October 2008
122,200 Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart, and Maybach passenger vehicles sold in September --- 25,000 orders already placed for the new GLK even before its official market launch --- smart once again sets sales record in September.
Key factor for the decision: agreement between Bremen plant management, human resources department and workers' council to introduce pioneering flexibility measures.
September 2008
Nighttime journeys by car are about to become safer in future: Mercedes-Benz has developed an innovative system that automatically adapts headlamp range to the distance of vehicles ahead or to oncoming vehicles.
More than 80 vehicles representing state-of-the-art technology for trucks, vans and buses --- World premieres and highlights: Mercedes-Benz Actros, construction Actros, Travego, Vito BlueEFFICIENCY show car, Zetros, Econic --- Technology presentations: demonstrably environmentally friendly and safe.
Mercedes-Benz is launching its first passenger car model equipped with a hybrid drive system in summer 2009 - the S 400 BlueHYBRID. The combination of a modified V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes the S 400 BlueHYBRID the world's most economical luxury sedan with a spark-ignition engine. The NEDC combined fuel consumption is a mere 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers. This makes for the world's lowest CO2 emissions in this vehicle and performance class - just 190 grams per kilometer.
Mercedes-Benz builds the world’s most desirable coupés – a claim which the brand is underlining at the 2008 Paris Motor Show with its Concept FASCINATION design study.
S 415 NF from the MultiClass 400 series impresses automotive journalists --- International jury praises the bus’ forward-looking passenger comfort --- New generation of Setra low-floor buses performing successfully on the market for two years now.
Joint project with more than 100 electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and smart and 500 charging points provided by RWE --- Environmentally compatible and customer-friendly mobility concept --- Serial development phase starting now, first vehicles beginning end of 2009.
One millionth smart fortwo rolls off the production line in Hambach --- 90,000 smart fortwos sold worldwide since the start of the year, more than 16,000 of them in the USA --- Dr. Dieter Zetsche: "The smart fortwo electric drive makes zero emission driving in an urban environment a reality".
Daimler Buses and Sutlej Motors handed-over the first new Mercedes-Benz Intercity Luxury Coach to customers --- Buses are built in cooperation between Daimler Buses and Sutlej Motors --- Daimler Buses world´s largest bus manufacturer.
The new-generation M-Class has passed European NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests with flying colours and has been awarded the top mark of five stars for its very high level of occupant protection.
August 2008
Worldwide Hub of Hybrid Development for Daimler Trucks --- Also Underway: Mitsubishi Fuso Hybrid Fleet Test in Europe --- New Milestones of ”Shaping Future Transportation”.
Heralding the market launch of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros at Mercedes-Benz dealerships and company-owned Daimler outlets in Germany, a spectacular series of convoys headed out in all directions from the world's largest truck plant in Wörth.
Mercedes-Benz Buses has received a large order for 104 rural-service buses from BVO Bielefeld (Busverkehr Ostwestfalen GmbH). The Mercedes-Benz Integro models will be delivered from late summer through to the end of the first quarter in 2009.
Documenting completed service and maintenance work even more securely and conveniently – this is guaranteed by the new “Digital Service Booklet” online system. Since July 1st, 2008, this system is available in 35 European markets for all Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Ten Fuso Canter Eco Hybrids presented to eight renowned customers --- Fuel consumption reduced by up to 15 percent --- The three-year fleet test is part of Daimler’s “Shaping Future Transportation” initiative.
The investment will be destined to the increase of the production capacity of trucks, buses and components in the plant of São Bernardo do Campo (Brazil). The resources will also be used for the modernization of production processes, the improvement of the logistics system and the increase of the local content rate in the products.
Accident researchers at Mercedes-Benz are acutely aware of the danger in nodding off at the wheel (the "one-second nap"). In the view of these specialists, long holiday journeys without intermediate breaks involve a high risk of overtiredness, whose signs drivers often fail to notice in time. For this reason Mercedes-Benz has developed the innovative driver support system Attention Assist.
