Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Daimler discussing collaboration with Aston Martin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/daimler-discussing-collaboration-with-aston-martin/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/daimler-discussing-collaboration-with-aston-martin/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/daimler-discussing-collaboration-with-aston-martin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Daimler and Aston Martin have been "in discussions" over various matters going back at least five years, when an engine-supply deal from the Germans to the Brits turned into rumors of Daimler looking to buy a piece of Aston Martin. Neither the engines nor the company stake every changed hands, but three years later they were talking about trying a relationship again, this time in the large luxury sedan segment - Daimler would get help with Maybach, Aston Martin would get help with the Lagonda revival. That also came to nothing.

Late last year, when Investment Dar offloaded a share of its stake in Aston Martin to Anglo-Italian equity house Investindustrial, part of the allure was that Investindustrial said it would work to unite Aston Martin with technology and components from AMG. So the talks have begun again.

Although nothing's come of it yet, Bloomberg reports that the English and the Germans have opened dialogue "on supply and technical-cooperation agreements." In November 2012, Investindustrial mentioned getting engines, gearboxes and other technology from AMG - a brand it got to know when it owned Ducati. A tie-up would also help indie player Aston Martin rein in development costs. Daimler is said to be Investindustrial's preferred partner, but the latest chapter has only just begun. We're sure they hope it won't take another five years to get something closed with someone.

Daimler discussing collaboration with Aston Martin originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgaston martindaimlerinvestindustrialThu, 09 May 2013 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564044/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/daimler-discussing-collaboration-with-aston-martin/20564044/article-detail.xml 20564044 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-martin-rapide-s_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-martin-rapide-s.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler, Renault talking about large van joint venture]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/daimler-renault-talking-about-large-van-joint-venture/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/daimler-renault-talking-about-large-van-joint-venture/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/daimler-renault-talking-about-large-van-joint-venture/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Daimler and Renault officially joined hands in April 2010. Since then, Nissan has agreed to build engines for the Germans, Daimler is expected to construct a plant near the Nissan plant in Mexico, the Smart ForFour and Renault Twingo will share platforms and electric siblings and the same Renault manufacturing facility, and Mercedes is supposedly considering a Renault-based X-Class vehicle to slot between Smart and the A-Class. Not bad for less than three years' work.

But wait, there's more. According to a report in Automotive News, the two firms are talking about developing a large van. When it comes to big cargo haulers, Mercedes is in bed with Volkswagen at the moment, but the contract has just three more years to run and VW has announced its intention to go solo on the next-generation van.

This wouldn't be the first commercial vehicle tie-up for the brands: Mercedes already uses the Renault Kangoo as the base for its Citan. Both Daimler and Renault have confirmed the talks, but have not confirmed a French newspaper report that the manufacturing site has already been chosen in France.

Daimler, Renault talking about large van joint venture originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 May 2013 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlermercedesrenaultsprintervanSun, 05 May 2013 13:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557113/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/daimler-renault-talking-about-large-van-joint-venture/20557113/article-detail.xml 20557113 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mercedes-sprinter-2014_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mercedes-sprinter-2014.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is headed for US]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-mercedes-benz-b-class-electric-drive-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-mercedes-benz-b-class-electric-drive-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-mercedes-benz-b-class-electric-drive-new-york/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive

Despite the fact that Daimler's press release doesn't mention this company by name, we have to assume that the 28-kWh lithium-ion battery in the upcoming 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive comes from Tesla Motors. What Daimler is being much more clear about is that the B-Class EV is coming to the US earlier than you might expect, in early 2014. The car has a range of "around 115 miles" and is being unveiled today at the New York Auto Show.

Last year, there was a hint that the electrified small Mercedes-Benz would have a range extender, but the information released today is all electric, all the time. We've got mention of "completely emission-free driving" and "electric driving at the premium level." With a motor that offers up 134 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque, the B-Class Electric Drive (we like the naming convention here, just like the Smart ED) can scoot from zero to 60 miles an hour in "less than ten seconds." The top speed has been limited to 100 miles an hour, "in the interests of operating range." Even if Tesla is providing the battery here, there is no Supercharging in sight: the recharge time for 60 miles worth of range is two hours from a 240-volt, Level 2 charger.

While B-Class models with liquid-fuel powertrains are available in other markets, the car will only be sold as an EV in the US and will also be available in Europe. The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive hits these shores May 1.

