Mercedes 2001 Annual Report Download - page 49

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Research and Technology 45
Further development of fuel-cell technology. Our activi-
ties in the development of fuel-cell technology are
aimed at reducing costs and improving the efficiency of
fuel cells and other components.
In addition to working on hydrogen-based drive
technology, we are developing innovative direct metha-
nol systems that can easily transform liquid methanol
into electric power. DaimlerChrysler has already dem-
onstrated a fuel-cell powered go-cart – the world’s first
small vehicle to use this technology.
Modern production technology. The extensive use of
light materials can significantly reduce fuel consump-
tion and emissions, thereby providing benefits for
customers and the environment alike. Depending on
the type of engine and its performance, every 100-kg
decrease in weight reduces fuel consumption by up
to 0.4 liters per 100 kilometers. In addition to new,
extremely light materials such as aluminum, magnesium,
ceramics and fiber-reinforced plastics, improved
high-strength steel components can be employed for
far better lightweight construction than is currently
possible with conventional steel.
The processing properties of new materials are an
important factor that has to be taken into account when
using them in production. This not only requires exper-
tise in materials, production technology and new meth-
ods of construction, but also the knowledge of how best
to combine them. In addition to meeting higher stan-
dards with regard to safety, comfort, quality and price,
the new materials have to be environmentally compat-
ible. An environmental audit is therefore conducted
primarily on the materials used, the amount of energy
needed to manufacture the product, the length of the
materials’ lifecycles, and their recyclability.
Thanks to new simulation software currently be-
ing developed at DaimlerChrysler Research, it will be-
come possible to combine technical data on the proper-
ties of materials, processes and production techniques
with the specifications of individual components. This
will allow the wide differences between materials to be
evaluated in a virtual environment, thereby eliminating
the need for expensive and time-consuming develop-
ment and the construction of prototypes.
Car of the future: The F 400 Carving
research vehicle is a concrete example of
technologies and innovations to come.
technology and a tradition of innovation
Leading-edge