AMG clinches second podium position in a row!

• Team Erebus Racing from Australia claims second position after an exciting finish
• Team Black Falcon retires from race after accident
   
  

Bathurst (AUS) – In today's Bathurst 12 Hour Race in Australia, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 has finished in the second place. The Australian customer team of Erebus Racing with its drivers Peter Hackett (AUS), Tim Slade (AUS), Jeroen Bleekemolen (NED) and Bret Curtis (USA) came home second after having driven 270 race laps. Having started from 6th place on the grid, starting number 20 took over the lead for the first time in the third hour of the race on a wet track. In an exciting battle against other GT3 cars, the gullwing car of the customer sports team of Erebus was able to constantly hold on to a position no lower than the top three. The Bathurst 12 Hour remained a narrow decision until the very end. The two leading cars remained in the same lap and the time difference with which they crossed the finish line was only 1.13 minutes.

The endurance race on Circuit Mount Panorama, which is 6,213 kilometres long, was marked by the difficult weather conditions, a large number of incidents and many safety car phases. The traditional hilly track is located in the State of New South Wales, with a distance of approximately 200 kilometres west of Sydney, the biggest city in Australia.

Peter Hackett (AUS): "I am very happy about the second place. Our SLS AMG GT3 delivered a convincing top performance facing the wet conditions on the track. The car ran like clockwork and was completely reliable. We did not get involved in any of the incidents and drove a constant race with a great race strategy and fantastic pit stops. The co-operation with Black Falcon from Germany worked very well since both teams complemented each other perfectly."

Tim Slade (AUS): "It was a great challenge with a narrow finish here on Circuit Mount Panorama in Bathurst. During the entire race we competed with the other GT3 cars on a high level. I want to thank the whole team for this cohesive performance."

Black Falcon’s SLS AMG GT3 retired from race after accident

The second SLS AMG GT3 of the customer team Black Falcon with Rob Wilson (NZ), Sean Patrick Breslin (GB), Sean Paul Breslin (GB) and Vimal Mehta (TZA) started from 9th place on the grid and had no difficulties in claiming one of the top positions among the fastest cars in the race. After an hour, starting number 21 had to make a pit stop because of a problem with the rear suspension. After having been repaired successfully, the gullwing car of Black Falcon carried on driving. However, due to an accident in the 52nd lap, the race came to an end after three hours. Thanks to the exemplary safety level, which is currently not reached by any other GT3 car, the driver Sean Patrick Breslin was unharmed.

Most successful newcomer in the 2011 motor sport season

The Bathurst 12 Hour was the second podium position in a row for the AMG Customer Sports programme. In the Dubai 24 Hours race (12th to 14th January 2012) the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT3 scored a commanding 1-2-3 with Abu Dhabi by Black Falcon at the top.

In its debut year of 2011, the Gullwing became probably the most successful newcomer in the 2011 motorsport season: from March 2011 on 40 race cars were delivered to international customer teams that took part in races on four continents and won a total of 26 races. The success story was crowned by the team title of the FIA GT3 European Championship for HEICO Motorsport and its two Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 – the first title for the Gullwing in its first full racing season.

Barcelona Test, Day Four

Nico Rosberg concluded this week’s test at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona for the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS team today.

• Nico began the day with in and out laps for pit stop practice over a total of 17 laps
• Milder temperatures allowed his race simulation to begin at 10:48, although this was interrupted halfway through by a red flag
• The race simulation was conducted using hard compound Pirelli tyres; the team primarily ran soft tyres during the afternoon
• Work this afternoon focused on set-up comparisons over runs of around 10 timed laps

Nico completed 139 laps in the F1 W03 today, equivalent to 647 km. By way of comparison, this approached Nico’s total of 161 laps over the entire Spanish Grand Prix weekend in 2011. The F1 W03 has now covered 2420 km in winter testing, over five official test days and two 100 km filming days. This equates to a daily average of 444 km during the test days, with Michael and Nico running for over 100 laps on Thursday and Friday respectively.

The next test for MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS will take place at the Circuit de Catalunya from Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 March.

Nico Rosberg

“After our first full test with the F1 W03, I can see that we are making good steps forward. Our test programme went well this week and we have made evident progress each day. In terms of reliability, the car is performing pretty much as we expected which is really important as we can concentrate on improving the performance. Of course it’s difficult at this stage to predict how we will fare in race conditions against our competitors but overall I’m pleased with the start that we have made. I’m looking forward to the final test next week before the season begins, and continuing our learning with our F1 W03.

