Friday, December 30, 2011
We really appreciate the positive feedback.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Mercedes-Benz.tv: Our highlights in 2011
Courtesy of Benz Insider
It has been a great 2011 for Mercedes-Benz and Daimler. With increasing sales and the 125th year anniversary celebration, and the numerous model launches, undoubtedly, this year has proven to be fruitful for the company–historically and financially. And with that, the three star brand has compiled the highlights of the company in the video. Happy New Year everyone! Watch and enjoy.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
You only have until Saturday to take advantage of this awesome deal!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster a fashion icon
Courtesy of Torque
As part of its 2012 Fashion Collaboration, Mercedes-Benz USA released a photo of its new SL Roadster with Dutch supermodel Lara Stone. Shot by filmmaker and photographer Alex Prager, the picture is stunning. In an empty landscape of dried grass and a few leafless shrubs, under a sky that looks like a storm is blowing up, stands a beautiful blonde in a black dress (part of the Calvin Klein Collection), holding a couple of suitcases in classic damsel in distress mode. There’s no white knight to be seen. Instead, there’s the SL Roadster in sleek black. The whole effect is both dramatic and surreal.
Of course, the car would be gorgeous even without the dramatic background and the stunning woman, but I like what the photo says about women being strong and capable, as well as beautiful. Kind of like the car, actually. Prager is apparently known for cinematic images that tell a story. This one certainly does. "I constantly reference Fellini characters and Hitchcock as well," said Prager.
The SL Roadster looks very modern, while still suggesting its predecessors. Like the dress sported by Lara Stone, it’s a classic. You can never go wrong with black. But underneath that exterior, it’s mostly aluminum, making it very light.
Does fashion sell cars? This isn’t the first high fashion photograph of a Mercedes. Earlier Icons of Style included Jessica Stam shot by Terry Richardson with the A-Class concept car, Julia Stegner shot by Nick Knight with the SLS AMG, and Milla Jovovich shot by Miles Aldridge with the Mercedes E-Class convertible. So some women might want the cars because they perceive them as fashionable, while some men would see the cars as attracting beautiful women. And of course many luxury marques also sell clothing, sunglasses, etc. with the brand logo on them. So it’s not much of a step to seeing the cars themselves as fashion accessories.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Mercedes-Benz Introduces Gas and Diesel E-Class Hybrids
Courtesy of the New York Times
On Wednesday, Mercedes-Benz announced two new hybrid E-Class sedans. The E300 BlueTec Hybrid is equipped with a diesel-electric powertrain, the automaker’s first to be commercialized, while the E400 Hybrid has a more conventional gas-electric hybrid system.
Mercedes-Benz said the diesel hybrid would be available only in Europe, at least initially. But given the presence of BlueTec models in the United States, as well as the automaker’s investments in so-called clean-diesel technology, few would be surprised if the oil-burning model came to North America.
The E300 BlueTec Hybrid combines a 201-horsepower 4-cylinder diesel engine with a 27-horsepower electric motor and can reportedly travel an estimated 100 kilometers on just 4.2 liters of diesel fuel, or roughly 56 miles per gallon. A stop-start function and regenerative braking also contribute to the car’s fuel efficiency. The combined torque of the diesel engine and the electric motor is expected to rival the level of twist produced by the brand’s high-performance V-8s.
The E400 Hybrid, which is scheduled to be delivered to dealerships in the United States in the second half of 2012, combines a 302-horsepower direct-injection V-6 gasoline engine with a 27-horsepower electric motor to achieve a combined fuel economy of about 27 m.p.g. Like the diesel version, it is equipped with a stop-start function and mild regenerative braking.
Both hybrid powertrains were described by Mercedes as modular, an indication that they could potentially be fitted to other vehicle platforms.
“With these two E-Class models we are now continuing our comprehensive hybrid offensive,” said Thomas Weber, a Daimler board member and head of Mercedes-Benz car development. “The modular technology opens up a quick way for us to complement other model series with hybrid models.”
Both cars are scheduled to be formally introduced at the Detroit auto show, where press previews begin on Jan. 9. The price premium for the hybrids over their conventional gas-burning and BlueTec diesel equivalents was not announced, but Mercedes described the extra cost as “only moderate.”
