SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX – RACE 2012

Nico Rosberg finished the Singapore Grand Prix in fifth place this evening, making up five places on his starting position, whilst team-mate Michael Schumacher retired from the race on lap 38.

• Nico followed a two-stop option/prime/prime strategy, stopping on laps 12 and 33
• Michael was following the same strategy until his retirement, and pitted on laps 11 and 33
• Michael retired from the race following a collision with Jean-Eric Vergne at turn 14 on lap 38

Nico Rosberg

Everything worked out well for me this evening for the first time in what feels like a long time! Finishing in fifth place having started in 10th is a pretty decent result and I’m happy to have picked up some good points for myself and the team. It’s also nice to have stayed ahead of the two Lotus cars which I didn’t expect before the race. Saving a fresh set of tyres in qualifying yesterday proved to be the right strategy as I had a good start and a strong first stint. Thanks to the team for that and for making the right calls in the race today. Now I’m looking forward to Japan and the opportunity to improve our new package further.

Michael Schumacher

It was obviously a very unfortunate ending to my race this evening when I ran into the car of Vergne who accepted my apology straight afterwards. I am not totally sure why it happened like this; I was braking but the deceleration was not as strong as it usually would be, and I could not avoid running into the car in front of me. We have to find out what has happened. Up until then, I think it would have been possible to get some points this evening.

Ross Brawn

That was a tough race and I am pleased that the team did a pretty good job this evening. Nico had a great race and our strategy worked well for him to gain five places on his starting position. There was evidently some damage to his car following contact on the first lap as the downforce levels looked lower than expected so it was an even better drive from him in the circumstances. Michael’s race was also going well until the incident which caused his retirement. It was an unusual set of circumstances so we will have a careful look at the data and work out what could have happened. Thank you to the team for all of their hard work in very challenging conditions over this weekend. With the updates that we brought to this race, the car has improved, however we are not quite where we want to be yet.

Norbert Haug

That was an exceptionally challenging race this evening. With regard to Nico, he and our team made the best of it. P5 is a respectable result, especially in view of the fact that Nico started five places further back on the grid. He crossed the finishing line ahead of a Red Bull, a Ferrari and both Lotus cars, all teams which are ahead of us in the championship. This was made possible by having a sound strategy and by the first of the two safety car deployments when the team took the correct decision. Michael had the opportunity to claim the position behind Nico, but his accident put paid to that. The team is investigating to see whether there was a problem with his car.

Mercedes-Benz India launches the B-Class

Mercedes-Benz India launches the B-Class; pioneers the category of Sport Tourers in India

• The new B-Class combines sportiness, style and safety with functional needs of space which is very important for India. – Creates a new category of “Sports Touring” for premium compact cars
• The new B-Class exceeds expectations with all units sold out for 2012. New Bookings get deliveries in Jan 2013
• The young and trendy design of the new B-Class complemented by a unique marketing strategy: intensive digital foot print, focus on active lifestyle
• The new B-Class loaded with Luxury & features never seen in this segment of cars, sets a benchmark

Mumbai: The young Indian today is aggressive, dynamic and trendy. Their lifestyle is characterised by adventure, thrill and sophistication on one hand and refinement, practicality and elegance on the other. There is thus a need for refinement and luxury combined with sporty, dynamic characteristics in their selection of mobility options. The new B-Class is a Sports Tourer that delivers exactly these facets, combining the versatility of a MUV, ride quality of a sedan and dynamic performance of a SUV.

Globally, the B-Class has been a run-away success with over 75000 units sold within the first few months of its launch. It is a path breaking product in every sense of the term: it is the first of Mercedes-Benz’s premium compact cars, and boasts the extremely sporty design coupled with 7G-DCT, Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shift which is normally found in high end sports cars like the SLS AMG. The core Mercedes-Benz values of safety and reliability have been taken to new levels with the car having 7 airbags including a knee airbag – A first for any car in this segment. Also, features like Attention Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a tyre pressure loss warning indicator makes it one of the safest Sports Tourer available anywhere in the world.

