Hybrid News

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Detroit Auto Show, USA

Whilst brainstorming a way to fill a bit of unused space and show off some of the eco-friendly zero-emission vehicles appearing at this years Detroit Auto Show, someone suddenly had a light bulb appear over their head. “Hey! Let’s build a track to show the cars in motion!” “That’s good, Jim, but we need to push the ‘green’ angle more,” came a quick response. “Perhaps some potted plants,” continued the be-lighted one, “No wait, how about a veritable verdant wood!” And so it was decided that an oval course, 700 feet in length, would be nestled amongst a scenic forestscape comprised of 100 Michigan maple, birch and pine trees along with a couple of ponds, replete with waterfalls. And placed in the basement of Cobo Hall. We cannot wait to see this.

Called the “Michigan EcoXperience″, the earnest effort will give the public a chance to take a ride in the featured vehicles from Tesla Motors, Mitsubishi, General Motors and Ford (What! No Fisker?). While professionals will be chauffering ticket buyers during the show, freeloaders journalists will be allowed to drive themselves on the press preview days. Officials have wisely placed a 10 mph speed limit on the track as well as crash barriers. Thanks to Patrick M. for the tip!

[Source: Autonet.ca, Detroit News]

Detroit preview: there will be a forest and a driving oval in the basement originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, USA

Although some folks in Washington act as though they could care less about the future of the home of the country’s domestic automakers, at least one lithium battery start-up company has laid down a hefty bet on Detroit. Sakti3 Inc. was founded last year by University of Michigan professor, Ann Marie Sastry, after deciding some promising research results should be used to create a battery rather than another academic paper. While it isn’t said whether her battery can hold more energy than those available today, it does seem as though making electric cars affordable is a goal she believes is necessary.

The company is currently only 10 employees strong but has attracted millions of investment dollars from the likes of Khosla Ventures and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The new battery itself may not be unveiled for several more years, but Sastry recognizes the importance of a technology breakthrough. She says, “This is the moment to make radical change. The auto industry needs to change radically.” She is sure right about that.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Battery start-up Sakti3 Inc bets on Detroit, might have new battery breakthrough originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: Hybrid, Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Benz will be launching its first hybrid, the S400 BlueHybrid next spring and Phil Floraday from Automobile got a chance to sample it on a recent trip to Europe. The S400 is a mild hybrid, and in many respects it’s more similar to the Honda IMA system than Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy drive. The S400 will be the first mass-produced hybrid with a lithium ion battery pack. As Phil explains, the system provides start/stop capability, and some electric boost. However, the main purpose is to drive vehicle electrical systems off the lithium battery, reducing the parasitic loads on the engine. The battery itself gets most of its charging from regenerative braking that provides 75 percent of the braking capability in most urban driving.

[Source: Automobile]

Automobile gets first drive in the Mercedes S400 BlueHybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Toyota, Green Daily, Lightweight, USA

Worried that the trend towards smaller cars in the United States is going to result in more injuries? It’s a rational concern, especially for those who are used to driving in full-size cars, trucks and SUVs and are normally surrounded by two or more tons of metal. But, light weight does not necessarily mean that a car isn’t safe. Proving this once again is Nick Chambers, a blogger for Gas 2.0 who inadvertently crashed his little Toyota Yaris into a dirt embankment and rolled it three times. Judging from the pictures, this was a pretty extreme crash, but Chambers walked away with only minor injuries.

Small cars must be engineered properly to retain their safety credentials, but it’s not impossible. Remember that all cars go through the same safety testing, regardless of their size. Crumple zones, airbags (you might want to make sure your Yaris has them), anti-lock brakes, stability control and the like all do their jobs and are standard on nearly every car sold in the States. Plus, as many drivers make the switch from big to small in the name of economy, the chances of meeting a nearly immovable object on the highway will only be reduced. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend trying it for yourself or anything.

[Source: gas2.0 via Instapundit]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, AutoblogGreen Exclusive

If you get into a room with a lot of people who make up part of the cellulosic ethanol industry, things can get a little technical. This is the situation here in Chicago for the Platts 3rd Annual Cellulosic Ethanol and Biofuels conference. A few hundred representatives from a lot of companies in the cellulosic ethanol “space” (I hear this term so often these days - the green tech space, the green car space, etc. Why?) are here and the rapid-fire presentations are truly talking to the choir, as it were. Sure, attendees disagree exactly how to best make cellulosic ethanol, but they all understand, well, the space.

