car2go today announced the addition of LIVESTRONG as a new beta partner. Through the partnership, Livestrong employees are able to register for and have access to car2go’s fleet of 200 smart fortwo vehicles.

“Livestrong employees are excited to be part of car2go’s efforts to drastically change transportation in Austin,” said Mona Patel, Livestrong Executive Vice President. “Livestrong is committed to bettering our community and we hope our participation will encourage others to embrace car2go.”

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Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog

Daimler-Benz AG presented the W126 series S-Class generation at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 1979. The range of models in the series given the internal designation W 126 was comprised initially of seven vehicles: Choice was from four engines (from the 2.8-liter six-cylinder carburettor unit with 115 kW to the 5.0-liter V8 light-alloy engine with direct fuel injection and 176 kW) and two body variants – in addition to the normal version, a lengthened variant, as had traditionally been the case with premium-segment saloons for generations. In this case, lengthening of the wheelbase by 140 millimetres was more apparent than otherwise and as usual the extra space served exclusively to increase legroom in the rear and the entry width for the rear doors.

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In addition to improving ride comfort and safety, development of the new model series focused on decreasing energy consumption. The use of weight-reducing materials and an aerodynamic body optimized in the wind tunnel (cd= 0.36, compared with cd= 0.41 in the W 116 series) helped the new S-Class achieve a reduction in fuel consumption of around 10-percent over its predecessor models. The two eight-cylinder engines of the predecessor series were replaced with two redesigned units with larger displacement and light-alloy crankcase. The 5.0-litre engine, which replaced the 4.5-litre cast iron unit, was already familiar as the power unit from the 450 SLC 5.0, while the 3.8-litre light-alloy engine was developed based on the long-serving 3.5-litre V8 with cast iron block. With both higher output and reduced weight, the new V8 engines could now achieve improved performance while at the same time using less fuel. The carburettor and injection versions of the 2.8-litre six-cylinder remained in the range unchanged.

Diesel for export

The W 126 series also saw development of a diesel version for export to the USA. Like its predecessors, the 300 SD Turbodiesel offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre five-cylinder engine, though with output now increased by 7.4 kW to 92 kW.

Chassis design was essentially the same as for predecessor models. The new S-Class saloons also featured a diagonal swing-axle at the rear and double-wishbone front suspension with zero-offset steering. The 5.0-litre models were again fitted with the coupled-link axle.

The body design incorporated state-of-the-art findings in safety research. Thanks to its new design principles the passenger compartment was now able to withstand the so-called “offset crash” unscathed at a speed of 55 km/h. The W 126-series saloons were thus the first production cars worldwide to meet the criteria of the frontal offset crash.

Many of the characteristic design elements of the S-Class are to be found beneath the waistline. For the first time, a Mercedes-Benz passenger car had no bumper bars in the classical sense, having instead generously proportioned plastic-coated bumpers that were seamlessly integrated into the car’s front and rear aprons. Broad lateral protective strips made of plastic created a visual link between front and rear aprons, positioned at bumper height between the wheel arches.

Revised V8 engines

At the IAA in Frankfurt in autumn 1981, two years after the debut of the W 126 series, both V8 units underwent comprehensive revision as part of the “Mercedes-Benz Energy Concept”, a program geared to reducing fuel consumption and harmful emissions. In addition to an increase in compression, the list of improvements included camshafts with modified valve timing, air-bathed injection valves and electronic idle speed control. Camshafts with modified valve timing enabled maximum torque to be achieved at a lower engine speed and in the case of the 3.8-litre engine torque was even increased. This unit was subjected to particularly thorough revision: In order to achieve a more favourable volume-to-surface ratio, the bore was reduced and the stroke increased. The modified 3.8-litre V8 thus benefited from a slightly larger displacement. But by way of compensation for their significantly better fuel economy, the two eight-cylinder units were obliged to accept a minor drop in output. In both cases, rear axle ratios were tuned to meet the modified characteristics of the engines and were significantly longer. And the two six-cylinder units also saw a whole series of minor modifications that likewise led to fuel economies, even if these were less dramatic. These measures did not affect power output.

Four years after the launch of the Energy Concept the company carried out a comprehensive model refinement package, so that in September 1985, once again at the IAA in Frankfurt, it was able to introduce a completely revised S-Class line-up. Visual aspects were subjected to moderate revision; first and foremost this affected the bumpers and protective side moulding, but also the wheels, which were changed from 35.56 to 38.10 centimetres. This also brought with it a safety element, since it allowed larger brake discs to be fitted. Top priority, however, was give to the restructuring of the engine range.