The sporty appeal of the B-Class is further complemented by its panoramic sunroof, a sports package and aggressive body styling, dual exhaust, perforated disc brakes, Bi Xenons and special alloy wheels which are seen for the first time in a car of this segment in India. The “Vario seat” concept makes the space in the new B-Class equivalent to many SUV’s & a fuel efficiency of 14.81 KMPL (As per ARAI) makes it one of the most fuel efficient cars in the segment. Available in two variants B 180 and the B 180 Sport, the price starts from Rs 21.49 lakhs and goes up to Rs 24.87 Lakhs for the Sport variant. ( All prices are Mumbai ex showroom)

The trendy and innovative new B-Class is being marketed by Mercedes-Benz India in an equally Innovative manner. Mercedes-Benz India’s unique “Ultimate Touring Trails” contest has witnessed participation from over 1 Lakh people and celebrates an active lifestyle. It has used only Social media during pre launch of the car which marks a new approach to Luxury automotive marketing.

Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India: “We are extremely excited with the initial response of the B-Class in India. Our Strategy of introducing the segment & then launching the car has been well received by our customers. The huge response only demonstrates that the Three Pointed Star is easily the most aspired brand in India and kicks off a beginning of our product offensive in next couple of year in India.”

He further added “The sell out of the new B-Class in the pre launch phase convinces us that there is a latent demand for ‘Sports Tourers’ in India and they are looking forward for cars loaded with features”

Technical Specifications:

TECHNICAL DATA		B180	B180 Sport
Arrangement/No of Cylinders		In-line/4
Total displacement (cc)		1595
Rated output (kW @ rpm)		90 @ 5000
Rated torque (Nm @ rpm)		200 @ 1250 - 4000
Acceleration (0-100 kmph, sec)		10.2
Top speed (km/h)		190
Tyre Size, front/rear		205/55 R16	225/45 R17
Fuel		Petrol
Tank Capacity (l)/reserve approx		50/6
Boot Capacity (l)		486 to 1545
Turning Circle diameter (m)		11
Kerb weight (kg)		1425
Permissible gross vehicle weight (kg)		1950
L  x W x H (mm)		4359 x 1786 x 1557
Wheelbase (mm)		2699

Mercedes-Benz India sets newer benchmark in customer interactivity

Mercedes-Benz India sets newer benchmark in customer interactivity, introduces iSales for sales force

• Sales Personnel to be equipped with iPads to stay connected with growing customer base
• iPads to be equipped with the new iSales application
• The application enables customers to virtually experience the cars and define features of choice
• Faster consumer reach through the unique initiative in line with ‘Go to Customer’ strategy

Mumbai - Reiterating its commitment towards the brand philosophy ‘Best or Nothing’, Mercedes-Benz India has introduced a technological innovation by launching the new i Sales application for the new age tech savvy customers. Mercedes-Benz India will be equipping all its sales consultants with Apple iPads containing the revolutionary iSales application. The application will give a virtual access to Mercedes-Benz cars to the customers where they can engage and customize them before booking the car. The objective to launch the application is to connect with the evolved young customers of Mercedes-Benz.

Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, commented:

“In this age of glocalisation our customers always want to be in touch with the world on the go, and our iSales platform will not only give them an access to the world of Mercedes-Benz but also they can virtually experience the fascinating range of Mercedes-Benz cars and customize accordingly their choices be-fore booking the car. Mercedes-Benz cars are equipped with numerous sophisticated features which will be explained in details by the iSales giving our customers no reason to compromise while buying the car.”

He further added “The iSales also enables our discerning customers to view Daimler Financial Services options and also lease returns without any hassles of paper work. We are sure that our sales personnel will be more connected now with the customers and prospects by the help of this amazing application. iSales initiative is an integral part of Mercedes-Benz India’s strategy to reach to our customers faster and fascinate them with novel initiatives. This interactive medium will truly be a world in itself and our customers will be able to explore the soon to be launched B-Class for the specifications and also explore its features.”

