Autoblog

REPORT: Toyota considering cooperation with Daimler on compact, full-size models

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Hatchback, Daimler, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota

According to a report from Auto Motor und Sport, Toyota is considering a partnership with Daimler to build Mercedes-Benz' A- and B-Class sub-compacts on the Japanese automaker's MC platform. The idea is to maximize the efficiency and output of Toyota's European plants, and could also include sharing development costs on each brand's next generation flagships: the Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class. Daimler has dismissed the report as "speculation," while a Toyota Motor Europe spokesman toed the company line, only saying "It's part of our normal business practice that we regularly talk to other carmakers but there are no specific projects planned at the moment."

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Reuters]

REPORT: Toyota considering cooperation with Daimler on compact, full-size models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler buys 10% stake in Tesla, will supply parts and engineering

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 19 May 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz/Tesla press conference - Click above for ABG's liveblog coverage

During a press conference held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart this morning, Dr. Thomas Weber, the head of research and development for Mercedes-Benz, announced that Daimler is buying a 10% stake in Tesla Motors. Tesla CEO Elon Musk was also on hand for the announcement. The companies did not specify the amount paid by Daimler, other than it was in the double digit millions. Daimler will be providing Tesla with engineering support and possibly parts that may go into the Model S. Tesla, meanwhile, will continue providing battery packs for the second-generation Smart ED starting later this year. Tesla will also focus on battery pack integration and battery management systems for Daimler going forward.

The deal will also give Tesla access to the automotive lithium ion cells being produced by Daimler's investment in Li-Tec, a joint venture between Evonik and Daimler. Weber announced that Daimler would commence series production of electric Smarts in 2012, with volume projections in the five digits.

Daimler's Prof. Herbert Kohler (who is in charge of e-drive systems at the German automaker) will take up a board seat at Tesla and oversee development at the California company. We live blogged the conference at AutoblogGreen this morning and the official press release is after the jump.

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Daimler buys 10% stake in Tesla, will supply parts and engineering

Daimler buys 10% stake in Tesla, will supply parts and engineering originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler agrees to give up remaining stake in Chrysler

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Daimler, Earnings/Financials

Hot on the heels of the Chrysler's tentative deal with the UAW to cut the automaker's VEBA obligations, Daimler AG has announced it's finally reached an agreement to unload its remaining stake in Chrysler. According to Daimler's release, the company's 19.9% stake in Chrysler will be redeemed and Daimler write off a $1.5 billion loan which will help (if it can) avoid putting Chrysler into bankruptcy and facilitate the automaker's deal with Fiat. The agreement is likely to reduce Daimler's second-quarter earnings (before interest and taxes) by around $700 million, however, the German giant had already written down its stake in Chrysler last year. The agreement also includes Daimler paying $200 million into Chrysler's pension plans once the agreements are definitive, and another $200 million each year until 2011. All the gritty details are available in the press release below the fold.

[Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Continue reading Daimler agrees to give up remaining stake in Chrysler

Daimler agrees to give up remaining stake in Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: If Chrysler goes down, it could cost Daimler $1 billion

Dan Roth — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Daimler, Earnings/Financials

Nerves are frazzled in Stuttgart over the troubles facing Chrysler. Let's not forget that Daimler still has a skin in the Chrysler game, and while everyone natters and frets about whether or not Fiat will prove to be the Savior Of Auburn Hills, execs are also thinking about the worst-case scenario in the halls of Daimler.

According to the Detroit Bureau, Bodo Uebber, Daimler's Chrysler guy, reported recently that concerned shareholders are rightfully nervous, as Daimler could be stuck with a $1 billion liability if Chrysler ist kaput. Unfunded pensions and potential claims from suppliers could result in very bad things for Daimler. Cerberus and the German automaker are also duking it out over whether Chrysler's health was honestly disclosed at the time of the deal, tying up any developments with the remaining 19.9 percent of Chrysler that Daimler still owns. Both Uebber and Dieter Zetsche, Daimler's CEO, are actively trying to unload the company's stake in Chrysler to Cerberus, but predictably, that conversation isn't going anywhere at the moment.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: If Chrysler goes down, it could cost Daimler $1 billion originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler's Car2Go program coming to Austin, Texas this fall

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hatchback, Daimler, Smart, Lifestyle

Last October we advised you not to hold your breath for Daimler's Car2Go program to come to America. You can breathe again. If you live in Austin, Texas you'll be able to rent a mild hybrid Smart ForTwo by the minute this fall. Austin was chosen because of its university population and its concern for the environment.