Ross Brawn

“We have had a very positive first week of running with the F1 W03. After five full test days, we have completed over 2000 km, Nico and Michael have done consistent mileage and reliability has been ok, aside from a couple of problems earlier in the week. Both drivers have already completed full race simulations, and this really is a tribute to all the hard work that was done back at base in Brackley and Brixworth to ensure we hit the ground running this year with the new car - as well as to the efforts of our day and night shifts at the track in Barcelona. This basis means that the drivers and engineers have been able to work well with the car rather than chasing problems, and next week we hope to focus even more on getting performance out of our current package. Overall, we are in a reasonable position, but I don’t for a moment believe we have achieved our objectives yet. It may be something of a winter testing cliché, but there is still an awful lot to be done, and it's far too early to make any kind of judgement about our competitiveness.”

TIMES 

Pos Driver Car Time Laps 1. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber 1:22.312 144
2. Pastor Maldonado Williams 1:22.561 134
3. Paul Di Resta Force India 1:23.119 101
4. Jenson Button McLaren 1:23.200 115
5. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:23.563 103
6. Mark Webber Red Bull 1:23.774 85
7. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso 1:23.792 92
8. Nico Rosberg MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS 1:23.843 139 9. Heikki Kovalainen Caterham 1:26.968 70

Karl Wendlinger

Racing driver Karl Wendlinger (Austria) is now part of the Mercedes-AMG team. The 43 year-old will be on hand at AMG events as a new AMG brand ambassador, alongside DTM championship record holder Bernd Schneider and David Coulthard. Karl Wendlinger will also be bolstering the team at the AMG Driving Academy as an instructor and supporting the SLS AMG GT3 Customer Sport teams.

Karl Wendlinger

SLS AMG GT3 customer teams can book Karl Wendlinger for test or racing sessions as part of the driver support programme from AMG Customer Sports and draw on his great knowledge as a sports car expert. The 43 year-old will be supporting his colleagues Bernd Schneider and Thomas Jäger, who have accompanied the SLS AMG GT3 throughout its entire development and testing programme. Jäger has been working as a coordinator for AMG Customer Sports since 2010.

In his new role for Mercedes-AMG, Karl Wendlinger will be on hand as a point of contact at press and customer events. As a new member of the AMG Driving Academy's team of instructors, he will also be on location at race tracks. Here too, he will join forces with Bernd Schneider and Thomas Jäger, who belong to the AMG Driving Academy's core team, along with Bernd Mayländer (driver of the official F1™ Safety Car).

Return to the Mercedes fold

For Karl Wendlinger, this collaboration marks a return to the Mercedes fold: from 1990 to 1991 the Austrian was a member of the Mercedes junior team competing in the sports car world championship along with Michael Schumacher and Heinz-Harald Frentzen. In 1991 he switched to Formula 1. In 1994, Wendlinger raced for the Sauber-Mercedes team alongside Heinz-Harald Frentzen. "I'm happy to be returning to the Mercedes family," says Karl Wendlinger. "I'm looking forward to many joint projects with AMG. I'm relishing the opportunity to work alongside Bernd Schneider, Thomas Jäger and David Coulthard at selected AMG events."

"We are proud to welcome such a successful racing driver as Karl Wendlinger to the AMG team," says Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "Karl Wendlinger is the likeable sort of character with whom people are keen to talk at our AMG events. His comprehensive technical knowledge and driving expertise will also be a boon to the AMG Driving Academy and the SLS AMG GT3 customer teams."

Successful career in sports car racing

Karl Wendlinger's motor sport career began in go-carting at the age of 14. In 1989 he won the German Formula 3 Championship. He subsequently competed in the DTM, Formula 3000 and the 24-hour Le Mansrace. After retiring from Formula 1, Karl Wendlinger raced in various touring and sports car series. His most outstanding successes on the race track include winning the FIA GT Championship (1999), 1st place in the 24-hour Le Mans race in the GTS-Class (in the same year), overall victory in the 24-hour Daytona racein 2000 and 2nd place in the 24-hour Nürburgring race (2003). Karl Wendlinger raced for various teams in the FIA GT Championship from 2004 to 2011. In 2007 he was runner-up with Jetalliance Racing.

