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[VW, Daimler CEOs take pay cuts in 2013, GM's Akerson stays the course]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/vw-daimler-ceos-take-pay-cuts-in-2013-gms-akerson-stays-the-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/vw-daimler-ceos-take-pay-cuts-in-2013-gms-akerson-stays-the-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/vw-daimler-ceos-take-pay-cuts-in-2013-gms-akerson-stays-the-c/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Amidst slow auto sales in Europe, top executives at both Volkswagen and Daimler AG will be receiving pay cuts in 2013, which comes at the same time as conflicting reports of a possible pay increase for General Motors CEO Dan Akerson (right). According to Automotive News Europe, VW CEO Martin Winterkorn (center) and Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche (left) are set to make less this year, but while a number of reports (including Automotive News) suggested that GM has requested a pay increase for Akerson, a statement from GM provided to USA Today makes it clear a raise is not forthcoming.

Winterkorn will take a of hit of three million euros (close to $4 million) but will still finish the year making almost $20 million. ANE says that Winterkorn suggested his own pay cut earlier this month, and other board members will also see a lower salary this year. Just a couple days after a three-year contract extension was announced for Zetsche, it's being reported that his pay will drop by a half million euros leaving him with an annual income totaling 8.15 million euros (or around $10.6 million); Daimler will also be reducing the bonuses paid out to its eight board members.

As for Akerson's situation, this is where things get dicey. Yesterday, AN reported that GM would be raising its CEO's salary from $9 million up to $11.1 million, but GM was quick to deny that information, saying that the $11.1 million figure is actually the entire tally of Akerson's compensation package for 2012. Akerson's pay for 2013 will remain at $9 million (minus, we presume, any other forms of compensation), well below that of his Big Three rival CEOs, Alan Mulally and Sergio Marchionne, who both make more than double what Akerson makes.

VW, Daimler CEOs take pay cuts in 2013, GM's Akerson stays the course originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceo payceo pay cutsdan akersonDieter Zetschemartin winterkornWed, 27 Feb 2013 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20478596/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/27/vw-daimler-ceos-take-pay-cuts-in-2013-gms-akerson-stays-the-c/20478596/article-detail.xml 20478596 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/akerson-winterkorn-zetsche_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/akerson-winterkorn-zetsche.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[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[Mercedes could reclaim No. 2 luxury spot from Audi by 2015]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/mercedes-could-reclaim-no-2-luxury-spot-from-audi-by-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/mercedes-could-reclaim-no-2-luxury-spot-from-audi-by-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/mercedes-could-reclaim-no-2-luxury-spot-from-audi-by-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

A report by the Center of Automotive Research at the university of Duisburg-Essen in Germany has revealed that Mercedes-Benz, currently the number three luxury carmaker, could move up to number two in 2015, Automotive News reported. Mercedes owned the second slot until last year, when Audi overtook it. BMW has held the lead in the luxury market since 2005.

"We aim to be the front-runner wherever we compete on a permanent basis," Zetsche said in a speech earlier this month. "Wherever we are not number one, we will strive to become it," he added.

BMW will sell 1.76 million vehicles in 2015, followed by Mercedes with 1.68 million and Audi with 1.63 million, the CAR report said. One of the reasons Mercedes could see such growth is that it intends to introduce 10 new models by 2015, including a sportier version of the A Class (above).

Audi and BMW have no plans to cede any ground to Mercedes in the World War of Luxury Vehicles as the two German brands continue to vie for number one. Audi has said it plans to sell two million vehicles by 2020, which would surpass BMW and Mini total sales. Additionally, Audi plans to build a plant in Mexico, which could increase it's U.S. lineup from 16 vehicles to 27.