Car2Go makes its fleet available on-demand, with a clear price structure, and you can keep the car as long as you wish. Those in the program access the vehicles by swiping a tag on their driver's licenses over a card reader on the car. As with the pilot program in Ulm, Germany the service will start in Austin with an initial fleet, expected to consist of around 200 Smarts that will be available to city employees first and then expand to public use at the conclusion of a trial period.

Gallery: smart fortwo in Texas and Germany

[Source: Canadian Driver]

Daimler's Car2Go program coming to Austin, Texas this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Freightliner unveils big rig concept showcasing future technology

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Work, Daimler

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Freightliner Innovation Truck

Daimler Trucks North America has used the Mid-America Trucking Show in Kentucky to release its latest concept in commercial-grade hauling. The Innovation Truck concept takes the fuel-saving innovations introduced on the Freightliner Cascadia, already the most aerodynamic of the company's trucks, and turns them up to eleven.

Included in the aero tweaks are rear wheel fairings, underbody panels, a roof deflector and a front air splitter. Further, the side mirrors were replaced with cameras to reduce drag. Once up to speed, the Innovation Truck can lower its ride height using air bladders, further reducing fuel usage. Wireless tire pressure monitoring also sends data to an onboard navigation/infotainment screen in the cabin. Also present on the truck is Freightliner's new RunSmart Predictive Cruise control.

With such a focus on fuel savings, it's not surprising that Daimler has fitted the diesel powerplant with its BlueTec emissions after-treatment system, which injects a urea-based fluid directly into the exhaust to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Lastly, ParkSmart VHAC technology allows the truck's climate control systems to operate without running the truck's engine using electricity from a second bank of batteries.

Daimler says that the Innovation Truck concept is meant to "show our customers what they can expect from us in the near future," so we'll be on the lookout for menacing flat black semi trucks the next time we're headed out for a road trip.

Gallery: Freightliner Innovation Truck

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Freightliner unveils big rig concept showcasing future technology

Freightliner unveils big rig concept showcasing future technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz unveils retrofuturistic F-Cell Roadster built by trainees

Chris Paukert — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Budget, Etc., Green, Technology, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Times may be tough, but that isn't stopping Daimler from having a bit of expensive-looking fun with its trainees... so long as there's an educational bent to it. What you see before you isn't an artful series of renderings, it's an actual time-warping fuel cell concept dubbed "F-CELL Roadster."

It took a year and more than 150 trainees to create, but the entire project involved using "junior employees", giving the company's up-and-coming employees a creative way to learn how alternative-fuel systems come together.

The F-CELL Roadster marries Benz Patent Motor Car stylings with 21st century tech wonderfully, including that legendary vehicle's general aesthetic and proportions, along with old-meets-new technologies like carbon-fiber buckets capped in hand-stitched leather and a drive-by-wire central control joystick.

The centerpiece, of course, is the Roadster's fuel cell powertrain, which has a power rating of 1.2 kilowatts, a top speed of 25 kilometers-per-hour, and a range of 350 kilometers. That means you'll have a long, slow trip, just like those adventuring motorists back at the turn of the century. Official press release posted after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster concept

[Source: Mercedes]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz unveils retrofuturistic F-Cell Roadster built by trainees

Mercedes-Benz unveils retrofuturistic F-Cell Roadster built by trainees originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz expected to expand Alabama plant

Chris Paukert — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

Last week, we told you how despite the downturn, Daimler is upping its investment in the state of Michigan, coming to terms with the city of Ann Arbor to build a new hybrid and electric R&D facility. Now, Automotive News is reporting that the automaker is expected to actually expand its Vance, Alabama production plant.

If the rumors are true, the Mercedes-Benz plant (which currently builds GL, M, and R class vehicles) will benefit from a $290 million investment that is to begin within 60 days. The news evidently leaked out after company officials contacted the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority about property and sales tax breaks (which it apparently received).

The expansion news comes at an odd time, as not only has the automaker's sales been flagging in the U.S. (down 20 percent in February year-over-year, admittedly much better than the market plunge of 41.4 percent), but sales of Vance-built SUVs in particular have fallen off, with Benz responding by reducing the plant's workforce.