Continue reading 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is headed for US

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is headed for US originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 new york auto showdaimlerelectric carelectric vehiclemercedesmercedes b-classmercedes b-class electric drivemercedes-benz b-classnew yorknew york auto showWed, 27 Mar 2013 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20517731/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/2014-mercedes-benz-b-class-electric-drive-new-york/20517731/article-detail.xml 20517731 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-mercedes-b-class-ed-ny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-mercedes-b-class-ed-ny.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes mulling Renault-based entry-level X-Class?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/mercedes-mulling-renault-based-entry-level-x-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/mercedes-mulling-renault-based-entry-level-x-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/mercedes-mulling-renault-based-entry-level-x-class/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz A-Class - front dead-on view, red

Somewhere in between the Smart brand and the all-new A-Class (pictured above), Daimler is said to be readying a smaller entry-level product for the Mercedes-Benz brand to compete with models like the Audi A1. According to AutoBild, Mercedes-Benz will get a new hatchback based on a platform from its recent partnership with Renault-Nissan, and it could be called the X-Class.

Expected to debut by 2018, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class could be offered in sedan, hatchback and crossover variants, and it would likely have a starting price below the $20,000-euro mark. Power would come from either a 1.0-liter inline three-cylinder engine or a 1.5-liter inline-four, and the car would likely be built in a low-cost nation in order to make the financials work. Wearing the Mercedes-Benz name, the X-Class would have to exhibit more distinguishable luxury and styling to set itself apart from the models that helped provide its underpinnings.

Mercedes mulling Renault-based entry-level X-Class? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerjoint venturemercedes-benzmercedes-benz x-classrenault-nissanx-classx-klasseSun, 17 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20505731/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/17/mercedes-mulling-renault-based-entry-level-x-class/20505731/article-detail.xml 20505731 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2012-mercedes-a-class_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2012-mercedes-a-class.jpg <![CDATA[Zetsche's CEO tenure extended through 2016 at Daimler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/zetsches-ceo-tenure-extended-through-2016-at-daimler/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/zetsches-ceo-tenure-extended-through-2016-at-daimler/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/zetsches-ceo-tenure-extended-through-2016-at-daimler/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There appear to be two takes on Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche having his contract extended for three more years, to 2016. A report in The Detroit News quotes the chairman of Daimler's supervisory board, Manfred Bischoff, talking up the stability at the top, "With today's extensions of the contracts of Dieter Zetsche and Thomas Weber, we are maintaining the important continuity at the top executive level." Bischoff also stated that that Zetsche has a plan to "further enhance Daimler's overall performance."

Over at Reuters, though, the three-year extension was seen as a lack of complete confidence in Zetsche's plans, since his contract was supposedly meant to be extended by five years. A spokesman said the board decided to extend executive contracts by only three years if the person was 60 or would turn 60 during the contract, but that was news to observers. Zetsche wants to make Mercedes-Benz the top selling luxury manufacturer globally by 2020, but has fallen to third place behind Audi and BMW. It hasn't held the top spot 2005, and investors judged it valued at half that of BMW at the end of 2012 once Daimler's truck business was subtracted.

Analysts cites the fact that Daimler stock hasn't bested its rivals but twice in twelve years, and that the company revised its profit target downward last year by nearly one billion euros, warning of stagnant earnings this year and will miss its original margin target for 2013.

Zetsche's CEO tenure extended through 2016 at Daimler originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceodaimlerdaimler ceodieter zetschemercedes-benzSun, 24 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20474398/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/24/zetsches-ceo-tenure-extended-through-2016-at-daimler/20474398/article-detail.xml 20474398 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/daimler-ceo-dieter-zetsche-smiling_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/daimler-ceo-dieter-zetsche-smiling.jpg <![CDATA[VW joins Daimler's protest of new A/C refrigerant as EU deadline for compliance passes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/06/vw-joins-daimlers-protest-of-new-a-c-refrigerant-as-eu-deadline/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/06/vw-joins-daimlers-protest-of-new-a-c-refrigerant-as-eu-deadline/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/06/vw-joins-daimlers-protest-of-new-a-c-refrigerant-as-eu-deadline/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The case of Dupont and Honeywell's refrigerant R-1234yf is doing the exact opposite of keeping things cool. The two chemical companies have spent years and hundreds of millions of dollars developing R-1234yf to replace R-134a, the new refrigerant shown to be 99.7-percent kinder to the environment than the one it is meant to succeed. Part of that development has been years of testing by governments, outside safety agencies and automakers to approve the chemical for use in cars. It passed the protocols necessary for the European Union to declare that new and significantly revised cars from 2013 onward needed to use R-1234yf, and mandated that every car as of 2017 must use it.

