COMPANY PROFILE

Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. Mercedes-Benz is a division of its parent company, Daimler AG. Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to Karl Benz's creation of the first petrol-powered car, the Benz Patent Motorwagen, patented in January 1886 and Gottlieb Daimler and engineer Maybach's conversion of a stagecoach by the addition of a petrol engine later that year. Mercedes-Benz has introduced many technological and safety innovations that later became common in other vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is one of the most well-known and established automotive brands in the world, and is also the world's oldest automotive brand still in existence today.

HISTORY OF MERCEDES-BENZ:

In 1958 Mercedes-Benz entered into a distribution agreement with the Studebaker-

Packard Corporation of South Bend, Indiana (USA), makers

of Studebaker and Packard brand automobiles. Under the deal, Studebaker would allow

Mercedes-Benz access to its dealer network in the U.S., handle shipments of vehicles to

the dealers, and in return, receive compensation for each car sold. Studebaker also was

permitted to use the German automaker's name in its advertisements, which stressed

Studebaker's quality over quantity.

Mercedes-Benz maintained an office within the Studebaker works in South Bend from

1958 to 1963, when Studebaker's U.S. operations ceased. Many U.S Studebaker dealers

converted to Mercedes-Benz dealerships at that time. When Studebaker closed its

Canadian operation and left the automobile business in 1966, remaining Studebaker

dealers had the option to convert their dealerships to Mercedes-Benz dealership

agreements.

Mercedes-Benz AMG became a majority owned division of Mercedes-Benz in 1998. The

company was integrated into DaimlerChrysler in 1999, and became Mercedes-Benz

AMG beginning on 1 January 1999.

Since its inception, Mercedes-Benz had maintained a reputation for its quality and

durability. Objective measures looking at passenger vehicles such as J. D. Power surveys,

demonstrated a downturn in reputation in this criteria in the late 1990s and early

2000s. By mid-2005, Mercedes temporarily returned to the industry average for initial

quality, a measure of problems after the first 90 days of ownership, according to J.D.

Power. In J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study for the first quarter of 2007, Mercedes

showed dramatic improvement by climbing from 25th to 5th place, surpassing quality

leader Toyota, and earning several awards for its models. For 2008, Mercedes-Benz's

initial quality rating improved by yet another mark, now in fourth place. On top of this

accolade, it also received the Platinum Plant Quality Award for its Mercedes’

Sindelfingen, Germany assembly plant. As of 2009, Consumer Reports of the United

States has changed their reliability ratings for several Mercedes-Benz vehicles to

"average", and are recommending the E-Class and the S-Class.

CORPORATE AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY

In the United States, Mercedes-Benz was assessed a record US$30.66 million for their

decision to not meet the federal corporate average fuel economy standard in

2009.[11] Certain Mercedes-Benz cars including the S550, and all AMG models sold in the

United States also face an additional gas guzzler tax. However, newer AMG models fitted

with the M157engine will not be subject to the gas-guzzler tax due to improved fuel

economy.

In 2008, Mercedes had the worst CO2 average of all major European manufacturers,

ranking 14th out of 14 manufacturers. Mercedes was also the worst manufacturer in

2007 and 2006 in terms of average CO2 levels, with 181 g and 188 g of CO2 emitted per

km, respectively.

PRODUCT RANGE

CURRENT MODEL RANGE

Mercedes-Benz has a full range of passenger, light commercial and heavy commercial

equipment. Production is on a global basis. The Smart marque of city cars has also been

part of the Mercedes-Benz Group since 1994 and Mercedes-Benz re-launched

the Maybach marque with the production 57 and 62 in 2002.