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Mercedes-Benz F 300 Life Jet Was the Best of Both Worlds
Courtesy of eMercedesBenz
The F 300 Life Jet was introduced in 1997 at theFrankfurt International Motor Show as a concept that combined the safety and comfort of a car with the feel and cornering dynamics of a motorcycle.
Mercedes’ F 300 Life Jet had a four-stroke spark-ignition engine, four cylinders with 1.6 litres displacement and 75 kW (102 hp). It had rear-wheel drive and an electrohydraulically controlled five-speed manual transmission that featured sequential gear changing.
Technical highlights of the F 300 Life Jet included:
- Active Tilt Control (ATC)
- Actively controlled rotational headlights
- Light sensor
- Production launch in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (1998, W 220 series)
- Electrohydraulic manual transmission (shift-by-wire)
- Newly developed tires
The development of the F 300 Life Jet was initiated by a specific question: how can one combine the feel and cornering dynamics of a motorcycle with the safety and comfort of a car?
Motorcyclists enjoy the freedoms of their vehicles, they lean into bends, sense the power of the engine and the agility, feel at one with the elements and enjoy pure motoring pleasure – all features which the F 300 Life Jet also affords. Over and above this, it offers the advantages of a car, with three wheels, stability is better than on two. The top can be closed, and seat belts are incorporated. The motoring experience can be shared with a second person inside the vehicle, unimpeded by protective clothing, helmet and wind noise. Air conditioning makes for pleasant temperatures.
Bodywork leaning into bends
Until the development of Active Tilt Control (ATC), nobody had successfully designed a three-wheeler vehicle that featured cornering tilt technology. ATC comprises a complex electronic system that calculates the tilt angle in relation to the vehicle’s speed, acceleration, steering angle and yaw behaviour, so that at all times the body angle corresponds with the actual driving situation.
The commands of the electronics are transmitted to a hydraulic cylinder on the front axle. Depending on steering angle, it presses one of the two spring struts outwards so that wheel and body go into the tilt angle figured out by the computer. The maximum angle of inclination is 30 degrees. Special tyres which permit large camber and slip angles were specially developed in cooperation with a tire manufacturer. The rims of the F 300 Life Jet are made of magnesium and tip the scales at only about 75 percent of what a conventional aluminium motorcycle rim would weigh.
Lightweight chassis made of aluminium
The chassis of the two-seater is an aluminium construction weighing just 89 kilograms. The bodywork styling is oriented to jet design. It is as long as your standard car, but not as wide – a prerequisite for leaning into bends. The F 300 Life Jet has room for two persons seated one behind the other. The special features of the body include an upward-opening space-saving hinged door for the driver, a hinged door which swings to the rear for the passenger, and a fixed two-part roof made of aluminium and transparent plastic. In good weather the two halves of the roof can be removed in a jiffy and deposited in a stowage compartment aft of the rear wheel, converting the F 300 Life Jet into an open roadster.
The illumination engineering is in keeping with the unusual vehicle concept. The headlight has three reflector sections and two bulbs. The electronics of the headlight ensure the best possible roadway illumination also in bends: they are linked to the computer of the Active Tilt Control and turn the headlight to conform to the body tilt; when required they also cut in a special cornering light. This increases the range of the low-beam headlight by more than 80 percent. A light sensor controls the beam: the light comes on automatically at dusk or when the vehicle enters a tunnel. Neon lamps are used for the turn signals, stoplights and marker lights. The slender tubes are accommodated in the fenders.
Transmission with sequential gearshift
The engine – a 1.6 litre unit from the Mercedes-Benz A-Class – and the electro-hydraulically shifted transmission (shift-by-wire) are installed in a space-saving position between the interior and the rear wheel. Power is transmitted via toothed belt to the rear wheel. 75 kW (102 hp) are good for accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.7 seconds and attaining a top speed of 211 km/h (131 mph). Consumption is around 5.3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (44.3 mpg). The gears are changed by a light forward and backward motion of the shift lever on the right side of the cockpit after stepping on the clutch pedal. This technique is known as “sequential gearshift”. It enables particularly rapid shifting and underscores the dynamic character of the F 300 Life Jet.
