Mercedes 2013 Annual Report Download - page 106

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Five new assistance systems in the Mercedes-Benz
Sprinter. One of the main activities during the development
of the new Sprinter was the creation of a whole series of new
assistance systems, including world firsts for the van segment.
Among the systems premiered are Crosswind Assist, COLLI-
SION PREVENTION ASSIST, Blind Spot Assist, Highbeam Assist
and Lane Keeping Assist. The many new assistance systems
underscore Mercedes-Benz Vans’ role as a safety technology
pioneer and a driving force for innovation. Crosswind Assist
is a milestone in safety technology. Within the limits of what
is physically possible, the system almost completely offsets
the effects that gusts of wind have on the vehicle. It greatly
reduces driver stress, as motorists no longer have to steer as
much against sudden gusts of wind. Crosswind Assist uses
the standard-fitted ESP® sensors to determine the force exerted
by crosswinds and gusts on the vehicle. To counteract this
force, the assistance system brakes specific wheels on the wind-
ward side of the van. This causes the vehicle to steer in the
direction of the wind and prevents it from drifting, which would
have dangerous consequences.
Environmental protection
A comprehensive approach to environmental protection.
Daimler is strongly committed to improving the environment
and the quality of life in the geographic locations and social
settings in which we operate. Protecting the environment
is a primary corporate objective of the Daimler Group. Environ-
mental protection is not separate from other objectives at
Daimler; instead, it is an integral component of a corporate strat-
egy aimed at long-term value creation. For Daimler, a focus
on the highest possible product quality includes compliance
with stringent environmental standards and the sparing
use of vital natural resources. Our measures for manufacturing
environmentally friendly products therefore take the entire
product lifecycle into account – from design, production and
product use all the way to recycling and disposal. The envi-
ronmental and energy-related guidelines approved by the Board
of Management define the environmental and energy-related
policy of the Daimler Group. This expresses our commitment
to integrated environmental protection that begins with
the underlying factors that have an impact on the environment,
assesses the environmental effects of production processes
and products in advance, and takes these findings into account
in corporate decision-making.
€2.9 billion for environmental protection. In 2013, we con-
tinued to energetically pursue the goal of conserving resources
and reducing all relevant emissions. We have kept a close
eye on the effects of all our processes, ranging from vehicle
development and production to recycling and environmentally
friendly disposal. We increased our expenditure for environ-
mental protection by 4% to €2.9 billion in 2013.
Further reduction of CO2 emissions from cars. Mercedes-
Benz made intensive efforts early on to reduce the fuel
consumption of its vehicles while enhancing their performance –
and thus increasing driving enjoyment and safety margins.
With a fleet average of 134 g/km (2012: 140 g/km), we once
again significantly reduced the average CO2 emissions of
the cars we sell in the European Union in 2013. More than
50 Mercedes-Benz models emit less than 120 g CO2/km,
and over 100 models bear the energy efficiency label A+ or A.
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One example of these models is the E 220 BlueTEC Blue-
EFFICIENCY Edition1. With emissions of 114 grams of CO2 per
kilometer, it is not only the most efficient vehicle in its
segment but also conforms to the Euro 6 emissions standards.
Consequently, it is ranked in the best efficiency class: A+.
The E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid2 emits even less CO2. This car com-
bines a 150-kW four-cylinder diesel engine with a 20-kW
electric motor and consumes only 4.1 liters/100 km on average
(NEDC combined). That corresponds to CO2 emissions of
107 grams per kilometer.
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130
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2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
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Average CO2 emissions of the new car fleet of Mercedes-Benz Cars
in the EU
CO2/km
1 E 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition: fuel consumption in l/100 km
urban 5,6 – 5,4 / extra-urban 4,1 – 3,7 / combined 4,6 – 4,4;
CO2 emissions in g/km combined 122 – 114.
2 E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID: fuel consumption in l/100 km
urban 4,2 – 4,2 / extra-urban 4,2 – 4,1 / combined 4,2 – 4,1;
CO2 emissions in g/km combined 110 – 107.