1939 260D
Introduced in February 1936, this was the world’s first diesel production passenger car.

1955 180D
The 40-hp cars took first, second and third in the Mille Miglia’s diesel class (58.8 mph average).

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1968 200D
With this car, a new midrange W115 model line was introduced

1978 C111-III
With a five-cylinder, 230-hp diesel engine, it set nine new diesel world records, including 1000 miles at 198.274 mph.

1980 300SD
Diesel passenger cars account for almost 80 percent of Mercedes U.S. sales.

2000 C220 CDI
Common-rail direct fuel injection and four-valve technology make possible higher output and economy with lower emissions.

2005 E320 CDI
Mercedes set new diesel world distance records, including 100,000 miles at 139.699 mph, at Laredo, Texas.

2006 E320 Bluetec
Debuted at the 2006 Detroit auto show and named 2007 “World Green Car of the Year,” it completed an 8450-mile Paris-to-Beijing endurance run.

2008 Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid
With a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel plus a hybrid-electric module, it achieves 40 mpg.

The vehicles, which will first be available in the US, will comply with the extremely strict requirements of the American Bin 5 and ULEV emission standards. This will make Mercedes-Benz the first manufacturer to be able to license diesel SUVs in all 50 US states.

The public is still not aware on how this technology works, so we’ll try to explain. The second BlueTEC version, used in the new GL 320 BlueTEC, ML 320 BlueTEC and R 320 BlueTEC models, makes use of AdBlue, a harmless aqueous urea solution, that is injected into the exhaust-gas stream. This process releases ammonia, which converts up to 80 percent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water by a process of reduction in the downstream SCR catalytic converter.

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It’s still not fully know which vehicle might get this technology, but if we look at some of the most recent developments, we can probably find the one that will most like be released with a electric motor. In a post we wrote in late February, we reported that Mercedes has acquired 25 patents for a lithium-ion technology to be used in the S 400 BlueHYBRID beginning next year. We also reported a couple of time on the GLK and its Hybrid intentions. If we were to throw out a educated guess here, we would probably say that the S-Class and the GLK, maybe even ML, will be the first “luxury’ all electric powered vehicles in the market.

Here is the most important questions for consumers. When will it come out? According to our source, a fully electric powered vehicle from Mercedes will come in the form of a new model/generation vehicle. If our prediction is right, and it is the S-Class, then we can expect the EV sometime in 2011 or possibly even as early as 2010, as that is when a new model is scheduled.

The SUVs itself have been upgraded with more standard equipment, comfort and of course even more safety options.

More detail after the break

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Press Release:

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz is continuing its diesel initiative in the USA with three new SUVs equipped with the world’s latest and cleanest diesel engine. The new models R 320 BlueTEC, ML 320 BlueTEC and GL 320 BlueTEC will initially be available exclusively in America. They are powered by an up-to-date V6 engine featuring the environmentally friendly Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC technology, with whose help the diesel cars produced by the Stuttgart manufacturer already count as the world’s cleanest. The new models are equipped with AdBlue injection, which has already been demonstrating its exemplary effectiveness and economy in Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses for a number of years. As a result the three new SUVs achieve even lower emissions, are able to better the stringent Bin 5 limits applicable in the USA, and also have the potential to meet the coming EU6 standards. All three of these new SUVs have also been significantly upgraded with much more extensive standard equipment, and now offer even more comfort together with unique safety features. With these diesel vehicles Mercedes-Benz is once again underlining its status as the technological leader. The new models will be available in the USA from autumn 2008.

In October 2006, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to commence a BlueTEC initiative in the passenger car segment which was timed to coincide with the introduction of low-sulphur fuel in the United States of America. The E 320 BlueTEC proved a great success from the outset, and was voted “World Green Car of the Year 2007″. As a next step, Mercedes-Benz is now due to offer the R, ML and GL 320 BlueTEC in the USA, the world’s first three diesel cars which not only meet the particularly demanding criteria of the American Bin 5 standard, but also have the potential to fulfil the stringent EU6 standard due in the future – and which therefore considerably better all the current, worldwide exhaust emission standards for diesel passenger cars.