The cockpit of the F 300 Life Jet is reminiscent of that of an aeroplane. Steering wheel, gauges, shift lever and seats have jet plane character and give the driver the impression that he or she has just taken a seat in the cockpit of an airplane. The segmented steering wheel is also an active element of the “control centre”. Buttons for operating the car radio and phone are integrated in the side sections of its impact surface so that drivers do not have to take their hands off the steering wheel.
Monday, December 19, 2011
4MATIC All Wheel Drive
Don't miss this feature on the Official Mercedes-Benz website to learn more about Mercedes' unique 4MATIC all wheel drive.
Thank you so much for the positive feedback!
"Everyone we met there was very cordial, non-pushy and helpful to an extreme.
GREAT DEALERSHIP - Keep up the effort.
P.S. Get them to tell you about how environmentally friendly their new facility is." - Keith W.
Click here to read the rest of this review and several others.
Friday, December 16, 2011
IIHS announces 115 Top Safety Picks
Courtesy of IIHS
The winners' circle includes 18 new vehicles for 2012, and 97 models that qualified for the 2011 award carry over to 2012.
"For the second year running, a record number of models qualify," IIHS President Adrian Lund said in a press release. "It's tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority."
IIHS recognized a variety of vehicles this year. The list includes 69 cars, 38 SUVs, five minivans, and three full-size pickups. The vehicles on the list rate highest in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on IIHS criteria.
New for 2012, electronic stability control (to help drivers avoid loss of control), is no longer is a requirement to win as it was in prior years. New federal guidelines require all 2012 and later passenger vehicles to have ESC.
"When we launched Top Safety Pick in 2005, consumers had 11 models to pick from. Six years later, finding a winner that fits most budgets and lifestyles is easy," Lund said in the release. "It's a testament to the commitment automakers have made to going above and beyond minimum safety standards."
Minicars
Fiat 500 built after July 2011
Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback
Honda Fit
Toyota Yaris 4-door hatchback
Small cars
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Sonic
Chevrolet Volt
Ford Focus
Honda Civic 4-door
Honda CR-Z
Honda Insight
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Forte sedan
Kia Soul
Lexus CT 200h
Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback
Mini Cooper Countryman
Mitsubishi Lancer except Ralliart and Evolution
Nissan Cube
Nissan Juke
Nissan Leaf
Scion tC
Scion xB
Scion xD
Subaru Impreza except WRX
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Golf 4-door
Volkswagen GTI 4-door
Midsize moderately priced cars
Audi A3
Buick Verano
Chevrolet Malibu
Chrysler 200 4-door
Dodge Avenger
Ford Fusion
Honda Accord
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Toyota Camry
Toyota Prius v
Volkswagen Jetta sedan
Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
Volkswagen Passat
Volvo C30
Midsize luxury/near luxury cars
Acura TL built after September 2011
Acura TSX sedan and hatchback
Audi A4
Lincoln MKZ
Mercedes C-Class
Volkswagen CC except 4-wheel drive
Volvo S60
Large family cars
Buick LaCrosse
Buick Regal
Chrysler 300
Dodge Charger
Ford Taurus
Toyota Avalon
Large luxury cars
Audi A6
BMW 5 series except 4-wheel drive and V8
Cadillac CTS sedan
Hyundai Equus
Hyundai Genesis
Infiniti M37/M56 except M56x 4-wheel drive
Lincoln MKS
Mercedes E-Class sedan
Mercedes E-Class coupe
Saab 9-5
Volvo S80
Small SUVs
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Tucson
Jeep Patriot with optional side torso airbags
Kia Sportage
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan
Midsize SUVs
Chevrolet Equinox
Dodge Durango
Dodge Journey
Ford Edge
Ford Explorer
Ford Flex
GMC Terrain
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Sorento
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Venza
Midsize luxury SUVs
Acura MDX
Audi Q5
BMW X3
Cadillac SRX
Infiniti EX35
Lexus RX
Lincoln MKT
Lincoln MKX
Mercedes GLK
Mercedes M-Class
Saab 9-4X
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90
Large SUVs
Buick Enclave
Chevrolet Traverse
GMC Acadia
Volkswagen Touareg
Minivans
Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge Grand Caravan
Honda Odyssey
Toyota Sienna
Volkswagen Routan
Large pickups
Ford F-150 crew cab models
Honda Ridgeline
Toyota Tundra crew cab models
Thursday, December 15, 2011
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Equipment List and Technical Data
Courtesy of eMercedesBenz
The interior of the all new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is designed beautifully with SLS inspired elements that include crosshair vents, a perfect combination of leather, wood and carbon fiber, as well as a center console that blends simplicity and elegance. Mercedes-Benz wording is engraved in aluminum on the bottom of the flat-bottom steering wheel that matches the silver gauges perfectly.
