The outside also features a front apron and rear trim panel that are grained and the side skirts boast a high-gloss black finish. Wheels consist of 15-inch 3-double-spoke alloy wheels in a brilliant black finish wrapped in 175/55 R 15 (front) and 195/50 R 15 (rear).

The inside gets contrast red double stitching on the black leather seats and instrument panel. The standard equipment includes the audio system basic and exclusive floor mats. The Smart ForTwo Sharpred is based on the passion line so that means you get a softouch automatic gear program, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control and a panoramic roof with sunblind. Electric power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment, the smart sound system with five loudspeakers and the smart audio system navigation/multimedia.

Those interested can order the Smart ForTwo Sharpred now from their dealers and can expect delivery by May 2012. Only 1,800 units will be produced.

- By: Omar Rana

Daimler AG plans to more than double output of its Mercedes-Benz brand models to 2.7 million by 2020 in its goal to become the world’s largest luxury automaker. According to a report by German business magazine Manager Magazin, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche plans to open new plants in China and the United States to meet the goal.

Daimler aims to overtake BMW and Audi as the top producer of luxury cars by 2020. Mercedes sold 1.26 million units in 2011, just 120,000 short of the BMW brand.

Around 2017-2018, Daimler plans on opening a new manufacturing plant in the United States to produce the A-Class with Nissan as its partner.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoNews

“We at Smart love pick-ups – if they are small on the outside, large on the inside, very safe and extremely comfortable,” said Smart’s CEO, Dr. Annette Winkler. “With the Smart for-us a petrol station is no longer required!”

The Smart For-Us compact pickup is powered by a 55 kW magneto-electric motor, which gets its power from a 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery back that is said to take a maximum of eight hours to fully recharge when depleted using a basic household socket or charging station.

Now, we’re not exactly sure where Smart plans to go with concept, especially since the demand for compact pickups have literally fallen off of the face of the Earth. But either way, Smart said that we could expect this electric powertrain to find its way into the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive in the spring of 2012.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

In an unusual move akin to the Saabaru of recent years, Mercedes and Nissan have announced that Nissan will build four cylinder engines for use in an Infiniti and the Mercedes C-Class.

“This is the newest milestone in our pragmatic collaboration and our most significant project outside of Europe so far,” said Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn. “Localized capacity reduces exposure to foreign exchange rates while rapidly enabling a good business development in North America – a win-win for the Alliance and Daimler.”

The engines will be produced in Nissan’s Decherd, TN engine plant. The reason? A favorable exchange rate: “Localized capacity reduces exposure to foreign exchange rates while rapidly enabling a good business development in North America–a win-win for the Alliance and Daimler” said Charles Ghosn, CEO of Renault-Nissan.

Daimler’s CEO Dieter Zetsche said the move would fit in with Daimler-Benz’s 2020 expansion program.

As a result of this project, Daimler-Benz and Renault-Nissan each now own 3.1 percent of each other’s stock. Infinit declined to comment as to which Infiniti(s) will use the four banger.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

We’re pretty sure by now you’ve heard of the phrase ‘range-anxiety’ – its a term to define the anxiety caused when your electric car ‘distance to empty’ figure reads something below 5 miles.

Swiss firm Rinspeed is now trying to address the range anxiety issue with an innovative Dock+Go concept that it will show at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The Smart ForTwo Electric Drive based concept comes with a detachable trailer, which Rinspeed calls a ‘backpack on wheels.’ The dock houses a combustion engine or a range extender that will be packed with batteries or powered by a fuel cell. The pack increases the overall range for the ForTwo Electric Drive.

Any battery packs can be recharged using solar panels on the roof.

- By: Omar Rana

At the 2012 Detroit Auto Show next moth, Smart will be showing up with what future urban pickup could look like with the new Smart For-Us Concept. Of course, Smart isn’t thinking of catering this to the common construction worker but instead is catering to the ‘young and young-at-heart with active lives.’

“We at smart love pick-ups – if they are small on the outside, large on the inside, very safe and extremely comfortable,” said smart CEO Dr. Annette Winkler. “With the smart for-us a petrol station is no longer required!”

