“Mercedes-Benz is going on the attack,” Daimler board member for manufacturing and procurement Wolfgang Bernhard said in a press release. “We are securing our path to the top by extensively investing in the expansion of our high-performance production network.”

The three points of the star represent the three principal modes of transport, that of land, sea and air, although  it’s only the land part that Mercedes has concentrated on and is famous for.  As most fans of the marque know, the Mercedes is taken after the name of one of the company’s original patron’s eldest daughter. Emil Jellinek was the one who suggested that the company build large, luxurious cars for rich customers and the rest, as they say, is history.

In a letter to company employees signed by the Chairman and boards member of Mercedes-Benz, Chairman Zetsche reiterated his goal of having Mercedes become the premier luxury brand by the end of the decade. Said Zetsche in the letter, “The first decade following the 125th birthday of the automobile will bring many changes to our industry. We want to reach the intermediate goal of 1.5 million unit sales for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars as early as 2014 — one year earlier than previously planned. We are very well prepared — and we look forward to working with you to make the next decade a Mercedes decade.”

The chairman acknowledged that short- to mid-term market weakness should be anticipated, and that there are even indications of some market weakening in the next few months. But he added, “The decisive point is that the company is pursuing a long-term plan with its new strategy. The planning outlook is not the next quarter, but rather the next decade. Experts all agree that by 2020, demand for cars will grow faster than the overall global economy.”

Despite the sluggishness of some major economies, German car manufacturers are not quite feeling the pinch these days, as sales of the top three car makers are surging in developing markets.

To this end, research and development programs are being expanded, but herein lies the snag. It seems that there is a shortage of engineers in Germany itself and this, coupled with an aging workforce, is causing worry for the manufacturers. In fact, 30% of German companies now view the lack of skilled workers as a serious business risk. For car manufacturers, the lack will mean hampering research and development.

To this end, Daimler and its rivals are looking to recruit qualified people in their growth markets such as China and India. They’re also instituting programs that will allow them to access talent from universities, as well as stepping up in-house training programs that will update the engineering workforce in new and emerging technologies.

A top executive at Mercedes-Benz’s archrival BMW has admitted that Mercedes is on track to become the top-selling luxury carmaker by 2012.

This is because of Mercedes’ pace in introducing new models up to the end of this year and early next year. Jim O’Donnell, head of BMW’s U.S. division, concedes that while Mercedes will be coming out with a slew of models, BMW will still have to compete with older models, particularly in the segment where the C-Class and BMW’s 3-series compete head to head. Added O’Donnell, “In the first quarter of next year, I would say Mercedes will be No. 1.”

The new 3-series competitor to the C-Class is due in April of next year so until that time, the C-Class has only Audi’s offerings to seriously contend with. O’Donnell is retiring from BMW this year as part of the company’s mandatory age-60 retirement program, so his parting shot will not affect his employment status.

The move comes as a response to the dismal sales produced by the Penske Group, which sold almost 25,000 units in 2008 but has not been up to par since then. Last year, less than 6,000 Smart subcompacts were sold in the U.S., which would put any car manufacturer in a sober mood.

Daimler has announced a joint venture company to be named Beijing Benz Automotive Co, Ltd. (BBAC). Together with its Chinese partner Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation, about 2 billion euros will be invested in the new joint venture.

The agreement covers local production for the Chinese market of the the GLK SUV and three models of the upcoming generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars. Meanwhile, production capacities for the capacities for the C- and E-Class will be expanded from the current 80,000 units, depending on demand.

Along with an R&D center, a new engine plant for 4-cylinder gasoline engines will also be put up in two years, which will supply the engine needs of Mercedes cars and vans that will be produced in China. Projected capacity for this plant will be up to 250,000 units.

Said Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, “With this framework agreement, we are laying the essential strategic foundations for our long-term and significant participation in the growth of the key market China. The projects agreed upon are further central elements of our China strategy for the sustainable development of our business. As early as 2020, at least one in five premium compact cars is expected to be sold in China. In the light of this enormous growth potential, we are resolutely switching to attack mode with the local production of our new compacts.”