Barcelona Test, Day Two

Nico Rosberg was at the wheel of the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 W03 car at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona yesterday.

• A productive morning session allowed the team to make good progress through the planned technical programme
• A transmission oil leak was found early in the afternoon which could not be resolved in time to complete any productive running
• Nico completed 82 laps today, adding a further 382 km to take the F1 W03’s total mileage to 1164 km

Michael will be back in the car today before Nico finishes the test programme on Friday.

Nico Rosberg

“It was good to get into proper testing today. Early in the morning, it was a bit too cold on the track to collect some decent information, however later we were able to get into our planned work. In the afternoon session, unfortunately we had a transmission oil leak which meant that I wasn’t able to complete any further running. That doesn’t affect my positive feelings about our test programme, and things like that can happen in the early stages of running a new car. Now I am looking forward to driving again on Friday.”

TIMES

Pos Driver Car Time Laps
1. Nico Hulkenberg Force India 1:22.608 112
2. Sergio Perez Sauber 1:22.648 85
3. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1:22.891 104
4. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1:23.180 87
5. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso 1:23.639 49
6. Lewis Hamilton McLaren 1:23.806 121
7. Nico Rosberg MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS 1:24.555 82
8. Valtteri Bottas Williams 1:25.738 117
9. Vitaly Petrov Caterham 1:26.605 69
10. Charles Pic Marussia 1:27.343 109

Madhya Pradesh gets its first ever Mercedes-Benz dealership at Indore

·         Largest luxury car showroom in Madhya Pradesh spread over 20,000 sq. ft. area; investment of over Rs. 50 million

·         Boasts of a display area showcasing the full range of Mercedes-Benz cars, special accessory zones, exclusive customer lounge with Mercedes-Café creating a delightful customer experience

·         Mercedes-Benz continues to have the densest network among all luxury car makers in India

 

Indore – Reaffirming its position as the luxury car manufacturer having the densest  network presence in the country, Mercedes-Benz India today formally inaugurated its state-of-the art new dealership in Madhya Pradesh - Benchmark Cars Indore -located at Devas Naka, Indore. This new 3S(Sales, Services & Spares) dealership was inaugurated by Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India and Mr. Sanjay Thakker, Chairman & Managing Director,  Benchmark Cars Indore.

Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India commented: “With the inauguration of the new dealership in Indore, we are on track with our ‘Go to the customer’ strategy and are confident of giving our esteemed customers a premium vehicle ownership experience. The inauguration of the new showroom further deepens our commitment to the market and also to our discerning customers of Madhya Pradesh”.

Created over a span of six months, the 3S facility of Benchmark Cars Indore is spread over a total area of 20,000 sq. ft including the well structured showroom and the workshop. Strategically located in the industrial hub of Indore at Ring Road, Devas Naka, the new dealership has been established with an investment of Rs. 50 million (5 Crores). The new facility has been created in a manner to offer an exciting ‘Mercedes-Benz experience’ for the customers; this includes a Drive-in valet service, exclusive customer lounge with Cafe Mercedes along with the full range of Mercedes-Benz cars on display. The accessories arena, engaging audio-visual presentations, boutique collection is the highlights of the new facility. To make the process of owning the dream Mercedes-Benz car a smooth and hassle free experience, the dealership will have dedicated services for insurance, car loans and even car-leasing options. Benchmark Cars Indore also has over 20 committed and qualified personnel to cater to sales and service and give the customers an enriched vehicle ownership experience.

Equipped with high quality Mercedes-Benz equipments and trained manpower, the workshop has been built at par with the brand’s global benchmark. Benchmark car Indore boasts of a workshop having 11 bays that can service 10 cars per day. The workshop can undertake general repairs and accident jobs, spares; round the clock after sales support and also have a separate driver’s lounge. 

Mr. Sanjay Thakker, Chairman & Managing Director, Benchmark Cars Indore: “With the inauguration of Benchmark Cars Indore, we will be moving closer to the customers who always aspired to own a Mercedes-Benz. In our long standing relationship with Mercedes-Benz, we have always been inspired by the motto of ‘Best or Nothing’ which is the brand philosophy of the company. Benchmark Cars Indore will extend the Mercedes-Benz brand experience to the automobile aficionados of Indore, and make Mercedes-Benz the most preferred luxury brand for customers in the state which has got immense potential for luxury car market.”