10,000 orders in Western Europe alone just one month after vehicle was released for sale --- Already 1,000 orders for exclusive "Edition 1" model --- Customers especially appreciate the GLK's attractive design, extensive safety features, and typical Mercedes-Benz driving comfort.
July 2008
The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz Travego takes front stage with a world premiere: for the first time the multiple-award-winning Active Brake Assist is being used in a coach. Known as an emergency-braking assistance system, when the risk of crashing into the rear of a slower vehicle ahead is acute, after giving graduated warnings this active safety system automatically brings about emergency braking if the driver shows no reaction.
Daimler exclusive negotiating partner of Troika Dialog in talks to acquire 42% of the shares in Kamaz --- Russia is already Europe’s biggest truck market.
Net profit of EUR 1,395 million (Q2 2007: EUR 1,849 million) --- Earnings per share of EUR 1.40 (Q2 2007: EUR 1.74) --- Unit sales up by 10% to 566,500 cars and commercial vehicles --- Revenue up by 6% to EUR 25.4 billion, adjusted for exchange-rate effects up by 11% --- Full-year EBIT from ongoing operations (excluding Chrysler) expected to exceed EUR 7 billion.
Framework agreed for project volume, approval process and infrastructure for new Mercedes-Benz plant --- Investments of about EUR 800 million in total --- Up to 2,500 new jobs.
Daimler AG and the government of the Republic of Iraq have signed a memorandum of understanding on future cooperation in the presence of Michael Glos, German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs. In the memorandum, Daimler AG emphasizes its willingness to support the economic revival of Iraq through various measures.
Standard equipment of 45 kW/61 bhp and 52 kW/71 bhp petrol-engined smart fortwo models to include micro hybrid drive (mhd) technology with user-friendly automatic start-stop system as of October 2008 --- NEDC consumption reduced by an average of 8 percent, fuel savings of almost 20 percent possible in city traffic --- smart fortwo cdi to be equipped with closed diesel particulate filter.
By now, smart fortwo has won over far more than 900,000 smart enthusiasts in 37 countries --- Since beginning of 2008 also successful in the U.S.; market launch in China in mid-2009 --- Introduction of smart electric drive planned for 2010 --- Unique concept, cutting-edge technology, active safety and exemplary
fuel efficiency.
New truck plant to be constructed in Chennai, Southern India --- Joint venture acquires 1.6 square kilometers (approx. 400 acres) plot --- Site decision based on proximity to suppliers, port, good infrastructure and skilled labor.
Memorandum of Understanding - reinforcing dialogue and joint commitment for emission-free mobility among all parties --- The Magdeburg Environmental Forum on "Sustainable Mobility – Post-2012 CO2 Agenda" discusses solutions for road transportation of the future --- Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG: "A concerted effort of all parties will make the transition to the age of sustainable mobility as smooth and efficient as possible." --- Hydrogen and Electricity Infrastructure: a prerequisite for the rapid market introduction of locally emission-free drive systems.
Daimler has established a Sustainability Board at top management level, thus grouping together the company’s existing management functions in the three dimensions of sustainability: economy, ecology, and society. Under the lead of Dr. Rüdiger Grube, Board of Management member of Daimler AG responsible for Group Development and Corporate Strategy, the Sustainability Board coordinates all sustainability measures throughout the Group and provides implementation support for the operative sectors.
June 2008
Hartmut Schick (46), currently Head of Global Communications at Daimler AG, is to take over as Head of the Daimler Buses business unit --- Harald Landmann (63), hitherto head of the Daimler Buses business unit, is to retire end of February 2009.
Cleanest exhaust emissions by injecting aqueous urea solution --- Meets future stringent US Bin 5 standard --- High output, economy and comfort add up to superb driving pleasure.
After only three years from planning to completion, the new Development and Test Center for trucks at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, Germany, was formally opened. The new facility has been built at a total capital investment of EUR 80 million, with EUR 35 million of that sum devoted to the second construction phase, for the test track, buildings, and infrastructure.