Mercedes could reclaim No. 2 luxury spot from Audi by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audibmwdieter zetscheluxury car salesmercedes-benzminiTue, 01 May 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20227096/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/01/mercedes-could-reclaim-no-2-luxury-spot-from-audi-by-2015/20227096/article-detail.xml 20227096 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-mercedes-benz-a-class-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-mercedes-benz-a-class-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Expect Daimler's new plant to be right next to Nissan's in Mexico]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/expect-daimlers-new-plant-to-be-right-next-to-nissans-in-mexic/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/expect-daimlers-new-plant-to-be-right-next-to-nissans-in-mexic/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/expect-daimlers-new-plant-to-be-right-next-to-nissans-in-mexic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz A -Class prototype spy shot

It was only a few weeks ago that Mercedes-Benz CEO Dieter Zetsche laid out his global sales vision for the brand, aiming to be the world's Number One luxury automaker by 2020 with 2.7 million annual sales. One component of that plan is building another plant in North America, and a report by the TheDetroitBureau.com indicates that the plant will be built in Aguascalientes, Mexico - right next to a Nissan assembly plant that's already there.

Nissan recently announced a two billion dollar expansion of its Aguascalientes facility to produce up to 175,000 units annually. According to the Bureau report, "the sprawling Aguascalientes complex has been laid out with the idea that the German maker will eventually participate." Daimler hasn't commented officially, but if it does happen, then that would give Daimler and Renault-Nissan two tie-up locations, the other being in Tennessee where Nissan will be making engines for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (a prototype for which is shown above).

One of the factors at the heart of the Mexico decision would be Mercedes' MFA platform, which supports the A- and B-Class vehicles soon headed here: that platform is also expected to underpin the production Infiniti Etherea. And if Renault-Nissan CEO can be believed, then a great deal more sharing between the two firms is an eventuality, and further up the food chain at that. Ghosn is reported to have said last year, "You'd be very surprised if in five or six years that Mercedes and Renault-Nissan had only cooperated on small cars."

Expect Daimler's new plant to be right next to Nissan's in Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a classa-classa-klasseaguascalientesdieter zetschefactoryinfiniti etheriamercedes-benz factorymfa platformMon, 30 Jan 2012 09:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159077/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/30/expect-daimlers-new-plant-to-be-right-next-to-nissans-in-mexic/20159077/article-detail.xml 20159077 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-mercedes-benz-a-class-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-mercedes-benz-a-class-628.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/translogic-hangs-out-with-daimlers-zetsche-and-fords-mulally-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/translogic-hangs-out-with-daimlers-zetsche-and-fords-mulally-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/translogic-hangs-out-with-daimlers-zetsche-and-fords-mulally-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Translogic at CES

Usually our sister publication Translogic is out putting futuristic transportation hardware through the paces or talking to geeks who are trying to reimagine the very infrastructure of our world. But this week, the show has a decidedly more conventional subject: Interviews with Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche and Ford CEO Alan Mulally.

Both of these automotive bigwigs were wandering the halls of the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month (Zetsche was the keynote speaker, a job Mulally performed two years ago), which is where Translogic caught up with them for a chat and demonstration of their CES wares. Zetsche showed off a new gesture-based in-car interface, as well as some new active safety technology for Mercedes-Benz. Mulally plugged Ford's new hybrid and plug-in hybrid Fusion, as well as showing off the Ford Evos concept's fancy infotainment system. Give it a watch after the jump.

Continue reading Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES

Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallycesces 2012consumer electronics showdaimlerdieter zetschefordinfotainmentmercedes-benzmulallytelematicstranslogicvideoSat, 28 Jan 2012 14:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20156559/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/28/translogic-hangs-out-with-daimlers-zetsche-and-fords-mulally-a/20156559/article-detail.xml 20156559 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/translogic-ceo-interviews-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/translogic-ceo-interviews-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler planning to open new plant in North America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/daimler-planning-to-open-new-plant-in-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/daimler-planning-to-open-new-plant-in-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/daimler-planning-to-open-new-plant-in-north-america/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche

Size still matters, but the quest to be number one is also getting more headlines. Mercedes-Benz is the latest to stake its future on taking the top slot, with CEO Dieter Zetsche aiming to be the world's largest premium maker by 2020. The specific number is 2.7 million vehicles sold that year, which represents an astronomical jump from 2011 sales of 1.26 million vehicles.

To home in on that target, Mercedes intends to build factories in China and in North America - either Mexico or the U.S. - with the North American factory coming online by 2018, according to a report in Auto News. The facility here would build the "next generation A class together with Daimler's strategic partner Nissan."