While Smart doesn’t say exactly how large the cargo area is it does say that the Smart For-Us has ‘plenty of room for two people and space for two smart ebikes behind them’ The bed in the trunk also has a docking station for the ebikes that lets them charge as you drive.

Of course that may take away from your total range on the Smart For-Us since it comes with an electric-drive system cnosisting of a 55kQ magneto electric-motor making 75-horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque. No word on range but top speed comes in at 74.5 mph.

We’ll have more pictures and details for you from Detroit.

- By: Omar Rana

Sources at Mercedes-Benz have apparently confirmed to AutoWeek that the Maybach brand will officially be killed in 2013. The decision comes after 10 years of disappointing sales of its Maybach 57 and 62 sedan.

Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche has decided against developing successors to Maybach modes, which were supposed to hit roads in 2014. Word has it that Zetsche would much rather focus the attention and resources towards Mercedes-Benz.

What happened to all those reports we heard about Aston Martin working with Mercedes-Benz to develop a next-generation line of Maybachs? The source says all those talks were killed off in early 2011.

“We’ve come to the conclusion that it is better to cut our losses with Maybach than to continue into an uncertain future with a brand that has failed to live up to original sales expectations,” the insider told AutoWeek. “Plans are already in place to fill the void left by the axing of the Maybach 57 and 62 with the next-generation S-class, which will be offered in three wheelbase variations and six different body styles, including a top-of-the-range S600 Pullman.”

Mayback was brought back to life by Mercedes-Benz in 2002 after the company failed to buy Rolls-Royce and Bentley from Vickers – which sold the two brands to Volkswagen. Volkswagen eventually sold Rolls-Royce to BMW.

Nice knowing you Maybach.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

Five minivan models have earned the 2011 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The winners are the safest vehicles around, with better rollover crash protection than other models. Other qualifying factors include the highest ratings for side, frontal, and rear crash protection, along with electronic stability control.

On the top of the list is the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Volkswagen Routan. Roof strength is the defining factor in rollover protection, and is gauged using pressure applied via a metal plate. Good ratings are issued to vehicles that can hold up on a five inch give to forces 4 times their weight.

With three of the top five making 2012 model year improvements, the minivan segment appears to be catering to its market with enhanced safety features. ESC is also now a requirement for all passenger vehicles, also. As it is estimated that having it will reduce the number of fatalities in rollover crashes, a strong roof is still the most effective preventative measure.

- By: Alexandra Koken

In an effort to reduce complexity, Audi, BMW, Daimler, FoMoCo, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen have teamed up to support the international standardized approach to charge electric-cars in the United States and Europe. The new agreement will allow electric-cars made by those seven automakers to share the same fast-charging stations.

The new system will integrate all charging scenarios into one vehicle inlet-charging connector. It will also uses similar ways for the electric-vehicles to communicate with the charging station.

The move by the seven automakers comes after a study on charging station and the ergonomics of the connector along with the preferences of customers.

A similar standard was introduced, known as the J1722, in efforts by SAE International.

Before the standardization of that plug, an owner of an electric-car had no way of knowing if the port they were pulling up to was compatible with their model.

See how we can make things easier by working together. By the way… why is Nissan missing from the team?

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Daimler and Chinese automaker BYD have put plans to build the first electric car of the collaborative effort on hold. The companies say that the premiere prototype will debut next April.

Dieter Zetsche, Daimler boss, says that his brand is doing the majority of the planning and development on the car, and could easily work with a different automaker. Zetsche, however, believes that BYD has superior battery technology, and that it is better to wait on the prototype.

BYD laid off thousands of its employees recently and therefore has been pushed to put some projects on hold. While the automaker admits to some errors in policy  a few years ago, Daimler still remains confident in the brand’s capabilities and technology.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Inside Line

Things are starting to look bad for Daimler’s Maybach brand. Following reports of Maybach teaming up with Aston Martin, reports now suggest that talks of partnership between the two brands have broken down.