PASSENGER CARS

The following passenger vehicles were in production in 2011:

A-Class—Hatchback

B-Class—Multi Purpose

C-Class—Saloon, Estate & Coupé

CL-Class—Coupé

CLS-Class—4 door coupé

E-Class—Saloon, Estate, Coupé & Cabriolet

G-Class—cross-country vehicle

GL-Class—Off Roader

M-Class—Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)

R-Class—Luxury Tourer Vehicle (LTV)

S-Class—Saloon

SL-Class—Roadster

SLK-Class—Roadster

SLS AMG—Coupé

Viano—Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV)

Electric vehicles

At the 2007 Frankfurt motor show, Mercedes-Benz showed seven hybrid models,

including the F700 concept car, which combined hybrid drive with the innovative

DiesOtto engine. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz says it will have a demonstration

fleet of practical, if small, electric vehicles on the road in two to three years, from

2008. Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue HYBRID will be launched in 2009, and will be the first

production automotive hybrid in the world to use a lithium-ion battery. In 2009, the

S400 hybrid saloon is scheduled to go on sale.

Mercedes-Benz Blue ZERO cars were introduced in the 2009 North American

International Auto Show. Mercedes has showed in 2009 the Vision S500

PHEV petrol concept vehiclewith a 19 miles (31 km) all-electric

range and CO2 emissions of 74 grams/km in the New European Driving Cycle.

Mercedes-Benz and Smart are preparing for the widespread uptake of electric vehicles

(EVs) in the UK by beginning the installation of recharging points across

their dealer networks. So far 20 Elektrobay recharging units, produced in the UK by

Brighton-based Elektromotive, have been installed at seven locations as part of a pilot

project, and further expansion of the initiative is planned later 2010.

In mid-2010, production commenced on the Vito E-Cell all-electric van. Mercedes

expects 100 vehicles to be produced by the end of 2010 and a further 2000 by the end of

2011.

Innovations

Numerous technological innovations have been introduced on Mercedes-Benz

automobiles throughout the many years of their production, including:

The internal combustion engined automobile was developed independently by Benz

and Daimler & Maybach in 1886

Daimler invented the honeycomb radiator of the type still used on all water-

cooled vehicles today

Daimler invented the float carburetor which was used until replaced by fuel

injection

The "drop chassis"—the car originally designated the "Mercedes" by Daimler

was also the first car with a modern configuration, having the carriage lowered

and set between the front and rear wheels, with a front engine and powered rear

wheels. All earlier cars were "horseless carriages", which had high centres of

gravity and various engine/drive-train configurations

The first passenger road car to have brakes on all four wheels (1924)

The "safety cage" or "safety cell" construction with front and rear crumple

zones was first developed by Mercedes-Benz in 1951. This is considered by many

as the most important innovation in automobile construction from a safety

standpoint.

In 1959, Mercedes-Benz patented a device that prevents drive wheels from

spinning by intervening at the engine, transmission, or brakes. In 1987,

Mercedes-Benz applied its patent by introducing a traction control system that

worked under both braking and acceleration

Traction control and airbags in the European market, were Mercedes-Benz

innovations.] These technologies were introduced in 1986, and 1980

respectively

Mercedes-Benz was the first to introduce pre-tensioners to seat belts on the 1981

S-Class. In the event of a crash, a pre-tensioner will tighten the belt

instantaneously, removing any 'slack' in the belt, which prevents the occupant

from jerking forward in a crash

In September 2003, Mercedes-Benz introduced the world's first seven-

speed automatic transmission called '7G-Tronic'

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), brake assist, and many other types of safety equipment

were all developed, tested, and implemented into passenger cars—first—by Mercedes-

Benz. Mercedes-Benz has not made a large fuss about its innovations, and has even

licensed them for use by competitors—in the name of improving automobile and

passenger safety. As a result, crumple zones and anti-lock brakes (ABS) are now

standard on all modern vehicles.

Mercedes M156 engine

The most powerful naturally aspirated eight cylinder engine in the world is

the Mercedes-AMG, 6208 cc M156 V8 engine at 85 PS per litre. The V8 engine is badged '63

AMG', and replaced the '55 AMG' M113 engine in most models. The M156 engine

produces up to 391 kW, and although some models using this engine do have this

output (such as the S63 and CL63 AMGs), specific output varies slightly across other

models in the range.