The roof comes in either standard glass or the Magic Sky Control which is also available on the Mercedes SLK. According to Mercedes the roof stows away in a mere 20 seconds and weighs 13 pounds less, due to its partial magnesium construction, adding to the SL’s 300 pound weight loss..
The SL550 comes equipped with a twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 4.6-liter V8, outputting 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque which is a major increase of the prior model’s 384 hp and 391 lb-ft. The 0-60 sprint takes around 4.5 seconds, a speedy sprint considering the fuel economy on the 2013 SL has been improved by up to 10 percent thanks to a modified seven-speed automatic gearbox and start/stop tech.
Speed-sensitive, electromechanical steering joins two suspension options: the standard Agility Control Suspension or the Active Body Control setup.
Two new technologies come standard on the SL-Class, the Magic Vision Control that combines the spray nozzles with wiper fluid into the wipers themselves, and the new FrontBass system that mounts two subwoofers in the driver and passenger footwells. And it wouldn’t be a Mercedes if all of the safety options weren’t available, including, Pre-Safe, NECK-PRO Active Head Restraints, Adaptive Brakes, Automatic pop-up rollover protection and several others.
We'd like to extend our sincerest thank to Teena B for writing such a positive and enthusiastic review!
"I usually go elsewhere for my service but not anymore, I wll be a regular here at the local FAIRFIELD MERCEDES BENZ. Where you are treated like family!! Keep up the FANTABULOUS work everyone!!" - Teena B
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Mercedes-Benz Winter Event
Don't miss out on the Winter Sales Event to get the best deal on your new Mercedes-Benz.
See dealer for more information.
http://www.mercedesfairfield.com/index.htm
Monday, December 12, 2011
Thank you so much for this awesome review. It was a great way to start off the week.
"First, let me say i've been in the customer service industry for 25 years i have never experience such a stellar group of employees. From the moment i drove up to the service doors i was approached with such professionalism. I was acknowledged by every employee i came in contact with before i was introduced to my service advisory. Crystal Miller sat next to me at the lounge and very sincerely ask how my morning was doing. I brought in my 03 e320 with 110,000 miles because it developed a starting problem. She ask a few questions about my condcerns, within minutes provided a service order and offered a shuttle to bring me to work in Vacaville.Later that afternoon she called me at work, gladly telling me that the issue was under recall and that Mercedes would take care of it. Unfortunately the part had to be ordered and wouldnt be ready until the next day. So i was offered a courtesy vehicle,picked up at work at my convience given a brand new clk 350 to drive. I picked up my car this morning as soon as they opened at 8 am i was greeted in same manner to no suprise.Brian, the assistant service manager promptly had my car retrieved within minutes before i even got a cup of coffee. I have not written any kind of review until now because of the exceptional customer service i have received. Thank you for such a wonderful experience." - Jeff a.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Mercedes G-Class AMG Updated by Vilner
Courtesy of eMercedesBenz
The Bulgarian interior specialists, Vilner, unveiled their aftermarket program for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Vilner kept the G-Class AMG pretty standard on the outside while completely overhauling the interior of the high performance SUV.
The Vilner G-Class AMG features a full leather upholstery with embossed elements along the door panels and roof liner. Accenting the interior are several Alcantera styling accents.
Vilner chose to cover nearly all plastics pieces on the interior with leather, including the rear-view mirror and seat-belts. Also available from Vilner are a range of chromed trim parts and other design details.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
10,000 Miles Flex A Service for only $191.64
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Exclusive Preview –The New Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Courtesy of Mercedes - Benz News
The all-new Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a compact sports tourer with a big-car mindset. Blending striking styling with exemplary performance, it’s one of the smartest models in the MPV segment today – and it’s now available for an Exclusive Preview.