Mercedes didn't offer any clarification on the Nissan component or what else a new facility might build, nor what the synergies might be with it and the engine deal recently signed between Daimler and Renault-Nissan.

Daimler planning to open new plant in North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classdaimlerdieter zetschefactorymercedes-benzmercedes-benz factoryWed, 25 Jan 2012 08:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155268/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/25/daimler-planning-to-open-new-plant-in-north-america/20155268/article-detail.xml 20155268 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/zetsche-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/zetsche-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes boss Zetsche offends Cubans with Che Guevara joke]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/mercedes-boss-zetsche-offends-cubans-with-che-guevara-joke/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/mercedes-boss-zetsche-offends-cubans-with-che-guevara-joke/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/mercedes-boss-zetsche-offends-cubans-with-che-guevara-joke/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



For every college student with a Che Guevara poster on their dorm room walls and a copy of Motorcycle Diaries on their shelves, there are plenty of Americans who remember the communist leader as a cold-blooded killer. That's the problem with revolutionaries; they're nothing if not divisive. Mercedes-Benz recently received a first-hand lesson in just how polarizing Guevara himself can be after the company used a massive image of the leader in the company's presentation on car sharing at CES.

Dieter Zetsche, Daimler CEO, said, "Some colleagues still think that car-sharing borders on communism, but if this is a revolution, then 'Viva la revolucion!'."

The Guevara image then splayed across the one-story screen behind the executive, complete with a Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star on his trademark beret. Let the cringing begin.

It didn't take long for Cuban exiles in Florida to descend on the Mercedes-Benz consumer site with promises of boycotts and shock at the company's insensitivity. It does seem amazingly short-sighted for a German luxury manufacturer to embrace the image of a leader who happily shunned the niceties of the upper class for a rifle.

Mercedes boss Zetsche offends Cubans with Che Guevara joke originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012che guevaraconsumer electronics showdaimlerdieter zetscheguevaramercedes-benzviva la revolucionzetscheTue, 17 Jan 2012 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150079/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/mercedes-boss-zetsche-offends-cubans-with-che-guevara-joke/20150079/article-detail.xml 20150079 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/che-at-ces-628-1326808292_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/che-at-ces-628-1326808292.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz says E-Class hybrid makes cool cars greener]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid-detroit-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz E-Class hybrid

In between debuting the Smart for-us and SL on the floor of the Detroit Auto Show today, Mercedes-Benz thought it right to bring out two brown cars that are actually green: diesel and gasoline flavors of the E-Class hybrid. In fact, the E300 diesel hybrid is so efficient that Mercedes calls it the "world's most economical luxury-class model." Unsurprisingly, the diesel will launch in Europe while the gas-powered E400 hybrid will arrive first in America and will later come to Japan, China and other countries. Pricing for the E-Class hybrids has not yet been announced, but Mercedes says the "extra cost involved here is only moderate."

As we learned during the slow-burning teaser month of December, the diesel-fueled BlueTec hybrid is expected to get 56 miles per gallon (on the European scale, so around 45 mpg in the U.S.) and the gas-electric E400 Hybrid will get 27 mpg (U.S.). The numbers for the E300 are based on the sedan (saloon) versions; it will also be available in estate (station wagon) form. The E-Class hybrids use a combination of lithium-ion batteries, start-stop, regenerative brakes and the ability to "sail" to save fuel. Sailing here means that, at speeds of up to 100 mph, the combustion engine can switch off while the electric motor keeps the car moving as long as the 0.8-kWh battery has enough power.

Since this is Mercedes, the cars also perform well: the E300 BlueTec offers 204 horsepower from the four-cylinder diesel powerplant and another 27 hp from the electric motor. The gas-powered E400 gives up 306 hp, plus the 27 hp. The E300 hybrid has a top speed of 150 miles per hour and goes 0-62 in in 7.5 seconds, while the E400 hybrid can hit 130 mph and does 0-60 in 6.7 seconds. Or, as Damiler's chairman of the board, Dieter Zetsche, put it this during the press conference in Detroit: Mercedes is "making green cars cooler and cool cars greener."