The (W211) E320 CDI which has a variable geometry turbocharger (VTG) 2.8 litre V6 common

rail diesel engine (producing 224-horsepower), set three world endurance records. It

covered 100,000 miles (160,000 km) in a record time, with an average speed of

224.823 kilometres per hour (139.70 mph). Three identical cars did the endurance run

(one set above record) and the other two cars set world records for time taken to cover

100,000 kilometres (62,137 mi) and 50,000 miles (80,000 km) respectively. After all

three cars had completed the run, their combined distance was 300,000 miles (480,000

km) (all records were FIA approved).

Mercedes-Benz pioneered a system called Pre-Safe to detect an imminent crash—and

prepares the car's safety systems to respond optimally. It also calculates the optimal

braking force required to avoid an accident in emergency situations, and makes it

immediately available for when the driver depresses the brake pedal. Occupants are

also prepared by tightening the seat belt, closing the sunroof and windows, and moving

the seats into the optimal position.

Robot cars:

In the 1980s, Mercedes built the world's first robot car, together with the team of

Professor Ernst Dickmanns at Bundeswehr Universität München.[61] Partially

encouraged by Dickmanns' success, in 1987 the European Union's EUREKA programme

initiated the Prometheus Project on autonomous vehicles, funded to the tune of nearly

800 million Euros. A culmination point was achieved in 1995, when Dickmanns' re-

engineered autonomous S-Class Mercedes took a long trip

from Munich in Bavaria to Copenhagen in Denmark, and back. On highways, the robot

achieved speeds exceeding 175 kilometres per hour (109 mph) (permissible in some

areas of the German Autobahn). The car's abilities has heavily influenced robot car

research and funding decisions worldwide.

Technical details

Mercedes-Benz W221

The Mercedes-Benz W221 is a chassis code of S-Class, the successor of Mercedes-Benz

W220.The vehicle was unveiled in 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Transmissions

Models with V12 engines have 5G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Models with non-

V12 engines have 7G-TRONIC transmission. S 350, S 350 4MATIC, S 400 Hybrid, S 450, S

450 4MATIC, S 500 include 7G-TRONIC Sport transmission.

S 65 AMG included five-speed automatic SPEEDSHIFT transmission with DIRECT

SELECT.

Models with 7G-TRONIC transmission include DIRECT SELECT, which allows 7G-

TRONIC to be electronically controlled by touching the lever on the right-hand side of

the steering column.

Beginning in 2009, S 63 AMG includes AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission, S 65

AMG includes AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission.

Handling

All models except S 63 AMG, S 600 L, S 65 L AMG use AIRMATIC suspension, with

optional Active Body Control except for 4MATIC models. S 63 AMG, S 600 L, S 65 L AMG

includeActive Body Control as standard.

4MATIC models were unveiled in 2006 Paris Motor Show. Initial products include S 450

4MATIC and S 500 4MATIC, followed by S320 CDI 4MATIC in 2006-12, then S 350

4MATIC in mid 2007. All 4MATIC models were made in short and long wheelbases. S

320 CDI 4MATIC was replaced by S 350 CDI 4MATIC.

Specifications

Engines:

Model Years Engine type/code Power, Torque@rpm

Petrol engines

S 280 / S 300 2007- 2,997 cc (2.997 L; 182.9 cu in) V6 (M272)

231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp)@6000, 300 N·m (221 ft·lbf)@2400-5000

S 350 2005- 3,498 cc (3.498 L; 213.5 cu in) V6 (M272)

272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp)@6000, 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)@2400-5000

S 350 4MATIC 2007- 3,498 cc (3.498 L; 213.5 cu in) V6 (M272)

272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp)@6000, 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)@2400-5000

S 400 HYBRID 2009-

3,498 cc (3.498 L; 213.5 cu in) V6 (M272)

279 PS (205 kW; 275 hp)@6000, 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)@2400-5000

3-phase AC magneto motor (external rotor)