Enter Daimler AG. The automaker created a head-on collision test with a B-Class at their Sindelfingen test track that would lead to the pressurized refrigerant being sprayed on the engine. The result in 20 out of 20 test was that the refrigerant burst into flames as soon as it hit the hot engine, while Daimler says that R-134a does not catch fire in the same test. Another unexpected result of the R-1234yf test was the release of hydrogen flouride, a chemical far more deadly to humans than hydrogen cyanide, emitted in such amounts that it that turned the windshield white as it began to eat into the glass.

Said a Daimler engineer in a Reuters piece, "It was scarcely believable. The most complicated lab tests conducted using the most sensitive measuring instruments around found nothing and all we do is drive a car around a couple of times, open a tiny hole in the refrigerant line and the next thing you know the car is on fire." So Daimler said it wouldn't use the refrigerant, and it recalled the cars it had already shipped with R-1234yf.

Honeywell and Dupont pointed to the years of successful tests and accused Daimler of deliberately staging its test so that the car would catch fire - various fluids in an engine will catch fire if sprayed on the engine in a certain way - suggesting among other things that Daimler didn't want to pay the higher cost of the R-1234yf coolant. At least two other German and Austrian testing agencies have cautioned against the new chemical, a German firefighters organization has lobbied to have it banned while a rival German firefighters organization has cleared it for use, some German authorities are asking that automakers be given more time by the EU to conduct more tests, and it's reported that 13 carmakers have begun their own testing based on Daimler's initial findings.

A report in Bloomberg says that Volkswagen has joined Daimler in refusing to use R-1234yf in its cars. There aren't any 2013 VW models that fall under the EU mandate for use this year, so the fact that VW is speaking up means it wishes to lodge a vocal protest. Other automakers are still committed to the new chemical; Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC are still switching over in 2013, and Toyota in the EU has gone on record saying it hasn't found any safety issue with R-1234yf. The EU says it will enforce its decree, but no penalties have been mentioned for any automaker defying the order. Honeywell and Dupont are waiting to see what will happen, a Honeywell manager saying, "The key element for the EU government is forcing the implementation of their rule."

VW joins Daimler's protest of new A/C refrigerant as EU deadline for compliance passes originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coolantdaimlerduponthoneywellmercedes-benzr-1234yfr-1234yf refrigerantr-134arefrigerantvolkswagenSun, 06 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20416798/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/06/vw-joins-daimlers-protest-of-new-a-c-refrigerant-as-eu-deadline/20416798/article-detail.xml 20416798 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mb-ac-controls-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mb-ac-controls-628.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Smart lineup growing to three models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/next-gen-smart-lineup-growing-to-three-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/next-gen-smart-lineup-growing-to-three-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/next-gen-smart-lineup-growing-to-three-models/#commentsFiled under: ,



Still in the testing phases of the next-generation Smart Fortwo and the new Forfour model, Smart could also be planning a new crossover to reach into a more mainstream vehicle segment. According to Auto Express, soon after the redesigned Fortwo arrives in 2014, the Smart lineup will grow to include the other two models by 2015.

As expected, the renderings of the new Fortwo, Forfour and the unnamed Smart SUV are inspired heavily by recent concepts like the 2011 Forvision Concept and the 2012 Forstars Concept (pictured above). One interesting note is that Auto Express says both the Fortwo and Forfour will offer a removable tablet as a center stack display screen. The report says that while these cars were developed alongside the Renault Twingo, the French automaker will only be using the larger of the two hatchbacks for its new model.

This, reportedly, won't be the only tie up between Daimler and Nissan-Renault, though, as Smart also looks to add a new crossover based on the next-generation Nissan Juke, which could arrive by late 2015.

Next-gen Smart lineup growing to three models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 smart fortwodaimlerforfourfortworenault twingorenault-nissansmartThu, 27 Dec 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411984/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/27/next-gen-smart-lineup-growing-to-three-models/20411984/article-detail.xml 20411984 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/smart-forstars-concept-press-12_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/smart-forstars-concept-press-12.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes delivers new Popemobile in Rome]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/mercedes-delivers-new-popemobile-in-rome/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/mercedes-delivers-new-popemobile-in-rome/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/mercedes-delivers-new-popemobile-in-rome/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

pope benedict xvi and dieter zetsche with the popemobile

Catholics already have a celebration in December in honor of a figure with a nine-month gestation, and that's exactly how long it took the latest Mercedes Benz Popemobile to go from conception to delivery. While The Messiah arrived in a manger, the new Popemobile was delivered by company head Dieter Zetsche, who said "It is an honor for Mercedes-Benz to be accompanying His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on his future journeys with our new Popemobile."

