MERCEDES-BENZ FLEET FOCUS

MERCEDES-BENZ FLEET FOCUS
With a renewed focus on fl eet, Mercedes-Benz USA talks about its redesigned 2008 models, i
The high-performance 6.3L V-8-powered Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
will debut in U.S. showrooms in May.
Coming off the fourteenth con- ML450 Hybrid in mid-CY2009, as well as • Formed a customer advisory board
secutive year of sales growth, an S-Class with a gasoline hybrid engine.

to ensure that Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA)
And Mercedes-Benz’ divestiture of
exceeds the needs of fl eet customers.
continues to set new record levels, on both
Chrysler has not slowed the manufac-
• Continued to participate in both
retail and fl eet sides of the business. 2007 turer down. It’s fl eet business as usual.
local NAFA chapter events,
represented MBUSA’s sixth consecutive
“While we had collaborated with our
including NAFA’s 2008 Expo in
year of sales growth in the commercial fl eet colleagues at Chrysler to best lever-
early
May.
fl eet segment, and the manufacturer is age our partnership, the Mercedes-Benz
• Plans to conduct a fl eet customer
taking its momentum and charging for-
fl eet program was always a completely
driving event in the fall of 2008.
ward with a renewed focus on fl eet.
separate, autonomous program,” said
Mercedes-Benz’ new 2008 C-Class se-
Niles Barlow, general manager, Pre-
C-Class Features Cutting-Edge
dans are a segment leader in the fl eet com-
Owned and Fleet Operations.
Safety Features
munity, and the manufacturer’s MY2009
In the past, the two organizations
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
ML320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC, collaborated in certain areas, such as sedans, which provide cutting-edge
and R320 BlueTEC SUVs will feature a customer events, NAFA chapter events,
safety features, lively performance,
50-state clean diesel engine.
and product literature. Building toward and a solid feeling of security, come in
Mercedes-Benz also plans to launch the
the future, Mercedes-Benz:
three trim levels: the C300 Sport, C300
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CONTINUES TO GROW
s, its BlueTEC diesel SUVs, and technological strategies for the future.
By Cheryl Knight
Luxury, and C350 Sport sedans.
“The C63 AMG can easily be identifi ed S-Class Gets Even More Power
“The launch of our all-new C-Class by a special front hood with two power With S63 AMG and S65 AMG
quickly propelled it to become our sec-
domes and a muscular front apron with
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class for 2008
ond-most popular fl eet vehicle,” said large air intakes.”
features two models from the company’s
Barlow. “The price/value relationship
A “6.3 AMG” badge marks each front high-performance division — the V-8-
of the C-Class was the major contribu-
fender, and contoured side sill skirts car-
powered S63 AMG and the 12-cylinder
tor for its placement on numerous cor-
ry the aggressive lines of the front end to S65 AMG. The latest in a long line of
porate selector lists.”
the rear. A rear apron with a black air dif-
premium luxury sedans, the S-Class was
The C300 and C350 Sport sedans fuser insert, an AMG spoiler on the trunk
launched with the S550 model, powered
have fi rmly tuned suspensions with lid, and a pair of chrome twin tailpipes by a 5.5L V-8 engine, delivering 382
17-inch wheels, a selection of two complete the exclusive look and sound of hp and 391 lb.-ft. of torque; the S550
transmission options, and aggressively this high-performance model.
4MATIC, which features an all-wheel-
bolstered sport seats. The C300 Sport
Inside the C63 AMG, a menu in the drive system for every driving condi-
has a 3.0L V-6 (228 hp), while the C350
central display includes special “Warm tion; and the V-12-powered S600, fi tted
Sport has a 3.5L V-6 (268 hp).