So, join me as I share a bit about what was said and done at the conference. This post will cover the first few seminars, when some of the broader questions about cellulosic ethanol and the market were taken up. I’ll have more posts later about other aspects of the discussion. Jump past the fold for more.

Continue reading Platts Cellulosic Ethanol Conference - industry overview

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Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: Diesel, Etc., Audi, Toyota, Volkswagen, European Union, SEAT

The EcoTour was a 7-day tour through nine European countries with 42 of the most fuel-efficient cars. The tour started 12 September in Barcelona, Spain, and finished 19 September in The Hague in the Netherlands. The target was burning the least fuel possible during the seven days. There were two winners for each day: one absolute, and one for each category, as well as a final global winner: The Seat Ibiza Ecomotive, which averaged fuel consumption of 3.80 l/100 km (61.90mpg U.S.), and was driven by F.A. van Heijningen and N.A. van Heijningen-de Kok from the Netherlands. The event offset its carbon emissions via BP’s target-neutral program (€0.18 for each tank of normal gasoline, diesel or LPG and as much as €0.36 for each tank of BP Ultimate premium fuels). Follow us after the jump to see the complete results.

[Source: Seat and Eco Tour]

Continue reading The Seat Ibiza Ecomotive wins the Eco Tour 2008

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Original post by Xavier Navarro

Filed under: Etc., UK

Nobody wants to pay more for fuel than they need to. This may especially be true in the UK where, due in large part to heavy taxes, both gas and diesel are much more expensive than they are in the States. Regardless of how much it’s taxed, though, as the price for a barrel of crude goes down, so should the cost of fuel for the end consumer, at least in theory. It seems that this isn’t entirely the case across the pond, where an investigation is currently underway into current fuel prices. When compared to the last time the bulk price of crude was comparable to what it is now, the price at the pump is notably higher. Sure, there’s more to the price of a gallon of petrol than how much the refiner paid for its stock, but even after allowing for these adjustments, many believe that the UK population is being overcharged. Sounds like a common sentiment the world over.

[Source: What Car?]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Green Culture, HUMMER, SMART, Green Daily, USA

Despite the fact that Hummers are really no worse on gas than many other full-size, off-road oriented SUV, there is no arguing that the brand has come to represent all that is wrong in the state of the auto scene. As gas prices began rising, Hummer sales began sinking. In contrast, sales of hybrids, MINIs and smarts have gone through the roof. For its part, Penske, the American importer of the smart brand, has raised its sales outlook for the year. It’s telling that one of the nation’s largest Hummer dealers - located in Sin City no less - is closing its doors, despite the fact that the owner drives a Hummer and is still fond of the brand. Sales are just too slow, even in a city where people sometimes have more money than they know what to do with. In a rather unique twist, the ex-Hummer dealer’s owner will soon be opening a smart dealership. How’s that for irony?

[Source: Wall Street Journal / Photo: debcll, CC 2.0]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Ford, USA

Many people in the States still make their living using good ‘ole fashioned pickup trucks as their main method of transportation. For those people, the sky-high price of fuel is putting a serious dent in their profit margins, especially when that truck is used day-in and day-out to move heavy objects from one place to another. It’s dirty work, but somebody’s got to do it, as they say. For these gasoline-weary individuals, Ford, makers of the best-selling pickup truck in the world, is diligently working on its upcoming 4.4L diesel V8 powerplant, which should improve on the bread-and-butter 5.4L Triton gasoline engine’s mpg figure by 20-percent while delivering an extra shot of torque.

While we’ve seen the engine sitting by itself earlier this year at Ford’s national dealer conference in Vegas, PickupTrucks.com has managed to get its hands on a few shots of the engine under hood of a new F-150 mule. We can clearly see that it’s a tight fit in there with all the associated emissions plumbing, turbocharger and intercooler. Take note too that the engine wears the Power Stroke moniker, though the mill is not made by Ford’s traditional diesel supplier, Navistar. Instead, this engine is derived from a diesel engine used by Land Rover in Europe and will be manufactured in Mexico. Those looking to save a few bucks on a fill-up can look forward to a hopeful debut at the ‘09 Chicago Auto Show with a production release sometime later that year.
[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, USA

The House of Representatives passed the energy tax bill yesterday. The White House has threatened to veto the bill, but this one probably won’t make it as far as the president’s desk. Other bills similar to this energy tax bill died in the Senate but with $102 barrels of oil and $4 gallon of gas not out of the question, some extra political support might be behind the bill this time. Stay tuned.

