Mercedes-Benz 2020 � Best Customer Experience: Successful opening for Mercedes-Benz pavilion in Warsaw

Since 20 July Mercedes-Benz has been showcasing its brand through a pavilion in the Powisle district of Warsaw, due to remain there for three months. The brand has chosen this location for its new temporary brand experience quite deliberately: Powisle with its parks lies in close proximity to the city centre and is a popular meeting place for Warsaw residents, especially during the summer months.

�Our concept to be with Mercedes-Benz wherever our customers are, is working: Our pavilion has only been in Warsaw city centre for ten days and we have already been able to welcome 3,000 visitors�, said Dr Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars. Over the same period there have already been 80 test drives of different Mercedes models. The most popular vehicles to take for a spin are the A-Class and the new CLA.

Mercedes-Benz does not just use the 200 square meters site to show a range of different cars like the new compact coupe CLA. A caf� with a 150 square meters patio, a children�s section and an exhibition area for readings, private art viewings and concerts is set to attract a wide range of visitors and allow them to experience the brand in an informal setting. One part of the pavilion is dedicated exclusively to two-wheeled mobility. Interested visitors can try out the smart e-bike while their own bicycle receives a free service. A range of events such as a G-Class fan-meet, summer cinema or design workshops round off the activities on offer. With the contemporary wood construction and attractive catering and event concepts, Mercedes-Benz has created an interactive brand and product experience in Warsaw that appeals particularly to new, modern target groups.

With its temporary brand experience Mercedes-Benz store also features the first use of mobile sales consultants by Mercedes-Benz. They can advise customers at home or in their work environment, provide support with vehicle configuration and organise flexible test drives wherever the customers require. The pavilion in Powisle is run by the brand in cooperation with the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Warsaw.

The use of mobile sales consultants and temporary formats such as pavilions and pop up stores to communicate with customers is part of the recently introduced growth strategy in Sales and Marketing �Mercedes-Benz 2020 � Best Customer Experience�. This combines a whole range of new concepts in marketing, sales and after sales, with the aim to open the brand more effectively to new target groups while at the same time creating an even closer bond between loyal customers and the brand. To this effect the company is consistently focused on the customers and their changing requirements.

In addition to these temporary formats the company is also expanding its existing permanent city centre facilities. Mercedes-Benz was one of the first automobile manufacturers to open central inner-city sites quite a while ago, for example as early as 1995 on the Champs-Elys�es in Paris. Today there are around 20 of these urban brand experiences in cities such as Berlin, Paris, Milan, New York, Beijing and Tokyo. By 2020 their number is set to more than double worldwide.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

car2go: on-demand smart car sharing comes to Milan

The joint venture of Daimler and Europcar is bringing the first 150 smart fortwos to the city. The car2go vehicles can be rented autonomously, without dedicated stations. The total fleet of 450 car2go smart fortwos will be available until mid of September. The cars can be used as needed and left in any public car park in the 120 square kilometres business area, without time restrictions or any monthly or annual fees. Registered users only pay for their actual usage with an all-inclusive price per minute (taxes, insurance, fuel, parking costs and congestion charges linked to the so-called Area C). car2go is a new and innovative solution for urban mobility that is easy to use, economical and environmentally friendly. It�s the future for urban mobility.

�Milan is a dynamic, modern city, which is very attentive to the problems of an intelligent urban lifestyle and sustainable mobility,� said Stefan Mueller, CEO of car2go Europe GmbH.�Italy is the largest market in the world for smart, and the smart fortwo - a perfect combination of lifestyle and functionality - is valued for being completely at home in an urban environment. That�s why we are confident that the people of Milan will experience car2go as a new, easy, and environmentally friendly way of getting around the city.�

car2go will make its debut in Milan today, starting with a fleet of 150 environment-friendly smart fortwo Coup�s (98 g C02/km), active over an area of about 120 square kilometres covering almost the whole city and all its main gathering points. Until mid of September all 450 car2go vehicles will be available. The cars can enter the limited traffic Area C and the congestion charge is included in the rental. It is also possible to park in yellow line spaces reserved for residents and without having to pay on the blue lines. Clients can preregister online at: www.car2go.com and in the car2go shop at the smart centre at Piazza XXIV maggio and at the Click Utility on Earth offices at the Colonne di San Lorenzo. New members must be at least 18 years old. Payment will be by credit card. The registration is free until end of September. After the starting period there is a one-time registration fee of 19 Euro.