Four distinct new models planned for the the compact-car segment --- Investments of EUR 600 Million in Rastatt plant enable long-term capacity utilization --- Additional plant to be built Kecskemét, Hungary to boost competitiveness and access new markets --- Improvements in efficiency and structural design ensure long-term profitability of the new vehicle generation.
For the further optimization of Daimler's capital structure, the Board of Management decided to carry out a new share buyback program. The Supervisory Board has approved this decision. In exercise of the authorization granted by the Annual Meeting of April 9, 2008, the decision allows for the buyback of 10 % or approximately 96.4 million of the outstanding shares for a maximum amount of EUR 6 billion.
Sprinter plants in Ludwigsfelde and Düsseldorf expand production --- Capital spending volume of 177 million euros --- 25 percent increase in total capacity --- Securing of existing jobs and potential for 500 new jobs.
The Setra Bus and Coach unit has supplied the 10,000th coach from the Setra 400 series. The milestone vehicle was one of a batch of five S 416 GT-HD/2 models to be handed over to the Turkish key-account customer Varan Turizm at the Setra Customer Centre in Neu-Ulm, Germany.
Vehicle for Polish transport company Kozaryn Transport Spedycja --- Mercedes-Benz Atego has been on the market for ten years and is firmly established in the distribution truck segment --- Automatic engine stop/start system saves fuel and reduces emissions.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) has been commended for its Expanded HIV and AIDS Community Project – called Siyakhana - in the Eastern Cape. The Global Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GBC) annually acknowledges the efforts of companies around the world for implementing the most sophisticated, effective programs using the unique capabilities of business to fight these diseases.
Hartmut Schick (46), currently Head of Global Communications at Daimler AG, to take over a new executive position within the operative business of the group --- Jörg Howe (50), currently Head of Corporate Communications at Arcandor AG, to become Head of Global Communications.
Mercedes-Benz is one of the most successful auto brands in this year's customer survey conducted by the U.S. market research institute J.D. Power. The brand receives two gold awards for the highest vehicle quality in their respective market segments, and is also honoured for the world's best production plant.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class worldwide market leader since the beginning of the year --- Sedan and station wagon are thrilling customers with a striking design featuring two different front ends, great agility, and new safety technology --- BlueEFFICIENCY models lower fuel consumption by as much as 12 percent --- New CLC as attractive entry-level variant to the Mercedes-Benz coupe family, at European dealers from June 2008.
May 2008
Actros' record-breaking drive over 12,728 km: 19,44 l /100 km --- Savings champion also with CO2: minimal emissions of 20,5 g/tkm --- State-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz truck now outperforms the "one-liter car".
It has won the Paris-Dakar Rally, is deemed a worthy means of transport for the Pope, ranks as an automotive design icon, is a serial winner of readers' polls and constitutes the gene pool for the four model series of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family.
More than 1,600,000 commercial vehicles produced in 52 years --- Leading manufacturer of heavy trucks and buses in Latin America --- 50 percent of trucks and 70 percent of buses in Brazil are from Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz is partner and main sponsor of Mike Horn's four-year PANGAEA Expedition. The objective of the expedition is to enhance a respect of the environment and to initiate environmental projects together with young people.
As first customer in Asia, SMRT Corporation chooses advanced BlueTec 5 diesel technology --- Order of 66 Mercedes-Benz BlueTec city buses --- Reduced exhaust emissions and diesel consumption through advanced technology and environment-friendly engines.
All-terrain vehicles also provided --- Daimler employees in China donate EUR 16,000 --- EUR 200,000 provided for Myanmar.
Milestone for Daimler's world-wide "Shaping Future Transportation" initiative --- UPS "Green Fleet" to expand with 200 Hybrid Electric Vehicles and 300 Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles --- Order is being manufactured on FCCC's walk-in van MT45 and MT55 chassis product line.
Higher speeds and quality levels alongside improved economical and ecological efficiency --- Innovative combination of hardware, process technology, and control software --- Daimler to donate prize money to a charitable organization.