With attributes such as excellent pulling power, economy and a high output,
the diesel engine has also proved an attractive alternative to the spark-ignition engine in the USAin times of increasing fuel prices and growing sensitivity to the issue of CO2 emissions. In the land of large minivans, pickups and SUVs, and the given driving conditions characterised by steady cruising speeds on the high-ways and enormous overland distances, the diesel is able to show its advantages particularly well. At the same time, American legislation sets very strict emission standards for diesel-powered vehicles. This is why Mercedes-Benz introduced the E 320 BlueTEC with its in-house BlueTEC technology in America first, and is now including a variant of this BlueTEC technology with AdBlue injection in its cross-Atlantic range. This innovative drive technology enables these large and powerful SUVs to meet the limits imposed by the US Bin 5 standard.

Impressive power, great fuel economy and extremely low emissions

The muscular V6 diesel engine powering the new BlueTEC models in the
GL, M and R-Class shows that a low fuel consumption and very low emissions are also possible for large SUVs. It has an output of 155 kW/211 hp and develops a torque of 540 Nm. Fuel economy is outstanding: the GL 320 BlueTEC, for example, consumes just 9.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (25 mpg). This represents an advantage of around 20 to 40 percent versus a comparable petrol model, and easily makes the Mercedes-Benz GL 320 BlueTEC the most economical full-size SUV in the USA.

Key technical data at a glance:

Certain features of the six-cylinder diesel engine had to be modified for use in the new models ML 320 BlueTEC, GL 320 BlueTEC and R 320 BlueTEC with AdBlue injection. The piston crowns were revised for an improved mixture formation, and the compression ratio was reduced from 17.7 to 16.5. The VNT turbocharger and engine control unit were also improved and reconfigured. All three of the new SUVs are available only with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

Nitrogen oxides drastically reduced with BlueTEC

As a modular concept for an effective reduction in the fuel consumption and emissions of diesel vehicles, the BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz puts in place a number of coordinated measures which both minimise untreated emissions using in-engine features and ensure efficient exhaust gas aftertreatment. All relevant emissions components are successively and concertedly reduced to a minimum, in part by using an oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter. The most important goal is to achieve a drastic reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, the only exhaust gas constituent which has inherently higher levels in diesel engines than in petrol engines. Mercedes-Benz has developed two versions to this end. In the E 320 BlueTEC Saloon available in the USA and the E 300 BlueTEC sold in Europe, an oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter are combined with a particularly durable NOx storage-type catalytic converter and a special SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) converter. The second BlueTEC version is used for the new GL 320 BlueTEC, ML 320 BlueTEC and R 320 BlueTEC models. In this case AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution is injected into the stream of exhaust gases. This releases ammonia, of which 80 percent is reduced to form harmless nitrogen and water by the downstream SCR converter.

This innovative emissions control technology follows the following stages:

• Optimisation of the engines and their combustion processes to reduce untreated emissions as far as possible. These measures include electronic enginge management, four-valve technology, third-generation common-rail direct injection with piezo-electric injectors, a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and exhaust gas recirculation.

• Oxidising catalytic converters are used to minimise emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC).

• A particulate filter, which has been standard equipment in all Mercedes-Benz diesel models in many countries since summer 2005, reduces particulate emissions to a barely measurable level. This easily meets both the current EU4 particulate limits (0.025 grams/kilometre) and the current US limits.

• Nitrogen oxides are reduced by a storage-type Nox catalytic converter combined with an SCR catalytic converter, or by AdBlue injection combined with an SCR catalytic converter. These effective aftertreatment methods allow the nitrogen oxide emissions of BlueTEC vehicles to be reduced by up to 80 percent.

AdBlue injection specially advantageous in large vehicles

Whether a storage-type Nox catalytic converter or AdBlue injection is used depends on the individual vehicle concept and the prevailing market conditions from case to case. AdBlue technology has advantages for large saloons, pickups and SUVs, as the engine does not need to operate with an intermittent, rich combustion mixture to clean the storage-type Nox catalytic converter which removes the harmful nitrogen oxides from the exhaust stream. This would be necessary at frequent intervals in the case of heavy vehicles with a relatively high fuel consumption, and would lead to an even higher consumption.

