Car Parts 2011

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

London, United Kingdom, Feb 28, 2011

Mercedes-Benz has been crowned the UK’s number one Consumer Superbrand for 2011, toppling last year’s winner Microsoft which has dropped into 6th place. This is the first time in five years that the top spot has not been claimed by either Microsoft or Google. The number two spot goes to luxury watch brand Rolex which placed in the same position last year, whilst the BBC has come in 3rd position, having placed in the top five for the last five years.


The annual Consumer Superbrands results follow a robust research process administered independently by The Centre for Brand Analysis, which analysed the views of over 2,000 members of the British public. The annual Consumer Superbrands survey, now in its 12th year, has become a key barometer of the strength of brands across a wide variety of sectors.

Eight of the top ten Consumer Superbrands remain the same as last year and includes British Airways, which despite a very challenging year still retains its place in the hearts of the British public.

Stephen Cheliotis, Chairman of the Expert Council & CEO, The Centre for Brand Analysis comments: “Mercedes-Benz has had a consistently strong performance over the last five years having been in the top ten since 2006, so it’s great to see the brand finally come out on top especially in their 125th anniversary year. This year’s Superbrands 500 features a combination of consistency and volatility, although as ever, those at the top tend to be more consistent performers.”

Wilfried Steffen, President and CEO Mercedes-Benz UK adds: “Winning the Superbrands survey is very special for Mercedes-Benz, and I am delighted that we’ve achieved the coveted number one spot in our 125th year. Everybody in the company is absolutely committed to delivering exceptional levels of customer service, and this survey result shows that these efforts are paying off, because the British public voted for us. Winning Superbrands UK proves that Mercedes-Benz is as desirable now as it ever was, and throughout 2011 we will continue launching a wide range of innovative new products and customer service initiatives across the country.”

The top 10 Consumer Superbrands 2011 are:

Rank 2011 Top 10
1 MERCEDES-BENZ
2 ROLEX
3 BBC
4 COCA-COLA
5 GOOGLE
6 MICROSOFT
7 BMW
8 BRITISH AIRWAYS
9 APPLE
10 JAGUAR

Interestingly, the two new entries into the top ten this year are both automotive brands in the form of BMW in 7th place, and a resurgent Jaguar in 10th. Two brands dropping out of the top ten from last year are LEGO, which falls to 16th place, and Encyclopaedia Britannica which drops down to 30th, both of which are still very credible performances.

Stephen Cheliotis, Chairman of the Expert Council & CEO, The Centre for Brand Analysis comments: “As 2011 looks to be another tough year for consumer brands, the leading Superbrands can hopefully offset the worst of the downturn by stimulating demand and loyalty over and above the levels its rivals command. The management and employees at each of these companies and organisations should be extremely proud of their brand’s ongoing success and status as a Superbrand.”

Concurrent with this survey Superbrands also published the 2011 Business Superbrands listing, which was topped by Rolls-Royce Group.

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

On February 25th, 2011, the F-CELL World Drive embarked on the first leg in the USA from Fort Lauderdale to New Orleans. From 25th until 27 th of February, the vehicles passed through the four states Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana and thereby covered 1.460 kilometers.

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart/Brackley, Germany/United Kingdom, Feb 28, 2011

• Daimler AG and Aabar Investments PJS acquire 100 per cent of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
• Daimler AG and Aabar Investments PJS acquire remaining 24.9 per cent from the team management
• Dr. Dieter Zetsche: “This majority stake holding demonstrates our determination to build a long-term Formula 1 involvement on an even more successful platform.”

Daimler AG today announced that, together with Aabar Investment PJS, it has acquired the remaining 24.9 per cent stake in Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd located in Brackley, UK from the management team led by Team Principal Ross Brawn. Daimler and Aabar together now own 100 per cent of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix. Daimler has increased its stake from 45.1 per cent to 60 per cent, while Aabar has increased its stake from 30 to 40 per cent. Aabar is the biggest single shareholder of Daimler AG, with nine per cent. The acquisition is conditional on clearance from the German Bundeskartellamt.


On 16 November 2009, Daimler AG acquired a 45.1 per cent stake in Brawn GP, the 2009 world champion team, and together with Aabar held a majority stake of 75.1 per cent.

The acquisition by Daimler AG of a majority shareholding in the Formula 1 team sends a clear signal concerning the long-term ambitions for the company’s premium brand in Formula 1.

“This majority stake holding demonstrates our determination to build a long-term Formula 1 involvement on an even more successful platform,” explained Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “Our company’s founders invented the automobile 125 years ago and the very first Mercedes was a racing car. These are the reasons why we see our Formula 1 programme as an important element of our brand history. The acquisition of a majority stake holding in our Silver Arrows team sends a clear signal that we intend to achieve technical and sporting success on world motorsport’s biggest and most important stage – and to do so in cost-effective conditions.”

