Hess Upgrades the Mercedes-Benz E350

This week, Hess Motorsports, an American tuning company made a spectacular creation. The Mercedes-Benz E350 tuning kit is expected to turn heads while on the road.

The car have a set of Eibach Pro lowering spring and a set of 20 inche NC forged rims. The tires are Michelin PS2, which are known to grip the road more.



Meanwhile, the exterior will make you love it even more. Superior lower and upper spoiler.Polished outer lip and a Llumar black tinted windows. Then the black continues on with its Gloss Black paint job that will make you think luxury and cruiser all at the same time.

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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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Test Drive a Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell at the Post Expo

The most innovative products are being showcased at the Stuttgart Exhibition Center from September 27 to September, tagged as Post Expo, people who are there had the chance to road test the Vito E-Cell.

Stuttgart – The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL is making its mark thanks to an innovative concept and high-performance drive system. A fully functioning van for everyday applications, it has a maximum payload of around 900kg and a load compartment with no restrictions on use. This means it can assume all the usual transportation duties of a vehicle in its class and makes it an ideal choice for courier and parcel services.

Post Expo held for the first time in Stuttgart

Last year, the Vito E-CELL wowed experts at the Post Expo in Copenhagen, picking up the ‘Innovation of the Year Award’ as a transport for courier and parcel services.

The Post Expo is a major international trade fair for the logistics industry that takes place every year in a different location.

This year, the most innovative and cutting-edge logistics solutions can be seen at Stuttgart Exhibition Centre from 27 to 29 September. Mercedes-Benz is offering exclusive road tests in the Vito E-CELL so that potential customers can experience this pioneering technology at first hand.

Several package delivery companies have already included the Vito E-CELL in their fleets in Germany and are delighted with its performance.

State-of-the art drive technology, high-performance lithium-ion battery

The Vito E-CELL’s powerful, high-tech batteries are located in the underfloor unit, and so do not take up valuable load space. They have a combined capacity of 36 kWh, which is sufficient for a range of around 130 kilometres. The electric motor powering the Vito E-CELL has an output of 60 kW, with 280 Nm of torque. And because electric motors are able to deliver full torque right from the start, the Vito E-CELL can pick up speed incredibly quickly. The maximum speed is capped at 80 km/h in view of the vehicle’s typical applications and maximum range.

Vito E-CELL: electric drive for quiet, local zero-emission driving

The zero-emission drive system of the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL, the first purely electric-powered van to be introduced ex works by any automobile manufacturer, makes it ideally suited to logistics applications in city centres and other environmentally sensitive areas.

The first Vito E-CELL vans have already been handed over to customers: by the end of 2010, a total of 100 had been delivered in Berlin and Stuttgart, and plans are in place for the staggered delivery of a further 2000 units across Europe. Providing a range of approximately 130 kilometres, the Vito E-CELL is capable of meeting typical customer requirements for vans making frequent short journeys. The load space can be used without any restrictions whatsoever, and with a maximum payload of around 900kg, the Vito E-CELL really is a fully functioning van for courier, express and parcel services.

High-capacity lithium-ion drive batteries

The batteries housed under the loading floor are durable, high-performance lithium-ion units. Thanks to intelligent technology, the charging times can be specified in accordance with how the vehicle is used. This means each Vito E-CELL can be charged at precisely those times when energy providers supply ‘green’ power or off-peak electricity. The batteries are also charged while driving through regenerative braking, which converts the vehicle’s braking energy into electricity.

Source: Daimler Media Site

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“Driving School” Version of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Mercedes-Benz is releasing a new B-Class specifically for those with driving school business. The B180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY vehicle is designed for riding comfort and fuel-efficiency, which will surely make a driving student love it.
The compact car also has a system called “Assist Collision Prevention”, which warns the driver if there are obstacles and prepares Brake Assist system for precise braking. This actually lessens the danger of collision. Meanwhile, it will have a power of 80 kW or 109hp and a torque of 250 Nm.

Inherent to student driving cars, this B-Class will have double pedals and driver foot lights and buzzer and second interior mirror.

The price of the Mercedes B-Class for driving schools will be €20,950 plus VAT।

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SLS Roadster by Kicherer

The tuner Kicherer, put all good things together to come up with a magnificent tuning kit based on the SLS Roadster. The kit, called the SLS Roadster Supersport GT/R, is a little bit different from Kicherer's “normal” kits. See, this one does not have the matte black paint jobs that you could usually find on the tuner's models. Which is a great thing actually.

