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Mercedes-Benz and 125 years to innovate constantly

"The passion for innovation is extinguished ja-but" - From the Benz engine has patented the reinvention of the automobile

On 29 January 1886, Carl Benz filed a patent in Berlin for his tri-cycle engine, a date that will remain forever etched in the memories to me as the official date of birth of the automobile. In 2011, the latter will celebrate its 125th anniversary. But the car is also the first car has four wheels developed in parallel by Gottlieb Daimler. Thus, the founding fathers of the current company Dai-Mler AG and its flagship brand of international renown Mercedes-Benz, independently of one another, paving the way for an invention which still inspire Particular neigh-tures, industrial vehicles, buses and auto-modern bus. Since that time, the inventor of the automobile has evolved its invention like no other manufacturer, a diverse and sustainable Evolution applies to all areas of automotive construction: propulsion, safety, design and comfort.

Innovation has always been the key to the success of manufacturers and its role will be even more decisive in the future. The car could not have been born without the courage of his fathers in favor of new ideas, just as progress is closely linked with the innovation of mankind strength. As the inventor of the automobile,

Mercedes-Benz aims to make this invention permanently evolve

revolutionary. With over 80 000 patents to its credit, the company continues to testify his will to remain at the forefront of innovation since the "patented motor car" and "motorized carriage" were pre-sented respectively by Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler in 1886. first automobile in the world, the car engine patented by DEVELOPED Benz is a symbol of the same pioneering spirit. With its chassis fili-grane, tricycle posted outset of his ambition to inaugurate a new era of mobility. The caleche a Daimler engine was, as it was, the very first four-wheel automobile.

These two vehicles are the first testimonies of success without equi-valent, a story which Mercedes-Benz continues to add new chapters. This is thanks to the creative genius of the Stuttgart manufacturer that the "horseless caleche", described in its infancy "innovation without future" by his detractors, quickly became not only a symbol of individual freedom, but also a motor essential to economic growth. In addition to the first bus and the first truck, the company can boast of having developed the first particular car modern era: the Mer-cedes 35 hp presented in February 1900.

Mercedes 35 hp: the ancestor of the modern car

At the dawn of the 20th century, the ancestor of all modern passenger cars revolutionized the automobile with a completely new architecture which is through-the decades. Mercedes 35 hp marks the passage of the "motorized carriage" requirement on large wheels automobile as we know it today. Its long wheelbase, wide track, the center of gravity lower and tilted steering column marked a decisive turning point in automotive construction. Thanks to these innovations, the car can then be transformed into a means of locomotion and comfortable. Mercedes opens a new era.

The car also has an elongated shape and a honeycomb radiator integrated organically into the body, which can definitely solve the problem of engine cooling which until then are affecting all automobiles. This item will also be-come one of the symbols of the brand. The powerful four-cylinder Mercedes engine adopts a crankcase made of light alloy which is still today in reference engine in search of alle-ment solutions. In addition, this engine is implanted very low in the chassis. Its exhaust valves were controlled by a camshaft, a solution that can greatly improve the noise of the engine, but also its stability at idle and its accelera-tion potential. The principle of "engine at the front, the rear wheel transmission" has gradually imposed today become the standard mode of propulsion in the car.

Mercedes and the first modern automobile

The "35 hp" was the first car to bear the name of Mercedes; it enters history as the very first modern automobile. Many manufacturers are inspired by its concept, which demarque reso-lutely solutions then. Thus Mercedes-Benz demonstrated very early in his desire to be at the forefront of Evolution, both in terms of technology as an architectural point of view.

The passion for innovation as the engine of the automobile Evolution

Thanks to his boundless creativity, Mercedes-Benz has always managed to gift-ner new impulses to automotive progress, has constantly reinventing the concept of individual mobility and develop new applications. Its po-tential for innovation has enabled it to create a completely new range of manufacturers in the world. Today, the brand offers the star itself has a range of products that extends from the compact segment with the Class A industrial vehicles with heavy-duty Actros, in passing by the high performance sedans such as the S-gers Sprinter Type or Class Citaro urban buses, utilities. This extensive program is suitably completed by the smart brand, which offers a model of small size which many regard as the ideal city car. The smart fortwo current draws heavily on the study NAFA ("Nahverkehrsfahrzeug" = vehicle of proximity) presented in the early 1980s by Mercedes-Benz. The concept car has two seats has evolved in two directions which, in the early 1990s, have given birth to the First compact car manufacturer, namely Class A and smart city cutting, predecessor of today's smart fortwo.