Mercedes-Benz cars come with numerous path breaking innovations in the technological space. iSales will enable customers to get proper knowledge about the products and equipment fitted in the cars before making their decisions. This initiative from Mercedes-Benz India yet again is another first amongst any automaker in India. The iSales application will provide a 360 degree view of the cars along with features like customization of colours, accessories, equipment and interiors. The customers can customize the car using the tools and thereby creating their dream car by a simple touch. The iSales also has a finance option where the sales consultants can book an order from a customer within minutes of the confirmation. The iSales application is designed to give the customers a real time experience with its superior graphics and smooth detailing. Mercedes-Benz currently has dealership network spread across 31cities and 72 touch points and plans to increase by 15 touch points yearly. The tier II and tier III cities will be very beneficial as they can be in touch with the sales and service personnel anytime, anywhere.

Rise to prominence with the C-Class

The C-Class has always been aspired for as an automobile that is comfortably agile. With stunning interiors and performance to match, this is a car for those who appreciate speed and the responsibilities that come with it. With racing in its blood, the C-Class is powered by cutting-edge technology that ensures both the petrol and diesel variants surpass the competition, firmly putting it in a class of its own. It is this technology that delivers the hallmark levels of agility that the C-Class is renowned for, time and again.

Customers who opt for the diesel variant are treated to a 4-cylinder in-line engine that features a choice of three power outputs.  The rich torque and instantaneous response even at low revs are just one of the indicators of the restrained aggression that rests within the engine block. The fourth-generation common –rail diesel technology features an injection pressure that is increased to 2000 bar, this is combined with optimised combustion chambers and extremely precise injectors.  High torque in every engine speed range is achieved by a higher ignition pressure and a turbo charger, while the two Lanchester balancer shafts provide the necessary refinement. The C 250 CDI Blue EFFICIENCY delivers an output of 150kW / 204 hp @ 4200 rpm, while the C 220 CDI delivers an output of 125 kW / 170 hp @ 3000-4200 rpm.

Petrol variant have an optimised 4-cylinder power plant with a displacement of 1.8 litres. Outstanding torque and power is delivered by a combination of direct petrol injection, variable valve timing and a finely tuned turbocharger. An optimal level of efficiency is delivered by almost complete combustion, with optimum cylinder charging achieved by variable valve timing. The two balancer shafts ensure for low engine vibration in every engine speed range. The C 200 BlueEFFICIENCY produces an output of 137 kW and a peak torque of 285 Nm.

Whatever the choice, the driver of a C-Class can rest assured that the latest iteration of this ever agile automobile is more powerful, cleaner and more economical than its predecessors. Slip behind the wheel for a test drive and experience the poetry in motion that powers the next generation of agility in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Italian Grand Prix - 2012

Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg finished in sixth and seventh places today in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

• Michael completed a two-stop strategy, running option/prime/prime, and stopping on laps 15 and 37
• Nico also stopped twice today, running option/prime/prime, and stopping on laps 14 and 38
• Fastest lap for Nico, on the final lap, was the fourth of his career and second of the season
• Sixth win in 13 races for Mercedes-Benz power, and third in a row, with four engines in the top ten

Michael Schumacher

It was a fun race today - although I must admit that, following our performance on Friday, I had secretly hoped we would be able to move up the field. But we had a tricky first stint. After that, everything went really well, we were on the pace and I think we showed a clear upwards trend today. I kind of ran out of laps this afternoon and, if the race had been a bit longer, I´d have been able to battle even further forward. Overall, though, we got everything out of it today. Now we need to keep this trend going - and everybody in the team is working hard on it.