His Excellency Khadem Al Qubaisi, Chairman of Aabar Investments PJS continued: “Aabar’s and Daimler’s joint investment in Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix is a further testament to our strong commitment to the sport of Formula 1 and to Aabar’s strategic partnership with Daimler. As Abu Dhabi is increasingly placing itself as a recognised host of international sporting events, and particularly in light of the continuing success of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Aabar is proud to be supporting one of the most successful Formula 1 racing teams in the field. Aabar wishes Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix a successful start to the 2011 season.”

Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Development Mercedes-Benz Cars, and Chairman of the Board of Mercedes Grand Prix Ltd., added: "Our acquisition of the remaining 24.9 per cent together with our partner Aabar underlines our long-term commitment to Formula 1, the pinnacle of motor racing and the best international motorsport platform for demonstrating our willingness to compete and our technical expertise. This step will bring the colleagues from our Formula 1 chassis and engine groups even closer together and thereby help to develop our team step-by-step into a winning Formula 1 outfit. We now also fulfill Ross' wish of being in a position to focus wholly on the complex technical challenges of Formula 1 and on his role as our team principal."

Ross Brawn, Team Principal of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix commented: “Daimler and Aabar’s acquisition of the remaining 24.9 per cent stake in Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix will be a further step in the consolidation and strengthening of our team for the future. Motor racing, particularly Formula 1, is a very specialised industry, and we are privileged to have such strong and understanding partners as Daimler and Aabar to support our joint ambitions. I remain fully committed to our team for the long-term, along with the management team and all of our employees. We all look forward to the challenge of making our team successful, and proudly representing Mercedes-Benz and the racing tradition of the Silver Arrows.”

Norbert Haug, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport stated: “It is a logical step to acquire the remaining 24.9 pr cent of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix together with our partner Aabar. Daimler and Aabar will be joint owners, in the ratio of 60/40, of our Formula 1 company and Silver Arrows works team. This lays the foundations for a successful long-term involvement at the pinnacle of motorsport.”

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

- Independent motoring jury conducts a van test in Finland
- Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI wins first place
- The new Vito performs impressively

Stuttgart, Germany/Finland, Feb 28, 2011 – Even in snow and at extremely low temperatures, the new Mercedes-Benz Vito was able to show its strengths and prevail against its competitors. As in previous years, at the invitation of the Finnish motoring magazine "Auto, tekniikka ja kuljetus", motoring editors from Finland, Sweden and Norway tested vans in the weight class up to three tonnes.


The numerous criteria were divided into familiar categories such as handling, fuel consumption, load capacity and performance, plus aspects specifically relevant to cold regions, e.g. cold-starting ability, heating and mirror/window defrosting.

At the end the new Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI had clearly gained most points, and won the title. This success was aided by the numerous new features with which the new generation has been equipped since September 2010.

The centrepiece is a completely newly developed, particularly economical and environmentally friendly engine, which impresses with its refinement thanks to balancer shafts. The new six-speed ECO Gear manual transmission has a wide ratio spread for excellent performance, as well as low consumption and emission values. The driving dynamics and handling of the Mercedes-Benz Vito benefit from rear-wheel drive. In addition, the new Vito has the benefit of a completely newly developed, optimally configured suspension.

Even more operating convenience, greater comfort and a higher-quality atmosphere round off the list of further developments in the interior of the Vito. Whether the new shift lever, the push-buttons in the upper array of the centre console or the upgraded, optional overhead console – the Vito is more user-friendly than ever.

There are also numerous new exterior highlights on the Mercedes-Benz Vito. New reflector headlamps frame the radiator grille, with the standard daytime running lamps, which have their own light source, and foglamps integrated into the housing.

In the sum of its attributes, the new Vito was able to convince the testers and demonstrate that reliability and robustness are also a matter of course in extreme winter conditions.

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Feb 28, 2011 - With the claim "A big idea for…" smart is launching a new international brand campaign which focuses on the uniqueness of the vehicle's concept in an unusual way. Five different stories are the common denominator for all communication activities. Each story demonstrates a feature of the smart fortwo, accompanied by humorous illustrations. They tell how this innovative vehicle improves the quality of life in pulsating cities. As a whole new vehicle concept ahead of its time right from the start, the smart is showing that it is the real city car. Compact, agile and individual as well as economical and with electric drive - all assets of the smart are addressed in the campaign. For example, the smart fortwo is a big idea for "…the city" because it fits in every parking space or for "…more uniqueness" because the individual program smart BRABUS tailor made offers endless possibilities for a unique and individual design and equipment.


Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart says "Right from the start smart was ahead of its time: Not just the perfect car for the city with a trendsetting design – it was also "a big idea", a strong vision and a solution for the ever-increasing mobility and environmental problems in growing cities around the world. Almost 13 years after the first smart rolled off the production line approximately 1.25 million vehicles have been sold and it is a familiar part of the city roadscape. Not later than today we have the situation that moved the inventors of the smart to design this most consistent of all city cars that was far ahead of its time. Now the time for the big "smart" idea has finally come, including the electric drive for which provisions were made right from the start – that's what we want to demonstrate with our campaign."

Marc Langenbrinck, Head of Sales & Marketing says "Our new campaign confidently communicates the leadership claim of the brand in the typical smart tongue-in-cheek manner as the inventor of the microcar segment and the best in class. The campaign clearly shows: The smart was, is and will be an icon, a big idea and a benefit for urban quality of life."

The integrated campaign covers all communication channels – from print ads, posters and online banners to TV, online and cinema spots, a Facebook application and trade and dialogue marketing activities. It will also be integrated on the website www.smart.com and on smart's mobile portal. smart markets around the world can select individual measures from the extensive communication package and implement them as required.

smart fortwo – a big idea for…

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

A one-off custom-built Maybach was unveiled in May 2005 at the Tempodrom in Berlin. Commissioned by tyre company Fulda, the Exelero is a chopped-down two-seater coupe, though it's more than just a show car - in tests at the Nardo high-speed oval, the prototype reached a speed of 218.38mph, despite weighing over 2.66 tonnes. It is capable of acceleration from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds.

The car's design was the result of a competition amongst students at the Pforzheim Polytechnic Department of Transport Design, which has worked on show vehicles for Fulda in the past. The design of 24-year-old Fredrik Burchhardt was chosen, and his work was co-ordinated with that of the Maybach design centre in Sindelfingen. The project, based on the Maybach 57 limousine, required a certain amount of re-engineering; the A-pillar and doors had to be shifted rearwards, and the steering column, pedals and gearshift all re-located. The standard 550bhp V12 engine was bored out to 5.9 litres, and tuned for 700bhp and over 738lb ft of torque. With final dimensions of 5890mm long, 2140mm wide and just 1390mm high, the car was kitted out with a full-spec interior, including leather, neoprene, aluminium and carbonfibre finishes.

Maybach says the car, built by Stola in Turin, is "a one-off vehicle created to showcase the new ultra-high performance Exelero tyre range from leading tyre manufacturer Fulda"; it's not the first time the two companies have teamed up, as back in 1938 Fulda demonstrated its tyres on a Maybach SW 38 limousine. There are, however, "no plans to produce the model in series", though it has been certified for on-road use.

The 2010 Ford Explorer lineup is largely unchanged for what is likely its final model year in its current design. This midsize SUV uses traditional, truck-type construction. It offers rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and has a low-range gear for off-roading. Trim levels include XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited. All have a 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine. Optional on Eddie Bauer and Limited is a 292-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. V6 models have a 5-speed automatic transmission; V8s have a 6-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 5,375 pounds for the V6 and 7,285 pounds for the V8. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Offered on all is a 3rd-row seat for 7-passenger capacity; it's available with a power-folding feature. Explorer's capless fueling system allows owners to fill their fuel tanks without having to remove a gas cap. Ford's Sync voice-activated cell phone and MP3 player control system is available. The available navigation system includes real-time traffic alerts, weather, gas prices, sports, and movie information. Ford re-trims the Explorer for sale as the Mercury Mountaineer.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

2009 Ford Explorer
2009 Ford Explorer


For many years, the Ford Explorer has been one of the best-selling SUVs in the market. A capable tow vehicle and off-roader, the Explorer also offers the generous interior space, comfort features and safety technologies necessary for day-to-day tasks.

The Explorer is available in rear-wheel, four-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, each with a choice of three trim levels: XLT, Eddie Bauer or Limited. All trims can be equipped with either a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, or a 292-hp 4.6-liter V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Limited trims are outfitted with a power-folding third row seat for 2009 (previously manual fold-flat); on XLT and Eddie Bauer trims, three-row seating is optional, increasing capacity to seven passengers. Standard safety features on every Explorer include AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, anti-lock disc brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system, as well as dual front, front side-impact and side-curtain airbags.

For 2009, the Ford Explorer carries over with minor adjustments to standard equipment and restructured option groups, including a new XLT Sport Package. Satellite radio is now standard on Eddie Bauer and Limited trims, while a new Trailer Sway Control feature is incorporated into the stability control system on all trims. Additionally, all-wheel drive Explorer models now get the XLT trim level.