Automotive News says the expansion effort won't be completed until 2011, but word yet on how much capacity this will give the plant (and what it will be used for) is not yet known.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz expected to expand Alabama plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Daimler sells 9.1% stake to Abu Dhabi firm for $2.7 billion

Chris Shunk — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, Middle East

The global auto industry is enduring its worst crisis in decades, and iconic companies with 100-year histories are being pushed to the brink. Luxury automaker Daimler is no different, with Mercedes-Benz sales down 17% in the past quarter and posting a loss of $1.95 billion in the fourth quarter alone. To help alleviate the a major cash crunch, Daimler has sold off 9.1% of the company to Abu Dhabi firm Aabar Investments PJSC.

Aabar purchased 96.4 million shares at a 5% discount under the stock price of 21.34 euros. Daimler shares were selling for 45 euros a piece before the rug was pulled out from under global luxury car sales. Both companies consider the partnership to be a long-term investment, as Daimler will need all the help it can get weathering brutal automobile sales slump. The two companies will also collaborate on electric vehicle development and Daimler will build a training center in Abu Dhabi. Thanks for the tip, Abdul!

[Source: Bloomberg | Photo: Torsten Silz/Getty]

REPORT: Daimler sells 9.1% stake to Abu Dhabi firm for $2.7 billion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Freightliner debuts RunSmart Predictive Cruise Control

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Work, Daimler

The next step in cruise control comes courtesy of Freightliner semis and GPS data company NAVTEQ. Freightliner broadened communication between the cruise control and map data: the GPS transmits information on the road ahead up to a mile, and then the cruise control computes the best speed at which to cover the distance with the greatest fuel efficiency.

It's called RunSmart Predictive Cruise, and it employs slope data from the NAVTEQ system that has been collected on 200,000 miles of the most used truck routes. While RunSmart is looking for peak efficiency, it won't sacrifice speed; the system remains within 6% of the set speed. It's an available option on Freightliner's Detroit Diesel DD15-equipped Cascadia model with the 72-inch raised roof.

[Source: Daimler]

Freightliner debuts RunSmart Predictive Cruise Control originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Daimler to open Mercedes hybrid electric research base in MI

Chris Paukert — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz

In an all-too-rare win for Detroit's automaker base, the state of Michigan and Daimler have reportedly reached a deal to see a new Mercedes-Benz hybrid and electric car research and development facility built in neighboring Ann Arbor. Among other things, the facility will develop hybrid transmissions, electric motors, and powertrain management software.

The German automaker is reportedly seeking a 65,000 square-foot facility to house the R&D works, and the development will also see the relocation of an existing facility currently located in Troy. Over the course of the next decade, the new operation is expected to represent a $9.9 million investment and generate 454 jobs - 223 of them directly. However, in order to secure the facility in Michigan (California and South Carolina were reportedly also considered), the state has had to cough up a tax break package worth some $7.5 million over 10 years.

[Source: MLive]

REPORT: Daimler to open Mercedes hybrid electric research base in MI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW and Daimler consider swapping shares in cross-ownership plan

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Daimler

Luxury automobile sales have been hit especially hard during the global economic disaster, and Daimler and BMW may become much closer allies as a result. German magazine Der Spiegel published a report stating that the two luxury giants are working to combine their purchasing power to save hundreds of millions of dollars. But the really interesting cooperation will reportedly happen in the form of a stock swap.

Under the alleged agreement, each company would give the other a 7% stake in the other. The move would strengthen the German automaker's new bond and perhaps lead to further cash-saving collaboration down the road. The magazine reports that the Quandt family, who own 46% of BMW, isn't keen on the idea due to Daimler's 1998 takeover of Chrysler. But the German government has allegedly been contacted to gauge the possibility of overriding any opposition to the deal. Talk of a BMW/Daimler tie up have been circulating for years, but the rumor tree has yet to bear any fruit. Due to the shabby state of the global automotive market, that could change quickly.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

BMW and Daimler consider swapping shares in cross-ownership plan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler posts $1.95 billion fourth-quarter loss

Chris Shunk — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, Earnings/Financials

Daimler is the latest in a long line of automakers to post a heavy decline for Q4 earnings in 2008. The German automaker was in the red to the tune of $1.95 billion, which is isn't a surprise considering October through December was among the worst periods for car sales in modern times. The loss was also a big swing from the $2.14 billion in profit Daimler posted in Q4 2007. Sales shrunk by 17% for the quarter as well, with net cash flow down by 12% to $26.9 billion. A big portion of Daimler's loss came courtesy of Chrysler, as the German automaker's 19.9% stake resulted in $1.4 billion in losses. Daimler is looking to unload it's share of Chrysler, but at this point will likely have to pay a massive premium to take the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker off its books.

