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Mercedes-Benz Sets All-Time Sales Record in 2011

German Luxury Automaker Posts Double-Digit Sales Growth

 

HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 17, 2012 - Luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz made some major moves in 2011, increasing U.S. sales by 17.5 percent year-over-year and setting a new annual record with 264,460 units sold. Mercedes-Benz dealerships closed the year by selling 28,006 vehicles in December, a 30.4-percent increase compared to the same month last year, with new models playing a large part in that success.

 

Mercedes-Benz's 2011 sales growth in the United States, its second-largest market, was boosted by the debut of the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a gateway vehicle for the brand. With a 17.9-percent sales increase year-over-year, nearly 70,000 C-Class models found new owners in 2011, easily taking the top spot in the German automaker's lineup.

 

"The new C-Class is the most affordable Mercedes-Benz and serves as a highly satisfying entry point for fans of the brand," said M. Todd Pancavage, general manager of New Country Motor Cars, a Hartford, Connecticut Mercedes-Benz dealership. "It has the style, power and technology that drivers expect from a Mercedes at a price that offers impressive value to aspiring luxury-car buyers."

 

Entry level is a relative term with a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, and the 2012 C-Class has features that can be found on other much more expensive models in the lineup. There is an available Lane Tracking Package that includes Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, and buyers can even get the automaker's exclusive Attention Assist, which can detect signs of drowsiness and alerts drivers should they be in danger of a collision.

 

Innovative safety equipment extends to the brakes in the C-Class, which prime themselves for action whenever the accelerator is lifted quickly, setting the brake pads closer to the rotors for faster application in emergency situations. The brakes also automatically dry themselves during wet conditions to ensure optimum performance.

 

Mercedes-Benz engineers gave the C-Class plenty of power to match its brakes as well. The base C250 comes with a turbocharged 1.8-liter engine producing 201 horsepower, while the C350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 producing 302 horsepower. Both engines make use of direct-injection technology to improve performance and fuel economy, returning up to 31 mpg on the highway in the C250 when matched with the seven-speed automatic transmission.

 

Snow Belt drivers will be happy to know that 4MATIC all-wheel drive is standard on the Mercedes-Benz C300 and, according to Car and Driver magazine, it could spread to other trim levels this year.

 

"More often than not, our customers view their purchase as a rewarding investment rather than a value buy, but the C-Class is a lot of car for the money," Pancavage noted. "More and more people are joining the Mercedes-Benz brand thanks to the C-Class, and many of those customers will go on to buy other models in the lineup."




Power-Packed Mercedes-Benz SUV Makes International Debut

518-Horsepower ML63 AMG Leads Automaker's High-Performance SUV Lineup

 

HARTFORD, Conn., Dec. 6, 2011 - When it comes to Mercedes-Benz and horsepower, it is not so much a question of need, but of want. To that end, the automaker pulled back the curtain on the 518-horsepower 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG at the LA Auto Show last month, revealing the muscular SUV that will reach Mercedes-Benz dealers in February.

 

Based on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV, the ML63 AMG packs a ferocious twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 under its svelte hood that can reach up to 550 horsepower with an optional performance package, giving it super-car-level acceleration. The ML63 AMG still has all the comforts expected from a Mercedes-Benz while featuring active roll stabilization, Airmatic air suspension and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system for steady driving during inclement weather.

 

"AMG-badged Mercedes-Benz vehicles are the pinnacle of performance and luxury," said M. Todd Pancavage, general manager of New Country Motor Cars, a Hartford, Connecticut Mercedes-Benz dealership. "When Mercedes-Benz built the ML63 AMG they didn't ask 'why;' they asked 'why not?' Most Connecticut Mercedes-Benz drivers will find the standard M-Class' performance to be more than adequate, but the AMG version is for those that want nothing but the very best."

 

While the ML63 AMG's power levels are ambitious, even the standard M-Class will be available with a V8 starting in early 2012. The new ML550 won't reach AMG levels of power, but with 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, it will be anything but a slouch. The V8 in the ML550 will join the existing M-Class engine lineup, which consists of a 3.5-liter V6 in the ML350 and a 3.0-liter diesel engine in the ML350 BlueTEC that delivers 455 pound-feet of torque.