20 PS (15 kW; 20 hp)@6000, 160 N·m (118 ft·lbf)

Total

299 PS (220 kW; 295 hp)@, 385 N·m (284 ft·lbf)@2400-5000

S 450, S 450 4MATIC

2006- 4,663 cc (4.663 L; 284.6 cu in) V8

340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp)@6000, 460 N·m

(M273) (339 ft·lbf)@2700-5000

S 550 2005- 5,461 cc (5.461 L; 333.3 cu in) V8 (M273)

388 PS (285 kW; 383 hp)@6000, 530 N·m (391 ft·lbf)@2800-4800

S 550 4MATIC 2006- 5,461 cc (5.461 L; 333.3 cu in) V8 (M273)

388 PS (285 kW; 383 hp)@6000, 530 N·m (391 ft·lbf)@2800-4800

S 600, S 600 Guard 2006- 5,513 cc (5.513 L; 336.4 cu in) V12 BiTurbo (M275)

517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp)@5000, 830 N·m (612 ft·lbf)@1800-3500

S 600 Guard Pullman

2008- 5,513 cc (5.513 L; 336.4 cu in) V12 BiTurbo (M275)

517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp)@5000, 830 N·m (612 ft·lbf)@1800-3500

S 63 AMG 2006- 6,208 cc (6.208 L; 378.8 cu in) V8 (M156)

525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp)@6800, 630 N·m (465 ft·lbf)@5200

S 65 AMG 2006- 5,980 cc (5.98 L; 365 cu in) V12 BiTurbo (M275)

612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp)@4800-5100, 1,000 N·m (738 ft·lbf)@2000-4000

Diesel engines

2.2L 204 PS

S 300 BlueTec HYBRID

I4 turbo (OM651)

?2,987 cc (2.987 L; 182.3 cu in) V6 electric motor

2009–2010 Total 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp),[36] 560 N·m (413 ft·lbf)

S 320 CDI, S 320 CDI 4MATIC

2006–2008 2,987 cc (2.987 L; 182.3 cu in) V6 Biturbo (OM642)

235 PS (173 kW; 232 hp)@3600, 540 N·m (398 ft·lbf)@1600–2400

S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY

2008–2009 2,987 cc (2.987 L; 182.3 cu in) V6 Biturbo (OM642)

235 PS (173 kW; 232 hp)@3600, 540 N·m (398 ft·lbf)@1600–2400

S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, S 350 CDI 4MATIC

2009- 2,987 cc (2.987 L; 182.3 cu in) V6 Biturbo (OM642)

235 PS (173 kW; 232 hp)@3600, 540 N·m (398 ft·lbf)@1600–2400

S 420 CDI 2006–2009

3,996 cc (3.996 L; 243.9 cu in) V8 Biturbo (OM629)

320 PS (235 kW; 316 hp)@3600, 730 N·m (538 ft·lbf)@2200

S 280 is only sold in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Asia(badged as S 300)

S 350 CDI 4MATIC is badged as S 350 CDI 4MATIC Blue EFFICIENCY in Germany.

S 500 is badged as S 550 in Canada, US and Japan market.

Sales

On 11 May 2009, Mercedes-Benz announced the sale of 270,000 units since the original

W221 launch.

Production

S 600 Guard and S 600 Guard Pullman were built in Sindelfingen plant with a separate

production line.

Marketing

As part of the W221 launch campaign, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH introduced a

series of 17 products under S-Class Collection, beginning in 2005-09. Products include

wrist watch designed with Sindelfingen-based Design Centre, piqué polo shirt, cufflinks,

pen, umbrella, key fob, mouse pads, pen cases, cigar set, note pad, wallet, 1/43 S-Class

scale model car. Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH also introduced a series of 1,200

units of S-Class vehicle freight train.

Mercedes-Benz W220

The Mercedes-Benz W220 was a series of flagship sedans which constituted the Mercedes-

Benz S-Class during the early-to-mid 2000's. Development for the W220 S-Class started in

early 1993, with the final design being approved in 1996 spanning a total of 38 months. The

completed prototypes were presented in 1998. The W220 (and similar W215 CL-

Class coupés) started production in 1999. The W220 was a replacement for the

earlier W140 S-Class after the 1999 model year. Compared to its predecessor, the W220 had

somewhat smaller exterior dimensions but offered more interior space, particularly in the

long wheelbase versions (although the trunk is smaller than on its W140 predecessor).