The project has handmade GT front grille, a new front spoiler, aerodynamic fins, updated side skirts and 3-part double spoke 20” RS-1 wheels that are lightweight. A new suspension system was installed, and that cause the car's handling and stainless steel exhaust to improve. Under the hood, the kit takes the SLS AMG Roadster's 6.3L V8 engine and just increased the output to 630hp, from the original 571 hp. Acceleration is at 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds and the top speed is at 199mph. A great kit, made for a great car!

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Lucke-Reisen with their New Generation Citaro

The German bus and coach company, Lucke-Reisen, chose the new generation Citaro to be a part of their fleet. Last September 19, a ceremony was held where Konstantinos Tsiknas, head of sales for Mercedes buses and coaches in Germany, handed a symbolic key to managing directors of Lucke Reisen, Anne and Uwe Lucke.

• New-generation Citaro handed over to Lücke-Reisen

• Significant improvements to safety concept

• Variety of innovations inside and outside

The new Citaro created a sensation when it was presented to the general public just a few weeks ago. The best-selling urban bus from Mercedes-Benz has been completely revamped, and experts were quick to predict a great future for the bus. This future is already becoming reality: on 19 September, a ceremony was held to mark the delivery of the Citaro to a customer, Lücke-Reisen. Konstantinos Tsiknas, head of sales for Mercedes-Benz Buses and Coaches in Germany, handed over a symbolic key to managing directors Anne and Uwe Lücke. Lücke-Reisen, based in Nordkirchen, Germany, is the first private bus and coach firm to choose the new-generation Citaro.

Ambassador for an eye-catching form of public transport

The design of the Citaro leaves no doubt that this is a fundamental, new development. The designers at Mercedes-Benz have given the urban bus a completely new look, from the headlights to the tail lights. Its friendly ‘face’ really does appear be smiling, thanks to large headlights and a curved windscreen. The low-reaching side windows convey transparency, while the striking profiles of the wheel arches embody dynamism and finesse. The rear of the new Citaro features soft lines, giving it a friendly appearance despite the modern touches.

The new Citaro’s redesigned passenger compartment has an even more spacious feel than before. Light colours and an uncluttered ceiling design create an airy and inviting interior. InterStar Eco seats have been fitted. While the grab rail suspended from the ceiling is cobalt blue, the grab poles are painted in white aluminium. The new lighting concept features well-lit entrance and exit areas plus indirect lighting of the outer ceiling flaps as a result of installing multidimensional scattering lenses in the ceiling lights.

Fit for everyday use: safe, comfortable and economical

The new Citaro’s safety concept sets the standard. Its protection in the event of head-on collisions is unique among urban buses and is based on the ECE R 29 standard. It has increased passive safety thanks to an even more rigid yet lighter frame structure. These features mean the new Citaro already fulfils the requirements of the stricter ECE R 66/01 regulation on survival space in the event of the bus rolling over, due to come into force in 2017. The new inward folding doors are lighter, making the bus more robust. Integrated LED daytime running lights also come as standard. Another new feature is the pivot-and-slide door at the front entrance. The raised driver area ensures an even better all-round view and, by putting the driver at eye level with passengers, creates a heightened sense of safety. The driver’s cockpit has been completely redesigned for the new Citaro. Its door is now hinged at the rear, enabling it to open at the front. The instrument panel meets the requirements of the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) yet is more airy, has more knee room, features optimised ergonomics and provides far more information thanks to the colour display. Buttons on the new steering wheel offer extra convenience.

The new Citaro has inherited its predecessor’s tried-and-trusted economical and environmentally-friendly engines with BlueTec diesel technology. Lücke-Reisen’s Citaro is powered by a compact six-cylinder turbo diesel OM 906 hLA with a cubic capacity of 6.37 litres, 210 kW (286 bhp) output and 1120 Nm torque. The engine meets the Euro V emissions standard.

Lücke-Reisen

Bus and coach operator Lücke-Reisen was founded in 1966 by Otto Lücke and is now managed by the second generation of the family, Uwe and Anne Lücke. The firm’s fleet comprises around 60 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including coaches. Lücke-Reisen’s services range from school trips and club outings to coach tours throughout Germany and Europe. The family business also runs scheduled bus services for public transport companies Regionalverkehr Münsterland (RVM) and Verkehrsgesellschaft Kreis Unna (VKU) as well as for the charity Caritasverband Kreis Coesfeld. The new Citaro will operate alongside nine Citaro buses of the first and second generation.