Two newly-designed six-cylinder units, which had been premiered nine months earlier in the mid-range W 124 series, now replaced the trusty 2.8-litre M 110 engine. In the place of the carburettor version came a 2.6-litre direct injection unit, while the parallel-developed 3.0-litre unit became successor to the injection variant of the M 110. A new addition to the range was the 4.2-litre V8 engine, developed by increasing the bore of the 3.8-litre unit and now fitted to the S-Class saloon, the SEC coupe and the SL. The 5.0-litre engine was also modified. Now equipped with an electronic ignition system and the electro-mechanically controlled Bosch “KE Jetronic” injection system, it generated an output of 180 kW.

5.6-litre displacement

The most spectacular innovation in the engine range was a 5.6-litre eight-cylinder unit, which was developed by lengthening the stroke of the 5.0-litre V8 and which unleashed an output of 200 kW. If required, an even more highly compressed version was also available that delivered a mighty 221 kW, although it was not possible to combine this unit with a closed-loop emission control system. But even without catalytic converter this so-called ECE version met emissions standards set down by the Economic Commission for Europe. The models fitted with this engine variant – the 560 SEL and 560 SEC – were in their day the most powerful Mercedes-Benz production cars ever built.

All variants in the revised model range – with the exception of the 560 SEL and 560 SEC in the ECE version – were available on request with a closed-loop emission control system with three-way catalytic converter. In each case the series version was the so-called “catalytic converter retrofit version”, for which the vehicle was delivered without catalytic converter and oxygen sensor, but with the multi-functional mixture preparation and ignition system. These “retrofit versions” could be fitted with the closed-loop catalytic converter without difficulty at a later date. This gave customers maximum flexibility in choosing the moment to convert their vehicle – a not insignificant advantage, given that unleaded gasoline was not universally available at the time. From September 1986 the closed-loop catalytic converter was standard equipment on all Mercedes-Benz passenger car models with gasoline engines; the retrofit versions were available until August 1989 – with a corresponding price discount.

With the introduction of the new model range, the diesel model – which was still reserved exclusively for US export – was replaced by a modified variant. The new
300 SDL was presented with the additional space of the long version and featured an entirely new design of engine. This was based on the familiar 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit from the mid-range W 124 series, although this too was equipped with a turbocharger. The six-cylinder turbodiesel now delivered 110 kW – 44 kW more than the basic version without supercharger and almost 22 kW more than the five-cylinder engine of the predecessor model.

As was expected, the running gear of the facelifted models displayed no fundamental modifications. Nevertheless, the rear axle design was modified in a few details in order to improve ride comfort and reduce engine noise. In addition, all models in the W 126 series were now fitted with 38.10-cm wheels and larger brakes to match. The design of the optional light-alloy wheels – these were only standard equipment on the 560 SEL and 560 SEC – was updated to match those of the compact-class and mid-range model series.

Minor modifications

The other stylistic modifications carried out on the improved models of the W 126 series not only served to update the design, but were also integrated for specific technical reasons. By lowering the aprons it was possible to further reduce front axle lift forces and improve airflow at the rear. This also had the effect of further enhancing directional stability and road adhesion when moving at speed, an aspect of considerable importance with respect to the performance of the new top-of-the-range 560 SEL.

The lateral protective strips were now smooth in design rather than grooved, and like the bumper system they reached down lower and included additional trim on the frame side members. As the 5.6-litre models came with wider 215/65 VR 15 tyres as standard, unlike their lower-powered sister models, front apron and fender beading were modified in shape in order to create the necessary lateral clearance for the front wheels.

In September 1987, when the S-Class encountered an unusually chilly easterly wind in the form of the BMW 750 i, higher-performance variants of all V8 engines were introduced. Compression ratios in all cases were increased to 10:1, and additional measures were taken to improve performance by between six and ten percent depending on the model. The effect was even clearer in the case of the variants with catalytic converters: By optimizing the emission control equipment the designers succeeded in significantly reducing power loss due to the catalytic converter. The ECE version of the 5.6-litre V8 was discontinued without a replacement, since as a result of the treatment to increase output the catalytic converter retrofit version was now also capable of developing 221 kW.

At the Paris Motor Show in September 1988, the model range was expanded to include the 560 SE from the W 126 series, thus making the 5.6-litre engine available in a saloon with conventional wheelbase.