 

Though its power has been winning recent headlines, the amenities in a Mercedes-Benz M-Class help make it the luxury automaker's best-selling SUV. Inside, there is soft-touch upholstery and wood-grain trim that creates an upscale atmosphere. There is also an optional panoramic glass roof with power shades that let the occupants decide just how much sunshine they want to allow inside.

 

Mercedes-Benz didn't skimp on technology either with the M-Class, equipping it with the powerful COMAND system, which allows voice control of important functions like audio, video, navigation and hands-free phone calls through a Bluetooth-connected smartphone. The system can be expanded with an optional 80-gigabyte hard drive that stores maps, favorite locations and even provides Zagat ratings, which make finding a good restaurant in a new town easier.

 

"Connecticut Mercedes-Benz drivers love the M-Class because it's comfortable, capable and luxurious," Pancavage noted. "While powerful engines will attract some to the brand, it's really the whole package that makes a Mercedes-Benz special when compared to the competition."




Mercedes-Benz Preps a Competitor for the BMW X6

New M-Class-Based Crossover to Be Built at Automaker's Alabama Plant

 

HARTFORD, Conn., Nov. 8, 2011 - Just a few months after rolling out the redesigned 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class at its Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant, Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will produce a new model at the facility starting in 2015 that will be based on the styling of the M-Class SUV. This new crossover will become the fifth vehicle manufactured by the automaker in Tuscaloosa after the redesigned C-Class sedan starts production there in 2014. 

 

According to Automotive News Europe, the new model will be a coupe-like version of the M-Class built to directly compete with the BMW X6 when it arrives at Mercedes-Benz dealerships. Unofficially dubbed the MLC, Daimler says that it will invest an additional $350 million in the Alabama manufacturing plant to produce the new crossover, creating 400 new jobs.

 

"It looks like Mercedes-Benz is adding even more variety to its lineup, and we expect the MLC to be a perfect fit for many Connecticut families looking for a nimble yet versatile ride," said M. Todd Pancavage, general manager of New Country Motor Cars, a Hartford, Connecticut Mercedes-Benz dealership. "The MLC is expected to be a slightly smaller and sportier version of the M-Class, which is already a very popular vehicle thanks to its ideal power-to-size ratio."

 

Under the hood, the redesigned 2012 M-Class packs a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers up to 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. In the summer, its 7,200-pound towing capacity is ideal for weekend camping and boating trips, while during harsh Connecticut winters the M-Class benefits from a 4-wheel Electronic Traction System. The advanced technology redistributes the engine's torque to the wheels with the best traction, making it easy to battle unexpected ice patches.

 

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class seats five and offers 71 cubic-feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making it larger than the GLK-Class but smaller than the full-size GL-Class, which is also produced in Tuscaloosa. As a midsize SUV, the M-Class combines both the sporty and cargo-friendly features of its siblings, making it an appropriate basis for the Mercedes-Benz MLC.

 

Daimler has committed a total of $2.4 billion and 1,400 new jobs for the production of its vehicles at the Tuscaloosa plant between 2010 and 2014. It has already invested a portion of that money to produce the redesigned M-Class, which first appeared at Mercedes-Benz dealerships in July. The automaker's investment domestically is part of a broader global strategy to add 10 new Mercedes-Benz models to its lineup during the next four years.

 

"It takes a lot of investment on the part of Mercedes-Benz to create the kind of end result that we see at our dealership on a daily basis," added Pancavage. "Whether you're talking about the upcoming MLC or the redesigned M-Class, Mercedes-Benz is staying one step ahead of customer needs and creating jobs for Americans in the process."