Production of the W220 totalled 485,000 units, slightly more than the production totals from

the W140. Production ended in 2006 when the W220 and W215 were replaced by

the W221 S-Class and the W216 CL-Class.

Transmission:

As with each new S-Class, the W220 was technologically advanced at the time of its

launch, bringing in new innovations such as Airmatic air suspension, Active Ventilated

Seats (which used miniature fans in the seats to move air through perforations), keyless

entry and ignition, radar-controlled Distronic distance-aware cruise control, and a

cylinder deactivation system called Active Cylinder Control for the S500 and S600

models, which improves fuel consumption and reduces emissions. All were pioneering

innovations at the time of the W220's conception.

4Matic all wheel drive was introduced to the North American S-Class for 2003, for the

S430 and S500 as a $2180 USD option. This full-time system splits engine power 40/60

front/rear, with electronic traction control adjusting that mix to the wheels (or wheel)

with the best traction in slippery conditions.

Specifications:

Model Engine Cyl. Power Torque

S280 2.8 18V V6 197 PS (145 kW; 194 hp)

270 N·m (199 lb·ft)

S320 3.2 18V V6 224 PS (165 kW; 221 hp)

315 N·m (232 lb·ft)

S350 3.7 18V V6 245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp)

350 N·m (258 lb·ft)

S430 4.3 24V V8 279 PS (205 kW; 275 hp)

400 N·m (295 lb·ft)

S500 ('00-'02) 5.0 24V V8 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp)

460 N·m (339 lb·ft)

S55 AMG ('01-'02)

5.4 24V AMG V8 360 PS (265 kW; 355 hp)

530 N·m (391 lb·ft)

S600 ('01-'02) 5.8 36V V12 367 PS (270 kW; 362 hp)

530 N·m (391 lb·ft)

S55 AMG ('03-'06)

5.4 24V SC AMG V8 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp)

700 N·m (516 lb·ft)

S600 ('02-'05) 5.5 36V Bi-Turbo

V12 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp)

800 N·m (590 lb·ft)

S63 AMG ('01) 6.3 36V V12 444 PS (327 kW; 438 hp)

738 N·m (544 lb·ft)

S65 AMG ('05-'06)

6.0 36V Turbo V12 612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp)

1,001 N·m (738 lb·ft)

S320 CDI 3.2 24V CDI I6 197 PS (145 kW; 194 hp)

470 N·m (347 lb·ft)

S320 CDI 3.2 24V CDI I6 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp)

500 N·m (369 lb·ft)

S400 CDI 4.0 32V CDI V8 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp)

560 N·m (413 lb·ft)

PRODUCTION: 1954–present

ASSEMBLY: Berlin, Germany, Frankfurt, Germany, Toluca, Mexico, Santiago

Tianguistenco, Mexico, 6th of October City, Cairo, Egypt, Bogor, Indonesia,

Chakan, Pune, India, Bangkok, Thailand

Safety

Pre-Safe, the integrated Mercedes-Benz collision avoidance and response system,

debuted with the W220 S-Class.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Brake Assist were standard features for

difficult driving conditions and emergency maneuvers.

The W220 S-Class added standard front and rear side curtain airbags. In total,

the W220 features 8 airbags: 2 frontal (driver and passenger), 4 side airbags (one in

each door) and 2 window bags.

LED brake lights were also standard issue on the W220. LED brake lights

illuminate faster than conventional bulbs.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is an executive-size sedan originally launched in 2004 and

based based on the W211 E-Class platform and was internally designated as the C219.

The second generation CLS-Class was introduced in September 2010.

