sold only a staggering 157 units last year.

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Hydrogen Refueling Stations will be Set-up by Mercedes and Linde Group

For quite some time since late last year, there has been talks about The Linde Group who is providing the fuel for the B-Class F-Cell cars for the World Drive. After the tour’s conclusion last week, the company finally confirmed the reports and they even went further the partnership saying they will put up the hydrogen fuel stations in Germany. They will start with 20 stations, targeting Berlin, Hamburg and Stuttgart. Mercedes-Benz said there will be two more cities but they will announce it later.

Mercedes- Benz and Linde said in a press statement that, “Germany clearly leads the way in Europe. To begin with, just five to ten filling stations are sufficient for conveniently servicing the requirements of a large city. Joining up these urban centres – for example Berlin with Hamburg, Stuttgart with Munich – by means of corridors along the arterial roads between them is a major step forward towards the establishment of a nationwide public H2 infrastructure.”

Clearly, Mercedes-Benz/Daimler is highly committed in the success of commercialization of F-Cell powered cars.

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