Latest Mercedes-Benz News
The smart fortwo will be available in Brazil. This was announced by the company at the Sà£o Paulo Auto Show, where the two-seater celebrated its public debut. Thus, the smart brand is entering another automotive market following its successful launch in the USA. Over one million of the two-seaters have been produced since the introduction of the first generation in 1998; let’s see if they can sell another million in the coming years.
The demand for the smart fortwo in the states is so strong, that some people have to wait up to 9 months for their vehicle – depending on the options they choose. Daimler knows about this problem, but according to an interview given to Auto-Motor-und-Sport by Zetsche, they aren’t rushing to increase supply to the states. Dieter wants to first understand the sustainability of the current demand for the ultra compact fortwo before moving into increasing production or expanding capacity. However, Dieter did emphesize that “if the situation remains as it is or demand rises even further, we must consider it.” He also noted that “if we consider an expansion,… Continue Reading »
The smart fortwo is still Germany’s most cost-efficient car. This is the conclusion reached by experts from the prestigious market observer EurotaxSchwacke after analysing 16 vehicles in the mini car class. They confirm previous cost calculations by numerous trade magazines and the ADAC, Germany’s largest automobile club. Owners of a smart fortwo mhd save around 1,700 Euro in running costs compared with the most expensive model in this class.
With “e-mobility Berlin”, Daimler AG and RWE AG are launching today the world’s largest joint project for environmentally friendly electric cars. The initiative covers all components required for the efficient use of battery-powered electric vehicles – from innovative drive technology through to customer-friendly infrastructure. Daimler will provide more than 100 electric cars from Mercedes-Benz and smart as well as the vehicle service. RWE is handling the development, installation and operation of the charging infrastructure accounting for some 500 charging points, the supply of electricity and central control of the system. The payment system takes the form of the exchange of data between a special in-car communication system and the intelligent… Continue Reading »
The smart car as well as the whole company had its ups and downs in the last ten years. After years of restructuring and reorganizing the company, Daimler has finally brought the smart division into a stable position. Today, the one millionth smart fortwo rolled off the production line at the plant in Hambach, France – a micro hybrid drive (mhd) in the passion equipment line. On the occasion of the production anniversary and the tenth birthday of the smart brand Daimler presented the new smart electric drive. In Hambach Dr. Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars said “The smart electric drive makes… Continue Reading »
From October 2008, the standard equipment of the 61 hp and 71 hp gas powered smart fortwo models will include micro hybrid drive (mhd) technology with a user-friendly automatic start-stop system. This reduces the consumption of the two naturally aspirated engines by an average of 8%. In city traffic fuel savings of almost 20% are even possible. Furthermore, from the autumn of 2008 the smart fortwo cdi will be equipped with a closed diesel particulate filter that almost completely eradicates particulate emissions.
While Daimler is continuing their efforts to bring an electric Mercedes-Benz sedan to the market in 2010, they have already showcased a first concept of the smart fortwo ED (electric drive). The zero emissions electric smart is powered by a 41hp electric motor and can go 115km (71.4 miles) before having to recharge. Its top speed is 112km/h or 70mph, which is more than enough for congested freeways in the states and around the world. The fortwo ED stores its energy in high-temperature batteries located under the car; it’s charged by plugging it into a regular 220 volt outlet. It does 0-60km/h (not mph) in 5.7 seconds, just like the… Continue Reading »