[Source: Bloomberg]

 

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Original post by Lascelles Linton

Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Volkswagen, European Union, UK, Germany, USA

We are extremely pleased that Volkswagen was able to achieve such phenomenal fuel mileage and emissions numbers from their Golf TDI Hybrid. As a refresher, the machine uses a 1.2 liter three-cylinder diesel engine paired with a 26 horsepower electric motor and returns 69 U.S. mpg and 89 g/km of CO₂ emissions in the EU combined cycle. As we’ve reported, the car is slated for production in Europe, but what about the U.S.? Don’t we need cars that deliver high mileage and low emissions here too? Of course we do, but the question that needs to be asked is whether American drivers are ready to pay for the technology required to make these numbers a reality.

The Toyota Prius has set the standard for what consumers expect from green cars, and it is priced rather well - less than $25 grand, well equipped. Diesel vehicles have never sold as well in the States as they do in Europe, despite their fuel mileage increases. This is due, partly, to the added cost that comes with a diesel vehicle in order to meet emissions requirements. Keith Price, a spokesman for VW USA says,”From a consumer standpoint, it comes down to ‘What kind of compromise do I need to live with to enjoy all this wonderfulness?’” Price is one compromise that is hard to get around, as VW’s diesels already cost about $2,000 more than gasoline models. Add in what the hybrid system will cost on top of that and the Golf… um, I mean Rabbit TDI Hybrid may price itself out of the market. We sincerely hope not.

[Source: CNN Money]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Mercedes Benz, Natural Gas, Green Daily

click to enlarge

Mercedes-Benz premiered two new models - updated A and B Class vehicles - at the Auto Mobil International exhibition in Leipzig. When the B Class was previewed last month, we learned it would get a start-stop “mini hybrid″ system as well as a BlueEFFICIENCY option. The A Class 150 and 170 now also gain the start-stop system (no surprises there). The new A 160 CDI with BlueEFFICIENCY can now go 52 miles on a U.S.-sized gallon of gas (4.5 litres per 100 kilometres) and the 60 kW/82 hp Coupé emits just 119 grams of CO₂ per km. Overall, the eco-additions to the three A and B class models that have the BlueEFFICIENCY packages reduce fuel use in the city by up to nine percent. The new B 170 NGT (that stands for “Natural Gas Technology”) can also burn either petrol or natural gas, something that will appeal to emissions-minded European drivers. The NGT has a tank for gasoline and five natural gas reservoirs and will able to drive over 1,000 km (620 miles) if all available fuel space is filled to start. These updated models will be available starting this fall. Full details after the break.

Press Release:

Mercedes-Benz at “Auto Mobil International”

A and B-Class: World premiere of the new model generations in Leipzig

Leipzig - The focus of attention at “Auto Mobil International” (AMI) in Leipzig will be on the new generations of the A and B-Class. Both models are now more youthful, attractive and environmentally compatible than ever before. This is ensured by an all-round design makeover, an even more attractive equipment package and new technical developments which further improve safety, comfort and economy. A comfortable ECO start/stop function is now available for the high-volume models A 150/170 and B 150/170 which reduces petrol consumption in city traffic by up to nine percent. For the three-door A 160 CDI, Mercedes-Benz has developed a BlueEFFICIENCY package to lower the fuel consumption of the coup&eacute to just
4.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Other new development include the bivalent petrol/natural gas drive of the B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY and active parking assist, which helps the driver of the A and B-Class when finding and reversing into a parking space.

Since its world premiere in 1997, the A-Class has made a name for itself as a trendsetter and innovative leader in the compact car segment. Outstanding safety, great day-to-day flexibility and typical Mercedes reliability have always been among the strengths of the A-Class, which has so far captured the enthusiasm of about 1.7 million male and female drivers with its distinctive and versatile vehicle concept.