A new diesel variant

From June 1989 a new variant with diesel engine was produced, although this too was only available in the USA. Production of the previous 300 SDL had already come to an end in September 1987. The 350 SDL model had a new 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine that had been developed by increasing the bore and stroke of the tried-and-tested 3.0-litre unit. The new turbodiesel was designed more for torque than output and, with exhaust gas recirculation and oxidation catalyst, generated 10 kW less than its predecessor in spite of the larger displacement. But the 350 SDL’s 100 kW was more than adequate, especially given the speed limits that applied throughout the USA. Maximum torque was increased by almost 15 percent and was reached at just 2000/min. In June 1990 the 350 SD with a conventional wheelbase was introduced to go alongside the 350 SDL.

As was the case with the predecessor series W 116, the eight-cylinder W 126 models were also available as armoured variants. Protection design had been further perfected after intensive development work and a total of 1,465 units were produced. Two 500 SEL models are of particularly interest here, both with a wheelbase extended by 200 millimetres and roof raised by 30 millimetres. The first of these was built in January 1983 and served as an additional representational vehicle in the company’s own car pool. The second was built on commission from the Vatican for the Holy Father and handed over to Pope John Paul II in August 1985.

As successors to the W 126 series, eight W 140 series saloons were introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1991. Although the new models went into production only a month later, the plant continued to turn out saloons of the 126 series for export for a while. Production of most variants came to an end between August and October 1991, although the last few armoured models did not come off the production line until April 1992. During the entire 12-year production period a total of 818,066 saloons left the production lines in Sindelfingen, 97,546 of them with diesel engines. That made the W 126 the most successful premium-class series in the history of the company.

Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog

Automobile Magazine is reporting that Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche and his engineering chief Thomas Weber have finally struck a deal with Renault-Nissan to develop the next generation of Smart microcars by late 2014. The vehicle will be re-badged for all three car makers, so only the exterior and possibly interior will have different shapes and colors, but the frame and mechanical parts will be identical.

Electric propulsion is to play a major role from the outset. Renault will be bring its Z.E. (zero emissions) vehicle know-how, as will smart with it’s smart ed vehicle, which will be launching in numerous countries in the new few years. They will also develop a gasoline powered version, with a 1.0 liter, direct injection, turbocharged 3 cylinder engine; a 1.3 and 1.5 liter 4 cylinder is also planned.

The plan includes as many as four models: the two-seater ForTwo city coupe and cabriolet, the all-new four-seater ForFour, and the still tentative ForMore microvan.

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Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog

Under the new label MercedesSport, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a portfolio of elegant and sporty individualisation products for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show. This MercedesSport portfolio includes specially designed light-alloy wheels, a sports suspension and mounted aerodynamic and styling components.

All MercedesSport products were developed by Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH in collaboration with the same designers and engineers who were responsible for the standard production models. As a result, everything appears to have been cast from a single mold. MercedesSport is initially available for the E-Class Saloon, Estate, Coupe and Cabriolet.

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The highlights in the MercedesSport product range include:

* Intelligently designed front aprons, spoiler edges and side skirts ensure an elegant and sporty appearance. Unlike conventional products on the market, the sophisticated “add-on principle” makes it unnecessary to replace the original components.

* Optional rear and roof spoilers, a diffuser-look rear apron insert and fog lamp louvres round off this finely coordinated package of visual and aerodynamic features for the exterior.

* Striking eighteen-inch light-alloy wheels in a trendy bicolor version. These have sections painted in high-sheen black and bear the MercedesSport logo. They are enhanced and protected by a clear varnish coat.

* A sporty suspension, with noticeably stiffer damping, transverse stabilisers and shorter springs to lower the suspension by up to 15 millimetres. This sports suspension kit makes for more direct and sporty handling without compromising the high level of comfort.

* A sports braking system with perforated brake discs and grey brake calipers bearing the Mercedes-Benz logo, for outstanding deceleration and a sporty look.

* A grippy four-spoke sports steering wheel with perforated leather and a silver contrasting seam, optionally available with shift paddles and heating. For a sporty touch in the cockpit, right at your fingertips.

* A stainless steel pedal cluster, stainless steel door entry panels illuminated in white and bearing the MercedesSport logo and black velours floor mats with an edge border and silver contrasting seam, likewise bearing the MercedesSport logo, are further eyecatching features in the interior.It is with these retrofitted features that Mercedes-Benz meets the wishes of customers who wish to enhance and individualise their cars even further.

Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog

Mercedes-Benz has officially released information on their newest concept vehicle. The F800 Style is a synthesis of green technology and stylish-sporty design, it demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’ ability to harmonize automobile fascination and emotion with the continually increasing demands of environmental compatibility.