Up,” “Set Up,” and “Race” modes acti-
with a 12-cylinder engine that generates
The Luxury C-Class model, which of-
vated via multifunction buttons on the 510 hp and 612 lb.-ft. of torque.
fers only an automatic gearbox, includes steering wheel. “Warm Up” displays en-
“The S-Class is our most popular ex-
the C300 (3.0L V-6, 228 hp). Standard gine oil and coolant temperatures, while
ecutive vehicle by far,” Barlow said.
features include softer suspension cali-
“Set Up” shows the current ESP and
The addition of the S-Class AMG se-
brations, eight-way power front seats, transmission shift modes (Sport, Com-
dans — the S63 AMG V-8 produces 518 hp
Bluetooth connectivity, a power sunroof, fort, or Manual). For owners who enjoy while the S65 AMG V-12 delivers 604 hp
and dual-zone climate control.
pushing their vehicles to even higher — further defi nes Mercedes-Benz’ leader-
All C-Class models are rear-wheel limits, “Race” activates a timer that al-
ship in the premium luxury segment.
drive, but Mercedes also offers all-
lows the driver to measure lap times on
One example of safety leadership is
wheel-drive versions (“4MATIC”) of the a racetrack.
Night View Assist, an innovative tech-
C300 Sport and C300 Luxury sedans.
C63 AMG to Hit Showrooms in
May 2008
The high-performance 6.3L V-8-
powered Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG will
debut in U.S showrooms in May. One of
the most powerful naturally aspirated
production V-8s ever, it delivers 451 hp
and 443 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing the
vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph
in 4.3 seconds and achieve an electroni-
cally limited top speed of 155 mph.
“Standard features on the C63 include
an AMG 7-speed automatic transmis-
sion with steering wheel shift paddles
and three driving modes, special AMG
sport seats and racing-inspired steering
wheel, 18-inch staggered-width alloy
wheels, and the distinctive AMG body The S550 4MATIC, powered by a 5.5L V-8 engine, delivering 382 hp and 391 ft.-lb. of
styling, to name just a few,” Barlow said. torque, features an all-wheel-system for every driving condition.
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(L) The ML320, GL320, and R320 show-off their “family” resemblance. These BlueTEC SUVs are the only diesel vehicles in their
competitive class.
nology on the S-Class that can extend MBUSA Launches 50-State
“BlueTEC technology offers the future
the driver’s ability to see ahead to nearly Clean Diesel SUVs
potential to meet the world’s most strin-
500 feet in darkness. In contrast to pas-
Mercedes-Benz created the fi rst die-
gent exhaust emissions standards and
sive systems that rely on thermal imaging, sel passenger car (260D) in 1936. For superior fuel economy, without compro-
this active system bathes the road ahead MY2009, the manufacturer continues to mising power, performance, or towing
with invisible infrared light from two pro-
revolutionize the industry with the clean, capacity in our new SUVs,” Barlow said.
jector beams mounted in the headlights. quiet, and powerful next-generation diesel
Fleet benefi ts of the new 50-state
An infrared camera receives the refl ected engines. The GL320 BlueTEC full-size BlueTEC diesel technology will include:
images and displays them in a high-res-
SUV, ML320 BlueTEC SUV, and R320
• A 20 to 30-percent reduction in fuel
olution display on the instrument cluster. BlueTEC SUV are the only diesel vehi-

consumption over comparable gas-
The result is similar to a highly detailed cles in their competitive class, according powered
vehicles.
black and white video image.
to MBUSA.
• Lower fuel consumption translates
“The comfort, performance, technol-
All offer standard 4MATIC four-wheel
to reduced greenhouse gas (GHG)
ogy, and safety features of our S-Class drive, ample utility and cargo capacity, out-
emissions.
are unparalleled. Extremely popular in standing performance, as well as comply
• State-of-the-art AdBlue after-exhaust
upper management circles, our fl agship with the stringent U.S. 50-state BIN5 stan-
treatment system reduces NOx
model is well suited for the high-end dard and future EU6 emissions standard. emissions/pollutants.
livery market as well,” Barlow said. The 50-state diesel SUVs will utilize a
• Impressive torque (398 lb.-ft.) will
“This market represents a viable sales selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system
improve acceleration and perfor-
channel and MBUSA will be aggres-
with AdBlue exhaust treatment system.
mance, as well as towing capability
sively pursuing business opportunities The net effect will be an 80-percent reduc-

for GL320 and ML320 models.
in this competitive segment.”
tion in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
• More than 600 miles before refueling.