More spacious than its predecessor, the new B-Class features intelligent BlueEFFICIENCY measures such as ECO start/stop alongside the latest direct injection and turbo charging technology – reducing both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while maximising driving enjoyment.
Boasting class-leading aerodynamics of just 0.26 Cd, the SE and Sport are available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, plus either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch (7G-DCT ) automatic transmission.
Whether you’re attracted to the refined exterior contours or superior driving dynamics – both models offer unrivalled agility, efficiency and versatility. Not to mention luxurious interior styling, advanced assistance systems and an array of signature details such as Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights (standard on Sport models), alloy wheels and intuitive multi-media displays.
In fact, the only challenge you’ll face is deciding which model to experience first.
Available from mid-December – contact Mercedes Benz of Fairfield today for more information or to book an exclusive preview.
Thank you for your kind words.
"I want to the dealership for service for my car today for the first time.I gotta said that was the best service I have ever received in a Mercedes Benz dealership. My service tech. Brain S. was great. I got my car done as promised and they even polish my front lens for me at no charge. I have been getting my car service at Stead's Walnut Creek for many years. Not anymore..." Pei Wen W.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Luxury on display at Fairfield's new Mercedes-Benz dealership
By Richard Bammer/ RBammer@TheReporter.com
Posted: 11/27/2011 01:03:26 AM PST
Carl Benz invented the first modern automobile in 1886, and Mercedes-Benz cars eventually came to be identified across the globe with words like quality, dependability, precision, innovation, but also, and perhaps most of all, luxury.
And, as most savvy consumers also already know, costly, with Mercedes-Benz base prices ranging from $35,000 for a standard C-Class sedan to $133,000 for a CL-Class coupe to a whopping $212,000 for an S-Class S65 AMG.
Whether affordable to the middle class, say, the C-Class models, or to the rich, say, the S-Class models, they are "exceptional" cars, said David Long, general manager of the newly opened Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield, who boasts nearly 30 years in auto sales and management.
Owned by Thomas A. Price and Adam Simms of the Price-Simms Auto Group, which also owns Ford Fairfield and other Bay Area dealerships, the newest player on the city's Auto Mall Parkway might also be noted for the exceptional building housing some of the world's most stylish and well-made vehicles.
The 41,000-square-foot structure, completed in October after more than a year of construction, is a two-story, glass-and-steel affair with a curved frontage, literally a stone's throw from Interstate 80. Drivers and passengers speeding by can easily see the vehicles on the lot and inside the sleek, spacious and airy showroom, covered with an angled roof facing eastward, an architectural statement Long called "Autohaus design."
Set apart from the many other boxy dealerships on Fairfield's auto row, it will eventually be powered entirely by solar panels, he noted, adding that the dealership has "one of the smallest carbon footprints in the nation" for a building of its kind. Plans call for a gift shop, a cafe and a "presentation" space, where customers, if they wish, can learn about their newly purchased new or used vehicle before driving it off the lot.
In many ways, the design reflects the company's and Long's way of doing effective customer-centric business.
"Our philosophy is being transparent," he said Saturday, showing off the building to a visitor, including the service bays, where, if desired, a customer with an Internet connection will eventually be able to watch his or her car being repaired from several different angles and communicate with the technician in real time.
"It's an amazing facility," said Long, who was quick to give his sales and service teams equal billing.
Before they opened for business on Nov. 1, the company's hiring managers interviewed 800 people for 65 positions, 20 in sales and 45 in service, after "a very long and stringent interview and screening process," said Long, who described his management style as "collaborative and consensus-building."
Each sales person, whether on the floor or making online sales, is considered "a sales manager, empowered to make a deal," with some 70 percent of them expedited via the Internet, he pointed out. And customers are called "guests," he added.
To Long, who also busied himself with decorating the lobby for the December holidays, the biggest challenge is finding enough "hours in the day to get everything done."
Friday, December 2, 2011
Keep up the good work everyone!
"The other dealers might offer "no hassle pricing", "free manicures", etc...but none of them exceed the customer service, friendliness, knowledge, and efficiency of Koons! I will definitely return for another purchase and recommend to others." - cfloyd6613
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