Every question, treated like a Star

Ever had a question you wanted to ask Mercedes-Benz, but didn’t know how or where to do so?

Introducing mb.Connect! An exclusive platform where fans of Mercedes-Benz can pose questions and watch them answered in real time. 

This new initiative from Mercedes-Benz India kicks off on Friday 29th July between 4 to 5 PM. Questions will be answered on a live webcast by Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales and Marketing for Mercedes Benz India.

This never before seen initiative is a bold new step for the brand and helps connect with a younger net savvy target audience. The result: diehard fans will be able to engage Mr Mitra in a tête-à-tête like never before on a wide range of topics related to Mercedes-Benz. This is an ongoing initiative and users can continue to pose their questions on a continuing basis to Mercedes-Benz even after Friday. 

So logon, ask your question and join us this Friday on www.mb.Connect.in

You can also Tweet us your questions at @mercedesbenzind – Use the hash tag #mbconnect

Podium Finish for Michael – Valencia GP 2012

At the end of an exciting European Grand Prix in Valencia, Michael Schumacher finished in third place yesterday, taking the 155th podium finish of his career, with team-mate Nico Rosberg finishing in sixth place.

• Starting from 12th, Michael fought through the field to claim his first podium since the 2006 Chinese Grand Prix
• Nico finished sixth, after converting a one-stop to two-stop strategy, and charging from P13 to P6 in the last 10 laps.
• Both drivers made two pit stops with Michael stopping on laps 19 and 41, and Nico on laps 20 and 46
• Nico has scored 75 points in six races since his win and first points in China, the second highest total after Fernando Alonso (76)

Michael Schumacher

“Wow, I did not even think of getting on the podium for any second in the race today, so what a wonderful result! Finally it happened! After such a long time waiting and for jumping on the podium so unexpectedly, I feel extra happy. I think that was the best answer to give to everybody who started doubting our work: get the car together and fight back; never give up, as anything can happen. A big thank you to the team and to everybody who kept on believing we would get on the podium again. That’s what team work is about. A special word for my mechanics and engineers who have done a fantastic job this weekend after some difficult races this year. I didn’t think a podium was possible – not even at the end of the race, because it was pretty busy in the last laps and I had lost count of where I was. Then when I crossed the line, I asked the guys where I was and they said “Third – on the podium!” It’s one of those moments that you enjoy deeply as a driver. We were close a couple of times but it was great for it to happen in a spectacular race like this, through strategy and lots of passing on a circuit where overtaking is difficult.”

Nico Rosberg

“That was a really exciting race. I had a bad first few laps and lost positions, then the Safety Car came out at a bad moment for me. After the restart, I thought I would end up finishing out of the points, because I had the oldest tyres and therefore no grip, which made it very hard to defend. We had planned to try a one-stop strategy but had to convert to two stops, and thanks to the strategy guys, we were on fresh tyres when everybody else was struggling. I was in P12 on lap 47 and P6 at the end, so it clearly worked and we are very happy with a good team result after such a chaotic race, with two cars in the top six. A great result for Michael with his podium and I am happy to score some more nice points.”

Ross Brawn

“Congratulations to Michael and the team on a fantastic and well-deserved podium finish. Michael demonstrated yesterday that if we can give him the opportunities, he will get a great result. And well done to Nico as well. He was in quite a difficult position at one stage but came back and gave the team a really strong points score today. The early part of the race was quite difficult for us, and our early strategy did not come together as the tyres behaved differently to our pre-race predictions. So we had to react, and we did so extremely well, leaving our stops as late as possible to give our guys fresh rubber at the end. It was such an exciting end to the race, and I am very proud of both of our drivers, everyone here in Valencia, and back at our factories in Brackley and Brixworth today.”

Norbert Haug

“A marvellous race from Michael with the right speed and the right strategy. Coming from 12th on the grid to third on the podium is a good achievement, which Michael truly deserves and he achieved that with a great drive. Nico started sixth and lost five places during the first lap, which was a big handicap - so to climb back to sixth place was a good recovery. Since his win in China, Nico has scored one point less than Fernando Alonso, who brought home the most points in the last six races. As for the rumour spread by another team that Michael used his DRS flap where he should not have done, I can confirm that this was not the case, as our data proved and the stewards of the meeting confirmed. I am really pleased for Michael and the team. We always believed in each other and yesterday was the first of hopefully more podiums to follow.”