Nico Rosberg

Seventh place is an improvement on my recent finishes so I’m satisfied with that today, although there may have been potential for more. I had no grip on my option tires in the first stint, which were the same set that gave me problems in Q3. After the first stop, I had very good pace and was able to set a few fastest race laps and move up the field with some nice overtakes. It’s nice to have had a better finish to a race weekend and I’m looking forward to more of the same in Singapore in a couple of weeks.

Ross Brawn

Both our drivers put in strong, aggressive and controlled performances today. We knew that a one-stop strategy was not feasible for us this afternoon, so we went into the race planning to make two stops and knew the drivers would have to race hard to make it work against other cars who were one-stopping. The disappointment today was that both drivers really struggled on their first set of tires - perhaps because of how we used them in qualifying, running more than one timed lap in Q3, or perhaps another factor, which is something we will have to analyze. We lost all our time in this phase of the race but, thereafter, the performance of both cars looked good. Nico´s fastest lap shows that our level of performance today was reasonable and both he and Michael were consistently among the fastest in the second half of the race. Sixth and seventh places are far from perfect but we can be positive about an exciting race, running the right strategy for our current situation and two great drives from Michael and Nico.

Norbert Haug

Fighting drives from Michael and Nico this afternoon with lots of nice overtaking moves. We didn´t have great pace in the opening stint, running the option tires we had used in qualifying like everybody in the top ten, but it looked much better after the first stops. Congratulations to Lewis Hamilton and McLaren Mercedes on three wins in a row - two for Lewis, one for Jenson Button. Our Mercedes engine has taken six wins from 13 races this season, including one for our Silver Arrows team in China. After scoring the most points of any engine in 2009, 2010 and 2011, this confirms the Mercedes V8 as the most successful power plant so far in 2012 as well.

Mercedes-Benz India gets future ready

Mercedes-Benz India gets future ready, increases its investment for the Indian market

• Mercedes-Benz India further increase its investment to Rs 850 crores by 2014
• Overall committed investment in its facility in Chakan increases to Rs 850 crores
• The new Paint shop to be operational by October, 2012
• Mercedes-Benz India has a network of 72 touchpoints across 31 Indian cities with an additional cumulative investment of Rs 480 crores
• Indian operations amongst the first to get a local assembly of new M-Class outside Daimler’s parent SUV plant in USA 

Pune – Mercedes-Benz India pioneered the luxury car industry in India by starting its India operations in 1994. In 2009, the company moved into its world class production facility spread over 100 acres in Chakan. The new plant earned the benchmark of being among the fastest green-field operations ever to be created and is rated among the top most CKD plants of Mercedes-Benz, globally. The initial investment of Rs 250 crores was scaled upto to Rs 600+ crores with the setting up Mercedes-Benz India’s own technologically advanced paint shop capable of water based painting. The new paint shop is targeted to be operational by October, 2012 and has an annual capacity of 20,000 units (which can be extended up to 40,000 units annually).

 

Peter T Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented: “We are bullish about the Indian market and this is reflected in our long term commitment towards the dynamic Indian market. The investment of Rs 850 crores will help us strengthen our production and operational capabilities with regards to our existing products and our exciting and aggressive product offensive which we are readying for the Indian market. This investment will enable Mercedes-Benz India to be future ready.”

Presently Mercedes-Benz India locally manufactures its flagship sedans the C-Class, the E-Class and the S-Class sedan in its plant in Chakan near Pune. With Daimler AG recognizing the emergence of high potential growth markets including India, Mercedes-Benz India will earn the distinction of being amongst the first markets to start assembling the new M-Class, outside Daimler AG’s parent SUV plant in Tuscaloosa/Alabama, USA.

 

Piyush Arora, Director- Technical, Mercedes-Benz India added “Mercedes-Benz India’s aggressive growth plan includes the local manufacturing of several new models in the coming years, beginning with the new M-Class. This fresh investment is in sync with the growth expectations from the Indian market and will further strengthen the range of locally manufactured Mercedes-Benz models from the Indian operations.”