Mercedes-Benz SUVs Take Honors in 2011 Motorist Choice Awards

GL- and GLK-Class Recognized for Customer Satisfaction, Low Ownership Costs

 

HARTFORD, Conn., Oct. 4, 2011 - Mercedes-Benz is hitting the right notes with their SUV buyers this year, and the automaker can claim two 2011 Motorist Choice Awards for their efforts. The Motorist Choice Awards, combining research from AutoPacific and IntelliChoice, honored the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and GLK-Class SUVs currently available at Mercedes-Benz dealerships for their high owner satisfaction rate and low cost of ownership.

 

Though AutoPacific and IntelliChoice give out their own separate awards throughout the year, the research firms have pooled their efforts for six years to determine the Motorist Choice Awards. AutoPacific's survey results from more than 72,000 vehicle owners were combined with five-year cost-of-ownership predictions by IntelliChoice to choose winners in 15 lifestyle categories. The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class was named best premium vehicle in the Image category, while the GL-Class took honors in the Road Trip category.

 

"Mercedes-Benz SUVs are built to have the highest quality styling and capability, and owners are incredibly satisfied with them," said M. Todd Pancavage, general manager of New Country Motor Cars, a Hartford, Connecticut Mercedes-Benz dealership. "People don't buy an SUV just because of the badge on the hood. They expect these vehicles to have solid performance and plenty of room, and Mercedes-Benz delivers with their own impeccable style."

 

Although they are the most affordable Mercedes-Benz SUVs, GLK-Class models still sport the chiseled exteriors and lavish yet durable interiors that helped them secure an Image category win. The compact footprint of the 2012 GLK-Class makes it a pleasant urban runabout that stays true to its utility-vehicle heritage, sporting a generous 54.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat.

 

Families with a love of the open road and outdoor adventure will admire the ability of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class to get them and their gear wherever they want to go. The full-size SUV seats up to seven passengers or carries up to 83.3 cubic feet of vacation essentials, and quickly adjusts to those shifting loads with self-leveling AIRMATIC suspension controls. Adding to that stability is standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which makes the 2012 GL-Class an SUV for all seasons.

 

Buyers of both Mercedes-Benz SUVs have the option of an 11-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system that can work with Mercedes-Benz's COMAND navigation system, which is standard on the GLK-Class and optional on the GL-Class. Featuring a large, high-resolution display, COMAND allows voice control of the sound system and a Bluetooth-connected phone, as well as easy connections for iPods and other mp3 players.

 

"Both the GL-Class and GLK-Class share a lot in common when it comes to innovative features and an attractive design," Pancavage noted. "That said, they each meet the needs of very different groups of drivers, and that is the beauty in Mercedes-Benz' selection of luxury utility vehicles."





Mercedes-Benz Pulls Back Curtain on the 2012 SLK55 AMG

Automaker Unveils High-Performance Droptop, Releases Advanced Driving Lessons on YouTube

 

HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 7, 2011 - When it comes to convertible sports cars, it is hard to overlook the selection provided by Mercedes-Benz, a point driven home by the recent unveiling of the 2012 SLK55 AMG. As the most powerful SLK yet, the new fire-breathing roadster is expected to arrive at Mercedes-Benz dealers in early 2012, but in the meantime future buyers can check out a 10-video basic driving course from the AMG Driving Academy on how to handle their high-performance car.

 

With a new 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 415 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG delivers performance worthy of the AMG badge. The sporty convertible is capable of launching itself to 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 mph. Mercedes-Benz fans curious about how to harness that kind of power can start with the first online AMG Driving Academy lesson at http://www.youtube.com/user/mbusa#p/u/0/gcZqaFJVBZ0, or opt to take in-person lessons at the Academy's locations around the world.

 

"Mercedes-Benz produces a number of extraordinary vehicles that perform beyond what the average driver would normally experience," said M. Todd Pancavage, general manager of New Country Motor Cars, a Hartford, Connecticut Mercedes-Benz dealer. "The SLK55 AMG is a great example of a vehicle that can change the way you think about driving, and the AMG Driving Academy can help put things in perspective to get you the most out of your high-performance machine."