In the case of the urea-SCR process, the reducing agent AdBlue is injected into the exhaust tract. This is an aqueous urea solution which is carried in an auxiliary tank. When injected into the hot, pre-treated exhaust gases, AdBlue is first broken down into its constituents of water and urea. From around 170 degrees Celsius the urea is converted into ammonia (NH3) – the actual active agent in this process. The ammonia is stored in the catalytic converter, and reduces the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen when exhaust gases containing nitrogen oxides flow through the catalytic converter. The engine management system controls the injection of AdBlue in such a way that the ammonia reservoir of the SCR converter always contains some but never too much ammonia. This is monitored by an Nox sensor.

A small AdBlue tank is sufficient

The urea solution is held in a separate onboard tank, and fed to the metering module by means of a pump. As the average consumption of AdBlue is only around 0.1 litres per 100 kilometres (or 1 to 3 percent of diesel consumption), the tank can be of such a size that it only needs to be refilled at the workshop during regular service intervals. The tank capacity is 28 litres in the R 320 BlueTEC and ML 320 BlueTEC, and 32 litres in the GL 320 BlueTEC. Even under more demanding conditions with a higher AdBlue consumption, e.g. when towing a trailer, this is sufficient to avoid the need for unscheduled refilling stops in the workshop. This means that the customer has no need to concern him- or herself with the AdBlue level in the tank. Should the AdBlue level unexpectedly fall below a certain level nonetheless, the electronics provide a timely warning.

More extensive equipment and visual modifications

With these innovative BlueTEC models in the R, M and GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz is not only demonstrating the potential of the diesel as a drive system, but also offers tailor-made solutions for the high expectations of the premium segment with the widest range of SUVs. The R-Class particularly excels with its outstanding long-distance comfort, and with the most generous and variable interior with up to seven seats. The M-Class is the most successful Mercedes-Benz Sport Utility Vehicle, and is seen as the trailblazer for all modern premium SUVs. And with the GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz occupies the peak position in the entire SUV world – its occupants enjoy first-class on-road and off-road travel under all conditions.

All three SUVs have now been revised in numerous respects. The modifications to the M-Class are the most comprehensive of all. The new generation of this dynamic SUV now has even more striking characteristics, and appears even more sporty and powerful. The front and rear ends have been redesigned and given a stylistically updated and youthful touch. The front end of this off-roader is now defined by a redesigned bumper, re-contoured headlamps and a larger, even more dominant radiator. The rear aspect also has a redesigned bumper with inset reflective strips to emphasise the vehicle width, as well as tail lights with smoked-glass lenses. Stylistic fine-tuning and new materials which are pleasing to the eye and touch combine with a new two-tone colour scheme to add fresh highlights to the interior. One eye-catching feature is the new four-spoke multifunction steering wheel, which the GL and R-Class will also receive.

The standard appointments for the M, R and GL-Class have also been significantly expanded. They now include the unique, preventive occupant protection
system PRE-SAFE® and NECK-PRO head restraints, as well as a new, Mercedes-Benz developed telematic system with further improved user friendliness, high performance and numerous additional functions.

Key new features at a glance

More performance, more comfort – new-generation telematics

A completely newly developed generation of telematic systems developed by Mercedes-Benz will be used in SUVs in future. These excel with even greater user friendliness, a high performance and numerous new functions. Integrated features include a hand-free system based on Bluetooth technology, and an Aux-In connection for mobile audio units such as an iPod. On request there is also a new Media Interface, which can connect an external music source with the onboard electronics and control system of the off-roader, enabling music tracks to be shown in the instrument cluster and the colour display in the centre console, and conveniently accessed using the keys on the multifunction steering wheel. At the same time the battery of the audio unit is charged.

There is a choice of three units, all of them with a colour display, a twin tuner for improved radio reception, speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies and a Bluetooth interface which enables a mobile phone to be wirelessly linked to the hands-free system.
In the USA there is also the option of an HD radio and SIRIUS satellite radio. In conjunction with the new telematics generation, Mercedes-Benz also offers the optimised LINGUATRONIC voice control system as an option.

The occupants are also able to enjoy a surround-sound experience of concert hall quality with the latest generation of the optional harman kardon® Logic7® sound system. With its high output and digital signal processor (DSP), this ensures outstandingly transparent listening pleasure.

As a further option, passengers in the rear can be provided with a rear-seat entertainment system featuring two large, 8-inch screens, a DVD-player, two wireless headsets for more freedom of movement and a remote control unit.

Unrivalled safety features as standard

In the SUV segment too, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have always been exemplary when it comes to safety. In future the R, M and GL-Class will be supplied with
the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® and NECK-PRO head restraints as standard equipment.