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz says E-Class hybrid makes cool cars greener

Mercedes-Benz says E-Class hybrid makes cool cars greener originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz e-class hybriddetroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showdieter zetschee-classe-class hybride300e400mercedes hybridmercedes-benzTue, 10 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144081/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/10/mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid-detroit-2012/20144081/article-detail.xml 20144081 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mbe-hybridsdetroit2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mbe-hybridsdetroit2012.jpg <![CDATA[Zetsche not keen to hand over Mercedes-Benz to Bernhard just yet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/zetsche-not-keen-to-hand-over-mercedes-benz-to-bernhard-just-yet/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/zetsche-not-keen-to-hand-over-mercedes-benz-to-bernhard-just-yet/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/zetsche-not-keen-to-hand-over-mercedes-benz-to-bernhard-just-yet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dieter Zetsche

Reuters reports that Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche (pictured) isn't quite ready to hand over the keys to the Mercedes-Benz kingdom. Zetsche currently serves as the head of both Daimler and Mercedes-Benz, and investors had hoped that the CEO would begin grooming his second in command, Wolfgang Bernhard, to take over at the German automaker. That doesn't look to be happening any time soon, however, even though Zetsche's contract runs out at the end of 2013. According to the report, the CEO maintains that his current position has made him more effective at both Daimler and Mercedes-Benz, though evidently some industry analysts beg to differ.

For the first time in history, Daimler stock is worth less than that of BMW despite the fact that BMW is one-third smaller in terms of revenue. While Daimler has seen its stock prices increase by 27 percent, other automakers have enjoyed significantly larger gains. Reuters points out that Volvo has leaped by 90 percent and that BMW has doubled its stock price recently.

Investors are looking for answers, and most would like to see a change in management to help improve the company's fortunes.

Zetsche not keen to hand over Mercedes-Benz to Bernhard just yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernharddaimlerdaimler ceodieter zetschemercedes-benzmercedes-benz ceowolfgang bernhardzetscheThu, 17 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20107801/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/17/zetsche-not-keen-to-hand-over-mercedes-benz-to-bernhard-just-yet/20107801/article-detail.xml 20107801 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/dieter-zetsche-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/dieter-zetsche-628.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler CEO Zetsche subject of bizarre manslaughter probe [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/daimler-ceo-zetsche-subject-of-bizarre-manslaughter-probe/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/daimler-ceo-zetsche-subject-of-bizarre-manslaughter-probe/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/daimler-ceo-zetsche-subject-of-bizarre-manslaughter-probe/#commentsFiled under: ,

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche is being investigated for involuntary manslaughter after a 27-year-old engineer was killed in a test track accident caused by an intern. Apparently, the intern somehow wound up with the keys to an unspecified fast car, and things turned sour.

Daimler says the investigation is a "formality," and that a judge has already decided that Daimler can't be held liable. The investigation came after the parents of the dead engineer said that Daimler had no business putting an intern behind the wheel.

*UPDATE: According to Reuters, German public prosecutors have just announced that they are dropping pursuit of involuntary manslaughter chargers for Zetsche.

Daimler CEO Zetsche subject of bizarre manslaughter probe [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerdieterdieter zetscheinvoluntary manslaughtermanslaughterzetscheMon, 19 Sep 2011 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20045801/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/19/daimler-ceo-zetsche-subject-of-bizarre-manslaughter-probe/20045801/article-detail.xml 20045801 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/zetsche-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/zetsche-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche to keynote CES 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/daimler-chairman-dieter-zetsche-to-keynote-ces-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/daimler-chairman-dieter-zetsche-to-keynote-ces-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/daimler-chairman-dieter-zetsche-to-keynote-ces-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dieter Zetsche

Following in the footsteps of Ford's Alan Mulally and Audi's Rupert Stadler, Daimler chairman and Mercedes-Benz head honcho Dieter Zetsche will deliver the keynote at CES this January.

Zetsche's address - and Mercedes' first time at CES - is part of a larger push to bring even more automotive partners into the consumer electronics show, which began with Ford three years ago. This year's expo in Las Vegas will also include an electric vehicle pavilion and a "Safe Driver TechZone" to demo everything from collision avoidance to text-to-voice technology.