In addition to the proposed increase in investment to Rs 850 crores in its production facility, Mercedes-Benz India through its dealer partners already carries an investment of over Rs 480 crores spread across its 31 showroom and 41 service outlets located in 31 Indian cities. Mercedes-Benz India is also aggressively and strategically expanding its network reach which is the densest by any luxury car maker in India. As part of its aggressive network expansion strategy, Mercedes-Benz India plans to add new touchpoints each year going forward on a sustained manner for mid and long term growth.

Mercedes-Benz inaugurates a new showroom

Mercedes-Benz further strengthens its presence in the National Capital– inaugurates a new showroom

• T&T Motors West Delhi is spread over 20,000 sq. ft. area; investment of over INR 50 million
• Dealership to showcase the entire range of Mercedes-Benz cars including the all new B Class, India’s first Sports Tourer
• Mercedes-Benz India continues to have the densest network amongst all luxury car makers in India with 72 touch points in 31 cities
• Mercedes-Benz India as part of ‘Go to Customer’ strategy is aggressively expanding its network presence in both Metro and non-Metro markets 

New Delhi – In its constant endeavor to provide unparallel customer experience, Mercedes-Benz India delighted its customers in the National Capital by inaugurating its new  state of art dealership in New Delhi, today. Spread over 20,000 sq. ft. and built with an overall investment of more than INR 50 million towards the facility, T&T Motors West Delhi will give the customers a classy yet sporty feel of the brand with its exciting range of Mercedes-Benz cars including the all new B-Class Sports Tourer. Mr. Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Mr. Ravi Talwar, Chairman, T&T Motors Ltd. inaugurated the dealership in presence of Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India.

Mr. Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented: “Big metros will remain key enablers for driving growth for Mercedes-Benz India, and Delhi will play a pivotal role in this growth story as it is a matured market with a well established base for connoisseurs of luxury cars. Delhi has tremendous growth potential for Mercedes-Benz as our customer base has been rapidly increasing here and the buyers want to experience the superlative attributes of the Brand Mercedes-Benz.”

“T&T Motors has been our distinguished partners in India since 1997 and we share a similar growth story. In T&T Motors, we see a partner who shares the same passion and commitment towards excellence in servicing the customers. I am confident that our growing customer base in New Delhi will experience even further an enriched vehicle ownership experience. Inauguration of T&T Motors West Delhi is part of our ‘Go to Customer’ strategy which is defining newer benchmark for the luxury car industry in India and we are committed to reaching out and delighting more customers and expanding our footprints to more Indian cities” added Mr. Honegg.

T&T Motors West Delhi is a well structured showroom with contemporary design, strategically located at Rajouri Garden area to cater to the growing customer base of Mercedes-Benz in West Delhi. Created in a span of mere three months with an initial investment of over INR 50 million towards the facility, T&T Motors West Delhi offers a unique blend of lifestyle and contemporary ambience bringing the customer closer to the brand. The showroom built with an objective of creating a luxurious experience for the customers, is a delight to visit. T&T Motors West Delhi is completed with luxurious Mercedes Café, a valet service, display of the exciting range of Mercedes-Benz cars, Mercedes-Benz accessories & collectibles, an engaging Mercedes-Benz Experience zone and several other exciting aspects. T&T Motors West Delhi also has a dedicated and highly trained team to ensure on-time & efficient sales and after-sales service facilities for the discerning customers.

Mr. Ravi Talwar, Chairman, T&T Motors Ltd. commented on the inauguration: “T&T Motors has been one of Mercedes-Benz’s long standing partners and it is an honour to be associated with the prestigious brand with the Three Pointed Star. I am extremely delighted to present this world class dealership to our connoisseurs of West Delhi.  We have already started receiving bookings from customers which reiterates the growing demand for the brand in this region of the national capital. In sync with Mercedes-Benz’s brand philosophy of ‘Best or Nothing’, T&T Motors West Delhi will provide the customers with world-class service standards and the complete display of the emotion evoking product range of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, will be a huge draw for our esteemed customers.”