The first generation of the CLS, the Mercedes-Benz C219, was based upon

the W219 platform, a W211 E-Class spin-off that is six inches (152 mm) longer. IVM

Automotive, a subsidiary of German roof system specialist Edscha, developed the entire

vehicle from the Vision concept to the production version. More than 150 IVM engineers

were involved, making the CLS the largest vehicle development project in the company's

history.

The CLS-class was first displayed as the Vision CLS concept at the

2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The production versionCLS 500 made its

debut at the 2004 New York International Auto Show. A new AMG model was

introduced at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, the CLS 55 AMG. Only 3,000 CLS 55 AMG cars

were to be built each year.

On sale in Europe in 2004, the CLS was offered for sale in the United States in January

2005 as the CLS 500 and CLS 55 AMG. In 2006, Mercedes phased out both the 5.0L in the

CLS 500 and 5.5L Supercharged V8 in the CLS 55 AMG in favor of two new 5.5L and 6.2L

V8s. This resulted in the 2007 model year name change to the CLS 63 AMG (6.2L V8)

and CLS 550 (5.5L V8) in the United States. The CLS 500 badge continues to be used in

various markets with the 5.5L V8 motor.

Mercedes-Benz has planned a yearly production of 30,000 units worldwide, of which

about 10,000 will be shipped to the U.S. market. The CLS 550 has a base price

of US$65,620, with the CLS 55 starting at US$87,320. CLS63 starts at $92,500 for a base

model, and is offered with steering wheel mounted paddles (F1 style), and 19" wheels

for the US market. It was assembled by Daimler

AG in Sindelfingen, Germany and Mercedes-Benz-Valdez in Santiago

Tianguistenco, Mexico.

Specifications

Class Engine Power Torque 0–100 km/h (62 mph)

Top speed

CLS 320 CDI 3.0 L diesel V6 165 kW (224 hp DIN)

510 N·m (380 ft·lbf)

7.0 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)

CLS 320 CDI 3.0 L diesel V6 165 kW (224 hp DIN)

540 N·m (380 ft·lbf)

7.0 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)

CLS 350 CDI 3.0 L diesel V6 165 kW (224 hp DIN)

540 N·m (380 ft·lbf)

7.0 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)

CLS 350 3.5 L M272 V6 200 kW (272 hp DIN)

350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)

7.0 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)

CLS 350 CGI 3.5 L M272 V6 215 kW (292 hp DIN)

365 N·m (269 ft·lbf)

6.7 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)

CLS 500 (2006) 5.0 L M113 V8 228 kW (306 hp DIN)

460 N·m (339 ft·lbf)

6.0 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)

CLS 550 CLS 500 (2007-)

5.5 L M273 V8 281 kW (388 hp DIN)

530 N·m (391 ft·lbf)

4.7 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)

CLS 55 AMG (2006)

Supercharged 5.4 L AMG M113 V8

350 kW (476 hp DIN)

702 N·m (516 ft·lbf)

4.2 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)

CLS 63 AMG 6.2 L AMG M156 V8

378 kW (514 hp DIN)

630 N·m (465 ft·lbf)

4.1 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)

Sales:

Calendar year US sales

2004 n/a

2005 14,835

2006 10,763

2007 7,906

2008 5,775

2009 2,527

2010 2,135

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (code name X164) is a full-size crossover SUV built by the

German carmaker Mercedes-Benz since 2006. The GL-Class debuted at the 2006 North

American International Auto Show. The car was designed for the American market, which is

shown by its large size, making it the only similarly-sized rival up against Audi's Q7 by that time.

It is the 7-passenger counterpart of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Although the car was designed

for the US market, it is also sold in Europe, albeit in far fewer numbers.

Standard features:

Standard on the Mercedes-Benz GL350 BLUETEC and GL450 include air conditioning

w/ dual-zone climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic premium leather-

wrapped steering wheel w/ radio controls, cruise control, heated 8-way power front

seats, 6-disc CD changer, outside-temperature indicator, and universal garage door

opener. On the facelifted 2010 model, the GL's also incorporate new DRL's as well

as LED tail lamps for improved visibility. 19" 5-spoke wheels come standard with all-

season tires and new chrome beltline, window trim, and roof rails also now come

standard. A chrome loadsill and front and rear chrome looking skid plates come

standard. The GL also comes with AIRMATIC suspension, a 3D instrument cluster, and 7

way seating with power 50/50 folding 3rd row seats.