Zetsche will speak at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 10, at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater and we'll be on hand to cover it live. Full details in the press blast after the break.

Continue reading Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche to keynote CES 2012

Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche to keynote CES 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Dieter Zetschemercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzThu, 08 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20035978/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/08/daimler-chairman-dieter-zetsche-to-keynote-ces-2012/20035978/article-detail.xml 20035978 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/dvtogetty48297510-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/dvtogetty48297510-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler CEO: Maybach on the bubble in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/13/daimler-ceo-maybach-on-the-bubble-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/13/daimler-ceo-maybach-on-the-bubble-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/13/daimler-ceo-maybach-on-the-bubble-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Maybach range
2011 Maybach 62 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said this week at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show that the German automaker will decide by year-end whether or not to shutter its super-luxury Maybach division.

The line of cars, meant to compete against the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce, has seen its business wither during the economic downturn. "The success or failure of Maybach hardly shows up on our results, but it is something I want to have a decision on by year-end. And everything is on the table," said Zetsche. Killing it off? "Everything is on the table," Zetsche repeated.

The Financial Times reported last month that Daimler was in talks with Aston Martin about taking over the development of future Maybachs. Zetsche said that partnerships like that are also on the table to see if there is a viable business model for the business.

Maybachs, which start at $366,000 have been popular with some pro athletes and hip hop moguls. Jay-Z and Russell Simmons are among owners. Jay Leno owns one as well. Golfing great Nick Faldo has been among the brand pitchmen.

The current lineup of Maybachs includes the Maybach 57 and 57S, Maybach 62 and 62S, and the Landaulet. Maybach first hit the boulevards in 1919, but was discontinued when World War Two broke out. Daimler-Benz bought what was left of the company in 1960.

The current-day Maybach made its debut at the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show at the height of the dot-com economy, and went on sale globally shortly thereafter. Last year, Maybach sold 63 cars in the U.S.


Gallery: 2011 Maybach range

Daimler CEO: Maybach on the bubble in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 maybachdaimlerDieter ZetschemaybachThu, 13 Jan 2011 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19798568/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/13/daimler-ceo-maybach-on-the-bubble-in-2012/19798568/article-detail.xml 19798568 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/2011-maybach_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/2011-maybach.jpg <![CDATA[Benz, James Benz: Rumors resurface of Aston/Mercedes tie-up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/12/benz-james-benz-rumors-resurface-of-aston-mercedes-tie-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/12/benz-james-benz-rumors-resurface-of-aston-mercedes-tie-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/12/benz-james-benz-rumors-resurface-of-aston-mercedes-tie-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black
2010 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black - Click above for high-res image gallery

Reports are surfacing once again hinting at possible future collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin. Earlier reports had forecast that the two firms could share engines and even platforms, the aborted Lagonda crossover concept reportedly having been based on the Mercedes GL-Class. Additional reports had further suggested that Daimler was looking at buying stake in Aston, however neither bit of gossip has materialized into anything tangible as of yet.

That could change, however, according to Britain's weekly Autocar magazine, in speaking with Mercedes chief Dieter Zetsche. The affable Dr. Z hinted at possibly sharing technology - the kind of stuff which a small company like Aston couldn't develop on their own - with AML in the future. That could include, of course, anything from airbags and spark plugs to engines and platforms, leaving the door wide open for speculation, so we'll just have to wait and see.

[Source: Autocar]

Benz, James Benz: Rumors resurface of Aston/Mercedes tie-up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astonaston martindaimlerDieter Zetschemercedesmercedes-benzTue, 12 Oct 2010 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19668758/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/12/benz-james-benz-rumors-resurface-of-aston-mercedes-tie-up/19668758/article-detail.xml 19668758 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/dbscarbonblackreview_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/dbscarbonblackreview.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz will do the 'unthinkable' to go green]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/07/mercedes-benz-will-do-the-unthinkable-to-go-green/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/07/mercedes-benz-will-do-the-unthinkable-to-go-green/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/07/mercedes-benz-will-do-the-unthinkable-to-go-green/#commentsFiled under:

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the Mercedes press conference during last week's Paris Auto Show, the company rolled out its CLS - the car everyone was really there to see - for dessert. We couldn't have our pudding without eating our meat, though, so there were five courses served before it: the Smart Ad Lib, Smart scooter, Smart bicycle, Mercedes A-Class E-Cell, and a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel S-Class, throughout which time Mercedes CEO Dieter Zetsche and Smart head Annette Winkler took a good thirty minutes to stress the consumer and environmental friendliness of the brand's offerings.