Okay folks, this might be a little bit too much info for all of you to digest. But if you’re a die-hard Mercedes-Benz fan, heck even if you’re just starting to marvel at the legacy of Daimler’s brainchild, you’ll find that it’s all worth reading. These are plans the company have under their to-do-list for 2012. So if you’re bent on finally getting a Merc next year, you’d better check this out.

C-Class Sedan (September)

• Restyled four-door sedan with new direct-injection 4- and 6-cylinder engines, more fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission, aluminum hood and increased standard equipment including HD radio, rain-sensing wipers, integrated garage door opener, auto-dimming mirrors, USB interface and integrated compass.
• Exterior updates include new headlights, LED DRL’s and taillights, bumpers and grille.
• A completely redesigned interior features a color instrument cluster display, new headunit (described above) w/fixed 5.8” screen, avail. PARKTRONIC w/Parking Assist
• New safety features includes standard ATTENTION ASSIST, ADAPTIVE BRAKE with HOLD function and available Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
• C250 Sport/Luxury: new direct-injection 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo (201 hp, 229 lb.-ft.)
• C300 4MATIC Sport/Luxury: continues with existing 3.0-liter V6 (228 hp, 221 lb-ft) and standard all-wheel drive.
• C350 Sport: new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.)
• C63 AMG: receives AMG 7-speed Multi-Clutch Transmission (MCT) and continues with naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter V8 (451 hp, 443 lb-ft) and optimized suspension. Optional AMG Development Package yields 481 hp.

C-Class Coupe (September)

• New two-door coupe debuts with bold AMG styling, standard panorama sunroof, steering wheel shift paddles, split-folding rear-seats, front seats with integrated headrests and driver memory plus a fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission as well as the other technology highlights of the sedan.
• C250 Sport: new direct-injection 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo (201 hp, 229 lb.-ft.) and 17inch 5-spoke alloy wheels
• C350 Sport: new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.) and 17-inch AMG twin 5-spoke alloy wheels, rear trunk spoiler
• C63 AMG: features hand-built naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter V8 (451 hp, 443 lb-ft), AMG 7-speed MCT and 18-inch twin 5-spoke alloy wheels. Optional AMG Development Package yields 481 hp.

CL-Class Coupe (July)

• CL550 4MATIC continues with 4.6-liter direct-injection biturbo V8 (429 hp, 516 lb-ft.)
• CL63 AMG continues with 5.5-liter direct-injection biturbo AMG V8 (536 hp, 590 lb-ft) with ECO Stop/Start and AMG 7-speed MCT.
• CL600 5.5-liter biturbo V12 model (510 hp, 612 lb-ft) continues
• CL65 AMG High-performance 6.0-liter biturbo V12 model (621hp, 738 lb-ft) continues
• Model line continues to showcase advanced driver assistance systems such as Distronic Plus with PRE-SAFE Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist with automatic brake intervention and Nightview Assist PLUS with pedestrian detection.

CLS-Class Four-Door Coupe (June)

• New-generation four-door coupe debuts with dramatic styling, two new V8 engines, electromechanical steering, aluminum doors and world-first active LED headlights.
• CLS550 new direct-injection 4.6-liter biturbo V8 (402 hp, 443 lb.-ft) with more fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission, AIRMATIC suspension and available with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive (Sept).
• CLS63 AMG new direct-injection 5.5-liter biturbo AMG V8 (518 hp, 516 lb-ft) with ECO Stop/Start technology, AMG 7-speed MCT and AIRMATIC rear suspension. Optional Performance Package yields 550 hp/590 lb-ft.
• Other new technology includes a color instrument cluster display, multicolor ambient lighting and central controller
• LED taillamps and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
• Safety technology includes available Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, 10 standard airbags and standard ATTENTION ASSIST

E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet

• E350 Coupe and Cabriolet (July) new 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine (302 hp, 273 lb-ft) and new 17-inch twin 5-spoke wheels
• E550 Coupe and Cabriolet (Oct.) new 4.6-liter direct-injection V8 engine (402 hp, 443 lb-ft) and electromechanical steering.
• New available assistance systems include both active and passive Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
• Other highlights include new steering wheels with standard shift paddles, color instrument cluster display, standard LED DRLs, more fuel-efficient 7-speed transmission and media interface moved to the center console.