With the establishment of the new dealership at Indore, Mercedes-Benz continues to enjoy a network spread across 30 cities with over 60 touch-points across India and retains the distinction of being the leading luxury car manufacturer with the widest and most intensive network of sales and after-sales services in India. The company grew by 30% in the period from Jan-Dec 2011 clocking an impressive 7430 units sale.

MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 W03 - It's coming!

The 2012 MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS car, the F1 W03, will be publicly unveiled at the Circuit de Catalunya on 21 February 2012.

The team will conduct a photo call with the car, drivers and top management in the pit lane at 08:20 for accredited photographers and rights-holding TV crews.

F1 W03

Media will then have a first opportunity to speak with Ross Brawn and Norbert Haug from 08:50 to 09:00, when the team’s test programme will commence.


During the lunch break, Norbert Haug and Nico Rosberg will be available for group interview sessions
Michael Schumacher will be driving the car throughout the day and will therefore conduct his media interview session at the close of running, followed by Ross Brawn.

JEREZ TEST - DAY ONE

MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS began its 2012 testing programme in Jerez today, using the team's 2011 car, the MGP W02.

• Nico tested during the morning while Michael was in the car for the afternoon
• Both drivers completed a set-up programme which focused on learning about the behaviour of the 2012 Pirelli tyres
• The reliable 2011 car also allowed the team to accumulate valuable mileage on a number of test items for the 2012 season

Michael will continue the test programme tomorrow, with Nico in action again on Thursday.

Nico Rosberg

“We made a very good start to our testing programme today and completed 56 laps this morning. I was driving the 2011 car, so it felt comfortable straightaway. We tested some different things in perfect weather conditions and started learning about the 2012 Pirelli tyres and how they work. I was really happy to be out on track in my Mercedes and I know that, back at the factory, our development of the new car is running according to our plan.”

Michael Schumacher

“After a long break, it feels terrific being back in the car and hitting the circuit again. Our main job was to get a first impression of the tyres for 2012 and to start understanding them. They feel like a step forward, more consistent and comfortable to drive, and the biggest difference is with the rear tyre. Thanks to everybody at Pirelli for their good job this winter. Let's see what we can learn tomorrow.”

TIMES
Pos Driver Car Time Laps 

1. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus 1:19.670 75
2. Paul Di Resta Force India 1:19.772 101
3. Nico Rosberg MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS 1:20.219 56 

4. Mark Webber Red Bull 1:20.496 53
5. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso 1:20.694 57
6. Michael Schumacher MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS 1:20.794 42

7. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber 1:21.353 105
8. Jenson Button McLaren 1:21.530 62
9. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:22.815 69
10. Heikki Kovalainen Caterham 1:23.178 28
11. Pastor Maldonado Williams 1:23.371 25
12. Pedro de la Rosa HRT 1:23.676 44

"The best cars of 2012": The M-Class and SLS AMG Roadster are the best cars

Stuttgart – The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is the best car among off-road vehicles, while the SLS AMG Roadster super sports car is the best cabriolet. These are the results of a reader survey conducted by specialist German motoring magazine "auto motor und sport". The SLS has now received the title of "Best car of the year" for the third time in a row.

SLS AMG Roadster

The motoring magazine "auto motor und sport" has been conducting its vote for the "Best cars of the year" in ten different categories since 1977. This year around 210,000 readers from 14 European countries, as well as China and Brazil, took part in the longstanding survey to decide the best cars of 2012. When it came to off-road vehicles, the majority of readers voted for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, thereby acknowledging not only its characteristically distinctive design and variable interior, with that all-important sense of wellbeing, but also its excellent energy efficiency and thus environmental acceptability. In addition, the permanent all-wheel drive system of the
M-Class also impressed with its well-balanced ride comfort combined with excellent driving dynamics both on and off road, along with the car's outstanding range and high level of safety. The G-Class picked up second place.

M-Class

In the case of the cabriolets, the readers of "auto motor und sport" placed the SLS AMG Roadster in pole position, honouring it as the best car of 2012 in its category and as such paying tribute to both its uniquely exciting design as well its exquisite engineering and technology. The super sports car excels with its uncompromising lightweight construction, superior driving dynamics and exemplary safety. These attributes are ensured by a unique technology package consisting of a lightweight aluminium spaceframe body, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine producing 420 kW (571 hp), seven-speed dual clutch transmission and a sports suspension with aluminium double wishbone suspension. This combination guarantees dynamic performance at the very highest level.