Just like its predecessor, the F 700 presented that we saw at the 2007 IAA motor show, the latest research vehicle offers a clear idea of what we can expect in the future from premium automobiles, more precisely the next-gen CLS and S-Class. While the 5.18-meter F 700 provided a preview of the large touring sedan of the distant future, the much shorter F 800 Style (4.75 meters exterior length) points the way toward developments to come in the upper-range sedan segment in the near future.

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Press Release:

“The F 800 Style combines the functionality of a groundbreaking upper-class sedan with the highly emotional formal idiom of the new Mercedes-Benz design,” says Mercedes-Benz Head of Design Gorden Wagener. “The long wheelbase and the model’s intelligent interior design ensure a generous amount of space and great freedom of movement for five occupants. The result is a distinctive harmony of form and function, whereby the Mercedes brand value of ‘cultivated sportiness’ can be seen and felt in every detail.”

With a total length of 4.75 meters, the F 800 Style has both a longer wheelbase (2,924 millimeters) and a greater width (1,938 millimeters) than today’s upper-range sedans. All of the components of the vehicle’s extremely efficient and environmentally compatible alternative drive system (either Plug-in Hybrid or fuel cell drive) are installed in a space-saving manner in the engine compartment and in the gaps within the chassis. As a result, the entire interior space is preserved and offers plenty of room for up to five occupants.

Reinterpretation of the typical Mercedes-Benz design idiom

The exterior appearance of the F 800 Style is marked by its long wheelbase, short body overhangs, and a sensually flowing, coupe-like roof line. The dynamic side view and the vehicle’s balanced proportions lend it a sporty yet sensual look that conveys a feeling of style and superior performance. “The F 800 blends seamlessly into our design scheme,” says Wagener. “It’s immediately recognizable as a Mercedes, even though it embodies our reinterpretation and further development of the brand’s typical design idiom.”
Another important design feature in the F 800 Style is its organically stretched body surface elements. These flow into convex transition zones and are delineated by precisely curved lines. This creates characteristic lines which visually subdivide the vehicle body and generate emotional tension. The powerful front contoured line on the sidewall extends across the flank and then fades off as it moves downward. This line lends the F 800 Style - with its grey metallic ALU-BEAM color tone - a highly dynamic appearance, without making it seem aggressive. The sensually curved roof line underscores the exceptional aerodynamic quality of the coupe, which has a height of 1.43 meters.

The Mercedes-Benz brand star is smoothly framed

The F 800 Style’s front end features a variation of the radiator grille with the centrally placed brand star that can be found in the new E-Class coupe as well as in other models. This grille extends prominently toward the front in the F 800 Style, while the bionically curving lamellae softly flow around the tube holding the Mercedes-Benz brand star. Other noticeable design features include the drop-shaped and thus aerodynamically designed exterior mirrors, whose housings, like those in the Concept BlueZERO model, are partially transparent and backlit.

LED headlights give the F 800 Style an expressive “face”

A “shining” example of technological and design innovation at Mercedes-Benz is offered in the truest sense of the word by the powerful LED headlights in the F 800 Style. The combination of fiber optics and state-of-the-art LED technology lends the vehicle a striking appearance. Along with the wide radiator grille and the generously curved air intake openings, the LED headlights emphasize the dynamic nature of the research vehicle. The headlights are divided into individual segments for daytime running lights, turn signal indicators, and primary headlights.

The F 800 Style’s taillights are also equipped with state-of-the-art LED units that enable an exciting interplay of indirect illumination and direct beams, which further enhances the stylish appearance of the vehicle’s rear section at night. The result is an attractive, unmistakable, and memorable visual effect.

Translucent roof makes for a bright interior

The F 800 Style’s translucent roof is divided into several segments. With flowing lines that dissolve and let more and more light through, the roof incorporates the wave styling elements of the air outlets. The F 800 Style’s 20-inch alloy wheels are equipped with plastic inserts whose bionically arranged air intake openings are shaped like filigree turbine blades.

Wood and a pleasant color gradient create a cozy interior

Natural wood surfaces and a harmonious color gradient from light to dark make for an elegant and cozy interior in the F 800 Style. This interior was created at the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Como, Italy, and its modern sense of lightness is immediately noticed by occupants. Functional elements such as the driver area and the door armrests seem to float in space like sculptures, while light-colored wood surfaces underscore the model’s elegant ambience. Side panels covered with alcantara form a visual contrast to the wood. The panels are light beige in the area of the A-pillar and grow darker in a smooth color gradient as they extend to the back, ending in a dark grey tone in the rear of the vehicle. Additional design details are provided by attractive engraved patterns in the rear door panels.