Source: Daimler

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Mercedes-Benz Accessories at the Frankfurt Auto Show

Another Frankfurt Auto Show update. It is not all about cars! Well, yeah, these accessories still has something to do with Mercedes-Benz cars, but surely, these items are something that you can buy instantly without thinking much of the price. They would also be good souvenir and collection items and if you already have your Mercedes-Benz car, the additional gadgets could pimp it!

Stuttgart/Frankfurt – Trendsetting ideas for the modern digital lifestyle, providing fun and entertainment for people on the go, are being introduced by Mercedes-Benz through its Genuine Accessories range at the IAA in Frankfurt. The Apple iPhone® can be fully integrated into the control and display system of vehicles bearing the three-pointed star, using a special app to exploit the capabilities of the hippest premium smartphone on the market. Entertainment on the move, plus access to the internet, are made possible by an ingenious head restraint mounting for the Apple iPad®. New wheel designs are a further highlight on show at the IAA. The new items from the Mercedes-Benz Collection can now also be ordered from the comfort of your own home: the Mercedes-Benz Shop is going online, just in time for the IAA.

The Apple iPhone® is synonymous with fuss-free access to the digital world and to the wide range of attractive possibilities available there. And not only is it hip, it is also considered the most multi-talented smartphone around. With its iPhone® Interface Plus concept, Mercedes-Benz is able to enhance significantly the functionality of the communication and information system already installed in the vehicle, using the iPhone® as, amongst other things, an external media centre. At its heart is a control unit developed by Mercedes-Benz, which is neatly concealed in the glove compartment and fully integrated into the vehicle electronics. This means that the iPhone® screen can be seen on the display screen of the audio system, the audio signals are played through the car’s loudspeakers and the smartphone itself can be controlled through the car’s rotary pushbutton – a perfect example of successful integration. And of course all the time the iPhone® is connected to the control unit, it will automatically be recharging. The Mercedes-Benz app for the system is designed to be used safely and without causing distraction while on the move. Developed by Mercedes-Benz specifically for the in-car user, the app features a larger display that is ideally suited for use in the car, as well as numerous functions that make the most of the many capabilities of the trendy smartphone. The app offers:

• Holistic integration of social networking throughout the product with features including “Like currently playing media” and “Share your current destination via Facebook and Twitter”
• Ability to route to a destination with a click of a button, be it a Facebook event or a Google Local Search result or your Friends-on-Map
• Always be on top of latest posts from Facebook and Twitter via text-to-speech
• Seamless selection from on-board media using Cover Art and intuitive access to Personalized Radio or thousands of Internet Radio channels
• Easy access to all contacts from phonebook and other social media sources including Facebook and Twitter
• Access on-board media and your personal playlists
• “Car Finder”, which guides you back to where your car is parked,
  even in an unfamiliar town

The Mercedes-Benz iPhone® Interface Plus can be retrofitted from summer 2012. The free app will be available for download from the App Store at the same time.

On-the-road entertainment

Rear seat passengers will in future have a very easy way of using the Apple iPad® as an entertainment centre with internet access. Watching films, whiling away the time by playing computer games or simply browsing the web will all be possible thanks to a crash-proof holder for the Apple iPad®, mounted on the back of the front head restraints. The iPad Integration Plus system for rear seat passengers can be tilted, or turned through 90°. This convenient docking station is an ergonomic solution that makes it possible to use the Apple iPad®, with all its familiar functions, in your Mercedes-Benz. All connection points are easily accessible. The battery can also be recharged, using a separate Apple data cable that links into the vehicle’s on-board electricity supply via an integrated USB interface. Available from 28 September for the iPad or iPad 2. The price: 329 euros* (plus fitting, incl. 19% VAT).

Wheel appeal

Also being shown at the IAA are the new wheel designs from the Mercedes-Benz Genuine Accessories range. For the M-Class, Mercedes-Benz is showing at the IAA a 5-twin-spoke wheel in palladium silver with high-sheen elements. The contrast between the bare metal surface and the painted finish gives the vehicle a stylishly distinctive and highly individual flair. Available from autumn 2011, 434 euros* (incl. 19% VAT) per wheel.