Mercedes-Benz India showcases future by going to customers.

• Inauguration of first one of its kind concept store at U B City
• Testimony to the ‘Go to Customer strategy’
• Store to showcase LATEST in Mercedes-Benz world.
• Displaying DTM racing car & bookings open for Performance driving academy.
• Launches the SLS roadster in Bangalore.

Bangalore: Mercedes-Benz India in its true reflection of the discerning taste and attributes of the philosophy ‘Best or Nothing’ inaugurated TRENDZ at the most contemporary mall destination in South India, UB City today. With the motto of introducing the latest brand offerings to the premium customers and also inspire young achievers to be a part of the three pointed star, TRENDZ will showcase the latest offerings from Mercedes-Benz India. This one of a kind concept allows the consumers to experience the look and feel of the brand first-hand. 

Speaking at the inauguration Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India said, “TRENDZ is meant for our discerning customers and the young aspirers of the society who are uninhibited about their choices and like to be a part of the brand by connecting with its latest offerings. This amazing store is designed for customers, prospects and provides the right mix for an exclusive social interaction. It fits perfectly with our new brand initiative mb. Feel it! which we launched at the recently concluded Auto Expo in Delhi. This long term mall display concept is a part of our new “Go to customer” strategy and we are certain of its success”.

After finishing last year on a successful note Mercedes-Benz India has started the year 2012 with some avant-garde initiatives to reiterate their flourishing growth in the luxury segment. With the launch of the high octane Performance Driving Academy at the Buddh International Circuit the Company has laid strong foundation for the growth of motorsports in India. At the Auto Expo this year Mercedes-Benz India unveiled the new design language and launched the SLS AMG Roadster and. The new initiative mb. Feel it! will give an opportunity to feel the technology and dynamism of the brand at TRENDZ.

Mercedes-Benz is specially showcasing the DTM Racing Car along with the first ever preview of SLS AMG Roadster post the Auto Expo at the venue. Also the motorsport enthusiasts can enroll themselves for the “AMG Performance Driving Academy” courses to be offered by Mercedes-Benz India.

TRENDZ will be Mercedes-Benz India’s initiative to reach out to the customers who lead an evolved and contemporary lifestyle. It is a natural progression for the legacy of Mercedes-Benz towards superior customer satisfaction, world class buying experience, ambience and luxurious lifestyle.

Mercedes-Benz Announces Adam Scott as Brand Ambassador

Mercedes-Benz, the German car manufacturer, is delighted to announce the appointment of Australian professional golfer, Adam Scott, as its new international golf brand ambassador. The 31 year-old Australian has had a hugely successful year, including his best finish at a Major championship when he finished in tied second place at The Masters in Augusta. He also triumphed at the 2011 WGC-Bridgestone International, earning him his first career World Golf Championship.

The Australian is currently ranked 10^th in the Official World Golf Rankings. The association with Mercedes-Benz will begin in January 2012, and will entail global TV advertising, global print advertising, international PR and social media.

Scott commented: “It’s a real honour to be involved with Mercedes-Benz – a brand with a reputation which is second to none, and whose values mirror those of golf. The company is a huge supporter of the sport around the globe, partnering three major tournaments; The Masters, The Open, and The USPGA Championship as international automobile partner. Its involvement also impacts the amateur game with The MercedesTrophy, a tournament in its 22^nd year, which attracts 60,000 amateur golfers from over 60 countries annually.” 

Scott continued: “It’s great to be part of a brand that is extensively engaged not only in the world of golf but also other platforms that fit so well with my personal interests. Its motorsport activities are a given, but its sponsorship of Fashion Weeks across the world are fantastic.”

Mercedes-Benz Global Marketing Director, Lüder Fromm, commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Adam Scott to the Mercedes-Benz family – our values of fascination, perfection and responsibility fit perfectly with Adam’s own principles. He has had such a great year, and we believe that he will be a valuable asset to the Mercedes-Benz golf. He’s a new breed of golfer who embodies Mercedes-Benz values both on and off the course – the best or nothing.”