Daimler still managed a $1.77 billion profit in 2008, though that's down from $3.77 billion just one year earlier. Don't expect Daimler to make any predictions for 2009, either. The automaker is expecting continued struggles ahead for Mercedes-Benz, as the economic downturn is pinching wealthier buyers just as much as the rest of us.

[Source: Detroit News | Photo by TORSTEN SILZ/AFP/Getty]

Daimler posts $1.95 billion fourth-quarter loss originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Baby Come Back: Wolfgang Bernhard returns to Daimler

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz

Wolfgang Bernhard is coming back to Daimler. The man who helped facilitate the sale of Chrysler to Cerebus, was instrumental in the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve supercar concept, and, most notably, the guy that drove the V10-powered Tomahawk motorcycle onto the stage at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show, will take over the van division of Mercedes-Benz on April 1st.

Bernard's return to Daimler comes as a bit of shock, considering he was the assumed successor to Dieter Zetsche as the head of M-B before he left under duress after a ten-year stint with the automaker. Soon afterward, he took the top position at Volkswagen and was later ousted after some boardroom shenanigans involving Ferdinand Piech.

Recently, Bernard was reportedly working as an advisor to Magna International, but in these tumultuous times, we're sure Wolfgang was looking for a more steady position.

[Source: Reuters]

Baby Come Back: Wolfgang Bernhard returns to Daimler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Who's the Boss? Daimler still wants to offload remaining stake in Chrysler

Noah Joseph — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Daimler, Fiat

For over a decade, ownership of Chrysler has been bouncing back and forth over the Atlantic like an Airbus jet. Since its founding in 1925, it was independently owned and operated right out of Detroit, then Daimler bought controlling interest in 1998, only to sell it to U.S.-based Cerberus Capital Management. Now Fiat is poised to assume a 35% stake in the company. So the question is, who holds controlling interest? Well in short, nobody does. Daimler holds nearly 20%, Fiat's taking over 35%, leaving Cerberus with 45% - the lion's share, but short of controlling interest.

But while the majority of Chrysler's shares may be back in Europe, Daimler isn't interested in holding onto its stake. Daimler and Cerberus had been talking about transferring ownership of the remaining 20% for a while already, but with America's financial institutions in shambles, who knows if the capital management company can even manage to find the capital to buy the rest of the company. In the meantime, it looks like Chrysler's at the whim of European automakers... yet again.

[Source: Reuters]

Who's the Boss? Daimler still wants to offload remaining stake in Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Safety First: Daimler reportedly passes on buying Volvo

Noah Joseph — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Daimler, Ford, Volvo, Earnings/Financials

Volvo and Mercedes-Benz have been known for decades as automotive safety pioneers, sharing between them the bulk of new innovations in the field. These days, however, automakers are as as concerned about their financial security as they are with occupant safety. With the latter in mind, reports indicate that Mercedes parent company Daimler has decided against buying Volvo from Ford.

Amidst slumping sales and a troubled future, reports surfaced a month ago that Ford was looking for a buyer for the last remnant of its ill-fated Premier Auto Group, after Land Rover, Jaguar and Aston Martin were all sold off to Asian investors. Ford bought the Swedish automaker from the Volvo group for $6.45 billion back in 1999, and is looking to offload it for $6 billion today. Unfortunately for FoMoCo, nobody seems to have the cash. The Volvo group has rejected the possibility of buying its car division back, the Swedish government isn't interested, BMW reportedly considered the prospect but ultimately rejected it, and now Daimler, which has had its fill of acquisition deals with Detroit, has passed as well. At this point, Chinese automakers like Shanghai (SAIC) and Geely, as well as Korean automaker Hyundai seem like the only tenable prospective buyers left.