Fine miniatures

There’ll be a gleam in the eye of every collector when they spot the new model cars being sold exclusively at the IAA and through the IAA Shop. The special limited-edition models of the new SLS AMG Roadster are available in a scale of 1:87 (limited to just 500 pieces) or 1:18 (limited to 125 pieces). Both miniature models are painted matt black with applications in pure orange (wheels, fins, brake callipers, roll-over bar and various interior details). A few discreet touches of silver are added by the three-pointed star on the radiator grille and boot lid, the slats of the radiator grille and the fuel filler cap. 25 euros* (incl. 19% VAT) for the scale 1:87, 249 euros* (incl. 19% VAT) for the scale 1:18 model.

Online ordering

Just in time for the IAA, the Mercedes-Benz Shop will be opening online on 13 September 2011. It provides an attractive platform for the presentation of a selection of items from the Mercedes-Benz Collection, with changing highlights. Alongside model cars, covering a spectrum from the very latest models like the SLS AMG through to spectacular classic models such as the 300 SL Gullwing, in a variety of different scale versions, there are all sorts of interesting accessories and items for classic car aficionados, the trend-conscious, motorsport enthusiasts and cyclists, plus collectors’ items for all fans of Mercedes-Benz. Website address: http://shop.mercedes-benz.de

Sporty luxury – INSPIRED BY MOTOR RACING

Mercedes-Benz and TAG Heuer – an unbeatable pairing of two pioneers of design. TAG Heuer remains to this day the first watch manufacturer to have succeeded in developing luxury chronographs with unrivalled precision to a tenth, hundredth and thousandth of a second. In recognition of the values shared by the two brands – innovation, elegance and sportiness – and of the many years of cooperation between them, TAG Heuer and Mercedes-Benz Style have developed an exclusive watch, available in a limited edition, which reflects the high design standards of both partners. At the heart of the meticulously thought-through design and sophisticated technology of this chronograph, characterised by its sleek and elegant lines, is ensconced a sophisticated TAG Heuer Cal. 16 (ETA 7750) automatic movement, set in a stainless steel case with a diameter of 43 millimetres. The Arrow Silver finish of the dial is particularly eye-catching and features the logos of both Mercedes-Benz and TAG Heuer. The tachymeter scale and start/stop button pick up on the jade green shade used as the special anniversary highlight colour to mark 125! years of innovation. The hands are in polished steel.

The back of the watch is made of glass, allowing one to see into the automatic movement, and shows the Mercedes-Benz star as well as the Mercedes-Benz Style name. The chronograph is water-resistant up to a depth of 100 metres and features a scratch-resistant, specially treated anti-reflective sapphire glass face. An anthracite-coloured crocodile leather strap with a stainless steel folding clasp gives the final touch to a true collectors’ item, produced in a limited edition of 125. Available from specialist stores from March 2012. Price 3950 euros* (incl. 19% VAT).

Engineering skill par excellence: design concept spectacles to mark 125th anniversary

As the global franchise partner for Mercedes-Benz Style spectacles, Rodenstock brings more than 130 years of experience and expertise in the field of spectacle lenses and frames to the partnership – so adding yet another facet to one of the world’s most well-known brands. At the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (IAA), Rodenstock and Mercedes-Benz are presenting a unique design study as a highlight of their successful cooperation: an exceptionally light pair of sunglasses in an unusual design, hand-made in pure titanium as a one-off exclusively for this occasion. Inspired by the design of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, this is a very special addition to the Mercedes-Benz Style Eyewear Collection. The defining stylistic feature of the sunglasses is the Mercedes-Benz star mounted on the sidepiece, produced in an elaborate coin-minting process. This characteristic is to be found on all spectacles in the Mercedes-Benz Eyewear Collection. The earpieces are finished in jade green, the special anniversary colour to mark 125! years of innovation. In addition to this stunning design study, six further pairs of sunglasses and correction-lens spectacles from the current Mercedes-Benz Style Eyewear Collection are being shown at the IAA. From a pair of sporty, curved-look sunglasses and some very stylish aviator shades with screw detailing, to an exclusive half-rimmed pair of spectacles in pure titanium, the range on display demonstrates the unique quality, at the very highest level, of this successful premium cooperation. A pair of sunglasses based on the design study should be available from specialist stores from the autumn of 2012. Further information about the Eyewear Collection from Mercedes-Benz Style is available online: www.rodenstock.de/Mercedes-Benz

*all prices valid in Germany

Source: Daimler AG

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