The public transport network of Milan and the car2go project will complement each other. car2go is the alternative solution for commuters to reduce traffic and pollution in the city. This is why car2go won the most important Legambiente prize in 2012 for �Environmentally Friendly Innovation.�

Fabrizio Ruggiero, Managing Director of car2go Partner Europcar Italia says: �We are indeed happy to be part of this project introducing in Italy a new concept of mobility, particularly created for an urban environment. car2go is somehow completing our rental offers and perfectly fits our philosophy to stay close to our clients and their need in terms of mobility.�

As easy as using a mobile phone

Once you are registered, the rental is charged by the minute.There are no monthly fees, or minimum charges, only a one-off subscription charge (free during the launch). You only pay for the time you are actually driving. Each new client gets thirty free minutes so they can easily learn how the service works. Clients don�t have to bring the car2go car back to the same place they got it from. There are no time limits on use, so the cars can be used for many different routes, even for a short trip around the city.

How it works

car2go is the first �independent� on-demand car sharing service in the world, which can offer unique solutions, in particular:

Charge by the minute:Subscribers pay a charge by the minute, only for the time they use, with discounted rates for use by the hour (�14.90 including 50 km) and by the day (�59 with unlimited mileage). There is no minimum use time for the car: five minutes or a whole day, car2go subscribers can get in the car and drive for as long as they need, they don�t have to know beforehand when and where they will return the car. The price includes parking, fuel, maintenance, insurance and the congestion charge there is no annual or monthly subscription charge. Registration starts today with a promotional offer that for the launch period waives the one-off �19 registration fee.

On-demand:Members can take the first car2go available using a smartphone app, with the car2go search function on the car2go.com site, or by simply getting into one of the available car2go cars. No need for advance booking, because subscribers have unlimited 24/7 access to car2go cars.

Maximum freedom of rental:Members can take and return the cars at any point in the area covered by the car2go service. When finished with, they can even be left in blue line (paying) and yellow (residents) parking spaces without time restrictions. Subscribers do not have to take the car back to where they got it from, nor are they limited to a predefined time period. They can drive for as long as needed, park the car once they have arrived at their destination and finish by swiping their card over the reader on the windscreen. The car will be available straightaway for the next client.

Five simple steps to use car2go

Step 1: Registration � People with a driving licence can register on the car2go.com site and at the shop in 12 Piazza XXIV maggio in Milan. They will get their subscription card straightaway. Once registered, clients will have access to all the cars available in Milan. They can also register at the Click Utility on Earth offices at the Colonne di San Lorenzo. For the launch, the one-off registration charge will not apply and clients will get 30 minutes free.

Step 2: Locating car� Members can use the car2go finder on the car2go.com site, with the smartphone and tablet app, or the Facebook car2go app to locate the nearest available car. They can use the car independently (without booking) or book a car2go on the site or with the app.

Step 3: Getting in the car � Members find the car2go and swipe their card on the reader on the windscreen. This unlocks the doors. After entering a PIN on the touchscreen and confirming the conditions, the key is activated and the driver can drive off.

Step 4: Driving � Members can take the key placed near the touchscreen unit, start the engine and drive off. They can drive for as long as they want without restrictions on time and location for returning it within the area served by the car2go.

Step 5: End of the trip - Members can return the cars at any point in the area covered by the car2go service. Charges are calculated by the minute (�0.29 a minute) and are debited from the client�s credit card once the vehicle is returned. Costs of fuel, parking, maintenance insurance and the congestion charge are included without additional cost.

Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Mercedes-Benz starts second half of the year with record month and 20% growth

Mercedes-Benz reported its best-ever July results and started the second half of the year successfully by selling 116,790 units and generating growth of 20.0%. It has delivered 811,227 vehicles to customers since the beginning of the year (+8.1%). The success of its new E-Class and its new compact models contributed particularly to the brands strong sales growth. In July it generated especially strong growth in the United States, China and Russia. In Europe the company continued to increase its sales and won market shares in nearly all European markets. Since the beginning of the year,
Mercedes-Benz is the premium brand number one in Germany and the United States.

�Having performed impressively in the first six months of this year, we shifted up another gear in July. The new E-Class has proved a resounding success, our compact models are more popular than ever and, since mid-July, we have also been delivering our new S-Class to customers in Europe. This young model mix will enable us to generate further growth in the second half of this year,� commented Dr Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars. �Our target for 2013 as a whole is to raise the sales of passenger cars to more than 1.4 million Mercedes-Benz vehicles.�

Despite the tough market conditions prevailing in Europe, Mercedes-Benz increased its sales in July by a further 15.5% to 54,096 units, winning a larger share of nearly all its markets. The company�s compact models attracted especially strong demand in Europe, the new E-Class also significantly boosted sales in the last month. The month of July saw particularly robust growth in the United Kingdom (+15.4%), Belgium (+16.9%), and Turkey (+192.1%). Mercedes-Benz even achieved growth for July in the stagnating German market: With 22,501 units sold in July (+9.8%) and a market share of 9.9%, Mercedes-Benz has been the top-selling premium brand here since the beginning of this year.

