Mercedes 2009 Annual Report Download - page 126

Hybrid technology in the S- and M-Class. In the year under
review, we launched the first two vehicles reflecting the hy-
bridization of our model range. Delivery to our customers of the
S 400 HYBRID started in June 2009. The world’s most eco-
nomical luxury sedan combines outstanding performance with
fuel consumption of only 7.9 liters per 100 km, equivalent to
CO
2
emissions of 186 g/km. The ML 450 HYBRID, which was
designed specifically for the US market and was unveiled in
the spring of 2009, is also equipped with ultramodern hybrid tech -
nology. This vehicle impresses customers not only with great
fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic, but also with its sporty high-
way performance.
Zero-emission vehicles in series production. At the end of
2009, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL and the smart fortwo
electric drive became the first locally emission-free electric
vehicles manufactured under series production conditions. The
B-Class F-CELL has excellent performance and demonstrates
its suitability for everyday use with a range of approximately
400 kilometers. The first of the approximately 200 units will be
delivered to customers in Europe and the United States in the
spring of 2010. The new smart fortwo electric drive comes with
a highly efficient lithium-ion battery that can be charged from
a normal household socket for around €2 in Germany. Charged
in this way, the smart can travel approximately 135 kilometers,
making it an attractive alternative for mobility in urban areas. The
new smart fortwo electric drive will initially be leased to selected
customers in Berlin and other major European and US cities. It
will subsequently become available to the general public in 2012.
More power for the smart fortwo cdi. Although the 2010 model
version of the smart fortwo cdi has become much more powerful,
it remains as fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly as ever.
Its three-cylinder diesel engine delivers 40 kW/54 hp, or 21% more
than the predecessor model, while still consuming the same 3.4
liters of diesel per 100 km (NEDC). With CO
2
emissions of 86 g/km,
the model remains the most fuel-efficient production car pow-
ered by a combustion engine. After a very successful 2008 with
sales of 139,000 units, smart fortwo sales decreased to 113,900
units in 2009, the third year of the current model series. The most
important markets for the smart in 2009 were Italy (28,600 units),
Germany (32,200), and the USA (14,400).
car2go: a successful individual mobility concept. The car2go
mobility concept, which first offered to the public in Ulm in March
2009, is a great success. More than 15,000 customers, or 15% of
all driver license holders in Ulm, have signed up for the program.
car2go customers can spontaneously rent one of 200 blue-and-
white smart fortwo cdi models distributed throughout the city
at any time, or they can reserve a car by mobile phone or on the
Internet. Customers can use a car as long as they like for a fee
of €0.19 per minute, and can subsequently park it in any available
space within the city. In November, car2go went international
when Daimler launched a program with 200 smart fortwo models
in Austin, Texas. Many other cities around the world have also
expressed an interest in this pioneering concept.
Maybach Zeppelin: an automobile legend is reborn. The
Maybach Zeppelin puts the crowning touch on the Maybach
brand’s luxury limousine portfolio. The unique style of the most
impressive Maybach ever is underscored by exquisite materials
and excellent craftsmanship throughout the interior, as well as by
highly distinctive paintwork featuring offset shoulder lines in a
contrasting color. Altogether, 200 Maybach vehicles were deliv-
ered to customers in 2009.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: the new gullwing. The new Mercedes-
Benz SLS AMG, which we presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show
in September 2009, is a symbol of automotive fascination and the
highest levels of sophisticated technology. The super sports car
boasts a purist design, consistent lightweight construction, supe-
rior driving dynamics, and exemplary safety. We also presented
an electric SLS AMG concept car equipped with a high-tech locally
emission-free drive system. With a maximum power output of
392 kW and 880 Nm of torque, this vehicle attains the high perfor-
mance level of an SLS AMG powered by a combustion engine.
Other new models launched in 2009 by the AMG performance
brand included the C 63 AMG with Performance Package Plus
and the new E 63 AMG in both a sedan and a station wagon ver-
sion.
Intelligent loading system, adaptive shock absorbers: improved functionality and suspension are two highlights of the new E-Class station wagon.
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