Mercedes 2009 Annual Report Download - page 127

Further efficiency gains in our plants. In 2009, we improved
productivity at Mercedes-Benz Cars by a further 2% measured in
terms of hours-per-vehicle (HPV), despite reduced production
volumes (2008: 8%). The improvement in the second half of 2009
was significantly better than the average for the year, assisted
by headcount adjustments from the application of appropriate
working time models which became possible in April.
Decision on reorganization of production structure. In Decem-
ber 2009, we decided to concentrate production of the C-Class
in Germany at the Bremen plant, with additional production in the
United States, China and South Africa for the regional markets.
This will allow the Group to increase its competitiveness, to reduce
its dependence on exchange-rate fluctuations and to profit op-
timally from growth opportunities. Moreover, management and
employee representatives agreed on a pioneering personnel
concept for the Sindelfingen plant. Due to additional attractive
employment possibilities in vehicle development and the deci-
sion to continue production of the E-Class and S-Class in Sindel-
fingen and to transfer production of the SL premium roadster
from Bremen to Sindelfingen, there will be no dismissals for oper-
ating reasons at the plant before 2019, despite the discontin-
uation of C-Class production.
Many quality awards for Mercedes-Benz Cars. Our measures
for improving quality proved very successful during the year
under review. For example, our plants in Bremen and East London
(South Africa) were cited for their outstanding quality in a survey
published in June 2009 by the renowned US market research in-
stitute J.D. Power. In addition, a survey carried out for the global
J. D. Power Index of car buyer satisfaction revealed that Mercedes-
Benz CLK drivers are more satisfied with their vehicles than own-
ers of any other automobile. The survey also placed the Mercedes-
Benz E-Class first in the upper-range segment. The most recent
J.D. Power APEAL vehicle-concept study awarded the Mercedes-
Benz S-Class the highest number of points possible for the third
consecutive year. The SLK also came out on top in its class, as did
the smart, which was chosen by buyers for the first time as the
best vehicle in the sub-compact segment.
The best or nothing. This is the goal each of us aspires to
achieve every day at Mercedes-Benz Cars. This attitude is vital if
the brand is to justify its claim to leadership and enthrall cus-
tomers around the globe who demand such a sophisticated blend
of fascination, perfection, and responsibility. The fact that we
fulfill our pledge is reflected in the numerous awards and prizes
we have received – whether the selection of the new E-Class as
the “most popular car in Germany” or the Golden Steering Wheel
for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG or our outstanding results in
dealership and service-center assessments. So it is no surprise
that Interbrand once again named Mercedes-Benz the most
valuable premium car brand in the world in 2009. We invented the
automobile. And we will continue to shape its future to ensure
that generations to come will also be able to experience Mercedes-
Benz’s great contribution to individual mobility.
Mercedes engines for Formula 1 champion BrawnGP.
Mercedes-Benz engines and the KERS hybrid energy recuperation
system set the technological standard in the 2009 Formula
One racing season. Altogether, ten of 17 races were won by cars
equipped with Mercedes-Benz engines, underscoring the ex-
ceptional reliability of the engines we build for the Formula One
series. Our engine customer and future partner BrawnGB won
the Drivers’ Championship with Jenson Button and also captured
the Constructors’ Championship in 2009, while our former
partner McLaren Mercedes finished third in the Constructors’
Championship. In the 2010 Formula 1 season, Mercedes-Benz
will compete with its own team under the name of MERCEDES GP
PETRONAS. To this end, Daimler and Aabar Investments PJSC
have acquired a 75.1% stake in BrawnGP; Daimler holds 45.1%
and Aabar holds 30% of the shares. Mercedes-Benz and the
McLaren Group will continue to work together, but in a different
form.
The winner of the Golden Steering Wheel: a new super sports car with gullwing doors – the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
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