In the United States the company sold 23,648 vehicles in July (+22.5%), which was yet another all-time record and enabled it to win further market share. Mercedes-Benz is the premium brand with the highest sales in the United States since the beginning of 2013. Across the NAFTA region Mercedes-Benz has generated growth of 10.9 percent since the beginning of this year.

In the Asia/Pacific region Mercedes-Benz sold 31,146 vehicles in July, which was a quarter more than in the corresponding month of 2012. In Japan it has delivered 27,539 vehicles to customers since January and has therefore been the top-selling premium brand among importers since the beginning of this year. In the last month, Mercedes-Benz raised the number of units sold in China by 31,2% to 18,530 vehicles. End of 2012 Mercedes-Benz had more than 260 dealerships located in 115 cities across China. This year 75 new dealerships will be opened successively. 36 of which will be in locations where the company has not had a presence to date. Its dealer network is set to grow by an annual average of 50 new dealerships over the coming years.

The Mercedes-Benz compact models are now more popular than ever with customers: 28,787 vehicles of the A-Class, B-Class and CLA-Class were sold in July, which was twice as many units as in the previous year. The compact models provide many new customers with their first introduction to the brand with the star: For example, around 50 percent of A-Class customers in Europe previously drove a vehicle by a different carmaker.

The new E-Class is also an outstanding success. 21,051 sedans and estates were delivered to customers in July, which represented an increase of 25.5%. The E-Class has been fully available in the United States � its largest market � since July and will be introduced in China end of August. The new E-Class coupe and cabrio have also proved very popular, with the number of vehicles delivered to customers worldwide in the last month rising by nearly a fifth.

Mercedes-Benz SUVs reported further record sales: 181,380 units have been delivered to customers since the beginning of 2013 (+19.5%). The M-Class has been the top-selling model in its segment since the beginning of the year. More than 200,000 vehicles from its latest model series have now been supplied to customers since this line was launched in 2011.

The new S-Class has been available in the European market for the past two weeks. More than 20,000 orders had been placed for this luxury sedan even before it was launched. Production will continue throughout the summer in order to meet the strong demand for this model.

59,546 units of the compact two-seater smart have been delivered to customers since the beginning of this year (p.Y. 63,713 units). The smart fortwo electric drive, which is manufactured in Hambach and has a market share of around 40 percent, was the clear market leader among all electric passenger cars newly registered in Germany in the first half of 2013. The smart plant in Hambach, France, is now preparing for the next generation of the current smart fortwo, which is due to be launched in 2014. Production is being suspended for almost two months, starting in July, so that the necessary retrofitting of the plant can be carried out.

New products are not the only factors that will drive long-term sales growth going forward. The company is also reconfiguring its sales organisation to bring it into line with customers� changing preferences as part of its Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy, which is aimed at making the brand even more appealing to new, modern target groups while retaining the loyalty of existing customers. To this end the company recently presented the core sales and marketing aspects of its Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy under the heading �Best Customer Experience�. Mercedes-Benz is increasingly using city centre formats that bring it into direct contact with existing and prospective customers. Some 20 urban touch points in cities such as Berlin, Paris, Milan, New York, Beijing and Tokyo are already captivating their visitors by offering them an extensive brand experience. The number of these �Mercedes-Benz Connections� is set to more than double worldwide by 2020. Digital channels such as online shops will also continue to simplify access to the company�s brand. Nonetheless, the Mercedes-Benz dealers � authorised agents and company-owned sales and service outlets � will remain customers� main point of contact in future

Overview of sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars

	July 2013	Change in %	Per July 2013	Change in %
Mercedes-Benz	116,790	+20.0	811,227	+8.1
smart	7,679	-5.5	59,546	-6.5
Mercedes-Benz Cars	124,469	+18.0	870,773	+7.0
Mercedes-Benz Sales in the Markets
Europe	54,096	+15.5	382,088	+5.7
- thereof Germany	22,501	+9.8	146,829	-1.5
NAFTA	26,857	+21.6	188,529	+10.9
- thereof USA	23,648	+22.5	165,598	+12.0
Asia/Pacific	31,146	+26.9	209,094	+9.3
- thereof Japan	3,385	+30.9	27,539	+27.0
- thereof China	18,530	+31.2	117,444	+3.5

Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

New: E 200 Natural Gas Drive and E 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition: E-Class � the efficiency class: Superior driving pleasure combined with fuel economy

With the E 200 Natural Gas Drive, Mercedes-Benz is adding a particularly economical and environmentally friendly variant to the E?Class family featuring bivalent drive. It can run on both petrol and affordable, environmentally friendly natural gas. The benefits of running the car on natural gas include a 20 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared with comparable operation using petrol, and half the costs for fuel.