E-Class Sedan and Wagon (October)

• Model line features more fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission, new steering wheels, color instrument cluster display and standard LED DRL’s, media interface moved to center console.
• E350 4MATIC Wagon continues with sport or luxury models, new direct-injection 3.5liter V6 engine (302hp, 273 lb-ft) and standard all-wheel drive, 3rd-row rear-facing seat, power tailgate, rear air suspension and electromechanical steering,
• E350 BlueTEC 50-State V6 turbodiesel (210 hp, 400 lb-ft) continues.
• E350 Sport/Luxury new direct-injection V6 engine (302 hp, 273 lb-ft) and available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.
• E550 4MATIC Sport new 4.6-liter twin-turbo direct-injectionV8-engine (402 hp, 443 lb-ft), electromechanical steering and standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.
• E63 AMG Sedan new 5.5-liter twin-turbo direct-injection V8 engine (518 hp, 516 lb-ft) and ECO Stop/Start technology mated to the AMG 7-speed MCT plus new 19-inch AMG 10-spoke wheels. Optional Performance Packages yields 550hp/590lb-ft.
• E63 AMG Wagon debuts with drivetrain mentioned above and standard panorama roof
• Model line continues to showcase advanced new driver assistance systems such as ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist with automatic brake intervention, PRE-SAFE Brake with Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Nightview Assist PLUS with pedestrian detection.

F-Cell

• 5-door, 4-passenger hydrogen-electric car (134 hp, 214 lb-ft) continues, available for lease in southern California.
• Powered by fuel cell technology with an EPA estimated range of 190 miles (European driving cycle: 240 miles)

G-Class SUV (October)

• G550 5.5-liter V8-powered model (382 hp, 391 lb-ft) continues
• “Edition Select” package offered in choice of 3 paints, AMG fenders, exhaust sidepipes, silver-painted wheels and other interior highlights including designo upholstery

GL-Class SUV (August)

• GL350 BlueTEC 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel (210 hp, 400 lb-ft) model continues
• GL450 4.6-liter V8-powered (335 hp, 339 lb-ft) model continues
• GL550 5.5-liter V8-powered (382 hp, 391 lb-ft) model continues
• Minor updates to the interior, rearview camera now includes directional lines, all models now feature standard LED DRLs

GLK-Class SUV (July)

• GLK350 3.5-liter V6-powered (268 hp, 258 lb-ft) model continues w/available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.
• Media interface relocated to center console.

R-Class Crossover (August)

• R350 4MATIC new direct-injection V6 engine (302 hp, 273 lb-ft), more fuel-efficient 7speed automatic transmission & standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
• R350 BlueTEC 50-state V6 turbodiesel (210 hp, 400 lb-ft) continues
• Model line features standard LED DRLs, directional lines on rearview camera and minor interior updates.
• New standard equipment includes COMAND system with hard-drive navigation, enhanced voice control for audio, telephone and navigation, Gracenote® media database, HD Radio®, SIRIUS® satellite radio with SIRIUS real-time traffic service, Zagat® Survey restaurant guide, 4GB hard-drive with Music Register

S-Class Sedan (July)

• S400 HYBRID continues with the first lithium-ion battery designed exclusively for automotive use and 3.5-liter V6 mild hybrid powertrain (295 hp, 284 lb-ft)
• S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC new model features standard all-wheel-drive and 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine (240 hp, 455 lb-ft)
• S550 new 4.6-liter direct-injectionV8 engine (429 hp, 516 lb-ft) and more fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission. Available with 4MATIC all wheel drive.
• S63 AMG High-performance model continues with 5.5-liter direct-injection biturbo V8 engine (536 hp, 590 lb-ft) and ECO Stop/Start functionality as well as AMG 7-speed MCT. Optional Performance Package yields 563hp/664 lb-ft.
• S600 flagship 5.5-liter biturbo V12 model (510 hp, 612 lb-ft) continues.
• S65 AMG high-performance 6.0-liter biturbo V12 model (621hp, 738lb-ft) continues.
• Model line continues to showcase advanced driver assistance systems such as Distronic Plus with PRE-SAFE Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist with automatic brake intervention and Nightview Assist PLUS with pedestrian detection.