Over the past decades, Mercedes-Benz continues to create new concepts for individual mobility and conquer new market segments. For example is the SLK presented in 1996, the first compact roadster in the premium segment. A year after, the M-Class inaugurated the premium segment SUV, the Mercedes-Benz engineers operator for the occasion their long experience of all-terrain vehicles, acquired thanks to two legendary models such as the G-Class and Unimog. Vector trend last date, CLS gave birth in 2004 to segment four-door cuts. Countless technical innovations launched in exclusivity on models Mercedes finally testify technological advance of the inventor of the automobile in all areas, whether the systems of propulsion, safety, the de-sign or comfort.

Mercedes-Benz engines: the power of Evolution in all areas

For 125 years, Mercedes-Benz has been a pioneer in the field of automotive engines. His first model gasoline diet pupil can be considered as the true engine of the automobile revolution in the true sense of the term. Of 1898, Daimler introduced the first-tier red vehicle has four-cylinder engine, the Daimler "Phaeton" 8 hp. In 1923 Benz presented the first of his side truck diesel engine. The Mercedes engineers are at the origin of another revolution, namely that of diesel for private cars, appeared in 1936 on the Mercedes 260 D, the very first diesel car series in the world.

In the following decades, Mercedes-Benz continues to make its mark in the evolution of the auto-ignition engine. Many technological innovations such as common rail diesel injection (CDI), combined with turbocharging, helped to advance the power and torque in parallel to a reduction of fuel consumption and pollutant emission. Today, the brand offers the star in all segments of models with strong torque and quiet efficient CDI engines; engine that has comparable power, consume some ten times less diesel than their ancestor in 1936.

BlueTEC: diesel as clean as gasoline engines

Mercedes-Benz has also developed a technology that can effectively reduce pollutant emissions from diesel engines, especially nitrogen oxides. His name is encapsulated in a few words: BlueTEC. Thanks to BlueTEC, nearly 90% of the nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas are transformed into nitrogen and water, two harm-fensives substances. Result: diesel engines are as clean as their modern counterparts petrol. Mercedes-Benz began marketing cars BlueTEC in 2006. Today, this technology is presented in the E-Class and S-Class, but also in the SUV as the GL-Class, R-Class and M-Class

Originally, the BlueTEC technology has been developed for industrial vehicles of the brand. The first Mercedes truck has to be endowed fate chains in 2005. It remains then that adapt technology to the specificities of the car. This example demonstrates one of the great strengths of the company: its ability to exploit the technological expertise of my cross-niere within the group so that innovations can benefit potential customers quickly and systematically across program vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz modern engines potential of evolution

Mercedes-Benz demonstrated the potential of evolution of the engine at the launch of the new S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY in 2010, first car segment display prestige consumption seu-tion 5 liters per 100 km. First four cylinders implanted in S whose success never dementi for over 60 years class, this engine has twin-turbo can boast of a energe-tion efficiency unrivaled since only consumes 5.7 l / 100 km according to the NEDC. Cote CO2 emissions, the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is the first vehicle in its class to remain below the threshold of 150 g / km with an emissions 149 g / km.

The first engine compressor motor in modern gasoline direct injection

The inventor of the automobile has also mark the evolution of the petrol engine. Of the early 1920s, the former Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft adapted to the automobile the principle of mechanical compression developed initially for thermal aircraft engines. Thanks to this solution, the Mercedes models 6/25 hp and 10/40 hp displayed power and efficiency significantly higher than those of comparable without compressor mechanical vehicles.

In 1954, Sports Car Legend 300 SL fate of chains with the first four-stroke petrol engine direct injection. After having served mainly to increase the engine power, henceforth these solutions are exploited, with others, by the Mercedes engineers to improve the efficiency of modern engines in order to obtain simultaneously if a significant reduction in fuel consumption and gain significant power.