The new Popemobile is based on the latest M-Class, though the Pope's new SUV features reduced ride height to easier shipment of the vehicle, which happens frequently. The vehicle also features improved visibility and lighting for the Pontiff, which presumably went over well at the vehicle's public debut in Rome at this year's celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Look closely, and you'll see Mercedes-Benz three-pointed stars hanging from lighting fixtures, too. This latest Popemobile continues the trend of Daimler supplying papal transport, a legacy that stretches back 80 years, so look for the Diamond White modified M-Class the next time you see the Holy See. Scroll down for the press release below.

Continue reading Mercedes delivers new Popemobile in Rome

Mercedes delivers new Popemobile in Rome originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz m-classdaimlerdieter zetschem classm-classmercedesmercedes-benznew popemobilepoppope benedict xvipopemobileMon, 10 Dec 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398188/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/10/mercedes-delivers-new-popemobile-in-rome/20398188/article-detail.xml 20398188 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/popemobile-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/popemobile-628.jpg <![CDATA[Former Mercedes-Benz US boss Lieb loses wrongful dismissal suit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/18/former-mercedes-benz-us-boss-lieb-loses-wrongful-dismissal-suit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/18/former-mercedes-benz-us-boss-lieb-loses-wrongful-dismissal-suit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/18/former-mercedes-benz-us-boss-lieb-loses-wrongful-dismissal-suit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ernst Lieb, former Mercedes-Benz USA boss - headshotAutomotive News Europe reports Ernst Lieb, the former Mercedes-Benz USA CEO, has lost a wrongful dismissal suit against his former employer. As you may recall, parent company Daimler fired Lieb claiming the 57-year-old executive used company funds to upgrade his personal home, though he has denied the claim all along, going so far as to sue his former employer. All told, Daimler said Lieb spent more than $100,000 to upgrade his company home in Mahwah, New Jersey. The money was allegedly used to purchase a home theater, a gym, a washer and dryer and a barbecue.

On Thursday, November 8, a court in Stuttgart dismissed the suit, saying the claims against Lieb were "so serious that any further employment [at Daimler] would be unacceptable." The former executive has said he will appeal the ruling, and his attorney, Stefan Naegele, has said the lawsuit is more about restoring Lieb's reputation than about receiving any monetary retribution.

Former Mercedes-Benz US boss Lieb loses wrongful dismissal suit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Nov 2012 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just like the R-12 refrigerant that was phased out of cars in the 1990s, it appears R-134a is on its way out, as well, in favor of the more environmentally friendly R-1234yf. While R-134a definitely isn't as harmful to the ozone as R-12 was (which led it to be banned), the newer R-1234yf has a far lower global warming potential than the refrigerant currently used. This sounds good for the environment and all, but Daimler AG may have just stumbled upon an issue with this refrigerant that could throw a wrinkle into the switch plans.

According to the press release, numerous tests have been performed on R-1234yf by automakers and independent agencies alike with no negative effects, but Daimler says that is has found a certain scenario where the refrigerant can leak at high pressures and ignite. Daimler found that in severe head-on collisions, the refrigerant line can break and spray R-1234yf onto the exhaust system causing a fire. It isn't certain how severe the fires were, but as a precautionary measure, Daimler says that it will continue to use R-134a in all of its cars.

Looking at independent tests performed by DuPont and Honeywell, the results showed that R-1234yf is "very difficult to ignite with electrical spark" and this refrigerant "shows [the] same flammability behavior as R-134a." This latter result showed ignition against a metal plate with a temperature above 900 degrees Celsius with the ignition of both refrigerants in this scenario attributed to the existence of PAG oil used in automotive air conditioning systems; the tests did not say if the refrigerant was pressurized as it was in the Daimler tests.

The Cadillac XTS was the first car in the U.S. to use this new refrigerant and all Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC models are expected to switch over for 2013. General Motors has yet to get back to us to comment on this matter.