The new-generation A-Class builds on these strengths: in spring 2008 Mercedes-Benz is presenting the five-door saloon and the three-door coupé in completely upgraded versions. Viewed from the front, this compact Mercedes-Benz now appears even more youthful and self-confident than before. The sweeping lines of the newly designed headlamps harmoniously combine the front end and flanks, which literally appear to be cast from a single mould. The likewise redesigned front bumper reinforces this impression; its lower air intake is now much larger, emphasising the width of the body. The radiator grille is also in a new design which underlines the progressive aura of the A-Class. Design features at the front end provide even more clear distinctions between the design and equipment lines of the A-Class than before. In the AVANTGARDE line the front bumper has been given a distinctive design which emphasises the arrow-shape of the front end and suggests even greater agility. When viewed from the side the different lines in the A-Class are distinguished by individual wheel designs. While the basic model is equipped with 15-inch wheels and seven- spoke hubcaps as standard, ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE are fitted with individually designed 16-inch light-alloy wheels. The new, larger exterior mirror housings and door handles are now painted in the vehicle colour for all model variants.

Interior: upgraded with larger stowage compartments and new fabrics

Mercedes designers also paid particular attention to enhanced value when redesigning the interior, choosing new, high-grade upholstery fabrics and door linings. In addition new decorative trim of smoke-grey, diagonally brushed aluminium enhances the interior of the AVANTGARDE line, while the dignified aura of the ELEGANCE models is heightened by wood trim. All variants of the A-Class share a larger stowage compartment in the centre console and a newly designed cupholder between the front seats.

B-Class: The Sports Tourer in better shape than ever

Mercedes-Benz has also developed the B-Class further in design and technical terms. The restyled front end injects the B-Class with even more poise and assurance than before. This is primarily down to the radiator grille with its three chromed cross fins painted in metallic grey and the Mercedes star integrated into its centre. However, the more imposing appearance of the B-Class also stems from the new-look bumper - whose design emphasises the large air intake at the bottom - as well as the modified bonnet.

Typical distinguishing features of the current Mercedes style are also very much in evidence in the side profile of the B-Class, which presents a thrilling interplay between taut forms and crisp lines. Of particular note is the character line, which rises progressively from the front wing to the rear tail light, thereby marking an intriguing divide between the concave and convex-formed surfaces along the body’s flanks. This line furthermore underscores the body’s wedge-shaped form, and thereby gives added impact to the Sports Tourer’s athletic, powerful nature.

In the Model Year 2008 B-Class, the design at the sides seems even more harmonious and elegant than before because the exterior mirror housings, door handles and skirt panels are now painted to match the body colour on all model variants. The restyled hubcaps and light-alloy wheels add further touches of class to the exterior looks.

The Mercedes design team has further upgraded the interior with a new upholstery fabric, plus a new fabric pattern for the seat cushions. If the B-Class is ordered with the sports package, the side seat bolsters are trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather and the centre panels in fabric. The interior door linings likewise feature a new fabric trim.

Technology: fuel consumption reduced by up to eight percent

BlueEFFICIENCY is the new designation for the Mercedes commitment to further reductions in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Three models in the A and B-Class will bear the BlueEFFICIENCY emblem in future: the A 160 CDI, the high- volume four-cylinder models A 150/B 150 and A 170/ B 170 with the ECO start- stop function, and the new B 170 NGT with bivalent petrol/natural gas drive. The fuel consumption of the models in the A and B-Class has been reduced by up to eight percent thanks to a package of intelligently combined measures.

From autumn 2008 Mercedes-Benz will introduce a standard BlueEFFICIENCY package for the three-door A 160 CDI with a manual transmission, with further improvements in engine efficiency, aerodynamics, rolling resistance, energy management and weight. The sum of these measures achieves a fuel saving of
0.4 litres, which means that the A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY has an NEDC Page 4

consumption of only 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres. As a result the CO 2 emissions of the 60 kW/82 hp Coupé are only 119 grams per kilometre.

The BlueEFFICIENCY package also includes an aerodynamically optimised radiator grille. This has a closed-off interior face to reduce the airflow to the engine, though the CDI engine is still cooled effectively at all times. The suspension has also been lowered by ten millimetres to reduce the drag coefficient even further. Mercedes engineers have exploited an additional fuel-saving potential by controlling the onboard power supply of the A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY according to demand, and therefore on an energy-saving basis. To recharge the battery with optimum energy efficiency, the generator management system utilises the engine’s overrun phases to produce electrical energy.