Innovative real wood veneering process for seats, door armrests, and the driver area

The innovative lightweight-construction seats in the F 800 Style consist of a magnesium shell and a carbon fiber laminate seatback across which a fine yet resistant netting is stretched. The seat shell is veneered with real wood. For the wood inlaying process, Mercedes-Benz engineers employed an innovative technology designed especially for the veneering of three-dimensional surfaces. The new 3D surface coating procedure developed by Mercedes-Benz was also used to install the wood finishing in the center console, on the doors, and in the driver area. These wood finishing pieces are molded as 3D laminated components and are augmented by an aluminum layer, a feature that significantly improves crash safety.

The single-section organically curved cockpit offers plenty of legroom for front-seat passengers. In a setup similar to the one used in the F 700 research vehicle from 2007, all important information for the driver is presented on the large and clearly arranged display unit in the instrument cluster. A key new feature of this improved display is that it focuses for the first time on data associated with electric vehicle operation. The unit thus puts important relevant information such as the battery charge state and remaining vehicle range at the center of attention.

The integrated display unit, which elegantly protrudes from the curved console, provides for a feeling of exceptional interior spaciousness. Outstanding ergonomic quality is guaranteed by the new HMI with cam touchpad integrated into the center console. The unit also boasts several technical innovations, including its ability to visually depict the current functions within the cam touchpad’s menu structure on the display above the center console.

Rear pivot-and-slide doors blend into the elegant design lines

The rear doors of the F 800 Style ideally embody the harmony of form and function that typifies the vehicle. Whereas the front doors are attached to the A-pillar in a conventional manner and open toward the front, the rear doors slide backward when opened. The innovative swivel arm construction of the rear doors allowed designers to forgo the use of visible door rails, giving the F 800 Style the appearance of being cast in one piece when its doors are closed. “We integrated the door technology into the vehicle in such a manner that it blends seamlessly into the overall design flow, thus perfectly harmonizing ergonomics and design,” says Wagener.

Form and function are equally important

The F 800 Style is both a technology package and a showcar. The latest Mercedes-Benz research vehicle was created through close international cooperation between the technical research and advanced engineering departments and the advanced design studios in Sindelfingen and Como, Italy. Form and function are equally important in the F 800 Style. For example, all of the air intake openings and outlets have an important technical function in addition to the bold design statement they make, and the organic, nature-based wave shape for the protective grille is a typical design feature that is present throughout the vehicle.

Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog

Mercedes-Benz just released some official news and pictures on their F800 concept that will debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. As you’ll see in the photos below, and in the CLS spy shots posted here a few weeks ago, the two vehicles resemble each other quite a lot. This of course means the next-gen CLS will borrow heavily from this concept, and maybe even the new S-Class.

Another unique feature of the concept is an all-new multi drive platform, which accommodates electric drives with fuel cells (enabling ranges of almost 375 miles) as well as the use of Plug-in Hybrids that can drive for up to 18 miles solely on electricity. This also might confirm the rumor that a Hybird CLS is in the works.

We’ll have more on the F800 concept, but for now, enjoy the pictures.

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Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog

smart is the first car brand to develop its own drive app for the iPhone. The smart drive app for the iPhone has all the important features needed whilst driving: phone calls via hands-free system, your own extensive music collection, internet radio and a clever navigation system with a special smart touch. There are also smart extras – for example the Car Finder that will guide you back to wherever you parked your car. The new smart drive app for the iPhone boasts an outstanding design and is simple to operate thanks to extra large buttons..

The smart cradle for the iPhone will be available this summer from smart dealers for €240, which includes tax and installation cost. The app will also be available App Store at a one-off price of €9.99 for the basic version. The navigation upgrade with up-to-date maps costs €49.99 per year - a little pricey if you ask me.

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Press Release:

Trendsetters keep coming up with new and surprising ideas. smart prepared the way for modern city cars with lots of innovative ideas and redefined urban mobility. And Apple brought new ideas to mobile phones with the iPhone. The new smart drive kit for the iPhone is now bringing the lifestyle phone to the smart fortwo as a multi-talented companion. Marc Langenbrinck, Managing Director of the smart brand and Head of Sales & Marketing at smart says “The smart fortwo and the iPhone are both lifestyle icons. This is why the smart drive kit is ideal for our smart community.”