Continue reading Daimler sounds alarm on new AC refrigerant, may be flammable

Daimler sounds alarm on new AC refrigerant, may be flammable originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acair conditioningautomotive refrigerantdaimlergeneral motorsr-1234yf refrigerantr-134a replacementrefrigerant safetyFri, 28 Sep 2012 07:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20332809/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/28/daimler-sounds-alarm-on-new-ac-refrigerant-may-be-flammable/20332809/article-detail.xml 20332809 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mb-ac-controls-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mb-ac-controls-628.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler may cut production at largest plant, company denies it]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/daimler-may-cut-production-at-largest-plant-company-denies-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/daimler-may-cut-production-at-largest-plant-company-denies-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/daimler-may-cut-production-at-largest-plant-company-denies-it/#commentsFiled under: ,



While Audi stalks BMW for the luxury sales crown and scepter, the fortunes of Mercedes-Benz are a little more mixed as CEO Dieter Zetsche gets the three-pointed house in order. The latest snafu, according to a report by Reuters, is that Benz's Sindelfingen plant, the largest in its production family, will be cutting production due to softening sales in Europe and China. Daimler has already come out denying that the cuts will happen.

Sindelfingen builds the C-Class sedan, S-Class, E-Class, CL-Class, CLS-Class, SLS AMG Coupe and Roadster, and recently ceased building Maybachs - and the rationing of production is reported to affect all lines. The S-Class is said to be "doing especially badly," Mercedes sales in China trail Audi by 23 percent and BMW by 35 percent, Daimler has issued a profit warning for M-B and Zetsche has cited an ongoing "challenging environment" in Europe. The result is the implementation of a cost-cutting program aimed at saving €1 billion ($1.295B U.S.) and strained worker relations at Sindelfingen, but no layoffs, which is the kind of little victory that almost calls for celebration in this economic climate.

Daimler may cut production at largest plant, company denies it originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlermercedes-benzproduction cutsindelfingernWed, 26 Sep 2012 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20332004/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/26/daimler-may-cut-production-at-largest-plant-company-denies-it/20332004/article-detail.xml 20332004 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/137985268-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/137985268-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Smart hopes to jump-start brand by offering cheapest electric car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/smart-hopes-to-jump-start-brand-by-offering-cheapest-electric-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/smart-hopes-to-jump-start-brand-by-offering-cheapest-electric-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/smart-hopes-to-jump-start-brand-by-offering-cheapest-electric-ca/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Bloomberg has reported that Daimler is looking at the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive to recharge the division's relevance and brand perception, and part of how the ForTwo ED will do that is by being the first mass-produced and the least expensive German electric car on the market. Some context: Bloomberg says the brand seeks 10,000 annual sales for its electron-powered runabout, which is just 10 percent of Smart global sales. More important than how many ForTwo EDs are sold, however, would be the fact that by beating the BMW i3 and electric Volkswagen e-Up! to market, it would "re-establish the brand's position as an urban mobility pioneer with the first mass-produced electric auto from a German manufacturer."

At least, that's the plan - one that we're inclined to file under "Things That Make You Go Hmmm...." We enjoyed our time in the ForTwo ED; the electric drivetrain was a perfect fit and remedied what is perhaps the principal gripe with the current car (in the U.S., at least) - its less-than-smooth transmission. Nevertheless, even though people open to electric cars and the premiums that electric and range-extended vehicles command, we have a feeling that Smart's pricing will continue to make it tough for the little guy to compete.

A conventional Smart starts at €10,275 ($13,489 U.S.) in Germany, and a conventional VW Up! is €9,850 ($12,931 U.S.). The ForTwo ED has been priced at €18,910 ($24,824 U.S.) plus €65 ($85.33 U.S.) per month for the battery - and we'd be surprised if VW didn't make sure the larger, plusher e-Up! was right there with it. The Renault Zoe - not German, we know - will be slightly more expensive at €20,600 (around $27k), plus a monthly fee for the battery, but the Zoe is a four-door hatchback the size of a Clio. Pricing for this landmass hasn't been announced, but the electric competition generally hits the mid-$30K mark: the four-door, four-seat Mitsubishi i-MiEV sets the low end at $29,625, the Nissan Leaf at $35,200, the BMW i3 is rumored to come in around $35,000, the Fiat 500E is predicted to be right there, too, and that's supposedly after Fiat swallows a hefty loss on each car. Chevrolet sets the high bar with the range-extended Volt at $39,145.

The question is, how much less-expensive would the Smart ForTwo ED need to be to still attract customers if and when the electric city-car competition really gets going? With just one car in its lineup, even the conventional ForTwo can't be priced to both attract the desired number of buyers and provide a decent profit margin. In spite of eyebrow-raising analyst commentary in the Bloomberg piece like, "The potential demand for the e-Smart is huge, because people have been brainwashed toward electric vehicles for the last couple of years," we wonder if the Smart ForTwo ED is really the car to take advantage of that "brainwashing" over the long term, or if the only thing it really has going for it, for now at least, is that head start.