Mercedes-Benz is the trendsetter for diesel cars

As long as 70 years ago, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to use the combustion principle pioneered by Rudolf Diesel in a passenger car engine. This technology has a much higher efficiency than the spark-ignition engine,
and has been steadily improved over many years. One decisive technological leap forward led to the development of the modern diesel in 1997: the introduction of common-rail direct injection in combination with four-valve technology. Since then the abbreviation CDI has stood for both unrivalled fuel economy and an enormous increase in torque – a synonym for a level of pulling power which guarantees plenty of driving pleasure and often makes diesels superior to petrol models developing the same output.

If the diesel has previously had any disadvantages versus the petrol engine,
this has been in the area of its specific emissions – above all soot particles and nitrogen oxides. Ever since the introduction of the maintenance-free particulate filter from autumn 2003, Mercedes-Benz has however also set the best example where particulates are concerned. And despite having achieved a reduction in nitrogen oxides by around 75 percent thanks to in-engine measures over the last 15 years, Mercedes-Benz has not been content to rest on its laurels in this respect. Equipped with innovative BlueTEC technology, which was introduced for the first time in a passenger car in the USA, the high-tech diesel engines from Mercedes-Benz meet the world’s toughest exhaust emission limits. While AdBlue injection makes the new M 320 BlueTEC, R 320 BlueTEC and GL 320 BlueTEC the world’s cleanest diesel SUVs.

Key technical data at a glance

* provisional figures

The descriptions and data contained in this press kit refer exclusively to vehicles of US-specific configuration.

Mercedes-Benz USA have recalled 9,004 cars out of the 12,580 cars they sold last year. The recall pertains to diesel models (Bluetec) which according to reports, have a problem with their crankshaft position sensors. A crankshaft position sensor is a key element controlling fuel injector pulse timing which is an underpinning factor for combustion to happen or in other words- the engine to work.

The models affected by the recall are 2007 E320 Bluetec, ML320 CDI, and GL320 CDI models. Failure of the sensor would cut fuel supply to the engine, a condition similar to having an empty fuel tank. Reports have also confirmed failure of sensor occurring when the car is running, so it could also come in as a catastrophic surprise. If you own a Bluetec model manufactured in 2007 which is listed above, contact your dealer for assistance at the soonest.

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The journey from smarthouse in Venice, a district of Los Angeles to Detroittook seven days. For a large part of the time the route led the test convoy consisting of one smart fortwo mhd, two smart fortwo cdis and an E 320 BLUETEC along the legendary old Route 66. Media representatives from Germany, Italyand the USAtook turns at the wheel. They had to cope with lonely highways, desert stretches, mountain passes and busy cities. And a severe spell of winter weather with fresh snow and temperatures of down to minus 15 degrees Celsius increased the challenge and made for tough driving conditions.

Despite these adverse conditions, the participants were impressed by the long-distance qualities of the smart fortwo models - cars that are actually designed for urban traffic. However, the high fuel-saving potential of all test vehicles was even more impressive:

- With its 52 kW/71 bhp 1 litre petrol engine the smart fortwo micro hybrid drive (mhd) showed that consumption of less than 5 litres per 100 kilometres can be achieved as a real on-the-road figure and carried its passengers 100 kilometres on 4.8 litres. This impressive figure is thanks to a new, sophisticated start-stop function that uses the idling phases to completely shut down the engine – for example at traffic lights, level crossings or in s top-and-go-traffic. As soon as the driver releases the brake pedal the engine starts automatically and the journey can continue immediately without a perceptible delay.

- On Route 66 the smart fortwo cdi proved that it rightly deserves the distinction of being the most economical production car with a combustion engine. Thanks to the world’s smallest direct injection diesel engine the 33 kW/45 bhp two-door model consumed just 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres in real-world conditions and travelled approximately 850 kilometres without refuelling.

- With the launch of the E 320 BLUETEC in 2006 Mercedes-Benz ushered in a new era of diesel engines in the USA. On the road trip to Detroitits 165 kW/224 bhp three litre V6 engine proved to be at least as economical as a four cylinder engine in everyday use. The average consumption was just 5.8 l/100 km. Moreover, thanks to the BLUETEC modular emission control system the popular business saloon is the world’s cleanest diesel and undercuts the strictest emission limit values worldwide. This is why the E 320 BLUETEC was named ” 2007 World Green Car” by journalists in the USA.