The GL350 BLUETEC is the world's cleanest diesel and reduces NOx emissions by 80%.

It features a 3.0L 210 hp (157 kW) 400 lb·ft (542 N·m) torque, turbocharged V-6. The

starting MSRP for this car is one thousand dollars less than the GL450. The GL450

4MATIC has a 335 hp (250 kW), V-8. The GL550 has a 382 hp (285 kW), 5.5L V8.

Engines:

GL 350 CDI BlueTec: 3.0 L V6 (diesel), 160 kW (215 hp)

GL 420 CDI: 4.0 L V8 (diesel), 225 kW (302 hp)

GL 450: 4.7 L V8, 250 kW (335 hp)

GL 550 (GL 500 in Europe): 5.5 L V8, 285 kW (382 hp)

Sales

Calendar year

US sales

2006 18,776

2007 26,396

2008 23,328

2009 15,012

2010 19,943

Economical Analysis of Mercedes-Benz:

2008 2007 08/07

Amounts in millions of €

% change

EBIT 2,117 4,753 -55

Revenue 47,772 52,430 -9

Return on sales 4.4% 9.1% .

Investment in property, plant and equipment 2,246 1,910 +18

Research and development expenditure 2,944 2,733 +10

of which capitalized 1,060 705 +50

Production 1,338,245 1,300,089 +3

Unit sales 1,273,013 1,293,184 -2

Employees (December 31) 97,303 97,526 -0

Unit sales in 2008

1,000 08/07

units % change

Mercedes-Benz 1,126 -5

thereof A/B-Class 250 -9

C/CLK/SLK-Class 448 +16

1,000 08/07

units % change

E/CLS-Class 173 -25

S/CL/SL-Class/SLR/Maybach 93 -13

M/R/GL/GLK/G-Class 161 -11

smart 139 +35

Mercedes-Benz Cars2 1,273 -2

thereof Western Europe 733 -6

thereof Germany 332 -3

NAFTA 282 +2

thereof United States 251 -0

Asia/Pacific 159 +14

thereof Japan 37 -20

1 Group sales (including leased vehicles)

2 The figure for 2008 includes 8,200 Mitsubishi vehicles manufactured and/or sold in South Africa.

Marketing and Services

Mercedes-Benz Plants

DaimlerChrysler Headquarters in Stuttgart.

Mercedes-Benz Untertürkheim Plant - Stuttgart, Germany Production: Engines, axles, transmissions, components ~ incl. "upstream" facilities foundry and forge. The main plant: Daimler has concentrated the development, production, and shipment of engines, transmissions, and axles for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division at the Untertürkheim location. Also located in the main plant are the Daimler AG headquarters, parts of the Commercial Vehicles division, the research and development unit, and a steeply banked curve for testing new vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen Plant - Sindelfingen, Germany Production: Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon, S-, E-, CL- and CLS-Class, SLS AMG and Maybach

Mercedes-Benz Affalterbach Plant - Affalterbach, Germany Production: AMG engine production facility, AMG Performance Studio ~ The Affalterbach plant houses the management, administrative staff, and sales department of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, as well as the engine manufacturing facility and the development and design departments for AMG vehicles. Each high-performance AMG engine is made by a single mechanic in accordance with the company's "One man, One Engine" principle

Mercedes-Benz Berlin Plant - Berlin, Germany Production: Engines, components and parts ~ Produced at the location today are not only V8 diesel and V12 gasoline engines and the Type 12 engine for the Maybach luxury saloon, but also one of the cleanest diesel engines in its class: the V6 diesel with BlueTEC technology. Product development, design, and production of components and parts are also carried out at the Berlin location.