Concerning the development of today and tomorrow gasoline engines, the Mercedes-Benz strategy boils few principles: direct injection in all gasoline and diesel engines, reduction of dree-cylinder, turbo boost and variable distribution . The new four-cylinder petrol engines turbo direct injection lances in autumn 2009 on the E-Class are the first witnesses of this development that affects all engines from 4 to 8 cylinders and all rele-vant ranges of products in one and the same goal of providing vehicles develop-pant with high power consumption levels and CO2 emission reduced.

BlueDIRECT: the petrol engine as sober as diesel

The ultimate in efficiency, as is the common characteristic of a new generation of engines has presented six and eight cylinders in 2010 on the S-Class, CL-Class and the new CLS. On all versions, will their power and torque are reviewed at the rise while consumption values ​​are revised downward, like the new CLS that record up to 25% off. Cote sobriety, petrol direct injection engines Mercedes-Benz new generation BlueDIRECT henceforth have nothing to envy to their diesel counterparts. The improvement in efficiency FOLLOWS a certain number of targeted measures from the BlueEFFICIENCY program whose ECO start / stop function already fitted as standard on many models and Mercedes-Benz offer on its entire range , more than 50 models, commencing in mid-2011.

Pioneer in the field of alternative drive systems

Very early, Mercedes-Benz has also played a role in the forefront in matters of alternative propulsion systems. Thus, the Mercedes team in 1906 the first vehicles (cars, trucks, buses and vehicles of fire) of electric propulsion systems a battery or hybrid systems. It was not until the 1970s that resume and intensify research on electric propulsion and hybrid.

Thanks to its capital unreleased experience in this area, Mercedes-Benz was able to develop modern vehicles, with systems of propulsion alternatives that open the way to a zero emission mobility own.

Among these achievements, prestigious sedan S 400 HYBRID marketing-see in 2009 is the first hybrid car of a European manufacturer and, more comes standard with a propulsion system vanguard based on lithium- ion. Shortly after this event, Mercedes-Benz launched in quick succession three new models have electric propulsion: the A-Class E-CELL and lightweight utility Vito E-CELL is powered by batteries, and the B-Class F-CELL endowed with a fuel cell. This program of electric vehicles is appropriately completed by the smart fortwo electric drive, which already and already setting new standards in terms of urban local emission-free driving poses.

Security: Mercedes genes present in each car

Mercedes-Benz is no doubt that the manufacturer has global scale, provides the greatest efforts in automotive safety. For seven decades, experts from the brand l'etoile apply with meticu-losite extreme to analyze the causes of accidents, but also their con-sequences in order to mitigate or even avoid accidents just their same. Three famous birthdays in 2009 reflect the total commitment of Mercedes:

the "70 years of research on security", "50 years of cell foam and passengers" and "40 years of research accidentolo-ogy."

In terms of passive safety, the engineers are working to find solutions that can best protect occupants in the event of an accident. This is the passenger cell with foam and areas controlled de-formation, patented by Mercedes-Benz in 1951 before being launched in series in 1959 on Mercedes' rear fins "220 S and 220 SE. The seat belt and airbag are other innovations that Mercedes-Benz is the first to evolve towards a production series.

Today, no motorist can not do without. Thus we can say that every modern car door in her genes Mercedes.

Reduce the consequences of accidents and avoid collisions 

Active safety is main object prevent accidents. It is for this reason that Mercedes-Benz has developed a number of innovations-a tinees reduce the severity of accidents or, better yet, avoid them. The systems that are electronically controlled ABS and ESP ® are two solutions developed by Mercedes, as evidenced by the statistics, have contributed to significantly reduce the frequency of accidents. These systems are also now part of the equipment series of vehicles from virtually all manufacturers. It was in 1978 that the anti-lock system ABS wheel appeared on the models of the series S Class 116. Airbag was launched on models S-Class of the 126 series in 1981. As for the regulation of the dynamic behavior ESP ®, its marketing-bute in 1995 on the series of cuts S Class 140, before phasing out the entire range.