[Source: Economic Times]

Safety First: Daimler reportedly passes on buying Volvo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cerberus making big demands for remaining stake in Chrysler

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, Daimler

Daimler has already admitted that its 19.9% share in Chrysler is worth absolutely zero as far as its corporate balance sheets are concerned, but that's not stopping Cerberus from going after that remaining bit as it tries to become the sole owner of the beleaguered American automaker. Without full control of Chrysler, Cerberus would have a tough time offloading it in either one lump deal or in smaller, bit-by-bit transactions. But it sounds like Chrysler's majority owner isn't making life easy for Daimler, accusing the German entity of providing incomplete information about Chrysler and prolonging the actual sale that took place late in 2007. As you'd expect, Daimler is denying these accusations completely and is claiming that Cerberus is making outlandish demands to take the rest of the company off its German hands.

Accusations beget accusations, so it's not terribly shocking that Cerberus has issued a press release countering Daimlers to explain its side of the story. From what we can discern from these early punches is that Cerberus has taken issue with Chrysler's past lease and financing practices while under Daimler's control. You can read the dueling press releases from Daimler and Cerberus after the break.

Despite the German and American origins of the dispute, the whole thing's playing out like a proper Telemundo telenovela. We await the obligatory kiss-and-make-up scene at the end.

[Source: Detroit News]

Continue reading Cerberus making big demands for remaining stake in Chrysler

Cerberus making big demands for remaining stake in Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What's Chrysler worth to Daimler? Zip, Zero, Nada, Donut

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Daimler, Earnings/Financials

So, just what is a 19.9% stake in America's third largest automaker worth? Um, nothing. So says Daimler, which owns exactly that amount. The German company claims that, for accounting purposes at least, there is absolutely no value in its part-ownership of Chrysler. Just about a year ago, Daimler estimated that its share of Chrysler was worth some $1.17 billion. The remaining 80.1% was sold to Cerberus Capital Management last August for $7.4 billion.

According to Chrysler, Daimler's idea of its stake in the company is a totally different animal than its own. The two companies use different accounting techniques to arrive at earnings figures and net worth, and the privately-held American automaker doesn't release its internal figures. As we've covered, Daimler is currently in talks with Cerberus to rid itself of any attachment to its former partner by selling its remaining shares of Chrysler to the American company, which it would need if it were to make any sort of deal with General Motors, Renault or any other automaker for that matter. So, just how much is Chrysler worth as a whole? We could soon find out.

[Source: The Detroit News]

What's Chrysler worth to Daimler? Zip, Zero, Nada, Donut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler's car2go: Rent a Smart anywhere, anytime

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Europe, Green, Daimler, Smart, Lifestyle

Click above for high-res shots of Daimler's car2go service

Cars represent freedom, right? Sure, but shouldn't that same freedom be available to those who can't justify purchasing their own car? Daimler thinks so, and has created a new pilot program called car2go that allows subscribers to rent a smart fortwo for just 19-cents a minute or less, depending on how long you need the car. The initial roll-out is taking place in Ulm, Germany and begins October 24. The cars can be reserved at a moment's notice from the internet, a mobile phone or in passing using an electronic chip that's given to the user upon the account's creation. There are no limits as to how far the car car be driven, and it can be parked and relocked wherever the driver's trip ends as long as it's within the city limits.

At the outset, there will be 50 smart fortwo's in use by car2go. For a trial period, only Daimler employees will be able to use the service, but the automaker hopes to expand to all Ulm citizens in the spring of 2009. We imagine the car2go service will expand into other locations based on how successful this pilot program proves to be, but don't hold your breath for smart rentals in the U.S. anytime soon.

Gallery: Daimler car2go

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Daimler's car2go: Rent a Smart anywhere, anytime

Daimler's car2go: Rent a Smart anywhere, anytime originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What recession? Daimler adding 1,000 to payroll next year

Chris Shunk — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Daimler

The automotive industry is reeling under serious financial woes, plant closings and job cuts, so news that Daimler AG will be adding 1,000 new people to its payroll next year comes as a bit of a shock. The new jobs will be added globally, with 500 positions going to Daimler's headquarters in Stuttgart, and the rest being distributed around the world. These new positions will reportedly train the automaker's next generation of workers, which are entering the industry at a time when expertise in complex developing technologies are essential for survival. Even with the added jobs, Daimler can't cut any positions until 2012 because of an agreement already in place with its employees. Just like every other automaker, it's hoping to weather the rough time in between by focusing on efficiencies and flexibility wherever possible. So that's one piece of good automotive news, now let's get to work on those stock prices.

[Source: CNN Money]

What recession? Daimler adding 1,000 to payroll next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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