Mercedes-Benz Bremen Plant - Bremen, Germany Production: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (saloon and estate), E-Class (coupé and cabriolet), SLK, SL, GLK ~ As the area's biggest private-sector employer, the plant is deeply rooted in the region; in a period of over 30 years more than five million Mercedes-Benz passenger cars have been produced in Bremen. The C-Class saloon, C-Class estate, and

the GLK are flexibly produced on one production line in Bremen. With the launch of the next generation of the C-Class, the plant will become the centre of expertise for this high-volume production series.

Mercedes-Benz Rastatt Plant - Rastatt, Germany Production: Mercedes-Benz A-Class, B-Class ~ Centre of expertise for compact cars: Rastatt manufactures the A-Class and B-Class, which were awarded the automotive environmental certificate of the renowned Öko-Trend institute in 2007. In 2009, Mercedes-Benz further expanded its centre of competence for compact cars with the enlargement of the Rastatt palnt (new body shop building) and the associated investment of €600 million, thus securing the long-term future of the Rastatt location

Mercedes-Benz Hamburg Plant - Hamburg, Germany Production: Axles, components ~ The Hamburg plant is an important supplier of exhaust gas technology, axles and axle components, steering columns, and intelligent lightweight structural components for the entire range of passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Maybach. The location is the site of the lightweight engineering centre for the Group's chassis components.

Mercedes-Benz Kölleda Plant - Kölleda, Germany Production: Petrol and diesel engines ~ The engine factory in Kölleda, Thuringia, has been manufacturing three- and four-cylinder engines since 2003. MDC Power GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG since 2006. The plant assembles petrol and diesel engines for Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi models, as well as for the smart fortwo.

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc. - Vance, Alabama USA Production: Mercedes-Benz M, R, and GL-Class ~ Main production location for SUVs: Tuscaloosa is the production for Mercedes-Benz family of SUVs. M-, GL-, and R-Class are produced exclusively in Alabama and shipped from there to markets worldwide. Starting in 2014, the Tuscaloosa plant also will produce the successor generation of the current C-Class exclusively for the North American market.

Smart Hambach Plant - Hambach, France Production: smart fortwo, smart fortwo electric drive ~ "smartville": The smart fortwo is produced in Hambach, France. The plant's cross-shaped assembly line is optimally suited to the needs of logistics and assembly operations and provides an efficient arrangement for production processes. The plant's environmentally friendly production process is in keeping with the product: The plant has an organic water treatment facility as well as a heat recovery system. Painting with powder coating is especially energy efficient

Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing South Africa - East London, South Africa Production: Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon (right and left-hand drive) C-Class for right-hand drive markets: The current C-Class is already the third generation to be produced in South Africa's Eastern Cape district. The plant has been exporting saloons to right-

hand drive markets since 2000. Since the production launch of the new C-Class in 2007, the facility also has been exporting left-hand drive vehicles to the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz do Brasil Ltda. - Juiz de Fora, Brazil Production: Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class ~ Production location of the CLC-Class: The plant already produced the predecessor of the Mercedes-Benz CLC, the C-Class sports coupé. Since then, it has been the only plant to manufacture this class within the Mercedes-Benz production network. The plant builds the CLC-Class primarily for the European market.

Production:

Besides its native Germany, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are also manufactured or

assembled in:

Argentina (buses, trucks and the Sprinter van. The first Mercedes-Benz factory outside of Germany)

Austria (G-Class) Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil (buses, trucks, C-class passenger cars (export only), established in 1956) Canada Egypt Ghana (buses, trucks, taxis) Hungary (construction of a new plant in the country announced on June 18,

2008, for the next generation A- and B-Class) India Indonesia Iran Malaysia Mexico Nigeria (buses, trucks, utility motors and the van Sprinter) South Africa South Korea (Mercedes-Benz Musso and MB100 models manufactured

by SsangYong Motor Company) Thailand (assembly of C, E and S class vehicles by the Thonburi Group) Turkey United Kingdom (The SLR sports car is built at the McLaren Technology Centre

in Woking).Brackley, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom Mercedes Grand Prix Factory

USA