Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
New 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL Features Novelis’ Aluminum Body
Courtesy of Azom
Novelis, a manufacturer of rolled aluminum, has reported that the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL introduced newly, features the company’s aluminum material. The latest model of Mercedes is probably the first full-production vehicle of the company to have an aluminum structure.
The weight of the vehicle is reduced by around 140 kg with the usage of new all-aluminum body, which enhances driving performance and fuel economy. The company supplies aluminum for use in doors, hood, and a variety of other structural applications. It also provides a three-piece tailored welded blank to the transmission tunnel. Due to the previous partnership existing between Novelis and Mercedes-Benz, Anticorodal-300 (Ac-300), a new alloy from Novelis has been used to develop this new piece fitted by friction stir welding. This new alloy offers improved strength and crash safety and is utilized in other structural applications.
Roland Harings, VP of Global Automotive for Novelis stated that Ac-300 was specifically developed to be utilized in automotive structural applications.
The first Mercedes Super-Light (SL) was created during 1952. Novelis is looking forward to minimize the vehicle’s weight. The 2012 modeled Benz is the lightest of all other models. In addition, Novelis provides aluminum sheet for other nine models of Mercedes.
According to Dr. Thomas Rudlaff, Mercedes-Benz’s Aluminum Body-in-White Manager, the weight of the Mercedes SL aluminum body structure is nearly 254 kg and this has been considered to be an alternative for steel. Aluminum lowers consumption of fuel and offers dynamic driving performance for customers, Dr. Thomas stated.
The new generation of Mercedes SL was exhibited at the Detroit Motor Show, during January 2012. Currently, this model is being manufactured in Germany and sold at its dealerships all over Europe.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
The new generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Forever young
Courtesy of Daimler
Since it was originally conceived in 1979, as a vehicle to be used primarily in tough off-road terrain, the G-Class has undergone an astounding process of evolution. Over the course of 33 years Mercedes-Benz has refined what was initially a very practically-oriented off-road specialist by giving it a high-class interior and road-going qualities on a par with those of the premium saloons emanating from Stuttgart. The G-Class today is considered the top model among luxury-class cross-country vehicles, and has provided the gene pool for the other very successful SUVs built under the Mercedes-Benz brand. The G-Class has been voted off-roader of the year countless times over the past years – as also once again this year.
A comprehensive range of measures ensures that this classic cross-country vehicle remains in a class of its own in the off-road sector.
These measures include new engines, a significantly extended range of
appointments, a new, even more luxurious interior and a few discreet external modifications that nevertheless manage to preserve the timeless, classic design – virtually unchanged since 1979 - that has made the G-Class a true automotive style icon.
appointments, a new, even more luxurious interior and a few discreet external modifications that nevertheless manage to preserve the timeless, classic design – virtually unchanged since 1979 - that has made the G-Class a true automotive style icon.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "Our G-Class has been a force to be reckoned with for the last 33 years. In its latest evolutionary stage, it offers state-of-the-art, powerful engines, a further improved range of luxurious appointments and the very latest safety features, as well, of course, as its now legendary off-road capabilities. At the same time the design remains true to its down-to-earth, unmistakable style."
Discreet exterior modifications, a complete new look inside
The external modifications include LED daytime running lamps and new exterior mirrors for all engine variants. The AMG versions also feature a new, characteristic AMG radiator grille with double louvres, plus distinctive new bumpers with large air intakes. Red brake callipers and 20-inch wheels, available here for the first time, complement the emotive appeal of its exterior.
The instrument panel and centre console have been completely redesigned to include new controls and generously proportioned, exclusively designed trim elements. These give the interior of the car a fresh and classy look. Drivers will now find a TFT colour display in the instrument cluster between the two round dials. A further large colour screen, conveniently positioned in the centre, is part of the COMAND Online system and incorporates a DVD changer and the COMAND Controller, which are standard on all G-Class models. This new infotainment generation offers, amongst other features, internet access, a navigation system with special additional off-road functions, the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. In order to ensure that the G-Class nevertheless does not lose any of its character, certain specific design elements in the interior have been preserved. The G-Class thus retains the grab handle on the front-passenger side, the switches for the three differential locks – clearly aligned within the driver's field of vision and highlighted in silver-coloured trim – and the redesigned shift lever in the lower section of the centre console.