Sporty and aggressive C-Class AMG Performance Edition

Mercedes-Benz India ushers in the sporty and aggressive C-Class AMG Performance Edition

C-Class AMG Performance Edition

• Introduction of AMG Sports Package: The enhanced driving dynamics of the C-Class AMG Performance Edition gets more accentuated with an aggressive exterior and a dynamic interior

• Sporty Exteriors with AMG Body Styling: 17-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, perforated front brake discs and sports suspension

• Luxurious & Sporty Interiors with AMG Sports Package: Steering wheel gear shift paddles, 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with 12 function keys in nappa leather, instrument cluster featuring 3 analogue dials with tapered tube-style surrounds, high-resolution of 11.4 cm (4.5-inch)  & TFT colour display

Mercedes-Benz India today launched the new C-Class AMG Performance Edition with added AMG Sports Package. The C-Class 250 CDI Avant-garde has been hailed as the most aggressive vehicles in its class in terms of handling and driving dynamics. The AMG Sports Package translates this dynamism and aggression through the overall look and feel of the vehicle now. The AMG Sports package comprises carefully coordinated features for a sportier exterior and adds to the contours of the interior ambience, lending an enhanced driving dynamics.

The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition sets newer standards in its segment by offering an aggressive road presence and integrating safety, comfort and agility. The New C-Class has been one of the most important and iconic model series from Mercedes-Benz stable, and has been an epitome of luxury and comfort making it one of the most popular vehicles in the segment.

 Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India: “The C-Class has been one of the most successful sedans from the Mercedes-Benz portfolio and has received overwhelming customer traction since its launch. We have sold close to 15,000 units of the C-Class since its launch in India in 2001. With the launch of the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition; Mercedes-Benz aims to redefine the luxury entry level sedan segment. The new C-Class AMG Performance Edition will offer our connoisseurs a more enhanced driving experience, incorporated with the added features of the AMG styling, which is revered for its sporty and dynamic attributes globally. Mercedes-Benz’s constant endeavour has been to innovate and delight its diverse customer base through exciting products and world class service standards. We are confident that the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition will continue to excite our growing customer base and fans of AMG styling.”

The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition with AMG Sports Package adds to the exemplary visual appeal of its predecessors by adding more aggressive and sporty renderings. The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition’s exterior now comes with AMG body styling with a front and rear apron, and side sill panels. The 17-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels give the car a much more aggressive look which is enhanced further by the front brake calipers with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering. The Perforated front brake discs and a new Sports suspension are some of the distinctive features which make driving the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition more engaging.

The additional renderings of the AMG Sports Package include the tailpipe trim which now comes in polished stainless steel. The sporty look of the car is now more distinguished with the daytime running lamps with chrome surrounds.

A distinctive sporty look greets the interior which now has a 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with 12 function keys in Nappa leather. The steering wheel is further accentuated with a red contrasting topstitching with flattened lower section, and a perforation in the grip area making long drives comfortable. Adding to the ease of driving, the steering wheel now also comes with gear shift paddles.

The AMG Sports Package in the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition provides a superlative look to the interior with a new instrument cluster which features the 3 analogue dials with tapered tube-style surrounds. The high-resolution 11.4 cm (4.5-inch) TFT colour display adds a whole new level of sophistication to the interior of the car.

Other AMG Sports Package renderings, which endow the plush interiors of the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition with a sporty look, are in the form of aluminum-look gearshift/selector lever with leather gaiter, a brushed stainless steel AMG sports pedals with black rubber studs and a headlining in black fabric. The floor mats too now comes in black with AMG lettering pronounced.

With a redesigned dashboard, new instrument cluster, equipped with an integrated colour display and revamped upholstery, the New C-Class has witnessed a complete makeover in its interiors, offering the customers a deluxe travelling opportunity.

The C-Class AMG Performance Edition is priced at INR 34, 62,609 ex-showroom in Mumbai.

Contact:  

Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd.: Tel. 021 35673000

Manas Dewan: e-mail: manas.dewan@daimler.com

Shekhar Das Chowdhury: e-mail: shekhar.daschowdhury@daimler.com

Ghazal Javed: e-mail: ghazal.javed@daimler.com

Mercedes-Benz A-Class, C-Class and E-Class take four first places in customer survey in Germany

Taking four first places with the A-Class, C-Class and E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has turned up a clear winner in terms of driver satisfaction, according to JD Power in Germany, a market research company that conducts surveys of customer satisfaction research on new car quality and long-term dependability. The German car maker has also been voted as the strongest brand in the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC) AutoMarxX study, Europe’s largest automobile club with more than 18 million members as of May 2012. A little over 14,000 drivers in Germany responded to the online survey to assess the quality and reliability of the cars, which is the basis for the JD Power 2012 Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (VOSS). All the cars had to be driven for around two years.