Start/stop function: the engine switches off automatically when idling

In the case of the petrol-engined models A 150/B 150 and A 170/B 170, Mercedes engineers have achieved NEDC fuel savings of up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres with a newly developed ECO start/stop function. This system will become available from autumn 2008. It automatically switches off the engine when the driver shifts the manual transmission to neutral at a low speed while applying the brakes. If the conditions for engine switch-off are met, the driver is informed by a special display in the instrument cluster.

Within fractions of a second, and almost noiselessly, the engine is restarted as soon as the clutch is operated or the brake released. This rapid and comfortable engine start is a major advantage of the ECO start/stop function versus other systems of this kind.

With the ECO start/stop function the NEDC fuel consumption is reduced by a further 6.5 percent or so. The A 150 BlueEFFICIENCY (70 kW/95 hp) absolves a measured test journey with a fuel consumption of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres, which corresponds to 139 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Even greater advantages can be achieved in normal road traffic, as the results of extensive practical trials have confirmed: Mercedes employees tested the system in 175 test cars, covering a total of around 1.2 million kilometres. Roughly half of this enormous mileage was covered in city traffic, where the new ECO start/stop function enabled fuel savings of up to nine percent to be achieved.

NGT: B-Class powered by natural gas and petrol

A further new addition to the B-Class range bears the initials “NGT” on the right- hand side of its tailgate. They stand for “Natural Gas Technology″ and identify a model variant which is as economical as it is environmentally compatible, courtesy of its bi-fuel drive: the B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY is able to run on both natural gas and premium grade petrol while delivering an identical maximum output of 85 kW/116 hp.

In addition to the petrol tank, there are five natural gas reservoirs whose total capacity of 16 kilograms equates to a range of over 300 kilometres. With overall NEDC consumption figures of 7.3 litres of premium petrol and 4.9 kilograms of natural gas per 100 kilometres, the new B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY is therefore able to attain a total range in excess of 1000 kilometres. The driver determines which power source is used at the touch of a button, using the multifunction steering wheel; an electronic control unit carries out the switch instantaneously without any jolts - even while on the move.

The lower carbon dioxide emissions and cheaper fuel costs make natural gas an attractive alternative to petrol and diesel, both ecologically and economically speaking. On the NEDC cycle, the CO2 emissions are 17 percent lower than in

the petrol-powered B 170 at 135 grams per kilometre. If the 4.9 kilograms (7.5 m³) of natural gas consumed per 100 kilometres by the new B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY is converted into the equivalent quantity of petrol energy, the fuel cost per kilometre is around 50 percent less than when running on petrol

Ecology: the A-Class is the first compact car with an environmental certificate

Mercedes-Benz not only assesses the environmental compatibility of vehicles on the basis of standardised emissions and fuel consumption measurement, but also taking into account the entire vehicle lifecycle - from production and many years of operation to eventual recycling and disposal. An analysis of more than 40 000 individual processes provides an overall picture and enables the development work to be objectively assessed. This eco balance sheet is the basis of the environmental certificate according to the stringent international ISO standard 14062 (Design For Environment), which Mercedes-Benz is the world′s only automobile brand to have received.

Mercedes engineers have, for the first time, compiled an eco balance sheet for the natural-gas drive. It forms one element of the Environmental Certificate awarded to the B-Class by Germany’s TÜV Technical Inspection Authority. The results of this integrated analysis over a total distance travelled of 150,000 kilometres highlight, for example, a number of clear advantages for the natural-gas drive. The overall CO emissions are some 20 percent below the figure for the 2 comparable petrol-engined model. Nitrogen oxide emissions are eleven percent lower, while the experts have calculated a 54 percent difference in carbon monoxide emissions over the entire lifecycle in favour of the natural-gas drive.

Detailed information about the eco balance sheet and the environmental certificates for the A and B-Class may be found in Mercedes-Benz brochures, which are available on the Internet at www.media.daimler.com.

Safety: flashing brake lights warn following traffic

Mercedes-Benz has also made further improvements to the safety and comfort of the A and B-Class. The adaptive brake light introduces technology from the luxury class into the compact segment, which therefore benefits from a further accident prevention system as a standard feature. Under emergency braking from a speed exceeding 50 km/h, the brake lights flash rapidly to warn following traffic, enabling drivers to respond more rapidly and prevent a collision.

Mercedes-Benz has now added to this extensive safety technology with crash- responsive emergency lighting for the interior. This is switched on automatically following an accident of a defined severity, providing the occupants with better orientation and facilitating the work of the emergency services.