This will not be an isolated incident, either. Zetsche said "We want to be efficiency world champions ... and we will be," and to do so will require initiatives that were "previously unthinkable," such as the hybrid S-Class and the coming four-cylinder. While there's no timeline placed on his pronouncement, it is clear that if M-B is going to stay with BMW and Audi in the emissions and efficiency stakes it will need to take a sledgehammer to conventional ideas of the brand.

Audi has laid out its electronic initiatives and BMW has its Efficient Dynamics, but so far Mercedes has only laid out a range of different projects under no particular umbrella, such as an all-hybrid S-Class line, more efficient ICE engines, and a new range of small cars for America. We wait to see if there is one particular way M-B will ultimately go to fulfill its aim... and if that way will include euthanizing Maybach...


Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mercedes-Benz will do the 'unthinkable' to go green originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clsDieter Zetscheefficiencyemissionsenviornmentmercedes-benzs-classThu, 07 Oct 2010 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19664740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/07/mercedes-benz-will-do-the-unthinkable-to-go-green/19664740/article-detail.xml 19664740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/2012-cls-class2medium-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/2012-cls-class2medium-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Daimler denies Zetsche will be replaced by Bernhard soon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/report-daimler-denies-zetsche-will-be-replaced-by-bernhard-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/report-daimler-denies-zetsche-will-be-replaced-by-bernhard-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/report-daimler-denies-zetsche-will-be-replaced-by-bernhard-soon/#commentsFiled under: ,



There's no question that Wolfgang Bernhard is well liked by the boys at Daimler. In fact, rumor has it that he's currently being groomed (for the second time, actually) to take the reins at Daimler's Mercedes-Benz automotive unit. If you believe the rumors, the only real question is when Bernhard will take over from current head Dieter Zetsche.

Reports filtering out of Germany had suggested that the changeover would take place sooner rather than later. Daimler, though, is denying those rumors, calling them "fictional and without foundation." In February of 2010, Bernhard was promoted to lead production and purchasing at Mercedes. At the same time, Zetsche's contract was extended to 2013.

It would seem that, if the 49-year-old Bernhard is going to take the helm at Mercedes-Benz at all, it's not going to happen until 2013 at the earliest. Is it too early to start hoping for an AMB-branded Tomahawk motorcycle?

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Report: Daimler denies Zetsche will be replaced by Bernhard soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerdaimler ceoDaimlerCeoDieter ZetscheDieterZetschemercedesMercedes Benzmercedes-benzmercedes-benz ceoMercedes-benzCeoMercedesBenzWolfgang BernhardWolfgangBernhardTue, 24 Aug 2010 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19605275/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/24/report-daimler-denies-zetsche-will-be-replaced-by-bernhard-soon/19605275/article-detail.xml 19605275 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/wolfgang-bernhard-tomahawk_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/wolfgang-bernhard-tomahawk.jpg <![CDATA[Zetsche betting on World Cup, adding bigger Benz incentives if Germany wins tourney]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/09/zetsche-betting-on-world-cup-adding-bigger-benz-incentives-if-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/09/zetsche-betting-on-world-cup-adding-bigger-benz-incentives-if-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/09/zetsche-betting-on-world-cup-adding-bigger-benz-incentives-if-g/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The 19th World Cup is set to kick off later this week, and Mercedes-Benz is throwing its weight behind the company's home team in the global competition. Silver Arrow head honcho Dieter Zetsche has just rolled out a wave of incentives in Germany to promote both the brand's association with the World Cup and the company's sponsorship of the German team. In the run up to the competition, German buyers can snag their own Mercedes-Benz with up to $2,493 in cash at current conversion rates, and should Germany walk away with the trophy, buyers can look forward to even more money.

