In October, global sales were up at Mercedes-Benz for the first time this year. Mercedes-Benz was able to increase sales significantly in October by seven percent to 88,400 units (October 2008: 82,500.
Daimler AG today announced that it selected the smart plant in Hambach, France, as the location for future series production of the smart fortwo electric drive. As of 2012, the highly innovative electric vehicle, equipped with the most modern lithium-ion-battery, will roll off the assembly line in large-scale production and will be offered to customers through the smart sales network. The announcement was made on the occasion of an official visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the Hambach plant.
In the 1920's and 1930's Maybach, together with Mercedes-Benz, already represented the pinnacle of German and international automotive engineering. Maybach has been continuing this tradition since 2002. Firstly Maybach unveiled the 57 and 62 models, followed in 2005 by the high-performance 57 S and in 2006 by the Maybach 62 S – at that time, the world's most powerful series-produced chauffeur-driven saloon. The Landaulet joined the Maybach family in 2008. And this year, the model range is being expanded once again by the addition of the Maybach Zeppelin, which now spearheads the Maybach brand’s luxury saloon line-up.
smart is welcoming the autumn with a particularly stylish special model that
is characterised by high quality equipment, fine materials and an unusual appearance. The new smart fortwo edition highstyle features exclusive paintwork in trendy chocolate brown metallic and elegant 12-spoke 15" alloy wheels. The exclusive interior of the special model boasts a harmonious mix of fabric and leather.
From mid November 2009 the new smart fortwo electric drive will
roll off the production line at the smart factory in Hambach, France. Unlike its predecessor, the electrically driven smart fortwo of the second generation is fitted with an innovative and highly efficient lithium-ion battery. It is housed in a space-saving position between the axles, which means that space is not compromised in any way in the intelligent two-seater vehicle. A 30 kW electric motor is fitted at the rear. This provides for good acceleration and high agility with 120 Newton metres of torque that are immediately available.