Reason? According to Auto Motor und Sport, talks of partnering between the two brands are on the ‘brink of extinction’ because Aston Martin is asking for too much money to build upcoming Maybach models.

Previous reports have suggested that Daimler was considering sharing engines and platforms with Aston Martin. Daimler had asked Aston build a successor to the Maybach 57/62 in exchange for hybrid technology, a 4.6 liter twin-turbo V8 and platforms for the 2012 ML-Class and S-Class.

As of yet, nothing official has been said by both automakers.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Auto Motor und Sport (via WCF)

Highlights of the Maybach Edition 125 include new colors Tahiti Black/ Patagonia Silver, laser-engraved light motif in the front armrest, which, a glove compartment lid embroidered with the signature of Wilhelm Maybach, silver-colored topstitching, trim in silver carbon fibre/black piano lacquer, matt black 20-inch wheels with high-sheen spokes plus a newly styled radiator grille.

Power for the Maybach 57 S and the 62 S has been increased by 18 horses for a total of 630-hp. However, engineers were still able to reduce fuel consumption figures.

It was recently reported that Daimler may be teaming up with Aston Martin for a possible partnership on Maybach. We’re excited to see how that goes.

Follow the jump for the press release.

———

Press Release:

Maybach – Edition 125! Exquisite appointments and individual styling

In the year of the 125th anniversary of the automobile Maybach is displaying the Edition 125! at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. This unusual one-off piece presents exquisite new possibilities for individually styling the high-end saloons. The highlights include contour lighting and the laser-engraved light motif featuring the double-M in a curved triangle in the front armrest. The wide-ranging new individualisation options perfectly complement the confident air of the legendary Maybach saloons.

Maybach is constantly expanding its portfolio of high-quality equipment and appointments options. In the 125th anniversary year of the automobile the luxury brand is exhibiting a special one-off model, the Edition 125! at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in honour of the ingenious designer Wilhelm Maybach. This high-end luxury saloon displays many familiar and new individualisation options which only Maybach customers can select. Highlights of the saloon painted in the newly created special colours Tahiti Black/ Patagonia Silver are lavish contour lighting and the laser-engraved light motif in the front armrest, which represents the alluring double-M in a curved triangle illuminated from inside. The other new features include a glove compartment lid embroidered with the signature of Wilhelm Maybach, silver-coloured topstitching, trim in silver carbon fibre/black piano lacquer, matt black 20-inch wheels with high-sheen spokes plus a newly styled radiator grille.

All the current Maybach saloons have a confident, superior appearance and are strikingly radiant. The exceptional status enjoyed by the high-end luxury saloons finds its main emphasis in the new dominant chrome radiator grille, which is meticulously produced in two different variants. In the Maybach 57 and 62 models it has 20 fine longitudinal bars, and in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S twelve solid double louvres and a “shadow strut” flag up the vehicle’s tremendous power. Both arrow-shaped radiator grilles are also higher and boast significantly greater dimensions than before, and they have been assigned a more upright position.

The designers have elevated the modified bonnet and given it sharply defined contours. It has a contoured edge and appears distinctly arrow-shaped. A restyled, horizontally structured bumper trim gives the Maybach saloons an even broader look. Daytime driving lights featuring LED technology and bordered with a chrome insert have been integrated into the outer air intakes.

The new exterior mirrors with optimised aerodynamics for less driving noise harmonise with the striking front, whilst their large surface means improved vision. Dark red tail lights and chrome trim used on the handle in the boot lid lend the end section a powerful, distinguished look. This in turn is underlined by new high-sheen 21-spoke 19-inch wheels in titanium silver for the Maybach 57 and 62 models. The Maybach 57 S and 62 S models will in future be shod as standard with new 12-spoke 20-inch wheels in noble sterling silver. All models are available in the new Bahamas Blue paint.