Smart hopes to jump-start brand by offering cheapest electric car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerfortwofortwo electric drivefortwo evsmartMon, 17 Sep 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20324454/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/17/smart-hopes-to-jump-start-brand-by-offering-cheapest-electric-ca/20324454/article-detail.xml 20324454 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/smartevcheapest_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/smartevcheapest.jpg <![CDATA[Elon Musk: 'The credit for saving Tesla should go to Daimler']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/elon-musk-the-credit-for-saving-tesla-should-go-to-daimler/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/elon-musk-the-credit-for-saving-tesla-should-go-to-daimler/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/elon-musk-the-credit-for-saving-tesla-should-go-to-daimler/#commentsFiled under: , ,

tesla daimler deal

Back in 2009, the plug-in vehicle world was surprised to learn that Daimler had invested $50 million in Tesla Motors. What we didn't know at the time was that the money came deus ex machina style just before the EV startup reaper was about to knock. Turns out, Tesla's financial situation was much worse back then than anyone realized.

AutoblogGreen recently spent an hour interviewing Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and when we asked about the money, Musk said, "The credit for saving Tesla should go to Daimler. It was the Daimler investment that saved Tesla in early 2009. ... 2007 and 2008 were especially bad for us. ... There were a couple of near-death situations."

Those near-death situations include the time Musk needed to funnel a lot of his personal capital into Tesla - "I literally had to borrow money for rent" - in order to get through 2008 and early 2009. Having run through a lot of his own money, he appreciated Daimler was investing in Tesla even though Daimler itself was cash strapped. "When someone is hungry themselves and they give you a bit of food, you've got to be grateful for that."

Musk added that Tesla's financial situation today is "pretty good," and that the company has "a couple hundred million dollars" in reserve. As long as there aren't a "bunch of screw-ups," then the automaker should be in good financial shape, he said.

Stay tuned for more from AutoblogGreen's one-on-one interview, including the full transcript, later this week.

Elon Musk: 'The credit for saving Tesla should go to Daimler' originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerelon muskexclusivemodel steslatesla daimlerWed, 05 Sep 2012 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20316868/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/05/elon-musk-the-credit-for-saving-tesla-should-go-to-daimler/20316868/article-detail.xml 20316868 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/daimler-tesla-deal-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/daimler-tesla-deal-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan: 85% of vehicles to be built in North America by 2015]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/nissan-85-of-vehicles-to-be-built-in-north-america-by-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/nissan-85-of-vehicles-to-be-built-in-north-america-by-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/nissan-85-of-vehicles-to-be-built-in-north-america-by-2015/#commentsFiled under: ,



Nissan is determined to grab eight percent of global market share by 2016, and is investing heavily in its North American facilities to make that happen. After a $5.2 billion cash infusion, Nissan will grow by 9,000 jobs, expand capacity by 425,000 vehicles and 200,000 lithium-ion batteries.

With its existing NA plants, Nissan already produces all its core models here. But by 2015, the company plans to build at its North American plants 85% of all Nissan and Infiniti models sold in the U.S. Nissan's Smyrna, Tenn. plant will soon add the Leaf and Rogue to its lineup and the Canton, Miss. plant will add the Sentra to its truck production. To pull off that expanded lineup, Canton will get 1,000 new jobs boosting its payroll to 4,500 workers.

Nissan also has an engine plant in Decherd, Tenn., which will add 90 jobs this year and up to 400 new jobs eventually, to help build electric motors for the Leaf as well as Daimler.

In Mexico, Nissan plans to spend $2 billion to add a third plant with 3,000 workers making 175,000 subcompacts by late next year.

Finally, Nissan's Farmington Hills, Mich. research group will get 150 new co-workers for vehicle engineering and development.

Nissan: 85% of vehicles to be built in North America by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive jobscantoncanton jobsDaimlerInfinitiLeafmississippinissannissan jobsNorth Americasmyrnasmyrna jobsFri, 10 Aug 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20298292/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/10/nissan-85-of-vehicles-to-be-built-in-north-america-by-2015/20298292/article-detail.xml 20298292 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nissanlogoquality_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nissanlogoquality.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz taps Valmet to build new A-Class]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/mercedes-benz-taps-valmet-to-build-new-a-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/mercedes-benz-taps-valmet-to-build-new-a-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/mercedes-benz-taps-valmet-to-build-new-a-class/#commentsFiled under: , ,



"Is that a Uusikaupunki A-Class?" It sounds like an awfully personal question, but it's something you might be asking soon, since Mercedes-Benz is partnering with Finland's Valmet Automotive to boost production of the new A-Class. There are already more than 40,000 orders in for the new hatchback, and Daimler plants in Germany and Hungary are running at full tilt to keep up.