New optional extras include safety features such as DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid PARKTRONIC with reversing camera. The ESP®system has been completely revised and now includes Trailer Stability Assist and a HOLD function.
Further individualisation options from the exclusive designo range are available as enhancements to what is already a very high-quality interior package.
Sophisticated engines with high power reserves
The range of engines in the G-Class includes the G 350 BlueTEC and the G 500, both as a long-wheelbase Station Wagon, plus the G 500 as a short-wheelbase Cabriolet model.
The basic version of the long-wheelbase Station Wagon model is the G 350 BlueTEC with V6 diesel engine and a displacement of 2987 cc. The four-valve engine has an output of 155 kW (211 hp) at 3400 rpm and has available torque of 540 Newton metres across an engine speed range of 1600 to 2400 rpm. The BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz minimises its emissions, in particular of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The G 350 BlueTEC works to even better effect thanks to the addition of AdBlue®, an aqueous urea solution that is injected into the flow of exhaust gases. Refilling with AdBlue®is conveniently done from the outside of the vehicle.
One alternative to the diesel engine is the G 500, with its powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine. This has an output of 285 kW (387 hp) and offers excellent torque of 530 Newton metres. The same engine also ensures that the G 500 Cabriolet has generous reserves of power to deal with any situation.
Both the G 350 and the G 500 feature the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic
transmission as standard. Now in its sixth generation, the multi-ratio automatic transmission was developed by Mercedes-Benz and has been produced since 1960. The new version has been thoroughly revised to optimise consumption and comfort compared with its predecessor.
transmission as standard. Now in its sixth generation, the multi-ratio automatic transmission was developed by Mercedes-Benz and has been produced since 1960. The new version has been thoroughly revised to optimise consumption and comfort compared with its predecessor.
New to the range are the G 63 AMG with V8 biturbo engine (400 kW/544 hp and 760 Nm of torque), which features the ECO start/stop system as standard, and the G 65 AMG with V12 biturbo engine (450 kW/612 hp and 1000 Nm of torque), which makes this the most powerful series-produced cross-country vehicle in the world.
Superior off-roader
The technical qualities of the G-Class continue to be highly prized. The
tremendous torque of its engines makes the luxury off-roader an excellent vehicle for towing, while its three electrically controlled 100-percent differential locks, ladder frame and rigid axle are characteristics that make it an unrivalled proposition in rough, off-road terrain.
tremendous torque of its engines makes the luxury off-roader an excellent vehicle for towing, while its three electrically controlled 100-percent differential locks, ladder frame and rigid axle are characteristics that make it an unrivalled proposition in rough, off-road terrain.
The market launch of the new-generation G-Class will be from June 2012.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Monday Maintenance Tip: Park in the shade to help beat the heat this summer.
Courtesy of Reader's Digest
Of course, a garage is always the ideal place to park your car. But if one isn’t available, minimize interior damage from UV sunlight and heat by always trying to park your car in the shade. If no shade is available or if you find parking under a tree results in bird droppings, use a car shade to minimize the sun’s impact. As a bonus, you’ll have a cooler car to step into on hot sunny days. Car shades come in two basic types: those that you unfold and place on the front windshield and rear window, or pleated types that attach to the windshield posts (with adhesive), window frames (with Velcro), or the windows themselves (with suction cups).
Friday, May 18, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
2012 C300 4MATIC Sport Sedan
Relax, then rejoice. Engineered specifically for performance driving, the C300 Sport Sedan burnishes a reputation earned on racetracks for more than a century.