Emitting just 114 grams of CO2 per kilometre, the new E 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition also underscores the environmental credentials of the E-Class. The driving dynamics, comfort and pleasure are still as superb as they always were. This special model will be available from Mercedes-Benz partners from September 2013 for the price of EUR 47,272.75. The E 200 NGD will be available from December 2013 for EUR 47,808.25 (all prices including VAT).

The advantages of the E 200 Natural Gas Drive mainly come to the fore when it is running on natural gas. It uses 4.3 kg of natural gas per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 116 g per kilometre. The natural gas mode is also kinder to the environment than petrol or diesel engines thanks to its cleaner exhaust gases. If the new E 200 NGD automatically switches seamlessly to running on petrol because the gas tank is empty, its newly-developed, high-tech, four-cylinder engine needs just 6.3 litres of unleaded petrol (NEDC combined) for every 100 kilometres
driven (CO2 emissions: 147 g per kilometre).

Running the engine on natural gas is also noticeably kinder to your pocket, reducing fuel bills by more 50 percent in comparison to running on petrol. If you drive 20,000 kilometres a year, this saves you more than 1000 euros a year in Germany.

The bivalent drive also offers advantages with respect to the car's range, which is more than 400 kilometres when running on natural gas. As soon as the gas tank becomes empty, the vehicle automatically switches to run on petrol. This boosts the range of the bivalent natural gas model (the only one of its kind in the luxury segment) to more than 1300 kilometres. With the optional 80-litre petrol tank, the E 200 Natural Gas Drive can drive as far as 1600 kilometres without stopping for petrol.

The natural gas is stored securely in three containers � one behind the rear backrest and two under the floor of the boot. Together they hold 121.5 litres (19.5 kg) of natural gas. Despite the additional gas tank, the large boot offers 400 litres of space.

New, high-tech, four-cylinder engine and ECO start/stop function

The heart of the E 200 Natural Gas Drive is the new four-cylinder petrol engine with spray-guided direct injection, part of the BlueDIRECT family of Mercedes?Benz petrol engines. The engine generates an output of 115 kW (156 hp) and maximum torque of 270 newton metres at 1250 revolutions per minute. This allows for a highly dynamic driving performance: the vehicle manages the standard sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds, with a top speed of 220 km/h.

Also on board: an ECO start/stop system that adds to the efficiency of the drive system, which allowed us to reduce consumption by 1.2 kg of natural gas per 100 kilometres in comparison to the predecessor model. This is an improvement of more than 20 percent. In natural gas mode the E 200 Natural Gas Drive qualifies for the efficiency class A+, or B when running on petrol. In both cases the vehicle already meets the EU6 standard valid from 2015.

E 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition: special model with top values for CO2 emissions

The drive system of the E 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition uses the Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder diesel engine with direct injection. It is extremely fuel-efficient, but still manages to generate 125 kW (170 hp) with an engine displacement of 2143 cubic centimetres. It also provides staggering torque of 400 Nm. Among other things, these qualities can be attributed to the high-tech compression-ignition engine's fourth-generation common-rail technology. The special model's drive package also features a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission that has been optimised with respect to driving comfort and consumption, as well as an ECO start/stop function.

Other fine tuning includes low-resistance tyres on 16 or 17-inch wheels, the lowering of the chassis by up to 15 millimetres and a radiator blind that directs the flow of air as required and thus improves aerodynamics. The upshot of these measures: 4.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined). That corresponds to CO2 emissions of 114 grams per kilometre, beating all other cars in its segment. As a result, the new special model of the Mercedes-Benz E?Class (which already meets the future Euro 6 emissions standard) has been assigned to the best efficiency class (A+).

The E 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition proves that ecology and temperament can go hand-in-hand, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 227 km/h.

