Mercedes-Benz Canada reached the half-way point of 2008 by beating the best first half ever, the best second quarter ever, and the best June ever. As their rivals falter, the three-pointed star continues to surge ahead.

Press release in full after the break.

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July 2, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Canada reports best June, best second quarter and strongest first half year sales ever

Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today its best June ever with a total of 2,516 units registered for the month. Second quarter results were also the best ever with 7,376 units delivered, up 1,645 units or 28.7% compared to second quarter 2007. The June results bring the year-to-date total to 12,125 units; an increase of 24.9% compared to last year at this time and the best sales for the first half of any year in the company’s history.

A total of 2,105 Mercedes-Benz vehicles were delivered in June, representing a gain of 669 units or a 46.6% increase compared to June 2007 and bringing year-to-date growth to 25.8%. A total of 411 smart fortwos were sold in June, bringing the year-to-date total to 1,964 units, up 20.2% from last year at this time. The combined Mercedes-Benz and smart sales of 2,516 units represents an increase of 613 units or gains of 32.2% for the month.

Very strong B-Class, C-Class, CLS-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, M-Class and GL-Class model sales contributed to June’s success. The next generation All-New C-Class accounted for an impressive 845 units. The M-Class and the GL-Class retail deliveries were up respectively by 36.5% and 54.2% in June. The company’s diesel sales ratio was 61.2% for the month while the permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC™ units accounted for 61.9% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

Total Mercedes-Benz passenger car sales of 1651 units were ahead by 566 units, a 52.2% gain for the month and up 28.6% on a year-to-date basis.

On the luxury light truck side, the M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class performed very well again in June with 454 sales and a gain of 29.3% compared to June 2007 results. Light trucks have shown a growth of 17.1% so far this year with 2,285 units delivered.

On the pre-owned side, the company reported 604 Mercedes-Benz units for the month of June. For the first half of 2008 3,681 pre-owned units have been delivered to customers. This represents an 18.8% increase against year-to-date June 2007 results and is another record for Mercedes-Benz Canada.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada said,” We’ve reached the half way point of 2008 and Mercedes-Benz Canada continues to break records. Selling over 12,100 units in six months is a significant accomplishment that we should all be very proud of. These results speak volumes to our exciting product range and also our dedicated team of professionals who have worked hard to achieve these remarkable results. It also shows the tremendous positive impact of the huge investments into the dealerships and the network that our dealers and Mercedes-Benz Canada have made over the last year. The year-to-date accomplishment augurs well as we enter the second half of this very exciting year.”

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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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.

The infamous R-class from the Mercedes stable received a massive blow last week when a top Mercedes official admitted that the car didn’t live up to their original plan. But Mercedes didn’t spend much time mourning and is planning a replacement already, with the hope of topping the popularity charts. Low car sales would probably motivate the new R-class to a be more aggressive wagon and quite different from the current one. The only question remaining is whether it would be able to drive its way into the hearts and garages of customers especially with tough competition coming from BMW X6 crossover.

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The two first places for the R and S-Class were the second double victory in succession for the Stuttgartpremium brand in the important “Auto Trophy” vote. A total of more than 100,000 knowledgeable readers of the “Auto Zeitung” Internet site cast their votes for the best cars of 2007 in the competition, which was held for the 20th time this year.

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class was able to prevail over 17 competitors. In voting it the best van, the readers of “Auto Zeitung” acknowledged its unique vehicle concept, with which Mercedes-Benz has set trends. It excels with exemplary travelling comfort, a high degree of variability and outstanding spaciousness, coupled with a striking design and the safety typical of a Mercedes.

In the vote for the best car in the luxury class, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class won through against 13 competitors. This flagship model from Stuttgart is acknowledged as an example to the entire field of passenger car development. It is also the top seller in the luxury segment, and occupies an exalted position with its refined stylishness, self-assured elegance and innovative ideas. The technical milestones realised for the first time in the S-Class include AIRMATIC air suspension and DISTRONIC proximity control. With these the luxury saloon opens up new dimensions in handling dynamics, while treating its passengers to an outstanding level of comfort. Standard features include unique technical innovations such as Brake Assist PLUS with radar sensors, the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, night view assist with infrared technology and the PRE-SAFE® brake. As the only system in the world of its kind, this can help to prevent an impending rear-end collision by automatically braking the car beforehand.

Next year, the cheapest R-Class you can get will be the 268hp R350, which has a V6 no AWD and cost you about $43,000. Originally, the cheapest R350 started at around $48,000. Other R models will retain standard AWD.

In the past, spotting a 500 HP AMG R63 has been difficult, probably due to its $80,000 price tag. Spotting one now will be even harder. All 2008 R-Class models will get the body cladding of the 2007 AMG (pictured above) and 18″ wheels, but not the performance mods. No AMG R-Class will be offered in 2008.

The most expensive R next year will be the 221hp R320 CDI at just over $46,000. While I have never understood the R-Class and its purpose, it is nice to see that Mercedes is making the more affortable and getting rid of the AMG model. Why did they think in the first place that Soccer moms would need a high performance R-Class.

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via Autoblog

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The Mercedes-Benz R-Class continues to set trends. This exceptional automotive concept combines the acknowledged strengths of several vehicle classes. Exemplary touring comfort, superlative handling dynamics, a high level of adaptability, extremely spacious accommodation, including a vast luggage compartment, coupled with expressive design and hallmark Mercedes safety – the R-Class leaves very little to be desired. For the first time, the SUV Tourer features a second row of seats for three people, giving a total of five seats and an unbeatably large versatile load compartment: the short-wheelbase versions can swallow 939 litres of luggage when loaded up to the roof, while the long-wheelbase models have a luggage-compartment capacity of 1118 litres. The short-wheelbase R Class can carry a maximum of 2001 litres (longest load-compartment length 1982 mm) whilst the figure for the long-wheelbase version is an unparalleled 2436 litres (longest load-compartment length 2217 mm). These passenger- and load-compartment dimensions make the R-Class the most spacious model in the entire Mercedes-Benz passenger-car range. Both versions feature practical stowage compartments under the load-compartment floor, with a capacity of 51 and 52 litres respectively. These can be used for stowing various items and keeping valuables out of sight.

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However, the R63 is a hugely capable machine combining effort- less pace and comfort. Buyers with deep pockets will soon forgive the high price and poor fuel economy.

Even if the Soccer-moms don’t like because of the large doors, there are other moms that do, and we can clearly see why.

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Read the MotorTrend review