December 2008
Mercedes-Benz is showing the way ahead in environmentally responsible electro-mobility by presenting its near-series Concept BlueZERO at the North American International Auto Show in January 2009. Based on a single vehicle architecture, this intelligent, modular concept allows three models with different drive configurations, all of which are able to meet customer requirements in terms of sustainable mobility.
Investment in the powertrain of the future --- Partnership between Evonik Industries and Daimler in Li-Tec pushes forward research, development and production of cells for lithium-ion batteries --- Evonik and Daimler combine key technologies for success --- Entry into a multi-billion market imminent --- Establishment of an additional joint venture for the development and production of lithium-ion batteries for passenger vehicles, buses and commercial vehicles.
On December 12, 2008, Daimler AG, Kamaz, Russian Technologies State Corporation and Troika Dialog signed an agreement in Moscow governing the exclusive strategic partnership and outlining the main principles and methods of cooperation between Kamaz shareholders.
In its meeting today, the Supervisory Board of Daimler AG appointed Wilfried Porth (49) as Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources and Labor Relations Director effective as of the end of the 2009 Annual Meeting. Porth will succeed Guenther Fleig, who will be 60 years old in February 2009 and whose period of office will expire at the end of the Annual Meeting on April 8, 2009.
In future Mercedes-Benz is equipping its luxury class models as the first premium brand with a display screen that allows the driver and front passenger to view two different programmes at the same time. This is made possible by new SPLITVIEW technology which the brand is introducing in the S-Class for the first time.
Mercedes-Benz delivers 74,400 vehicles to customers in November --- smart sells 10,100 models in November --- Sales launch of S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY --- Most fuel-efficient S-Class ever.
Over 100 electric cars for Rome, Milan and Pisa --- Joint pilot project with Italy's largest energy supplier --- The next milestone on the road to urban electric mobility.
November 2008
With the establishment of the "e-drive Project House" at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Daimler AG and KIT are initiating a research cooperation for electric drive systems. This unique pooling of expertise from science and industry will considerably expedite the market maturity of pure electric drive and hybrid vehicles.
October 2008
CO2-neutral event via the Internet --- First global climate conference involving the public --- Daimler as a partner with its own discussion forums and live-chat on the subject of sustainable mobility.
Rainer Schmückle, Chief Operating Officer of Mercedes-Benz Cars, and Gordon Bajnai, Hungarian Minister for National Development and Economy, signed the cooperation agreement for the construction of a new Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét in presence of Ferenc Gyurcsány, Prime Minister of Hungary, and Dr. Gábor Zombor, the Mayor of the city of Kecskemét.
EBIT includes charges from special factors totaling EUR 765 million --- Net profit of EUR 213 million (Q3 2007: net loss of EUR 1,533 million) --- Unit sales down by 3% to 522,500 cars and commercial vehicles --- Revenue down by 7% to EUR 23.8 billion, adjusted for exchange-rate effects and changes in the consolidated group down by 5% --- Share buyback program temporarily suspended --- Full-year EBIT from ongoing operations of more than EUR 6 billion anticipated (excluding special Items and Chrysler).
Contest by Daimler and UNESCO calls engineering students to engage in intercultural project work --- Search for technical ideas to improve living conditions in developing countries and fight poverty and climate change --- EUR 300,000 in total prize money for the best teams.
With car2go, Daimler is launching a completely new mobility concept and is providing a future-oriented answer to increasing traffic volume in urban areas.
On October 24, the first pilot phase will start in the southern German city of Ulm where car2go will be tested in real-life conditions.
Focus on a two brand strategy: discontinuation of Sterling Trucks brand --- Consolidation of manufacturing plant network --- Expected annual earnings of $900 million by 2011 --- Estimated program costs of $600 million.
Key factor for the decision: agreement between Bremen plant management, human resources department and workers' council to introduce pioneering flexibility measures.
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.
More than 80 vehicles representing state-of-the-art technology for trucks, vans and buses --- World premieres and highlights: Mercedes-Benz Actros, construction Actros, Travego, Vito BlueEFFICIENCY show car, Zetros, Econic --- Technology presentations: demonstrably environmentally friendly and safe.
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.
Mercedes-Benz builds the world’s most desirable coupés – a claim which the brand is underlining at the 2008 Paris Motor Show with its Concept FASCINATION design study.
S 415 NF from the MultiClass 400 series impresses automotive journalists --- International jury praises the bus’ forward-looking passenger comfort --- New generation of Setra low-floor buses performing successfully on the market for two years now.
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".
Daimler Buses and Sutlej Motors handed-over the first new Mercedes-Benz Intercity Luxury Coach to customers --- Buses are built in cooperation between Daimler Buses and Sutlej Motors --- Daimler Buses world´s largest bus manufacturer.
The new-generation M-Class has passed European NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests with flying colours and has been awarded the top mark of five stars for its very high level of occupant protection.
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”.
Heralding the market launch of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros at Mercedes-Benz dealerships and company-owned Daimler outlets in Germany, a spectacular series of convoys headed out in all directions from the world's largest truck plant in Wörth.
Mercedes-Benz Buses has received a large order for 104 rural-service buses from BVO Bielefeld (Busverkehr Ostwestfalen GmbH). The Mercedes-Benz Integro models will be delivered from late summer through to the end of the first quarter in 2009.
Documenting completed service and maintenance work even more securely and conveniently – this is guaranteed by the new “Digital Service Booklet” online system. Since July 1st, 2008, this system is available in 35 European markets for all Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
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.
The investment will be destined to the increase of the production capacity of trucks, buses and components in the plant of São Bernardo do Campo (Brazil). The resources will also be used for the modernization of production processes, the improvement of the logistics system and the increase of the local content rate in the products.
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.
10,000 orders in Western Europe alone just one month after vehicle was released for sale --- Already 1,000 orders for exclusive "Edition 1" model --- Customers especially appreciate the GLK's attractive design, extensive safety features, and typical Mercedes-Benz driving comfort.