The E 320 BLUETEC has already won lots of fans in Americaand a European version, the E 300 BLUETEC is now available to customers in certain markets. The petrol version of the environmentally friendly smart fortwo will be available in the USAfrom this month.

- In 2008, Mercedes-Benz will be launching the first three diesel SUVs in the world in the guise of the R, ML and GL 320 BLUETEC, which will comply with the stringent U.S. 50-state BIN5 standard and future EU6 emissions standard.

- April 2008 will see the launch of the C 200 CDI, which according to NEDC ratings requires just 5.1 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (CO2 emissions of 135 grams per kilometre).

- The A 160 CDI is set to follow in June 2008 with fuel consumption of 4.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (CO2 emissions of 119 grams per kilometre).

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- Mercedes-Benz will also be launching the B 170 NGT in June 2008, the brand’s first compact model with natural-gas drive. Its CO2 emissions of 135 grams per kilometre are some 20 per cent lower than those of a comparable petrol model. Running costs have been cut by around a half.

- Mercedes-Benz will be launching its new generation of 4-cylinder diesel engine in 2009 in the shape of the C 250 BLUETEC. The strong, clean and extremely economical 2.2-litre powerplant delivers 150 kW/204 hp. The vehicle sets new standards in its output class with average fuel consumption of 4.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 130 grams per kilometre.

- 2009 will also see the launch of the Mercedes-Benz ML 450 HYBRID.

- In parallel with the ML 450 HYBRID, Mercedes-Benz will be launching an S‑Class with petrol hybrid. The S 400 HYBRID with 205 kW/279 hp and hybrid module delivers outstanding performance and fuel consumption of just 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (CO2 emissions: 190 grams per kilometre) in the NEDC cycle, making the S 400 HYBRID the most fuel-efficient luxury petrol-powered saloon in the world, irrespective of whether competitors pit a petrol, diesel or hybrid drive against it.

- Mercedes-Benz already has the largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles on the road in Europe, Asia, the USA and Australia. And even Iceland’s power utility sector already runs a fleet of A-Class F-Cell vehicles. In the summer of 2010, Mercedes-Benz will launch the first series-production car with a local zero-emission fuel-cell drive in the guise of the B-Class Fuel Cell. The powerplant for this innovative vehicle will be a new-generation fuel-cell drive that is completely practicable for everyday use.

- In the summer of 2010, Mercedes-Benz will be leading the way in the business class with the launch of the new E-Class – the first of three Mercedes-Benz models with the unique combination of BLUETEC, 7G-TRONIC and hybrid technology. The E 300 BLUETEC HYBRID is set to become the cleanest and most economical business saloon in the world with fuel consumption of 5.1 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, corresponding to CO2 emissions of 134 grams per kilometre.

- 2010 will also see the market launch of the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID.

- The C 300 BLUETEC HYBRID is set to follow in spring 2011 – fuel consumption of 4.6 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, CO2 emissions of 122 grams per kilometre.

- The S 400 BLUETEC HYBRID will go on sale from autumn 2011. Boasting fuel consumption of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres (CO2 emissions: 154 g/km), this luxury saloon combines fuel efficiency and excellent environmental compatibility together with supreme driving pleasure and comfort.

Mercedes-Benz provided 2007 IAA International Motor Show visitors with a taster of the future of the luxury long-distance saloon: the F 700 research car with innovative DIESOTTO drive combines the very best of the diesel and petrol engine to comfortably deliver the lowest fuel consumption in the history of the petrol-engined car. Thanks to turbocharging and the hybrid module, its 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine delivers combined maximum power of 190 kW/258 hp whilst consuming just 5.3 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres (CO2 emissions of 127 grams per kilometre).

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This is because the GLK, which goes on sale in this fall (January 2009 in U.S.), has an automotive starring role as a “rough and ready character” in “Sex And The City – The Movie”, which is currently being filmed and is due for release in May.