The new special model is available in all of the equipment lines provided for the E-Class, and can also be combined with any equipment package.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Mercedes-Benz at the IAA Frankfurt 2013: Impressive fleet of dream cars

Between 12th and 22nd September, the city of Frankfurt am Main will held the most eagerly awaited motor show in the automotive industry. Mercedes-Benz will bring to the location an entire fleet of brand new models that will stir the imagination of media and car enthusiasts.

- The new S-Class makes its first official public premiere at Frankfurt. You can read more interesting articles on the 222 model generation of the luxury flagship from Mercedes-Benz in our special section --> HERE .

- The new S 500 Plug-In Hybrid (or Hybrid Plus, as it will allegedly be called) will too be unveiled at the IAA 2013 (more details --> HERE).

- The new S 63 AMG boasting V8 BITURBO and a staggering 585 hp will be another highlight at the Mercedes-Benz stand (more details --> HERE).

- Then will be the turn of the all new GLA-Class compact crossover to celebrate its world premiere during the show (more details --> HERE).

- Last, but not least, Mercedes-Benz will present a concept car that previews the new generation C 217 S-Class Coupe (more details --> HERE). The series production car is set to be unveiled next year at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

For an easy reach of all the articles related to the IAA Frankfurt 2013, we have created the special search tag '�aa2013' and the special section 'IAA Frankfurt 2013', both aimed to guide you towards the information you desire to read. Enjoy!

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

The new S-Class in model car form: The S-Class excels on a small scale too

Perfection down to the finest detail is one of the many trend-setting qualities of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. And it is a standard which is also met by the high-quality miniatures now available as part of the Mercedes-Benz Collection in scales of 1:87, 1:43 and 1:18. Created in conjunction with renowned manufacturers Herpa, Schuco and Norev, the collectors' models are initially available exclusively from Mercedes sales and service outlets and Mercedes dealerships, the Mercedes Museum and also the online shop.

The S-Class in a scale of 1:18 has been assembled by hand by Norev from more than 145 individual parts. The model is based on the S 500 with long wheelbase and measures around 29 centimetres. Its equipment highlights include a panoramic sliding sunroof, LED Intelligent Light System and also multi-spoke light-alloy wheels. The doors, bonnet and boot lid can all be opened. The interior features a high-quality printed finish and all interior details have been faithfully reproduced. With a First-Class rear suite, folding table and Individual Entertainment System with screens in the rear, the S 500 is luxuriously appointed. The model car is available in blue anthracite, iridium silver and diamond white metallic BRIGHT for 79.90 euros ^[1]. Gloves are also included.

The 1:43-scale S-Class from Schuco is also based on an S 500 with long wheelbase and also a panoramic sliding sunroof, LED Intelligent Light System, multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, First-Class rear suite and Individual Entertainment System in the rear. Measuring around twelve centimetres in length, the hand-assembled model comprises more than 55 individual parts. It is available in the paint finishes diamond silver, diamond white metallic BRIGHT and magnetite black. All of the interior details have been faithfully reproduced and the interior features high-quality printing. The Schuco model comes mounted on a printed plinth in a presentation case and costs 29.90 euros.

The S-Class from Herpa produced in a scale of 1:87 is available in blue anthracite, diamond white metallic BRIGHT and magnetite black. Measuring around 5.8 centimetres, the model car comprises more than 26 individual parts and also features a high-quality, highly detailed interior. This collectors' piece also comes with a printed plinth and presentation case. Price: 15.90 euros.

^[1] All prices are recommended retail prices for Germany including 19% VAT

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

REPORT: The new S 65 AMG scheduled for unveiling in spring 2014

It came to our attention that Mercedes-Benz will add the S 65 AMG high-performance limousine to the new S-Class portfolio beginning with the spring of next year.

The outrageous S-Class sports saloon will be powered by a thoroughly revised M279 12-cylinder twin-turbo engine with a maximum displacement of 6.0 litres. This unit is already known from the new SL 65 AMG where it develops a staggering peak output of 630 hp and an impressive torque of 1000 Nm. However, we expect some increased performance for the new S 65 AMG, so the new numbers should sound like this: 650 hp and around 1200 - 1250 Nm.

Most of the innovations that debuted on the S-Class will be standard equipment on the S 65 AMG, including the exquisite MAGIC BODY CONTROL. The car will be offered solely in RWD configuration, with the great amount of torque being handled out with the help of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT gearbox. Consumption values don't matter for such a car, but it appears it will do 100 km using 11.6 litres of petrol. If you intend to have the new S 65 AMG in your personal garage, then you will have prepare 200,000 euros to purchase one.

Note: The new S 63 AMG pictured.

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.