September 2008
Nighttime journeys by car are about to become safer in future: Mercedes-Benz has developed an innovative system that automatically adapts headlamp range to the distance of vehicles ahead or to oncoming vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz is launching its first passenger car model equipped with a hybrid drive system in summer 2009 - the S 400 BlueHYBRID. The combination of a modified V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes the S 400 BlueHYBRID the world's most economical luxury sedan with a spark-ignition engine. The NEDC combined fuel consumption is a mere 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers. This makes for the world's lowest CO2 emissions in this vehicle and performance class - just 190 grams per kilometer.
Joint project with more than 100 electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and smart and 500 charging points provided by RWE --- Environmentally compatible and customer-friendly mobility concept --- Serial development phase starting now, first vehicles beginning end of 2009.
One millionth smart fortwo rolls off the production line in Hambach --- 90,000 smart fortwos sold worldwide since the start of the year, more than 16,000 of them in the USA --- Dr. Dieter Zetsche: "The smart fortwo electric drive makes zero emission driving in an urban environment a reality".
August 2008
Worldwide Hub of Hybrid Development for Daimler Trucks --- Also Underway: Mitsubishi Fuso Hybrid Fleet Test in Europe --- New Milestones of ”Shaping Future Transportation”.
Ten Fuso Canter Eco Hybrids presented to eight renowned customers --- Fuel consumption reduced by up to 15 percent --- The three-year fleet test is part of Daimler’s “Shaping Future Transportation” initiative.
Accident researchers at Mercedes-Benz are acutely aware of the danger in nodding off at the wheel (the "one-second nap"). In the view of these specialists, long holiday journeys without intermediate breaks involve a high risk of overtiredness, whose signs drivers often fail to notice in time. For this reason Mercedes-Benz has developed the innovative driver support system Attention Assist.
July 2008
The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz Travego takes front stage with a world premiere: for the first time the multiple-award-winning Active Brake Assist is being used in a coach. Known as an emergency-braking assistance system, when the risk of crashing into the rear of a slower vehicle ahead is acute, after giving graduated warnings this active safety system automatically brings about emergency braking if the driver shows no reaction.
June 2008
Cleanest exhaust emissions by injecting aqueous urea solution --- Meets future stringent US Bin 5 standard --- High output, economy and comfort add up to superb driving pleasure.
After only three years from planning to completion, the new Development and Test Center for trucks at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, Germany, was formally opened. The new facility has been built at a total capital investment of EUR 80 million, with EUR 35 million of that sum devoted to the second construction phase, for the test track, buildings, and infrastructure.
May 2008
As first customer in Asia, SMRT Corporation chooses advanced BlueTec 5 diesel technology --- Order of 66 Mercedes-Benz BlueTec city buses --- Reduced exhaust emissions and diesel consumption through advanced technology and environment-friendly engines.
Milestone for Daimler's world-wide "Shaping Future Transportation" initiative --- UPS "Green Fleet" to expand with 200 Hybrid Electric Vehicles and 300 Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles --- Order is being manufactured on FCCC's walk-in van MT45 and MT55 chassis product line.
Higher speeds and quality levels alongside improved economical and ecological efficiency --- Innovative combination of hardware, process technology, and control software --- Daimler to donate prize money to a charitable organization.