SL-Class Coupe/Roadster (June)

• SL550 5.5-liter V8 model (382hp, 391 lb-ft) continues
• SL63 AMG high-performance 6.3-liter V8-powered model (518 hp, 465 lb-ft) with AMG 7-speed MCT continues

SLK-Class Coupe/Roadster

• New-generation SLK debuts with SLS AMG styling cues, new powertrains and retractable hardtop that opens/closes within 20 seconds and offers Panorama roof and MAGIC SKY CONTROL. Standard LED daytime running lamps and electronic parking brake.
• SLK350 (June): new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.) with 7-speed automatic transmission and 18-inch 5-spoke wheels
• SLK250 (Early 2012): new direct-injection 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo (201 hp, 229 lb.-ft.) available with 6-spd manual or 7-spd automatic and 17-inch 5-spoke wheels
• New interior highlights include sun-reflecting leather, Direct Ambient Lighting, COMAND control knob and AIRGUIDE.
• New safety highlights include Adaptive Brake, NECK-PRO head restraints, PARKTRONIC with Parking Assist, 8 airbags and standard ATTENTION ASSIST
• New standard equipment includes rain-sensing wipers, power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, power memory seats with lumbar support, integrated garage door opener, rearview mirror with integrated compass and HD Radio.
• New headunit (described above)

SLS AMG

• AMG-developed super sports car with aluminum body and high-performance powertrain featuring a hand-built V8 engine (563hp, 479 lb-ft) with front-mid layout and dry sump lubrication mated to a carbon fiber driveshaft and advanced dual-clutch transaxle transmission with 4 driving modes.
• New equipment includes standard Blind Spot Assist, optional 3-mode AMG Adaptive Suspension and AMG Performance Media including driving telemetry and G-Force measurement
• SLS AMG Coupe (July) continues with new paint offerings
• SLS AMG Roadster (late 2011) debuts with power soft top in choice of three colors that opens/closes in 11 seconds up to 30 mph, conventionally hinged doors, standard AIRSCARF and removable wind deflector.

Sprinter Van

• Cargo Van, Crew Van, Passenger Van, MiniBus and Cab Chassis models continue with 50-state BlueTEC clean diesel engine
• Available in 3 GVWRs, 3 lengths and 2 roof heights.

Source: Car Scoop

The rumor mills are saying that Mercedes is reportedly developing a new range-topping sedan. This new luxury car is supposed to squarely match up against the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, one of the VAG conglomerate’s luxury offerings.

No details are immediately forthcoming from the German automaker, but the rumor is that this new model will look like a super CLS and is intended to be sold beside the CL. In keeping with its super CLS stature, this new model will have dramatic styling and dramatic performance, courtesy of Mercedes’ AMG division. Since this super CLS will undoubtedly offer new levels of luxury, the rumors include a Maybach variant that Daimler’s ultra-luxury division is considering, given the interest generated by the Xenatec 57S Cruiserio coupe.

The C-Class is undoubtedly the king of Mercedes-Benz dealerships, with admirable sales figures that cut across all markets worldwide. The company is not oblivious to that fact, and that’s why it has decided to launch a one-of-a-kind interactive campaign to strike the C-Class’ popularity up several notches.

Vice President of Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars Anders Sundt couldn’t have said it better himself – “The C-Class Coupe campaign does a wonderful job reflecting the identity of the vehicle – agility and design. In addition to current Mercedes-Benz drivers, with the C-Coupe we are particularly aiming for a new, younger target group, hence the modern campaign approach.”

We’d love for the elders to prove him wrong on that point. Are youngsters the only ones who know how to get information about their favorite premium vehicle manufacturer online? Meanwhile, the new campaign project promises to be a blast with all moving picture content for the Internet and print, radio and television being incorporated into one very comprehensive film production. As a matter of fact, filming locations have been set in Singapore, Malaysia and South Africa.

You’ll find the web video here, while there are also several online projects such as banner ads, iPhone and iPad apps as well as on other social media channels. Check out the video guys. And tell us what you think.

Source: Daimler