Two new elements developed by smart make the two-seater car and the

iPhone a perfect team:

* The smart cradle for the iPhone with control unit and microphone serves as a stylish and functional holder. It charges the iPhone and also functions as a hands-free system using the loudspeakers of the smart radio for sound output and automatically muting it when phone calls are made.
* The smart drive app for the iPhone is the world’s first drive app on the market to be developed by a car brand. It combines all the features needed on the road in a single app. All the functions are extremely easy to use thanks to extra-large buttons and extra-large letters.

Really smart – the clever app from smart

Listen to music, make phone calls and find your destination straight away – the smart drive app for the iPhone masters all this and makes city driving even easier and more pleasurable.

Media: Enjoy your entire private music collection with the app. Thanks to an integrated web radio function you can also listen to your favourite foreign radio stations and podcasts whenever you want. The song ID function of the app enables you to obtain information online about titles and singers of songs that are being played on the radio or on web radio.

Phone: The hands-free system and all important functions needed to make phone calls are automatically available as soon as the iPhone is put in the smart cradle. Keypad, contacts, favourites, call lists and other telephony functions are clearly arranged for simple in-car use.

Maps: The basic version of the app shows the vehicle’s position on a map of the area (”Follow-me maps”) and enables points of interest to be found by using the on-board database or off-board via Microsoft Bing. The navigation upgrade is a highlight and turns the iPhone into a full navigation system with maps for Europe or the USA – enabling navigation without being online. A smart guides you to your destination on the display of your iPhone. Street names are not only shown but also read aloud. In addition, traffic information can be called up in realtime so that you know where traffic jams are.

Assist: With the Car Finder your iPhone will automatically remember where you parked your car when it is removed from the cradle and it will find the way back for you after a day’s shopping in town. The app from smart also uses the GPS function of the iPhone for a further service. Should roadside assistance ever be needed, the driver can give his or her precise position via a direct line to the smart hotline.

smart drive kit camera – even more safety in future

The researchers at Daimler AG are currently working on developing inno-vative driver assistance systems for users of the smart drive kit for the iPhone – features that are only available in Mercedes-Benz E- and S-Class cars to date. A camera fitted on the windscreen is needed as an additional element to transmit pictures of the area in front of the car to the smart drive kit for the iPhone via WLAN. This will enable the future application to identify traffic signs with speed limits, for example, and to warn the driver if he or she is driving too fast. In future smart drive will be both an infotainment and a driver assistance system.

Available from the summer

smart driving with the smart drive kit for the iPhone will be possible from the second quarter of 2010. The smart cradle for the iPhone will be available from smart dealers at a price of €240 (German list price with VAT plus fitting costs). The smart drive app for the iPhone can be downloaded from the App Store at a one-off price of €9.99 for the basic version. The navigation upgrade with up-to-date maps costs €49.99 per year.
Daimler researchers are currently putting the final touches to the smart drive kit camera functions.

Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog

After a difficult first half of the year, Daimler succeeded in continuously improving its EBIT in the third and fourth quarters. EBIT from ongoing business increased again to plus €0.6 billion ($817 million) in the fourth quarter of 2009, resulting in full-year EBIT of minus €1,513 million / $2 million (2008: plus €2,730 million or $3.7 million).

The Group’s net loss was significant at €2,644 million / $3.6 million (2008: plus €1,414 million or $1.92 million). Earnings per share amounted to minus €2.63 or $3.58.

Due to the net loss, the Board of Management recommends to the Supervisory Board that no dividend should be distributed for 2009. This decision is solely a reflection of the course of business in 2009 and is not related to the Group’s expected business development this year.

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Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog

As you might have noticed, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has recently been winning most automobile awards that it was nominated in, so we’ll see if they’ll be able to win the “2010 World Car of the Year.” In the meantime, check out the below awards that the E-Class has won so far.

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Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog

Love him or hate him, the man with the famous mustache or also known as Dr.Z, is here to stay. The Supervisory Board of Daimler AG extended the contract of Dr. Dieter Zetsche, currently the Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, until December 31, 2013. While some may disagree, Dr.Z has been leading the company into the right direction. The quality of the cars has improved, even in these harsh economic times where cost cutting is the norm. The vehicles selection has dramatically changed from just a decade ago, and except the R-Class, all the models were a hit. Give this man some credit, for putting the brand and it’s quality ahead of revenue and profit.

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Source: BenzInsider.com - The Official Mercedes-Benz Fan Blog