If Germany can manage take the World Cup, special zero-percent financing and $381 in lease incentives will be made available. Unfortunately, that doesn't exactly look like it's going to happen. Germany hasn't won the World Cup since 1990, and this year doesn't look much better. The odds of the team winning are around 14-1, according to those who calculate such things.

Still, the incentives are less about the Silver Arrow's home team walking away with a trophy and more about Mercedes-Benz appealing to younger drivers. Currently, the company's median buyer age is significantly higher than either Audi or BMW, and Zetsche is likely looking to tap into new, younger money with the World Cup incentives.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Zetsche betting on World Cup, adding bigger Benz incentives if Germany wins tourney originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dieter ZetscheDieterZetscheFIFAfifa world cup 2010FifaWorldCup2010Mercedes-BenzWorld CupWorld Cup 2010WorldCupWorldCup2010Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19505780/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/09/zetsche-betting-on-world-cup-adding-bigger-benz-incentives-if-g/19505780/article-detail.xml 19505780 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/world-cup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/world-cup.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler reportedly cutting ties with Iran over nuclear program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/daimler-reportedly-cutting-ties-with-iran-over-nuclear-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/daimler-reportedly-cutting-ties-with-iran-over-nuclear-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/daimler-reportedly-cutting-ties-with-iran-over-nuclear-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



With pressure mounting on Iran to halt its nuclear program, Daimler is reportedly joining the growing list of businesses - German ones especially - that are reducing their commercial activities with the rogue nation.

Daimler has strong business ties in Iran, principally centered around the production and sales of commercial vehicles and diesel engines. Among the moves being undertaken by the German industrial giant are the sale of its 30 percent stake in Iranian Diesel Engine Manufacturing and the withdrawal of an application to sell civilian vehicles to Iran. Critics maintain that the moves are insufficient in the global campaign against Iran's nuclear program, but point towards the initiative as a positive step in the right direction.

The announcement has hit the wire hot on the heels of the nuclear security summit which President Obama hosted recently in Washington, where measures - largely supported by German Chancellor Angela Merkel (pictured above with Daimler chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche) - aimed at isolating Iran were discussed.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req. | Image: Sascha Schuermann/AFP/Getty]

Daimler reportedly cutting ties with Iran over nuclear program originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angela merkelAngelaMerkeldaimlerdieter zetscheDieterZetschedr. dieter zetscheDr.DieterZetscheiraniran khodroiran nucleariran nuclear programiranian diesel engine manufacturingIranianDieselEngineManufacturingIranKhodroIranNuclearIranNuclearProgramkhodromercedes-benztehranMon, 19 Apr 2010 11:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19445042/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/19/daimler-reportedly-cutting-ties-with-iran-over-nuclear-p/19445042/article-detail.xml 19445042 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/merkel-zetsche-daimler-630-getty_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/merkel-zetsche-daimler-630-getty.jpg <![CDATA[Zetsche: Maybach "not significant or relevant," but a facelift is coming anyway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/zetsche-maybach-not-significant-or-relevant-but-a-facelift-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/zetsche-maybach-not-significant-or-relevant-but-a-facelift-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/zetsche-maybach-not-significant-or-relevant-but-a-facelift-i/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Maybach Zeppelin - click above for high-res gallery

Maybach's 2009 sales through the first eleven months of this year have declined about 20 percent. That's at the kinder end of the industry average, all the more impressive because the "cheapest" one starts at $358,000. The part that's not so kind is the actual number of sales: 88, versus 110 last year.

Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche has told Autocar that there's a facelifted Maybach on the way, but his comments sound like those of a player ready to get out of this game. With an aside that he thinks luxury buyers are becoming more discreet, he admitted that Maybach's addition to the company "is not significant or relevant" and "there are no plans in the long run." Correct us if we aren't remembering correctly, but last we checked Dr. Z wasn't the kind of guy to leave dead weight hanging around.