Since Mercedes plans to start selling the A-Class in North America in 2014, and Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche anticipates a compact vehicle boom, Daimler wants to make sure it has cars available for buyers. The contract with Valmet runs for three years from 2013 until 2016 and will add another 100,000 A-Class vehicles to the mix, important as Mercedes tries to roll out five compact models including a coupe and SUV. For its part, Valmet is happy to have something more to do other than tinker around with low-volume cars like the Fisker Karma and Marussia B2.

Mercedes-Benz taps Valmet to build new A-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classdaimlermercedes-benzvalmetWed, 25 Jul 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20285547/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/25/mercedes-benz-taps-valmet-to-build-new-a-class/20285547/article-detail.xml 20285547 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/12c79002_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/12c79002.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes to market Tesla-powered 2014 B-Class EV in U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/mercedes-to-market-tesla-powered-2014-b-class-ev-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/mercedes-to-market-tesla-powered-2014-b-class-ev-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/mercedes-to-market-tesla-powered-2014-b-class-ev-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class - white - front three-quarter static view

Looks like another Tesla Motors investor will be looking to cash in on their connection. Autoweek reports Mercedes-Benz will offer their B-Class in the U.S. with Tesla propulsion.

The magazine says their source at the German automaker confirms plans for a B-Class electric-only vehicle. While Tesla already provides battery packs for the battery-powered Smart ForTwo, the B-Class EV will reportedly have Tesla batteries, motor and other components. U.S. residents should be able to procure one sometime in 2014.

The same Mercedes source says plans for a hybrid B-Class have been postponed for now. Adding a range-extending, gasoline-powered engine to an electric vehicle would put the car into a different class for which rebates and incentives aren't as favorable in the States.

Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler owns a 4.7-percent share of Tesla. Toyota also owns part of the electric-car company with which it builds electric RAV4 crossovers.

Mercedes to market Tesla-powered 2014 B-Class EV in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b classb-classb-class evb-klassedaimlerelectrichybridmercedes+b+classmercedes-benzmercedesbclassteslatesla+motorsteslamotorsThu, 05 Jul 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20270666/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/05/mercedes-to-market-tesla-powered-2014-b-class-ev-in-u-s/20270666/article-detail.xml 20270666 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-2012-mercedes-benz-b-class-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-2012-mercedes-benz-b-class-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Smart ForTwo Iceshine won't make your hair look any better]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/smart-fortwo-iceshine-wont-make-your-hair-look-any-better/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/smart-fortwo-iceshine-wont-make-your-hair-look-any-better/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/smart-fortwo-iceshine-wont-make-your-hair-look-any-better/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Smart ForTwo Iceshine front three-quarter view, blue and white

This must be a first: Smart has named its latest special edition ForTwo after a shampoo. Not really, but clearly someone at Daimler did not do due diligence (or use Google) before dreaming up the Iceshine moniker.

The Smart ForTwo Iceshine is a special edition based on the model's Passion trim level, while Ice Shine is a variety of Pantene. Coming in white and a special azure blue, the vehicular Iceshine matches those exterior colors with white alloys and white mirrors to give the Smartfortwo a positively twenty-five year-old feel. Other equipment includes LED daytime running lamps, "leather effect" seats, and a three-spoke leather steering wheel. Interior trim is done up in - you guessed it - white, including the rings around the Fortwo's instrumentation. Frankly, we're finding all of this about as exciting as washing your hair.

Smart will be looking to push only 1,800 of these onto the German market, starting at just over $18,000 for the coupe and roughly $22,000 for the convertible.

Scroll down to read the full press release and be sure to check out our gallery. And don't forget to bathe.

Continue reading Smart ForTwo Iceshine won't make your hair look any better

Smart ForTwo Iceshine won't make your hair look any better originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerfortwofortwo special editiongermanyiceshinesmartFri, 15 Jun 2012 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20258871/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/15/smart-fortwo-iceshine-wont-make-your-hair-look-any-better/20258871/article-detail.xml 20258871 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/smart-fortwo-iceshine-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/smart-fortwo-iceshine-628.jpg <![CDATA[Union takes hard stance against German automakers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/union-takes-hard-stance-against-german-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/union-takes-hard-stance-against-german-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/union-takes-hard-stance-against-german-automakers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Anyone considering a German-built car might want to buy it now. It could be a long summer.

