Mercedes 2015 Annual Report Download - page 156

C | THE DIVISIONS | MERCEDES-BENZ CARS 163
The smart convertible – the most exclusive way
to drive a smart
The new smart fortwo and forfour models, deliveries of which
started in Europe in late 2014, were also launched in China,
the United States and Japan in the reporting year. Total sales of
smart-brand vehicles increased by 31% to 121,300 units in 2015.
A third model – the smart convertible – was then launched
at the end of 2015. The open-top two-seater celebrated its world
premiere in September 2015 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and
deliveries began in the first quarter of 2016. The only genuine
convertible in its segment, it can transform itself from a closed
two-seater into a car with a large foldable roof or a completely
open-top convertible with just the push of a button and when
traveling at any velocity – even at top speed. The flexibility offered
by this “tritop” roof is exceptional in this vehicle segment.
We also significantly improved safety features once again and
have made the convertible more robust than the coupe in
critical areas. Among other things, torsional stiffness has been
improved by around 15% compared with the previous model.
As is the case with the smart fortwo, advanced assistance sys-
tems previously reserved for more upper-range vehicles have
been installed to help prevent accidents. The new smart convert-
ible also makes a big impression with its compact dimensions
and unparalleled small turning circle.
Expansion of the global production network
In order to meet the production targets of our 2020 growth
strategy, we are continually refining our flexible and highly
efficient production network. We have agreed with employee
representatives on transformation plans that are currently
being implemented at nearly all Mercedes-Benz manufacturing
plants in Germany. These plans will ensure the international
competitiveness of these facilities and also safeguard jobs at
the various locations. The billions of euros we are investing
here underscore the importance of our plants in Germany as
centers of expertise for global production. We are also expanding
our international production capacities. For example, we will
start building the C-Class and the GLA compact SUV at a new
car plant in Iracemápolis, Brazil, in 2016. In addition, Daimler
and the Renault-Nissan Alliance have laid the cornerstone
for a joint production facility in Aguascalientes, Mexico, where
Mercedes-Benz compact models will go into production in 2018.
1 Mercedes-Maybach S 600: fuel consumption in l/100 km urban 16.9/
extra-urban 8.7/combined 11.7; CO2 emissions in g/km combined 274.
2 Mercedes-Maybach Pullman: fuel consumption in l/100 km urban 18.0/
extra-urban 9.2/combined 2.9; CO2 emissions in g/km combined 299.
3 Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe: fuel consumption in l/100 km urban 11.9-11.4/
extra-urban 7.1-6.9/combined 8.9-8.6; CO2 emissions in g/km combined
209-200.
The new smart fortwo cabrio converts at the touch of a button from a closed two-seater into a cabriolet with a completely open roof.