As an entry-luxury SUV, the future GLK adds a fifth model to the successful Mercedes-Benz SUV range, offering customers a new entry point into the world of Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive and securing yet another growth market segment for the Stuttgart auto manufacturer. “The forthcoming GLK is the right vehicle at the right time,” says Dieter Zetsche. “Firstly, it possesses a highly individual design that is a clear departure from the segment norm. Secondly, it brings together the strengths of our full-size models within an entry-luxury format that also has benefits in terms of fuel consumption.” This intelligent “right-sizing” sees Mercedes-Benz achieve – in parallel with its BLUETEC initiative – a further contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions within the SUV segment.

Vision GLK with new four-cylinder diesel and BLUETEC

The SUV study is presented in two visually distinct versions – as the elegantly sporty “Vision GLK BLUETEC” with on-road focus, and in the distinctly robust off-road version. In essence, these two studies preview the production version of the all new GLK class, which will go on sale in the USJanuary 2009. The new GLK also sets it own benchmarks in terms of environmental sustainability and efficiency. “Both versions of the Vision GLK are equipped with our highly efficient 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and our all-new four-cylinder diesel engine – a power unit that is both economical and, thanks to BLUETEC, extremely clean”, explains Daimler’s Head of Technical Development Dr. Thomas Weber. “From its 2.2 liter displacement, this high-torque engine generates 204 hp and a world class torque of 369 lb ft that is available from as low down the rev range as 1,600 rpm.”
This takes the new four-cylinder into performance dimensions that were previously the domain of three-liter six-cylinder diesels and large displacement V8 gasoline engines – and combines this with exemplary fuel economy. Weber again, “All this is made possible by innovations exclusive to Mercedes. For example, the latest in common-rail injection, new piezo injectors for 2,000 bar injection pressure, as well as two-phase turbocharging.”

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“In our marketing campaign on sustainability we promote innovative technologies for environmentally sound mobility such as the BLUETEC emission treatment system, which Mercedes-Benz offers to its customers as the world’s cleanest diesel,” says Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, responsible for Sales and Marketing. “Regarding the mobility of the future, we at Mercedes-Benz think in a holistic manner and therefore examine the complete value chain, which means a focus on creating a sustainable foundation for all development, production, and service activities. All of these activities will be combined under the ‘TrueBlueSolutions’ heading.”

In this regard, the brand’s communication activities - such as the first series of ads for the E 300 BLUETEC - will consistently feature the color blue as a metaphor for clean air. For the E 300 BLUETEC television commercial, Mercedes-Benz utilizes a popular children’s song that contains the word blue as a type of hymn for BLUETEC technology. The sustainability campaign was developed in co-operation with Mercedes-Benz’ lead agency, Jung von Matt.

Sustainability with TrueBlueSolutions

The variety of solutions developed by Mercedes-Benz, and the message of holistic thinking as a means of ensuring environmentally sound mobility, have all been combined under the heading of ‘TrueBlueSolutions’. The color blue, which is also the color of Mercedes-Benz, serves as the link between all the major evolutionary steps (solutions) Mercedes-Benz has taken on the path toward zero-emission mobility - i.e. BLUETEC, BLUETEC HYBRID, technical advancements with gasoline engines such as CGI direct injection, the DiesOtto technology, F-Cell hydrogen cars, etc.

BLUETEC - “The world’s cleanest diesel”

The BLUETEC technology developed by Daimler effectively reduces the exhaust emissions of diesel vehicles and especially lowers nitrogen oxide emissions. Mercedes-Benz initially launched its BLUETEC passenger car offensive in the U.S. in October 2006 with the introduction of the E 320 BLUETEC, which is still the world’s only passenger car equipped with this technology. Mercedes-Benz also plans to offer three more BLUETEC models on the U.S. market in the GL-, M- and R-Class from 2008. International automotive journalists have honored this environmental commitment by naming the E 320 BLUETEC the 2007 World Green Car. The panel responsible for choosing the winner praised BLUETEC as the trailblazer of a new and especially clean diesel technology. In a letter, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has also welcomed Mercedes-Benz’ BLUETEC initiative. The E 320 BLUETEC is currently the only diesel passenger car that meets the state’s stringent emission limits.

BLUETEC has also been proving itself in commercial vehicles since the beginning of 2005 and is now available in all truck and bus series. In fact, Daimler has already delivered more than 60,000 Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses equipped with this pioneering emission-reduction technology.

Mercedes has made great progress with their Bluetec available cars in most of the States, but the inclusion of California, which probably one of the biggest markets for Mercedes vehicles, has been a great addition to the Bluetec success.

Read more at AutoWeek

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