More V8 power, revised interiors and exteriors, and more safety features are 2006 updates for America's best-selling SUV. Explorer has a truck-type design and offers rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and has low-range gearing. Two engines are available: a 210-hp V6 and a 292-hp V8. The V8 gains 53 hp for '06. Both use automatic transmission; the V6 retains a 5-speed, the V8 trades its 5-speed for a 6-speed. The model line ascends through XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trim. Offered on all but XLS is a 3rd-row seat for seven-passenger capacity; it's available for '06 with a power-folding feature. Front side airbags are newly standard. Again optional are curtain side airbags that cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows and include rollover deployment. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, as is traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors. Also available are 2nd-row bucket seats, DVD entertainment, sunroof, rear obstacle detection, and power-adjustable pedals. A navigation system is newly optional. Ford retrims the Explorer for sale as the Mercury Mountaineer.

In New York City, it'll take you days to find a parking spot. The experienced have many strategies. Some double park to stay put when they have a feeling that someone's about to pull out of a spot, and others circle like vultures looking for gaps. Driveway... driveway... driveway... fire hydrant... driveway... driveway... don't event think about it... driveway... driveway... no parking anytime except blue moons.... It really tires me out. Don't get me wrong, I love driving, but I get fed up with parking very quickly.

You wouldn't understand then, unless you live in a city yourself, just how ecstatic it feels to move on with your life. I get so ecstatic that I jump out the car and engage a full on sprint in order to make up the lost time and meet with my engagement scheduled yesterday. It's that bad.

Just last night, I borrowed my parent's car, and went to meet my friend for a movie. When it was time to leave, I was in trouble. The problem with leaving the car in a hurry is the terrible task of recalling where you had left it. It's pathetic, I know, but I promise you that I tried! My solution has been to take a note on my cell phone to remind me where I parked.

Good, it's 71st and 112th. That's not so hard! Wait... 71st Street? Or was it 71st Road? Where am I now? 71st Drive? Forest Hills is impossible.

Finally, I found the damn car, and I realized that I had already walked right passed it twice. It was a beige Nissan. And so was every other car on the street. I'm sure you all can understand, then.

I can't say the same for Mr. Yannick Sire, though, who's the man behind "The Priapism", the name of the car meaning-- a state of constant painful, arousal. Quite appropriately named, for such an inappropriately sexy piece of work. Obviously, Yannick wouldn't know a thing about beige Nissans at all.

Featured on windingroad.com, the video below is from OliandJoe.com. Freak of the Week #11! Enjoy!

YS from OliandJoe on Vimeo.

With the opening of the Villa d'Este Concours in Como, Italy, we have plenty of new supercars to talk about including the complete running version of Bertone's Mantide. It was unveiled a day before the show at Fiat's Balloco proving grounds before arriving at Como.

Bugatti decided to celebrate their 100 year anniversary with four special Veyrons called the Centenaire Edition. These were made to match historic Type 35s and all eight cars were on display exclusively for this show.

Bugatti wasn't the only company celebrating its history. Morgan also released a car for their 100 year celebration. The new Morgan Aero SuperSports is a targa version of the Aero 8 and pays tribute to the classic three-wheeler.
New ultra-luxury supercars headed for Geneva
Aston Martin took the wraps off its latest model, the new Virage, February 23, promising that it "does everything with the perfection that you would expect today."

The Virage, which sits somewhere between the brand's luxury DB9 and sporting DBS, is designed to complete the British brand's sporting Gran Turismo lineup and will be displayed for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show, which opens to the public March 3.

Like its siblings, the new Virage offers a V12, a 6.0L engine which delivers 365 kW of power and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Aston Martin says that a new "adaptive damping system" reads the road to provide optimimum hold on the surface in varying conditions, and a "Sport" mode allows further tweaks to tuning, gear changes and throttle control.

Continuing the sporting theme ('Virage' comes from the French noun, which means a bend or turn), the vehicle sits low and uses the same lightweight aluminium architecture as the DBS and DB9.

It is one of several ultra-luxury models expected to debut at the Geneva Show when it opens for its first press day February 28.

Maserati is set to launch its new GranCabrio sport at the show, promising a top speed of 177 mph thanks to the vehicle's 4.7 liter V8 engine.

Lamborghini will also launch its new flagship supercar, the Aventador, which can manage a top speed of 217 mph and a reported 0-100km/h time of 2.9 seconds.

The Geneva Motor Show is open to the public March 3 -13 in Geneva, Switzerland.
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