Parking assist: ultrasound and electric steering for easier parking

When finding and reversing into a parking space, drivers of the A and B-Class will in future be aided by an active parking assist feature which is available on request for all model variants. Using newly developed, side-mounted ultrasonic sensors, this system identifies suitable parking spaces on both sides of the road in passing, then informs the driver by means of a display. Once a suitable parking space has been found, an arrow appears in the display to inform the driver on which side of the road the parking space is located. If he or she engages reverse gear, acknowledges the display message and accelerates, active parking assist takes over the steering and automatically manoeuvres the car into the parking space. The driver only needs to accelerate and operate the brakes; the ultrasonic sensors of the PARKTRONIC system assist in this by keeping them informed about the distance to the vehicle in front of and behind the car.

Mercedes engineers have also added a new function to a well-proven support system: the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) now has an automatic hill-start assist function which prevents the car from rolling backwards when the driver changes from the brake pedal to the accelerator when moving off on an uphill gradient.

Audio: new units offer Bluetooth, a colour display and Europe-wide navigation

Like all the new 2008 Mercedes models, the A and B-Class is available with further improved information, communication, navigation and entertainment systems. The new Audio 50 APS is equipped with a colour display, Europe-wide DVD navigation system and DVD drive, while the top-of-the-range COMAND APS includes HDD navigation, a MUSIC REGISTER, an SD card slot and voice control. Even more scope for mobile musical pleasure is provided by a newly developed, interactive media interface, an optional item which is able to connect an MP3-player, USB stick or other external audio unit to the onboard infotainment system.

[Source: Daimler]

 

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Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: Mercedes Benz, Natural Gas, Green Daily

click to enlarge

Mercedes-Benz premiered two new models - updated A and B Class vehicles - at the Auto Mobil International exhibition in Leipzig. When the B Class was previewed last month, we learned it would get a start-stop “mini hybrid” system as well as a BlueEFFICIENCY option. The A Class 150 and 170 now also gain the start-stop system (no surprises there). The new A 160 CDI with BlueEFFICIENCY can now go 52 miles on a U.S.-sized gallon of gas (4.5 litres per 100 kilometres) and the 60 kW/82 hp Coupé emits just 119 grams of CO₂ per km. Overall, the eco-additions to the three A and B class models that have the BlueEFFICIENCY packages reduce fuel use in the city by up to nine percent. The new B 170 NGT (that stands for “Natural Gas Technology”) can also burn either petrol or natural gas, something that will appeal to emissions-minded European drivers. The NGT has a tank for gasoline and five natural gas reservoirs and will able to drive over 1,000 km (620 miles) if all available fuel space is filled to start. These updated models will be available starting this fall. Full details after the break.

Press Release:

Mercedes-Benz at “Auto Mobil International”

A and B-Class: World premiere of the new model generations in Leipzig

Leipzig - The focus of attention at “Auto Mobil International” (AMI) in Leipzig will be on the new generations of the A and B-Class. Both models are now more youthful, attractive and environmentally compatible than ever before. This is ensured by an all-round design makeover, an even more attractive equipment package and new technical developments which further improve safety, comfort and economy. A comfortable ECO start/stop function is now available for the high-volume models A 150/170 and B 150/170 which reduces petrol consumption in city traffic by up to nine percent. For the three-door A 160 CDI, Mercedes-Benz has developed a BlueEFFICIENCY package to lower the fuel consumption of the coupé to just
4.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Other new development include the bivalent petrol/natural gas drive of the B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY and active parking assist, which helps the driver of the A and B-Class when finding and reversing into a parking space.

Since its world premiere in 1997, the A-Class has made a name for itself as a trendsetter and innovative leader in the compact car segment. Outstanding safety, great day-to-day flexibility and typical Mercedes reliability have always been among the strengths of the A-Class, which has so far captured the enthusiasm of about 1.7 million male and female drivers with its distinctive and versatile vehicle concept.