This is just speculation, but assuming he spoke of Rolls-Royce when he said "there are only two players in this market and we are one of them," (apparently Bentley's Mulsanne doesn't move his needle) perhaps Zetsche sees the top tier luxury race needing only one Maybach hit or a Rolls stumble to even up. Rolls sales have fallen 18 percent this year, but that's from 407 to 330. On the other hand, Zetsche's unwillingness to commit to saying a new Maybach is on the way makes us think you should get one while you can. Or not. Hat tip to Williem D!


Gallery: Maybach Zeppelin


[Source: Autocar]

Zetsche: Maybach "not significant or relevant," but a facelift is coming anyway originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dieter ZetscheDieterZetschemaybachmaybach 57Maybach 62Maybach landauletMaybach ZeppelinMaybach57Maybach62MaybachLandauletMaybachZeppelinzetscheTue, 15 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19282689/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/15/zetsche-maybach-not-significant-or-relevant-but-a-facelift-i/19282689/article-detail.xml 19282689 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/maybach_rocks_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/maybach_rocks.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes Grand Prix searches for drivers while dispelling board's concerns]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mercedes-grand-prix-searches-for-drivers-while-dispelling-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mercedes-grand-prix-searches-for-drivers-while-dispelling-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mercedes-grand-prix-searches-for-drivers-while-dispelling-board/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The new Mercedes GP car rendered - Click above to view in high-resolution

With two manufacturers leaving the series, four new teams joining the grid and a giant game of musical chairs amongst the drivers ensuing, the off-season between the 2009 and 2010 Formula One World Championships is packing in as much action as the racing itself. But few developments have garnered as much attention as the coup orchestrated by Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, withdrawing from McLaren after fifteen years as its active partner in favor of a more conventional engine supplier role, while buying over 75% of the Brawn GP outfit to enter the sport as a full manufacturer team under the Mercedes Grand Prix banner.

The acquisition has drawn public criticism from Erich Klemm, employee representative on the Daimler board and chairman of its Corporate Works Council, who decried the move as an unnecessary cost when money is tight and other automakers are withdrawing from the series. Chairman Dieter Zetsche responded that the acquisition of the Brawn team will give the company more exposure for less cash: The deal reportedly cost the German automaker some $336 million, but its operating costs are expected to drop to about $74 million annually by 2011, analyzed as far less than what Mercedes was contributing annually to the McLaren budget.

Zetsche might have more trouble, however, explaining to the board how their star driver slipped through their fingers and defected to the team they just ditched. McLaren just announced the recruitment of Jenson Button to team up with Lewis Hamilton for a twin-champ "super team," and Rubens Barrichello is off to Williams next season, leaving the new Mercedes GP team looking for new drivers. Considering they're the reigning champions suddenly flush with cash, they shouldn't have much trouble, though.

Zetsche and Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug are reportedly keen to capitalize with an all-German line-up, fueling speculation that Michael Schumacher could rejoin Mercedes (whose junior driving program gave him his start) and Brawn (who orchestrated all seven of his world championships). Nico Rosberg is thought to already have signed on to switch places with Barrichello, while Nick Heidfeld has been linked with a switch from the departing BMW to its arch-rival Mercedes. Toyota's Timo Glock was also reportedly in the running, but the young German driver signed with newcomer Manor GP instead. Haug has indicated an announcement will come within the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned.

[Source: F1 Live]

Mercedes Grand Prix searches for drivers while dispelling board's concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barrichellobuttonbutton mclarenButtonMclarendaimlerDieter ZetscheDieterZetscheerich klemmErichKlemmglockhamiltonhaugheidfeldheikki kovalainenHeikkiKovalainenjenson buttonJensonButtonlewis hamiltonLewisHamiltonmclarenmercedesmercedes gpmercedes grand prixmercedes-benzMercedesGpMercedesGrandPrixnick heidfeldNickHeidfeldnorbert haugNorbertHaugrubens barrichelloRubensBarrichellotimo glockTimoGlockzetscheWed, 18 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19244212/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/18/mercedes-grand-prix-searches-for-drivers-while-dispelling-board/19244212/article-detail.xml 19244212 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/mercedes-gp-rend630web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/mercedes-gp-rend630web.jpg -1 2