July 2008
Standard equipment of 45 kW/61 bhp and 52 kW/71 bhp petrol-engined smart fortwo models to include micro hybrid drive (mhd) technology with user-friendly automatic start-stop system as of October 2008 --- NEDC consumption reduced by an average of 8 percent, fuel savings of almost 20 percent possible in city traffic --- smart fortwo cdi to be equipped with closed diesel particulate filter.
By now, smart fortwo has won over far more than 900,000 smart enthusiasts in 37 countries --- Since beginning of 2008 also successful in the U.S.; market launch in China in mid-2009 --- Introduction of smart electric drive planned for 2010 --- Unique concept, cutting-edge technology, active safety and exemplary
fuel efficiency.
New truck plant to be constructed in Chennai, Southern India --- Joint venture acquires 1.6 square kilometers (approx. 400 acres) plot --- Site decision based on proximity to suppliers, port, good infrastructure and skilled labor.
Sales of Mercedes-Benz branded passenger vehicles rise four percent in the first six months to 599,200 units --- Outstanding customer response to updated Mercedes-Benz models --- A-Class, B-Class and CLC to provide further momentum in the second half of the year – new GLK debuts autumn 2008.
Memorandum of Understanding - reinforcing dialogue and joint commitment for emission-free mobility among all parties --- The Magdeburg Environmental Forum on "Sustainable Mobility – Post-2012 CO2 Agenda" discusses solutions for road transportation of the future --- Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG: "A concerted effort of all parties will make the transition to the age of sustainable mobility as smooth and efficient as possible." --- Hydrogen and Electricity Infrastructure: a prerequisite for the rapid market introduction of locally emission-free drive systems.
Daimler has established a Sustainability Board at top management level, thus grouping together the company’s existing management functions in the three dimensions of sustainability: economy, ecology, and society. Under the lead of Dr. Rüdiger Grube, Board of Management member of Daimler AG responsible for Group Development and Corporate Strategy, the Sustainability Board coordinates all sustainability measures throughout the Group and provides implementation support for the operative sectors.
June 2008
Hartmut Schick (46), currently Head of Global Communications at Daimler AG, is to take over as Head of the Daimler Buses business unit --- Harald Landmann (63), hitherto head of the Daimler Buses business unit, is to retire end of February 2009.
Cleanest exhaust emissions by injecting aqueous urea solution --- Meets future stringent US Bin 5 standard --- High output, economy and comfort add up to superb driving pleasure.
After only three years from planning to completion, the new Development and Test Center for trucks at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, Germany, was formally opened. The new facility has been built at a total capital investment of EUR 80 million, with EUR 35 million of that sum devoted to the second construction phase, for the test track, buildings, and infrastructure.
Four distinct new models planned for the the compact-car segment --- Investments of EUR 600 Million in Rastatt plant enable long-term capacity utilization --- Additional plant to be built Kecskemét, Hungary to boost competitiveness and access new markets --- Improvements in efficiency and structural design ensure long-term profitability of the new vehicle generation.
For the further optimization of Daimler's capital structure, the Board of Management decided to carry out a new share buyback program. The Supervisory Board has approved this decision. In exercise of the authorization granted by the Annual Meeting of April 9, 2008, the decision allows for the buyback of 10 % or approximately 96.4 million of the outstanding shares for a maximum amount of EUR 6 billion.
Sprinter plants in Ludwigsfelde and Düsseldorf expand production --- Capital spending volume of 177 million euros --- 25 percent increase in total capacity --- Securing of existing jobs and potential for 500 new jobs.
The Setra Bus and Coach unit has supplied the 10,000th coach from the Setra 400 series. The milestone vehicle was one of a batch of five S 416 GT-HD/2 models to be handed over to the Turkish key-account customer Varan Turizm at the Setra Customer Centre in Neu-Ulm, Germany.
Vehicle for Polish transport company Kozaryn Transport Spedycja --- Mercedes-Benz Atego has been on the market for ten years and is firmly established in the distribution truck segment --- Automatic engine stop/start system saves fuel and reduces emissions.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) has been commended for its Expanded HIV and AIDS Community Project – called Siyakhana - in the Eastern Cape. The Global Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GBC) annually acknowledges the efforts of companies around the world for implementing the most sophisticated, effective programs using the unique capabilities of business to fight these diseases.
Hartmut Schick (46), currently Head of Global Communications at Daimler AG, to take over a new executive position within the operative business of the group --- Jörg Howe (50), currently Head of Corporate Communications at Arcandor AG, to become Head of Global Communications.
Mercedes-Benz is one of the most successful auto brands in this year's customer survey conducted by the U.S. market research institute J.D. Power. The brand receives two gold awards for the highest vehicle quality in their respective market segments, and is also honoured for the world's best production plant.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class worldwide market leader since the beginning of the year --- Sedan and station wagon are thrilling customers with a striking design featuring two different front ends, great agility, and new safety technology --- BlueEFFICIENCY models lower fuel consumption by as much as 12 percent --- New CLC as attractive entry-level variant to the Mercedes-Benz coupe family, at European dealers from June 2008.
May 2008
Actros' record-breaking drive over 12,728 km: 19,44 l /100 km --- Savings champion also with CO2: minimal emissions of 20,5 g/tkm --- State-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz truck now outperforms the "one-liter car".
It has won the Paris-Dakar Rally, is deemed a worthy means of transport for the Pope, ranks as an automotive design icon, is a serial winner of readers' polls and constitutes the gene pool for the four model series of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family.
More than 1,600,000 commercial vehicles produced in 52 years --- Leading manufacturer of heavy trucks and buses in Latin America --- 50 percent of trucks and 70 percent of buses in Brazil are from Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz is partner and main sponsor of Mike Horn's four-year PANGAEA Expedition. The objective of the expedition is to enhance a respect of the environment and to initiate environmental projects together with young people.
As first customer in Asia, SMRT Corporation chooses advanced BlueTec 5 diesel technology --- Order of 66 Mercedes-Benz BlueTec city buses --- Reduced exhaust emissions and diesel consumption through advanced technology and environment-friendly engines.
All-terrain vehicles also provided --- Daimler employees in China donate EUR 16,000 --- EUR 200,000 provided for Myanmar.
Milestone for Daimler's world-wide "Shaping Future Transportation" initiative --- UPS "Green Fleet" to expand with 200 Hybrid Electric Vehicles and 300 Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles --- Order is being manufactured on FCCC's walk-in van MT45 and MT55 chassis product line.
Higher speeds and quality levels alongside improved economical and ecological efficiency --- Innovative combination of hardware, process technology, and control software --- Daimler to donate prize money to a charitable organization.