Europe's largest industrial union, IG Metall, is taking a tough stance against some job rules German carmakers want to enforce, potentially creating the possibility of a strike, according to TheDetroitBureau.com.

"Talks are resuming, but so far five rounds of negotiations have produced little movement and a round of warning strikes earlier this month at several companies, including Porsche, BMW and Daimler, suggest that the powerful union is gearing up for a confrontation," the Bureau reported earlier this week.

The union wants a 6.5-percent pay raise for its workers and a limit in how many temporary workers the carmakers can use. Around the world, carmakers use temporary workers as way to increase production without increasing union membership and save money.

The union was offered a 3-percent pay raise, but that offer was rejected. Currently, German auto workers are some of the highest paid in the automotive world. And while parts of Europe remain in economic turmoil, Germany has shown signs of slow growth, which might be one reason some government officials are backing IG Metall.

All of this doesn't bode well for General Motors' German-based Opel. GM was hoping to get some concessions from the unions representing its workers as part of its restructuring. But if other carmakers are paying more for its workers, it's unlikely the troubled Opel would be able to squeeze much of its people.

Union takes hard stance against German automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlereuropefinancegermanyGMig metallopelporscheunionsTue, 22 May 2012 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242796/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/22/union-takes-hard-stance-against-german-automakers/20242796/article-detail.xml 20242796 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/20120512-metall-ig-oppose-german-carmakers_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/20120512-metall-ig-oppose-german-carmakers.jpg <![CDATA[New Fuso Canter can canter in selectable 4x4 mode]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/new-fuso-canter-can-canter-in-selectable-4x4-mode/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/new-fuso-canter-can-canter-in-selectable-4x4-mode/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/new-fuso-canter-can-canter-in-selectable-4x4-mode/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fuso Canter 4x4

If you're in the market and mood for a 6.5-ton cab-over truck that also offers power to all its wheels, Fuso would like you to have a look at its new Canter 4x4. With the addition of selectable four-wheel drive, Fuso is hoping to expand the 4x2 Canter's traditional market into unpaved uses like construction and municipal services.

Power comes from a 3.0-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel with 175 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. A stop/start system is also used to improve efficiency. Standard features include a locking rear differential, exhaust brake, approach and departure angles that are nearly doubled over the 4x2 model, and a 40,000-kilometer maintenance interval. Options are plentiful, including single or crew-cab bodies, two wheelbase choices, payload up to 3,725 kilograms, 320 millimeters of ground clearance and 100 plain, metallic and pearl-finish paint colors.

For truck fans, there's a press release below and a high-res gallery of the Canter 4x4 in all kinds of poses.

Continue reading New Fuso Canter can canter in selectable 4x4 mode

New Fuso Canter can canter in selectable 4x4 mode originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 May 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cantercanter 4x4daimlerfusofuso canterfuso canter 4x4truckSat, 19 May 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239874/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/19/new-fuso-canter-can-canter-in-selectable-4x4-mode/20239874/article-detail.xml 20239874 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/fusocanter4x4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/fusocanter4x4.jpg <![CDATA[Magna Steyr will build new entry-level Infiniti]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/magna-steyr-will-build-new-entry-level-infiniti/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/magna-steyr-will-build-new-entry-level-infiniti/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/magna-steyr-will-build-new-entry-level-infiniti/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Infiniti Etherea Concept

Automotive News reports Nissan will turn to Magna Steyr to build a new Infiniti compact car in 2014. The Austrian manufacturer will assemble the vehicle as part of the luxury brand's efforts to grow in western Europe and other global markets.

So far, Nissan and Infiniti have been tight-lipped about what the vehicle will bring to the table, but earlier reports have hinted the model will be designed to compete directly with the likes of the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Speaking of Mercedes-Benz, the new Infiniti will likely ride on the same underpinnings as the current A and B-Class models.

The report says Nissan is set to use a number of Daimler components in the new compact, including Mercedes-Benz four and six-cylinder engines. Expect to see both gasoline and diesel variants as well. Magna Steyr is expected to produce between 50,000 and 60,000 Infiniti units per year. The two companies are currently finalizing the details of the agreement.

Magna Steyr will build new entry-level Infiniti originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classb-classdaimlerinfinitimecedes-benzmercedes-benz a-classmercedes-benz b-classThu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20235397/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/10/magna-steyr-will-build-new-entry-level-infiniti/20235397/article-detail.xml 20235397 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/infiniti-etherea-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/infiniti-etherea-concept-628.jpg -1 2