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New GLK-Class Set to
Take SUV World by Storm
The Vision GLK FREESIDE and Vi-
sion GLK TOWNSIDE concept models
made their world premiere at the 2008
North American International Auto Show
in Detroit. The Vision GLK FREESIDE
and Vision GLK TOWNSIDE provide
a stylistic preview of a future mid-size
SUV. Whereas the Vision GLK FREESI-
DE showcases the capabilities of today’s
SUV vehicles both on- and off-road, the
TOWNSIDE version is designed to make
its mark with dynamic performance on
the tarmac.
The Vision GLK FREESIDE and Vi-
The Vision GLK FREESIDE provides a stylistic view of a mid-size SUV model, and
showcases the capabilities of todays SUVs both on- and off-road.
sion GLK TOWNSIDE feature Agility
Control suspension, allowing for excep-
a rear-seat entertainment system includ-
customized hybrid solutions. The two
tional driving dynamics and agility, cou-
ing two screens, plus THERMOTRONIC
power sources will be deployed either
pled with ride comfort. The Vision GLK three-zone automatic climate control.
individually or in unison, depending on
FREESIDE version emphasizes its off-
The interiors of the two concept the vehicle category, operating profi le,
road abilities with its special detachable SUVs match the expressive design of the
and the customer’s wishes.
body parts and rugged underride guard, exterior. Both convey that characteristic
“MBUSA’s strategies for the future
while the Vision GLK TOWNSIDE’s Mercedes feel of security, but interpret it
include eco-friendly models with ad-
sport suspension unleashes its strengths in two completely different styles.
vanced technology systems,” said Bar-
on the blacktop. Both concept vehicles
The Vision GLK FREESIDE immers-
low. This new technology is expected
feature a robust bodyshell that ensures es its occupants in an ambience of luxury to greatly reduce CO2 emissions.
superior driving dynamics, rigidity, and and comfort, with white leather appoint-
Barlow reiterated MBUSA’s com-
occupant safety.
ments and wood trim elements in a satin mitment to the fl eet community and the
“Responsive performance is guaran-
fi nish. The light aquamarine leather up-
global environmental concerns.
teed in both concept versions regardless holstery and brushed aluminium trim el-
“When you look at our entire product
of the conditions thanks to the latest ements in the interior of the Vision GLK
line-up, Mercedes-Benz continues to be
generation BlueTEC four-cylinder en-
TOWNSIDE sets a more sporty tone.
extremely well positioned for the future.
gine, which operates in unison with the
The segment-leading C-Class with its
7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic trans-
MBUSA Looks Toward the Future advanced safety features, the powerful
mission and the new 4MATIC all-wheel
MBUSA has created a “Road to the and luxurious S-Class, and the BlueTEC
drive system,” said Barlow. “Our all-
Future” sustainability strategy as its 50-state clean-diesel engines offer the fl eet
new GLK-Class will launch early next long-term development plan. The focal community outstanding luxury vehicles
year as a MY2010 model.”
points of development include modular for every commercial business need. And
The two concept models also feature a drive technologies, consisting primar-
Mercedes-Benz will continue to advance
number of technical highlights, including ily of optimized internal combustion those options in the future with advanced
the COMAND APS infotainment system,
engines accompanied by individually technologies,” Barlow promised.
Model
Type
Launch Date
Power
Torque
0-60
MPG
2009
299 hp
S400 Hybrid
Gas / Hybrid
465 lb.-ft
7.2 sec
41.0
(in Europe)
combined
2009
340 hp
ML450 Hybrid
Gas / two-mode Hybrid
354 lb.-ft
Unavailable
31.0
(in Europe)
combined
2010
224 hp
S300 BlueTEC Hybrid
BlueTEC Diesel / Hybrid
354 lb.-ft
8.4 sec.
43.5
(in Europe)
combined
2010
224 hp
E300 BlueTEC Hybrid
BlueTEC Diesel / Hybrid
413 lb.-ft
Unavailable
48.0
(in Europe)
combined
2011
224 hp
C300 BlueTEC Hybrid
BlueTEC Diesel / Hybrid
413 lb.-ft
6.2 sec
51.1
(in Europe)
combined
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