Thanks to this system, Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer in the world to create a bridge between the passive safety and active safety for the benefit of the occupants, who benefit from the kind of even amelio-ree protection. Grace PRE-SAFE ®, Mercedes-Benz opened in 2002 a new chapter in the history of the security. As part of its work on safety, Mercedes-Benz operates a systematic manner the col-lected information on real accidents, as well as the knowledge capital of its accident service. The avant-garde systems that are eg alarm-ing crosses active online or ATTENTION ASSIST are targeted responses allow both to counteract the causes of accidents classics like changes lanes or excessive fatigue .

Some key dates in the evolution of safety at Mercedes-Benz:

1939 - Early work in the field of car safety-party culieres

1959 - Premiere body security world

1969 - Creation of the service of Mercedes-Benz accident

1978 - ABS System has electronic steering wheel (ABS)

1980 - Airbag (airbag) was tripping pyrotechnic

    belt retractor

1989 - Head has automatic deployment rollover

1995 - Regulation of the Program (ESP ®)

1996 - Emergency brake assist (BAS)

1998 - Cruise speed and distance DISTRONIC

1999 - Undercarriage has ABC active suspension, control pressure

    Tire

2002 - System preventive occupant protection PRE-SAFE ®

2003 - Active light turns

2005 - Distronic PLUS, emergency brake assist PLUS, assistant

    Night Vision

2006 - PRE-SAFE ® Brake, Intelligent Light System

2009 - Reminder speed limit, lane departure warning,

    Blind Spot, drowsiness detection system

    ATTENTION ASSIST,

2010 - Alarm Active Lane, Active Blind angle, LED high-performance headlamps

Ride comfort: one of the favorite subjects of Mercedes-Benz

Ride comfort has always been a favorite of Mer-cedes-Benz disciplines. Grace has a specific formula (wide track, long wheelbase and chassis custom made), the vehicles offer a l'etoile for over a century the ride comfort on long journeys that made the reputation of the brand. Of 1931, the model 170 is a milestone size in matters of design chassis. For the first time, a large car series is equipped with an independent suspension all wheels ("swing axles"). This solution will revolutionize the concept of comfort by filtering much better irregularities of the floor and offering a comfortable ride revises upwards.

Thanks to its technological advances, Mercedes-Benz has always been a benchmark in the automotive world. Thus it launches in 1954 a single joint swing axle, oscillating axle with arms oblique arrives on the market in 1968. A Both have helped significantly improve the safety of driving and the comfort level of vehicles. In 1961, you have the first air suspension on the 300 SE luxury sedan makes reference quickly. At the end of the year 1982, the multilink rear axle of the new compact range has not long to feel its inedite design. For optimal movement of each individually suspended wheels, Mercedes engineers have established five suspension arms coming on a coordinated space. This solution is extended to all models Mercedes rear propulsion (sedans, coupes, convertibles and sports cars), before being taken up by many manufacturers.

AIRMATIC: air suspension for improved driving enjoyment con-duce

The year 1998 marks the arrival, the S-Class, another technological revolution. Instead of the traditional system of suspension and damping based on helical springs appeared air suspension and adaptive damping system ADS. This innovation also call a leveling Manager will each wheel individually. Taking into account the state of the floor, driving style and vehicle load, it is able to provide ride comfort of an exceptional quality.

Among the major innovations of recent years, the first active suspension system regulation is encapsulated in three letters: ABC Active Body Control. Presented in 1991 on the experimental vehicle Mercedes-Benz C112, it is introduced in 1999 on sections of the CL-Class. Thanks to its active regulation, this system reduces the caused by the pitch and body roll when cornering or movements oscillations Causes dive under braking. In 2007, the new C-Class sees arrive dynamic handling package offering two programs of conduct, "sport" and "comfort", as one capable of driving each other thanks wheels an electronic damper regulation continuously.

PRE-SCAN: a flying carpet has four wheels

Also in 2007, Mercedes-Benz presents the experimental vehicle F 700 a revolutionary suspension system baptize PRE-SCAN. Able to safely detect the upstream state of the floor, the system reacts to the slightest irregularities with extreme sensitivity to correct them still more effectively. Upon arrival, the F 700 shows a similar level of comfort (or almost) to that of a flying carpet. To achieve this, the undercarriage PRE-SCAN uses two "eyes" in the form of integrated optical laser sensors before.