With the inauguration of T&T Motors West Delhi, the first ever Mercedes-Benz showroom in West Delhi, Mercedes-Benz retains the distinction of being the leading luxury car brand with the densest sales and service network penetration in India with 72 touchpoints spread over 31 Indian cities. The dealership will have Mercedes Cafe to provide the customers a delightful experience visit. Services like easy finance, insurance of the cars will be available at the new dealership.

Buckle up for pure exhilaration: StarDrive

The second phase of StarDrive Experience 2012 begins in various cities this month. Starting on the first of September in Delhi at the Buddh International Circuit, it continues in Chandigarh on 8^th-9^th September and concludes in Mumbai with a special drive with Farhan Akhtar on 22^nd-23^rd of the month. The experience features the Mercedes-Benz GL- Class, G-Wagon and the M-Class. You've heard stories about their power; durability and performance, now drive these marvellous machines from Mercedes-Benz in person.

The StarDrive is your chance to experience ground-breaking innovations from Mercedes-Benz. Witness PRE-SAFE®, Traction Control and ESP, Off-Road Pro Engineering and 4ETS live as you get behind the wheel of your favourite Mercedes-Benz.

The PRE-SAFE® feature has participants experience the car’s preventive protection -  seats bend forward into a favourable angle, seat belts tighten, windows and sunroofs close automatically and head restraints position accordingly. The simulation, at the hands of expert instructors, is as close as it gets to the real thing.

SUV genre stalwarts like the GL-Class and M-Class showcase sheer power as they overwhelm the toughest of terrains. They manoeuvre 40 degree slopes with considerable ease owing to the PRO-ENGINEERING Package. The differential lock system helps transfer weight from the unused wheels to the ones touching the ground, thus maintaining a perfect balance and grip on inclined terrain. The 4-MATIC and AIRMATIC suspension in these SUVs helps them adjust their suspension seamlessly in order to accommodate the rapidly changing terrain.

There’s no uphill task for these behemoths! While scaling new heights, participants can experience Hill Hold Assist that helps the car remain steady for 2.5seconds before rolling back, giving the driver enough time to prepare for the climb. Likewise, when driving down the slope, the Downhill Speed Regulation sets a speed between 4-18 kmph depending on the terrain. All the driver needs to do is manoeuvre; the car takes care of the rest by maintaining perfect balance and speed.

This year, we've taken the StarDrive experience a notch up by granting the winners of the Slalom contest a chance to be in the grand finale with Farhan Akhtar. Every qualifying participant will still take home a special gift voucher from us. So witness true marvels of the 21^st century with the StarDrive Experience.

Celebrate with a star this festive season

The need for speed has always held a mystic lure.  This is why Formula One, the pinnacle of automotive sport, has many fans in India. Mercedes-Benz, India’s premiere automotive brand truly understands this. This festive season, we bring our fans the perfect festive gift. A unique opportunity to meet Formula One living legend Michael Schumacher and the chance to experience the thrill of the race at the Indian Grand Prix.

This initiative is part of the Mercedes-Benz collaboration with the 2012 Airtel Indian Grand Prix and the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team. Patrons who purchase any Mercedes-Benz model between the 1^st of September and October 16^th 2012 could win a chance to meet Michael Schumacher in person. What’s more, every person who takes a test drive during this period stands to win a grand stand couple ticket   to the 2012 Airtel Indian Grand Prix.

Entering the competition is simple. Step into any one of the thirty-one Mercedes-Benz showrooms to sign up for a test drive. If you are a formula one enthusiast and want to carry home your own piece of the Formula One action, indulge in some official merchandise of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team. For more details and to participate walk into a Mercedes-Benz showroom today.