Daimler Introduces Latest FleetBoard Products
At the latest IAA Commercial Vehicles fair that was held in Hanover, Daimler FleetBoard introduced its newest products, manufactured for industry-specific transport processes and enhanced fleet productivity.
The fresh FleetBoard Mapping facility allows journeys to be traced in detail, which include its operations in border and urban traffic.
Its DispoPilot.guide is a latest addition to FleetBoard’s line of cab terminals. The navigation system fuses the newest truck attributes and extra functions like the Lane Assistant. As alternate system for use outside of the automobile, DispoPilot.mobile added an integrated barcode scanner and a digital signature facility.
According to Markus Lipinsky, head of Daimler FleetBoard, the terminal with a huge 7-inch display acts as an appealingly priced entry-level model to introduce operators to the world of professional transport management solutions, while giving aid in the areas of job management and navigation.
Additionally, the FleetBoard telematics services will be accessible ex-factory for Mercedes-Benz Sprinters. Through this services, the automobile’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be lessened by up to 20%.
Based on Ralf Schumann, assistant to the management of Transportservice Winkler, they have been utilizing FleetBoard in their Sprinters for more than one year. Through their work in the area of operational analaysis, they have managed to lessen the fuel consumption per vehicle by 1.5 l per 100 km. As some of the vans cover at least 500 km a day, these savings makes a substantial difference in a matter of months.
Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog
BenzInsider September 3rd 2010
Anderson Germany gets their hands on the Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG Black Edition
Tuners are hard at work it seems in their craft. The latest Mercedes-Benz ramification comes from Anderson Germany with their version of the Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG Black Edition. Theirs features an engine upgrade that involves specialized computer software optimization, sports air filter, plasma-coated exhaust system with racing catalytic converters, and larger accessory pulleys to bump power up to 670hp.
The vinyl-wrapped appearance gives the car that novel image just begging for aggression and respect at the same time. Well, Anderson Germany prefers to call it satin matte deluxe/black. The kit also includes a jet-black carbon exterior packet that consists of an external mirror, window frames, front grille, door handles, hatchback panel, ventilator frames on the bonnet, and diverse engine room coverings. A rear spoiler lip rides the back to complete the aerodynamic package.
What’s kind of odd is that Anderson Germany decided to equip the car with an electronically-adjustable suspension. While it’s not entirely bad, it just doesn’t add up to have an automatic suspension setup to handle 670 horses of power.
Well, anyway, the whole thing rolls with 22-inch rims that are black/gloss finished with matching jet black carbon edging, so it’s still worth attention. The interior is a sight to behold as well if you’re fond of warm colored trims and leather. Anderson Germany also accepts customer-specific tailoring, so yes, this car is definitely going to turn heads on the streets.
Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog
BenzInsider September 2nd 2010
SLS AMG coming to China this month
September is a very special month for China, as Mercedes-Benz is set to start shipping the SLS AMG into Shanghai. This comes as a direct result of the company’s vastly improving market in China, and is a move to expand their product line up in the country.
The Chinese are by no means hard to please when it comes to cars, but for the handful who can afford to buy, and drive, an SLS AMG, it’ll take a lot of getting used to. The SLS AMG isn’t built for a comfy, luxurios ride. Far from it. This premium supercar was built to hit speeds nearing 200 miles per hour. It’s fast and agile, owing to its aluminum spaceframe body and the AMG 6.3-liter V8 that’s hiding underneath the hood.
The engine is capable of 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 Nm torque. Paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission that will outshift any human being, the engine’s power will chew up tires in no time. Fortunately, the SLS AMG rides on a sports tuned suspension system with equally lightweight aluminum double wishbones.
The car-loving Chinese elite will definitely love this car’s power. They’ve got enough road to let loose the SLS AMG for some serious adrenaline-pumping action.
Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog
BenzInsider September 2nd 2010
Smart ForTwo Predicted to Sell Less Than 100,000 Units Globally
When the gas prices had a sudden increase in 2008, car owners began their search for a more fuel efficient automobile. One of the cars that experienced high sales was the small Smart Fortwo. An astonishing 25,000 units of Daimler’s “smart car” were sold that year, followed by a substantial though less spectacular sales during the whole of 2009.
Though the ForTwo experienced significant sales in the US, it took a turn for the worse in 2010. For the first half of this year, Automotive News stated that Smart has only sold 4,000 units of Fortwo. Also, according to the German newspaper, Der Spiegel, the Smart sales in the US will probably make only one third of the 25,000 units that were sold last 2008. Considering the low US sales, Smart is at risk of selling less than 100,000 units globally for 2010, a number much lesser than the 114,000 units sold last 2009.
Some experts think that ForTwo’s sparkle is already gone in the US as their fuel economy registers 33 miles per gallon in the city and 41 mpg in highway is not as great as far more convenient hybrids like Toyota Prius. ForTwo is also beginning to be compared to bigger gas-powered automobiles like the Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Cruze. Nor were experts excited with the Fortwo when they reviewed their 2009 model. As of now, the only way Smart will get back on track in the US is if the petrol prices go up again, or if the forthcoming model of the Smart Forfour get good reviews from the car experts.
Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog
BenzInsider September 2nd 2010
Mercedes with Tesla Batteries to be Presented at Paris Motor Show
A tiny Mercedes-Benz electric automobile equipped with batteries from Tesla Motors Inc., will be presented at the Paris Motor Show this coming October.
Daimler AG, the mother company of Mercedes-Benz, has labored alongside with Palo Alto-based Tesla to manufacture the automobile, which based on the reports has a range of less than 125 miles.
Mercedes-Benz is geared to produce at least 500 of the automobiles, though they won’t be up in the United States car market. Rather, Mercedes will lease them to clients in Germany for a span of four years.
Mercedes and Tesla worked together on a battery technology last 2009. Tesla also produces batteries for electric versions of the small two-seater Mercedes “Smart Car”.
The Paris Motor Show is scheduled to run from October 2 to 17.
Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog
BenzInsider September 2nd 2010