“We are delighted that we have once again been able to secure the top places in the JD Power Study 2012. Our aim in the future is to continue to set the highest of standards, not only in terms of quality, service and ecology, but, of course also with our exciting designs, inspirational technology and high levels of driving pleasure. As a result we hope that the Mercedes-Benz brand will continue to be extremely well received by our customers,” said Joachim Schmidt, member of the board of Mercedes-Benz cars responsible for sales and marketing.

The company emerged as the winner in the Overall VOSS ranking with the C-Class taking the podium for the third time in succession, the E-Class winning the award for the second consecutive year and the A-Class scoring top marks for satisfaction in the compact class. Also Read: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 350: First Drive

Based on the responses, market researchers drew up comprehensive lists of vehicles achieving best satisfaction, comprising 79 models from 25 manufacturers in eight categories.

Canadian Grand Prix 2012 - Results

McLaren-Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton became Formula One racing’s magnificent seventh winner at the seventh round of the 2012 season, after a gripping Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Nico Rosberg finished the Canadian Grand Prix in sixth place today with Michael Schumacher forced to retire after 43 laps.

• Nico ran a two-stop strategy, pitting on laps 19 and 38, and using super soft/soft/soft tires
• Michael retired after 43 laps when a hydraulic problem left his rear-wing flap stuck open
• Nico has now scored 67 points in the last five races - the equal highest of any driver in the field
  

Nico Rosberg

“Sixth place is a decent result today and it’s important for both me and the team to keep scoring points for the championship and maintain our consistency. It was a mixed-up race and it was difficult to find a rhythm, particularly at the start, but by the end, the gap to the leading cars was not that big. It could have gone better this weekend, and we just need a little bit more performance to be competing at the front. However we are making good progress and increasing our understanding of the tires all the time.”

Michael Schumacher

“Unfortunately, our weekend in Montreal didn’t turn out trouble-free for me and a hydraulic problem with the DRS forced me to end my race early. At first, I didn’t know exactly what the problem was; I overshot the corner, ran through the grass and asked myself what was going on. Then the team told me about the problem and I saw it in the mirrors. Of course it’s disappointing for all of us but it’s not a question of pointing fingers; stuff like this happens. I know the team are doing their best and that it probably hits them even harder than me. We’ll be back on the attack in Valencia.”

Ross Brawn

“We had a very quick car today, as Nico's performance in particular showed, but a combination of failing to achieve our potential in qualifying and a messy race cost us positions at the flag. We asked both drivers to be cautious with the super soft tyres in the first five laps to ensure we didn't push them too hard, but when we gave them the go-ahead, it was clear that Nico - who was running in clean air - was extremely quick and one of the fastest cars. Michael was caught in a train of cars in the lower half of the top ten, and although we tried something different by stopping early in order to get him into clean air, it didn't quite work for us. He then suffered a hydraulic issue which left his DRS jammed open and it was not possible to fix it in race conditions. I can only apologise to Michael for a further technical failure. As for Nico, his race was running to plan and he was gaining on the leaders when he ran across Massa, who was running out of tyres and defending vigorously before his final stop. This cost Nico both track position and time that proved crucial in the closing laps. Ultimately, that's part of racing, but the real lesson from today is that achieving our potential in qualifying, and running clean races, is vital for strong results.”

Norbert Haug

“It was a great, exciting race this afternoon, during which Nico was able to lap at the same speed as the leaders after a tricky opening few laps. Nico was 14 seconds behind first place at the end of the race – the same gap as we saw after 10 laps. Our team has taken an important step forward and got the most from the tires in track temperatures that exceeded 40 degrees, which was demonstrated by Nico several times setting the fastest laps of the race during his stints. We got the tyre management right here, as in Monaco, and we are working hard to push this process further forward. After seven races, Nico is 21 points behind the championship leader – he has scored on average just three points fewer than leader Lewis Hamilton, which is not too big a gap. Michael was running well after his early stop until he was forced to retire with his rear wing flap stuck open. It’s clear to everybody in the team that we must achieve the same levels of reliability on his car as we have with Nico, who has completed every racing lap so far this season. Congratulations to Lewis Hamilton and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes on their victory today – it was the 300th race for McLaren and Mercedes, a milestone which adds extra significance to Lewis’ appearance on the top step of the podium.”