 

Though it has packed power into the 2012 SLK55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz didn't neglect efficiency in the drivetrain design. The automaker's engineers gave the model new V8 direct-injection technology and included a stop-start function and cylinder deactivation for even greater savings. Also, a seven-speed automatic gearbox increases efficiency and automatically revs the engine with each downshift, a nod to the car's track-ready design. All told, Mercedes-Benz says the new technology results in around 30-percent fuel savings over the outgoing AMG 5.5-liter V8.

 

For improved handling in the curves, the new SLK55 AMG will feature AMG sports suspension with torque-vectoring brakes that help provide flat handling characteristics. Meanwhile, the AMG-exclusive three-stage electronic stability program (ESP) allows the driver to choose between three different stability modes: "ESP ON," "SPORT Handling Mode" and "ESP OFF."

 

Visually, the 2012 SLK55 AMG takes on the design theme of the third-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK released this past June and includes distinctive light-alloy wheels, an AMG spoiler lip and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes in the rear of the vehicle.

 

"The SLK55 AMG, like all AMG products, is basically a street-legal race car," Pancavage noted. "That's not to say the SLK55 AMG isn't refined though, because deep down it's a Mercedes-Benz, which means effortless performance and efficiency in all conditions."

Mercedes-Benz Dealers Match the Quality of Their Cars

Three-Pointed Star Dealerships Lead in Customer Satisfaction for Third-Straight Year

 

HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 8, 2011 - Mercedes-Benz cars are known for taking care of their owners with high-class interiors and innovative technology, and Mercedes-Benz dealers are matching the quality of these features with their customer service, according to a new independent study. The German automaker's U.S. dealerships finished first for a third-consecutive year in the 2011 Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index (PSI) U.S. Auto Industry Benchmarking Study, besting BMW, Lexus and Audi dealers.

 

Pied Piper Management Company, a dealership sales and marketing agency, sent 3,524 mystery shoppers to auto dealerships across the United States to evaluate how each treated customers. The mystery shoppers documented 58 sales process areas, which covered everything from how well the salesperson communicated relevant vehicle features to how effective they were at finalizing a sale. The nationwide efforts of Mercedes-Benz dealers in recent years have pulled the brand up from being an also-ran in the first PSI in 2007 to the leader in 2009, where it has remained since.

 

"We work very hard to ensure that each person that walks through our doors has a positive experience," said M. Todd Pancavage, general manager of New Country Motor Cars, a Hartford, Connecticut Mercedes-Benz dealership. "Even if a person doesn't buy a car that day, they'll remember that experience and tell others about it. Each Mercedes-Benz can sell itself on its own; we're just here to make sure the transaction moves smoothly and that our customers remain satisfied over the lifetime of their vehicle."

 

Efforts at the dealership level to exceed expectations are being mirrored by Mercedes-Benz engineers, who are revamping the automaker's multimedia and telematics system. Currently, the Mercedes-Benz COMAND system integrates GPS navigation, audio, video, hands-free calling and information like traffic reports using a high-resolution multi-function display and steering wheel controls. However, the German automaker wants COMAND to do more before its upgraded version reaches U.S. showrooms in 2012 via the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class and M-Class, to name a few.

 

COMAND will feature new applications next year, including full Facebook integration as well as the use of Google's Street View technology and Panoramio to give drivers a first-person look at their destination before they get there. Several additional apps are in the pipeline for integration, including Twitter, the Stitcher talk radio streaming service and the popular Pandora internet radio service.

 

Looking further into the future, Mercedes-Benz engineers are also working with COMAND's voice controls to give the system the ability to decipher passengers' natural language. This would mean COMAND could understand intent without the need for specific commands. For example, a passenger could say, "What is the weather like in Hartford?" and the current weather and forecast will come up for the city. Taken one step further, engineers have also begun to explore technology that would allow COMAND to recognize handwriting and enable interior lighting to be controlled with simple gestures.

 

"Mercedes-Benz is doing more than updating the COMAND system; they're setting a new standard for in-car computing," Pancavage noted. "It's exciting to represent an automaker that is dedicated to providing the automotive technology in the world, and it makes us work that much harder to ensure we match their high standards."