The new-generation A-Class builds on these strengths: in spring 2008 Mercedes-Benz is presenting the five-door saloon and the three-door coupé in completely upgraded versions. Viewed from the front, this compact Mercedes-Benz now appears even more youthful and self-confident than before. The sweeping lines of the newly designed headlamps harmoniously combine the front end and flanks, which literally appear to be cast from a single mould. The likewise redesigned front bumper reinforces this impression its lower air intake is now much larger, emphasising the width of the body. The radiator grille is also in a new design which underlines the progressive aura of the A-Class. Design features at the front end provide even more clear distinctions between the design and equipment lines of the A-Class than before. In the AVANTGARDE line the front bumper has been given a distinctive design which emphasises the arrow-shape of the front end and suggests even greater agility. When viewed from the side the different lines in the A-Class are distinguished by individual wheel designs. While the basic model is equipped with 15-inch wheels and seven- spoke hubcaps as standard, ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE are fitted with individually designed 16-inch light-alloy wheels. The new, larger exterior mirror housings and door handles are now painted in the vehicle colour for all model variants.

Interior: upgraded with larger stowage compartments and new fabrics

Mercedes designers also paid particular attention to enhanced value when redesigning the interior, choosing new, high-grade upholstery fabrics and door linings. In addition new decorative trim of smoke-grey, diagonally brushed aluminium enhances the interior of the AVANTGARDE line, while the dignified aura of the ELEGANCE models is heightened by wood trim. All variants of the A-Class share a larger stowage compartment in the centre console and a newly designed cupholder between the front seats.

B-Class: The Sports Tourer in better shape than ever

Mercedes-Benz has also developed the B-Class further in design and technical terms. The restyled front end injects the B-Class with even more poise and assurance than before. This is primarily down to the radiator grille with its three chromed cross fins painted in metallic grey and the Mercedes star integrated into its centre. However, the more imposing appearance of the B-Class also stems from the new-look bumper - whose design emphasises the large air intake at the bottom - as well as the modified bonnet.

Typical distinguishing features of the current Mercedes style are also very much in evidence in the side profile of the B-Class, which presents a thrilling interplay between taut forms and crisp lines. Of particular note is the character line, which rises progressively from the front wing to the rear tail light, thereby marking an intriguing divide between the concave and convex-formed surfaces along the body’s flanks. This line furthermore underscores the body’s wedge-shaped form, and thereby gives added impact to the Sports Tourer’s athletic, powerful nature.

In the Model Year 2008 B-Class, the design at the sides seems even more harmonious and elegant than before because the exterior mirror housings, door handles and skirt panels are now painted to match the body colour on all model variants. The restyled hubcaps and light-alloy wheels add further touches of class to the exterior looks.

The Mercedes design team has further upgraded the interior with a new upholstery fabric, plus a new fabric pattern for the seat cushions. If the B-Class is ordered with the sports package, the side seat bolsters are trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather and the centre panels in fabric. The interior door linings likewise feature a new fabric trim.

Technology: fuel consumption reduced by up to eight percent

BlueEFFICIENCY is the new designation for the Mercedes commitment to further reductions in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Three models in the A and B-Class will bear the BlueEFFICIENCY emblem in future: the A 160 CDI, the high- volume four-cylinder models A 150/B 150 and A 170/ B 170 with the ECO start- stop function, and the new B 170 NGT with bivalent petrol/natural gas drive. The fuel consumption of the models in the A and B-Class has been reduced by up to eight percent thanks to a package of intelligently combined measures.

From autumn 2008 Mercedes-Benz will introduce a standard BlueEFFICIENCY package for the three-door A 160 CDI with a manual transmission, with further improvements in engine efficiency, aerodynamics, rolling resistance, energy management and weight. The sum of these measures achieves a fuel saving of
0.4 litres, which means that the A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY has an NEDC Page 4

consumption of only 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres. As a result the CO 2 emissions of the 60 kW/82 hp Coupé are only 119 grams per kilometre.

The BlueEFFICIENCY package also includes an aerodynamically optimised radiator grille. This has a closed-off interior face to reduce the airflow to the engine, though the CDI engine is still cooled effectively at all times. The suspension has also been lowered by ten millimetres to reduce the drag coefficient even further. Mercedes engineers have exploited an additional fuel-saving potential by controlling the onboard power supply of the A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY according to demand, and therefore on an energy-saving basis. To recharge the battery with optimum energy efficiency, the generator management system utilises the engine’s overrun phases to produce electrical energy.

Start/stop function: the engine switches off automatically when idling

In the case of the petrol-engined models A 150/B 150 and A 170/B 170, Mercedes engineers have achieved NEDC fuel savings of up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres with a newly developed ECO start/stop function. This system will become available from autumn 2008. It automatically switches off the engine when the driver shifts the manual transmission to neutral at a low speed while applying the brakes. If the conditions for engine switch-off are met, the driver is informed by a special display in the instrument cluster.