The suspension system MAGIC BODY CONTROL presented in autumn 2010 is an evolution of this innovation. He is also completely axis anticipation. Grace has a stereo camera sensitivity that is installed behind the windshield above the interior mirror, the system "scans" the road ahead of the vehicle from two different perspectives that identify the irregularities of the floor for more detailed manner. Tors of calculator Embedded ultrafast then handle business in real time all of the collected information to allow the ABC active suspension to control the force applied to each wheel with extreme precision.

Result: the movements of the body are much better rewards than the suspension systems installed conventional vehicles in the modern series.

Ease of use: intelligent to relieve the conductor since its beginnings systems, Mercedes-Benz aims to develop vehicles that can be drivers manner as simple and intuitive as possible. Thus, in 1902, a new generation of Mercedes models prefigure of enormous progress in this field under the designation "Mercedes Sim-plex." For Mercedes-Benz, the concept of supreme comfort not only integrates a richer equipment and a passenger or feels good. It also integrates and especially comfort solutions designed to maintain the driver's performance and a host of details? Uvrant in perfect harmony to offload as much as possible. Ease of use, ergonomics, air conditioning, sound level, Driving qualities and many other factors are parameters that influence greatly on the physical condition of the driver and, therefore, on its ability to apprehend the traffic. Indeed, only a relaxed driver is a driver on.

Mercedes-Benz studied this complex subject for many years already. The results of research on the "physiological safety" are exploited in a systematic manner to optimize vehicles. Result: Mercedes drivers stay longer in shape and concentrate the majority of motorists, as evidenced by many studies about it. Among the advances made in this field, we find the concepts of control and developed with an extreme care and use of intuitive manner display, or the systems support the conduct, transforming the car into a partner that To support the driver.

Design Mercedes-Benz: the marriage of tradition and modernity

Mercedes-Benz style evolved into a space that combines the tradition of modernity. The aesthetic of modern cars has been strongly in-fluenced by the "Blitzen-Benz" presented in 1909, a race car detaining numerous records bodied to provide better pene-tration into the air and expressing dynamism. While Mercedes models of the 1920s show a male and statuesque figure, lines are softened from the early 1930s to become more fluid and privileging the curves. One of the highlights of this development is undoubtedly the 500 K model 1934, which gave birth in 1936 a successor silhouette ex-ERATION virtually identical, the model 540 K. Building on equilibria volumes and as fluid lines and elegant, they are both considered as the incarnation of the same automobile beauty perfect.

1953: the year of the break

The arrival of the 180 model in 1953 marked a turning point in the world of Mercedes-Benz style. With a design resolutely turned towards the future, the sedan is distinguished by its architecture in three volumes, the third being is the rear trunk. Not content to be more rigid and safer in case of an accident, this body type "Ponton" quickly established as the symbol of a new modernity. Compared to conventional body to prominent wings, projectors suspended in March-chepieds and door-to-back false minimum, the Ponton models offer many practical advantages, namely a more spacious interior, better visibility, better coefficient aerodynamics, lower sensitivity to wind noise and a safe luggage has a significantly higher volume.

The Mercedes 180 is far from being the only Mercedes model advanced to have a lasting influence the evolution of the automobile design. Often referred to as an object of worship, the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing embodies class and car culture like no other car of its era. It is still one of the most models dream taken by collectors. In 1999, she even won the Oscar for "sports car of the century" by an international jury of automotive experts. The 300 SL was the first neigh-ture tourism Mercedes endowed with a horizontal air intake INCORPORATING famous star in its center. This characteristic element is found since then on all models sporting goods bearing the mythical symbol 'SL'.

220 sedans, 220 S and 220 SE "has fins back" launched in 1959 have also influenced a whole generation with their inedite line which combines elegance with functionality. Also aesthetic than useful when ma-n works parking, fins, or more precisely the "recoil guides" as their official designation, but also excellent for panning offered by the passenger, go to new customer expectations.