Click here for details.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Monday Maintenance Tip: Don't forget the filters!
Courtesy of Reader's Digest
Monday Maintenance Tip: Don't forget the filters! Your car has several filters (mainly air, oil, fuel, and transmission) that need to be changed accordingly depending on the model of your vehicle. If your vehicle is due for a filter change or two, schedule a maintenance appointment with us online today!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Mercedes AMG thank it's followers for helping them reach 2 million video views!
What better way to celebrate than to drift a C 63 AMG Coupé around the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca?
Thank you V. Cantrell for your amazing recommendation! We truly appreciate it.
Our recent purchase experience with your company was superior. From the time we walked onto the lot until we drove off in our new purchase, the fellowship that the ENTIRE staff at Mercedes provided us was one of the reasons why we made our final decision to join the Mercedes family.
We have been faithful BMW owners for a decade and have often cringed at the mere thought of the vehicle purchasing experience (the long process, the haggling salespeople, the pricing fights). However, our experience at Mercedes was far from painful. We met with honest (hard to find in the auto sales industry), passionate and service driven people who did not pressure us to purchase, armed us with valuable information about the vehicles and worked with our personal financial situation in order to deliver something we felt secure about. We were coupled with Hagen, who provided us with TOP NOTCH service. He simply did not just sell us a vehicle, he educated us about the vehicle. From bumper to bumper, he explained the intricate details of the vehicle and what the long term implications of owning a Mercedes would be like (service, maintenance, etc). Hagen is the #1 reason why we purchased. The rest of the staff is the reason why we feel good about doing so. What resonated with us at the end of the process? We were told that we were not just purchasing a vehicle to never be seen again, but we were invited to return often to visit for complimentary services and to fellowship with the Mercedes family again. Now that is what TRUE customer service is!Click HERE to read more reviews.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
The Fairfield Farmers' Market is returning for the season tomorrow!
Stop by and grab some fresh produce, a bite to eat, and of course, enjoy all the festivities!
Thank you Richard and Yolonda for your amazing review! We truly appreciate it.
"I just purchased a vehicle from Clayton Hirst on 4/29/12. What a GREAT Experience! I've purchased other vehicles in the past from other dealerships in Fairfield. I thought they had good customer serves. When my husband and I decided to look for a vehicle we looked at a few other dealerships in the area. Poor service, our final stop was the Mercedes-Bens dealership. As we were looking at several vehicles Mr. Hirst approached us with nothing but kindness, answered questions in a positive manner. We couldn't decide at that time on what we were looking for. Mr. Hirst took us under his wings and kept us informed on used vehicles that would meet our needs. With the GREAT Service Mr. Hirst gave us we were determined to wait and explained just with his kindness and expertise we would no longer look anywhere else. It is hard to find dealerships that doesn’t put pressure on and make you feel you should buy from them. . Thank you again Mr. Hirst for your kindness and making this a wonderful experience with the Mercedes-Bens family. All of you were so kind it felt good to walk in and be greeted with nothing but kindness! We will be coming back. " - Richard & Yolonda
Click HERE to read more reviews!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Mercedes Leads BMW in U.S. Sales for Year After 24% Gain
Daimler AG (DAI)’s Mercedes-Benz regained the U.S. luxury-vehicle sales lead for the year over Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)’s BMW brand with April deliveries rising 24 percent, the biggest gain of any premium brand.
U.S. sales of Mercedes vehicles rose to 22,336 last month while BMW deliveries increased 12 percent to 21,062, according to statements today by the companies. Toyota Motor Corp. (7203)’s Lexus brand fell 0.1 percent to 17,551.
Mercedes and BMW, which overtook Lexus in 2011 to become the top-selling luxury brand in the U.S., are competing for the 2012 sales crown. BMW, based in Munich, finished the first quarter ahead with 36 more deliveries than Mercedes.