Within fractions of a second, and almost noiselessly, the engine is restarted as soon as the clutch is operated or the brake released. This rapid and comfortable engine start is a major advantage of the ECO start/stop function versus other systems of this kind.

With the ECO start/stop function the NEDC fuel consumption is reduced by a further 6.5 percent or so. The A 150 BlueEFFICIENCY (70 kW/95 hp) absolves a measured test journey with a fuel consumption of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres, which corresponds to 139 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Even greater advantages can be achieved in normal road traffic, as the results of extensive practical trials have confirmed: Mercedes employees tested the system in 175 test cars, covering a total of around 1.2 million kilometres. Roughly half of this enormous mileage was covered in city traffic, where the new ECO start/stop function enabled fuel savings of up to nine percent to be achieved.

NGT: B-Class powered by natural gas and petrol

A further new addition to the B-Class range bears the initials “NGT” on the right- hand side of its tailgate. They stand for “Natural Gas Technology” and identify a model variant which is as economical as it is environmentally compatible, courtesy of its bi-fuel drive: the B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY is able to run on both natural gas and premium grade petrol while delivering an identical maximum output of 85 kW/116 hp.

In addition to the petrol tank, there are five natural gas reservoirs whose total capacity of 16 kilograms equates to a range of over 300 kilometres. With overall NEDC consumption figures of 7.3 litres of premium petrol and 4.9 kilograms of natural gas per 100 kilometres, the new B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY is therefore able to attain a total range in excess of 1000 kilometres. The driver determines which power source is used at the touch of a button, using the multifunction steering wheel; an electronic control unit carries out the switch instantaneously without any jolts - even while on the move.

The lower carbon dioxide emissions and cheaper fuel costs make natural gas an attractive alternative to petrol and diesel, both ecologically and economically speaking. On the NEDC cycle, the CO2 emissions are 17 percent lower than in

the petrol-powered B 170 at 135 grams per kilometre. If the 4.9 kilograms (7.5 m³) of natural gas consumed per 100 kilometres by the new B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY is converted into the equivalent quantity of petrol energy, the fuel cost per kilometre is around 50 percent less than when running on petrol

Ecology: the A-Class is the first compact car with an environmental certificate

Mercedes-Benz not only assesses the environmental compatibility of vehicles on the basis of standardised emissions and fuel consumption measurement, but also taking into account the entire vehicle lifecycle - from production and many years of operation to eventual recycling and disposal. An analysis of more than 40 000 individual processes provides an overall picture and enables the development work to be objectively assessed. This eco balance sheet is the basis of the environmental certificate according to the stringent international ISO standard 14062 (Design For Environment), which Mercedes-Benz is the world’s only automobile brand to have received.

Mercedes engineers have, for the first time, compiled an eco balance sheet for the natural-gas drive. It forms one element of the Environmental Certificate awarded to the B-Class by Germany’s TÜV Technical Inspection Authority. The results of this integrated analysis over a total distance travelled of 150,000 kilometres highlight, for example, a number of clear advantages for the natural-gas drive. The overall CO emissions are some 20 percent below the figure for the 2 comparable petrol-engined model. Nitrogen oxide emissions are eleven percent lower, while the experts have calculated a 54 percent difference in carbon monoxide emissions over the entire lifecycle in favour of the natural-gas drive.

Detailed information about the eco balance sheet and the environmental certificates for the A and B-Class may be found in Mercedes-Benz brochures, which are available on the Internet at www.media.daimler.com.

Safety: flashing brake lights warn following traffic

Mercedes-Benz has also made further improvements to the safety and comfort of the A and B-Class. The adaptive brake light introduces technology from the luxury class into the compact segment, which therefore benefits from a further accident prevention system as a standard feature. Under emergency braking from a speed exceeding 50 km/h, the brake lights flash rapidly to warn following traffic, enabling drivers to respond more rapidly and prevent a collision.

Mercedes-Benz has now added to this extensive safety technology with crash- responsive emergency lighting for the interior. This is switched on automatically following an accident of a defined severity, providing the occupants with better orientation and facilitating the work of the emergency services.

Parking assist: ultrasound and electric steering for easier parking

When finding and reversing into a parking space, drive