Interior – superb craftsmanship

The rear reclining seat which has only been available in the Maybach saloons with a long wheelbase up until now can, with immediate effect, also be installed on the front-passenger side in the rear of the Maybach 57 and 57 S models. At the same time Maybach has enhanced the craftsmanship of the seats for all models. The look of the seat upholstery layout has been refined and given additional piping. On request the piping can also be hand-braided or adorned with valuable SWAROVSKI® ELEMENTS. In the upper part of the seat backrest a redesigned badge in 925 sterling silver with “MAYBACH MANUFAKTUR” lettering is an impressive indication of the great love of detail and serves as a reminder of the prestigious environment in which one is travelling.

Maybach cuts an equally fine figure when it comes to the range of individualisation options available for the luxury saloons, which has been significantly extended. For the very first time there is an extremely high-quality flacon perfume atomiser available on request, having been developed exclusively by Maybach. Up until now it was reserved only for the special Maybach Zeppelin model, limited to just 100 units. As an option a large, high-resolution cinema screen with a 19-inch diagonal can now be fitted to the centre of the partition in the Maybach 62 models, as an alternative to the 9.5‑inch monitors in the rear available until now. If required Maybach will also fit the vehicles which have a partition – which, incidentally, can now also be personalised with motifs of the customer’s choosing – with an overview camera, via which the rear passengers are able to keep an eye on the traffic in front of them without being seen themselves – even with an opaque partition window.

Thanks to an innovative WLAN router it is even possible to enjoy wireless internet access during the journey. This state-of-the-art connection uses the fast transmission standards HSDPA, UMTS and GSM/EDGE. A new mobile phone hands-free system with Bluetooth functionality is also available in the rear. And a newly developed DVD player in the rear now also reads extended DVD formats.

As one would expect, the Maybach Manufaktur showcases masterly handcraftsmanship with no compromises in the interior, where materials of the highest quality abound. There are three new interior appointments with different leather, carpet and headlining colours. New trim in selected dark brown bird’s-eye maple, which can be combined with brilliant porcelain piano lacquer in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S, underline the regal ambience. As an alternative, customers can now choose from carbon-fibre trim elements with a sporty touch in various different colours, such as silver and red.

More powerful yet fewer emissions

Even though the Maybach developers have increased the output of the Maybach 57 S and 62 S by 13 kW (18 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp), they were able to reduce the consumption figures (from 16.4 to 15.8 l/100 km) and the CO2 output (from 390 to 368 g/km CO2). The output of the 57 and 62 models remained unchanged, whilst consumption (15.0 as opposed to 15.9 l/100 km) and CO2 output (350 as opposed to 383 g/km) was also cut here. All the Maybach twelve-cylinder engines meet the EU5 standard/LEV2.

- By: Omar Rana

Mercedes-Benz has perhaps one of the most prominent histories in the automobile industry. However, in the late 1990s and all the way through the 2000 until now, Mercedes has fallen well below their expectations as a brand. The top brass has since been hard at work to reinvigorate their image and damaged reputation with some efforts paying off. Mercedes-Benz’s CEO, Dieter Zetsche, however isn’t satisfied and wants to make the 2010s a “Mercedes decade.”

“The first decade following the 125th birthday of the automobile will bring many changes to our industry. We are very well prepared — and we look forward to working with you to make the next decade a ‘Mercedes decade’,” Zetsche said in a press conference.

Zetsche claimed that Daimler is working around the clock to make sure that all of their brands—Mercedes-Benz, Smart and Maybach—are ready for the projected market trends up to 2020. However, specific details were kept close.

“The planning outlook is not the next quarter, but rather the next decade. Experts all agree that by 2020, demand for cars will grow faster than the overall global economy,” Zetsche continued. “At the same time we will grow at the upper end of the model spectrum with, for example, additional variants of the next S class, another attractive SUV, as well as with models such as the CLS Shooting Brake.”

Overall, Zetsche was saying that he’s planning big for the Daimler conglomerate and wants to reach up to 1.5 million unit sales for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars as early s 2014.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Automotive news

The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show is shaping to be very busy and jam-packed with lots of insight for the next decade or so, all things automobile. And to add to the fiasco, word has now popped up at the Frankfurt show suggesting that Daimler AG might pair up their failing Maybach brand with Aston Martin.