Of the elements of classical style allied to new ideas

The Elements identity characteristics of modern Mercedes-Benz models are often rooted in stylistic solutions adopted in the past. For example, the "movement of hips" of the ac-tual Class E concept shows the decline of the Ponton models of year-nees 1950; or the lateral louvers and grilles specific, one-tail style unique to SL models, also dating from the 1950s. Though classics, whenever these items are reinterpreted to be given to the style of the day. Thus, Mercedes-Benz has avoided to bend any occasional retro trend, the effect of mode switches usually very quickly. Mercedes-Benz designers seek rather to emphasize the origin of auto models combining cleverly classic elements to new ideas to enable the evo-luer design in continuity.

The strategy pursued by designers Mercedes-Benz is part of a long-term perspective, to a Mercedes vehicle can always be identified as such. To achieve this, they use a visual language differentiates. They combine elements to identify outset of a Mercedes model has specific characteristics to each series, to confer on each model a character quite personal. That's why SUVs are clearly distinguished from sedans, cups or sports models. The result translates into a seductive blend of style and uniqueness of relative identity. The Mercedes-Benz style remains alive in all these details. It is still modern but never cede fashionable.

This principle also applies to the design of the interior and of each of its elements. Depending on the character of the car, materials, forms and the elements of style are treated differently depending on the series and model. Again, the individuality and the general harmony cross pass before the standardization. The interior fittings, which, for designers, is gaining in importance, contributing more than ever to sustain the aesthetic fascination exerted by the car. The cabin is indeed a living space in which the owner spends a lot of time.

Mercedes-Benz: an exclusive style constantly changing

The experimental vehicle F 800 Style prefigure today's style of Mercedes models tomorrow. It is both a technology platform and creator trend in matters of design. Outwardly, he characterizes by a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a line of suggestive and fluid roof. Dimension, its shape reminiscent of a cut and perfectly balanced proportions confer him the soul of a sports racy, while evolve the elements of style characteristics of the brand the star.

A space of creativity

For 125 years, the creativity is written with a capital "C" at Mercedes-Benz. The famous German engineers talent and inventiveness attributed to Swabians have allowed the brand to reach the top of the global hierarchy. Creativity has always had its place in the company, which has always preserve space to think and work in complete freedom. Thanks to this recipe, thirst for innovation has never quenched.

To maintain its lead, the manufacturer weaves a network has to know the scale of the planet, a platform that allows employees? U-ering in the Research & Development department to exchange knowledge and know- how from the most varied disciplines. The year passes, this fruitful exchange has allowed Mercedes-Benz once again de-pose the greatest number of patents among manufacturers of premium cars. More than half of the approximately 2,070 patents deposited fall within the category of "green" technologies, the sub-category "kinematic chain" representative alone has 720 developments, or 35%. Many breakthroughs were realized primarily in the areas of energy efficiency, post-treatment exhaust gas, a fuel cell and batteries. Building on a substantial investment program in the area of ​​research and development, the Stuttgart manufacturer has the means to stay tomorrow again at the forefront of innovation even further increase their lead.

Mercedes-Benz: the world's most prestigious luxury brand

Thanks to its strategy of continuous innovation, Mercedes-Benz is placed at the top of the hit parade of the most prestigious brands in the world, as shown by international studies conducted this year, which has earned three awards for its Mercedes-Benz character ex-ceptional. According to these studies, Mercedes-Benz is the "most prestigious German brand", "the most prestigious high-end automobile brands in the world" and, more generally, "the world's most prestigious luxury brand."

"The best or nothing! "- Yesterday, today and tomorrow

"The passion for invention will never be extinguished," said Carl Benz, Gottlieb Dai-Mler had chosen him as a famous motto "The best or nothing! ". It is in this spirit evolves Mercedes-Benz for nearly 125 years. The spirit of innovation is a key driver of the company, will they anchored in the culture of the brand, the objective being to guarantee individual mobility also for future generations and providing each customer vehicle a total adequacy with its expectations. The source of this creative energy lies in the research strategy of Mercedes-Benz, organ-ised an activity which, in the early 1970s, led to the formal creation of a department of internal research.

Today, Mercedes-Benz relies on a vast network of knowledge, anime by some 19 000 researchers and engineers developing distributed worldwide. Dubbed "Think Tank", this network is a forum for interdisciplinary exchange or players compete to ingenuity, know-how and motivation to continue to build a better tomorrow neigh-tures in the world.

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