New driving safety training courses from Mercedes-Benz and AMG

New driving safety training courses from Mercedes-Benz and AMG: Helping to ensure a safe, confident and enjoyable driving experience

Mercedes-Benz is starting the 2012/2013 season with a new wide-ranging programme of driving safety training events designed to appeal to all types of drivers. Courses for young people, beginners, advanced and even expert drivers are being offered at 14 locations throughout Germany using vehicles generally provided by Mercedes-Benz – whether saloons, coupés, roadsters or off-road vehicles. The goal of the events is to help drivers to handle their vehicles in a safer and more confident manner, even in emergency situations – and of course to ensure that they enjoy the experience of driving.

One fact confirmed by the accident statistics is that Mercedes drivers are involved in fewer accidents than drivers of cars made by other manufacturers. And this is an area in which the diverse range of driving safety training events offered by Mercedes-Benz can make a contribution. It is all part of the comprehensive safety philosophy of the brand with the star – which in addition comprises accident research and the development of trend-setting assistance and safety systems based on this research and which other automotive brands have also adopted.

Taking place at 14 on and off-road locations throughout Germany, the driving safety training events enable participants to learn how to be more aware of typical danger situations and to practise appropriate responses. By providing courses almost nationwide and at reasonable prices – the half-day basic compact training event for 18 to 25-year olds, for example, costs just 95 euros – Mercedes-Benz is aiming at as many car drivers as possible. Ultimately all road users are able to benefit from the confident car control practiced during the training, not just Mercedes drivers. Any accident is one accident too many.

The target group for the various courses is correspondingly diverse, ranging from learner drivers to experienced professionals, and from sales training to events for professional drivers and chauffeurs. The sole requirement is that the driver must hold a class 3/class B driver's licence.

According to Wolfgang Müller, Chief Instructor for Mercedes-Benz Driving Events: "We offer training events to meet a variety of different interests, so for example not only classic driving safety training sessions which can be aimed specifically at young drivers who are still a bit inexperienced, but also pure sports driving training events for highly motivated drivers." The sports driving training sessions are not just geared towards fun but also towards driving safety. Anyone who is able to control a vehicle at its limits is more composed and considered in situations of danger. Another highlight is that the participants take part in the training using vehicles provided by Mercedes-Benz. This enables exercises to be incorporated which are considerably more dynamic. In addition, the instructors also have the opportunity to demonstrate how effective modern assistance systems can be – as a safety pioneer, Mercedes-Benz provides technologies in this area which are simply not available, or not yet available, in other vehicles. Almost the entire Mercedes-Benz model range is available for the training events.

In addition to extensive driving skills and experience, all of the instructors have the distinct ability to convey the various interconnected driving physics principles in such an easy-to-understand manner that the participants are able to apply them in practice in their everyday driving.

There are on and off-road events designed to take place both in the summer and the winter. The most important events include:

• Basic compact training: on this half-day course, participants find out how an accident can be prevented effectively. Exercises include full brake application combined with an evasive manoeuvre, and a slalom course. Compact training is also available as a reasonably-priced special training event for 18 to 25-year-olds.
• Basic training: as part of this one-day event, the participants learn how dangerous situations can be dealt with safely and confidently with support from active control systems. The demanding programme of lessons includes taking evasive action without braking from 80 km/h, emergency braking and correcting skidding vehicles.
• Advanced training: this extension course provides additional solutions for dealing with hazardous situations at higher speeds – such as emergency braking at 100 km/h or controlling a rear-end skid on a wet bend.
• Enhanced training: here exercises are conducted at high speeds. For example, participants learn how to keep their vehicle under control during an emergency lane change manoeuvre at motorway speeds of 130 km/h. In addition, challenging drift exercises on famous race tracks are also on the agenda.
• Sports training: with this new training event, racing enthusiasts enjoy the unique opportunity to experience driving from the perspective of a racing driver. For example, they learn how to find the ideal line and optimum braking point.
• Eco training: during this half-day event, attendees take part in simple practical and theoretical exercises to learn how to reduce fuel consumption by handling their car more efficiently. On average, those who complete the eco training course subsequently use 15 percent less fuel.
• Professional basic training: this event enables professional drivers to enhance their driving skills. For example, the programme includes performing an evasive manoeuvre at 100 km/h in a predefined direction through a set of traffic lights, emergency braking scenarios and correcting a tail-skidding vehicle at motorway speed, for example. Driving practice is complemented by theoretical exercises tailored to the specific profession with trainers who also instruct police taskforces.
• Mercedes-Benz Fascination Tour: this is a new addition to the range of Mercedes-Benz driving events. This one-day driving experience in vehicles provided by Mercedes-Benz features highlights focusing on the history and present status of the brand in Stuttgart and the surrounding area.