April results lifted Mercedes sales for the year 17 percent to 83,849, giving the Stuttgart, Germany-based automaker a 1,238 vehicle lead after four months over BMW, which had a sales increase of 16 percent. Lexus deliveries rose 2.6 percent to 66,647 during the first four months of the year.
“I don’t see one of them pulling ahead dramatically,” said Jesse Toprak, an analyst with TrueCar.com, a website that tracks auto sales. “You’re going to see this back-and-fourth for the rest of the year.”
The results exclude Daimler’s Sprinter vans and Smart cars and BMW’s Mini brand, which aren’t luxury vehicles.
Mercedes sales were helped by deliveries of the updated C- Class sedan, up 23 percent, and M-Class sport-utility vehicle, up 54 percent, the Stuttgart, Germany-based automaker said in a statement.
SOURCE: bloomberg.com
Thank you for the great feedback!
"I bought a car from Hagen Bernecker at Fairfield MBZ. He knew the answers to my questions. He was direct in his responses and demonstrated good product knowledge. He was patient and responsive. In the last 4 years I bought MBZ autos from Sacramento, Roseville and San Rafael. Sacramento is bad. Roseville is OK (if not flakey). San Rafael is good. Fairfield and Hagen were the best. I need to buy an additional car in the next several months. I plan to use Hagen. That is the highest form of recommendation. I am planning on taking my own recommendation." - Eric L.
"I recently had my GL serviced and then completed a lease buy out through Mercedes of Fairfield. Both the service center and financial department were excellent to work with. John helped us work out the lease buy out and he was great. The dealership is by far the most beautiful I've seen in the Bay Area, and I've seen most of them. Every member of the staff was very courteous to my family. A service technician stopped to help get my five year old a drink from their lovely refreshment bar on his way back to the garage. 5 Star facility and service!" - Eric R.
"When I told a friend I was considering a Mercedes-Benz he immediately recommended Christian Campbell at Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield. Christian was an exceptional Sales rep; He made us feel very welcomed and went above and beyond to pair us up with the right vehicle: He took the time to understand the needs of my family and I could tell he was sincerely interested in our satisfaction. In spite of there being other Mercedes-Benz dealerships much closer to us we drove almost 60 miles to Fairfield and my family and I both agree that it was well worth the trip! I would definitely return to see Christian and the rest of the friendly staff at Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield. Thank you Christian for an outstanding job!" - Saul F.
Click HERE to read more great reviews!
Thank you Lisa and John for your great feedback!
"I sent e-mails to several area Mercedes dealerships expressing the desire to purchase two vehicles (2012 E350 and SLK350) and I explained exactly what features I wanted on the cars and also the fact that I don't like wasting my time in showrooms playing the shell game involving pricing. I was contacted by Dearic Jackson and he was absolutely amazing. He guided us through the process painlessly with patience, professionalism, humor, constant updates and minimal time spent in his office. Additionally, the staff at Fairfield Mercedes are very friendly and welcoming from the General Manager to receptionist. I recommend this dealership to anyone interested in purchasing a Mercedes and I highly, highly, highly recommend Dearic Jackson as your future salesperson.
Also, I failed to mention that Dearic managed to find vehicles with all of the features that we requested (including a difficult color to find on the SLK) and he arranged to do followup so that we fully understood how to utilize all of the available innovations on the new 2012 cars. And, even though we live in Sacramento, we intend to have all servicing of our vehicles done at Fairfield Mercedes and that is all attributable to the wonderful experience we had with Dearic." - John F."I bought my car at MB of FF a few weeks back. Not only did I get a great deal on a car but I was very impressed with the friendly staff. Our salesman Uri was great. His approach was low pressure and high professionalism to say the least. He listened to what I was looking for in a vehicle and matched me up with the perfect one for me. He was patient and answered all my questions with great detail. I would recommend this dealership to anyone looking for a new or used car. even if its not a Mercedes for the simple fact that they have excellent customer service." - Lisa M.
Click HERE to read more reviews!
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