• Mercedes-Benz Fascination Experience: this event immerses participants in the world of Mercedes-Benz for two full days. A visit to the wind tunnel and test track at the plant in Untertürkheim is followed by a voyage of discovery around the Mercedes-Benz Museum and an evening meal together. On the second day, it is on to the training circuit with the opportunity to put the current model range through its paces in slaloming, braking and evasive manoeuvres.
• Off-road events: at a variety of off-road driving training events participants are able to discover what an off-road vehicle is capable of and how to keep such a vehicle under control both on and off the road. In addition to basic training, additional stages are available such as advanced training, enhanced training and extreme training. New additions include a range of winter off-road training events. In the spacious stone quarry outside Kitzbühel, participants are able to get to grips with difficult terrain at half or full-day training events using G, GL, GLK and M-Class vehicles.
• Travel Experience: discovering the world with Mercedes – this is what the participants in the Travel Experience event can expect to enjoy. There are trips to Abu Dhabi, for example, with its endless dune-covered landscape and perfect sandy beaches offering relaxation. Other trips of a lifetime include experiencing Spain from a different perspective or enjoying an off-road adventure in the wintry Arctic Circle. A particular highlight is the "Journey to the Roof of the World": lasting some 47 days, it takes participants from Lodz in Poland all the way to India, travelling via Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan.

Another Podium Finish for Nico!

Nico Rosberg converted second place on the grid into a second-place finish this afternoon at the 70th Monaco Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher retired from seventh position following a fuel pressure problem.

• Nico ran a one-stop strategy from P2 on the grid, starting on super-soft tyres and changing to softs on lap 27

• Michael was forced to retire on lap 64, owing to a fuel pressure problem that began to slow him on lap 58

• Nico has scored 59 points in the last four races, the most of any driver in the field

Drivers	Car No.	Chassis No.	Race Result / Fastest Lap
Nico Rosberg	8	F1 W03 / 03	P2 1:18.977
Michael Schumacher	7	F1 W03 / 05	DNF 1:18.904

Weather	Sunny
Temperatures	Air: 21-22°C	Track: 31-38°C

Nico Rosberg

It’s a fantastic feeling to be on the podium at my home race in Monaco today in front of all my family and friends. The team have done a really good job this weekend to get the car working so well. Although we thought this track would suit our car, it’s been better than we expected. I had a clean start but Mark drove a very controlled race today. I could keep in touch with him but we all know how difficult it is to overtake around the streets here and there just wasn’t a way past. Still I’m more than happy with second place, and it’s great to get another podium for the boys here, and everyone back at Brackley and Brixworth. I can’t wait to get to Canada now and keep the momentum going.

Michael Schumacher

What can I say? It was simply a pity to end the race in this way. In any case, the fuel pressure problem had nothing to do with the incident at the start. But it made it doubly disappointing because I had secretly been hoping for a podium finish today. I will take the boost from the high points of this weekend with me to Canada. The track should suit us and I’m hoping to have a normal, clean race.

Ross Brawn

Nico ran a very good race today and did all he needed to do. I think we made the right calls but nothing opened up for us. It was a race that was about managing gaps and finding the right windows in the traffic; the team did a great job on that. Nico was the first of the front-runners to stop, but the harder tyre took a lap or two to come in and it wasn’t enough to jump Mark. As for Michael, he was hit on the run to the opening corner which cost him positions, but was very quick when a fuel pressure problem started to slow him later in the race. We tried to continue but it was costing him too much time, dropped him out of the points and forced us to retire the car. It was very disappointing because he put in a great performance this weekend and he was still on course to score useful points. We need to make sure we eliminate the problems for him, starting in Canada.

Norbert Haug

It was a strong race for Nico and our team, and we were in with a chance of winning until the chequered flag, but Mark did not put a foot wrong all afternoon ahead of Nico. Looking at the results today, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton – who lead Nico in the championship– all finished behind him, and this helped him close the gap at the top of the standings to 17 points. That translates to an average of fewer than three points a race separating Nico from the championship lead after six rounds. It was a pity for Michael: he clearly demonstrated this weekend that he has the speed to win races but his time will come again, like yesterday when he posted the pole position time.