“We are close to a decision,” CEO Dieter Zetsche said this past Tuesday, commenting on the hype. Zetsche didn’t exactly disclose any more details other than Daimler is considering multiple options for the Maybach brand.

One of them is obviously the one mentioned here. The possible partnership could incite some interesting possibilities such as a new second-generation Maybach. Daimler and Aston Martin have collaborated projects in the past like four jointly designed concepts.

Whether the partnership goes well or fails will be told over time.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Automotive News

“With the forvision smart is doing justice to its role as Daimler’s think tank for urban mobility,” says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. “We are presenting numerous world premieres that make uncompromising electric mobility possible. With the clear objective of greatly increasing the zero-emission range we concerned ourselves with all factors that influence this on the vehicle. This resulted in completely new concepts and materials in the areas of insulation, reflection, lightweight design and energy management. In addition to transparent organic solar cells, transparent and energy-saving light-emitting diodes and infrared-reflective films and coatings, high-performance foams are used for insulation against cold and heat. smart is also setting new standards of lightweight design with the use of the first all-plastic wheels.”

To produce the Smart Forvision Concept, the company worked with BASF, the largest automotive supplier in the chemical industry.

Smart didn’t offer any details on the electric-powertrain setup – we expect those details to appear sometime in the near future.

Follow the break for the press release for more details and check out the high-res gallery by clicking on one of the thumbnails above.

Press Release:

A holistic approach to electric mobility. smart forvision: A look at the future of electric mobility

smart has always been a pioneer in matters of urban mobility and with the smart fortwo electric drive the company is showing the direction of development in cities around the world. Together with BASF, the largest automotive supplier in the chemical industry, smart is demonstrating its leading role in the use of forward-looking technologies above and beyond the drive system. The joint concept vehicle smart forvision presented at the 2011 International Motor Show in Frankfurt combines a futuristic design with technologies relating to energy efficiency, lightweight design and temperature management.

“Cars of the future need materials and technologies which reduce energy consumption whilst also increasing the range and level of comfort. Our innovations make a decisive contribution to this”, says Dr. Christian Fischer, Head of BASF Polymer Research. “We are proud to have developed a holistic concept for sustainable urban mobility in cooperation with smart. Together we are presenting a pioneering vehicle which is without parallel.

Thanks to the combination of smart’s automotive expertise and BASF’s material and system competence a vehicle has been created which showcases technologies for sustainable and holistic electric mobility of the future. The researchers and designers intentionally realised a mixture of visionary materials and technologies in the concept vehicle – some of these are still at a laboratory stage, while others have a realistic chance of entering series production.

Energy efficiency: light and energy from above

The hexagonal transparent areas on the roof of the smart forvision are an eye-catching feature – as the first light-transmitting roof that also generates energy. Transparent solar cells covering the entire roof surface are the technology used here. They are based on organic dyes embedded in a sandwich roof. The transparent dyes of the solar cells are light-activated. Even in diffused light and poor light conditions they generate enough energy to power the multimedia components and the three fans that assist with climate management in the vehicle interior. If the vehicle is standing in the sun the ventilation is permanently operated with the help of these solar cells, keeping the car cool. This new photovoltaic technology opens up further efficiency potential and the energy generated can be used for further applications in the car.

There is an additional new feature under the solar cells: transparent OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes) illuminate the vehicle interior when the door is opened or a button pressed. When switched off they allow for a clear view outside. This results in a glass roof effect during the daytime, whilst the areas are pleasantly illuminated without any dazzle at night. Thanks to a free choice of colours the new OLEDs do not only offer more design freedom, they also consume less than half as much energy as conventional energy-saving lamps.

Lightweight design: different, better, stylish
In the smart forvision a world first leads to a considerable weight reduction and a unique design: the first all-plastic wheel suitable for high-volume production. In its current development status, the wheel developed by BASF from a new high-performance material results in a considerable weight saving of three kilograms per wheel. Unlike conventional polyamide composite materials this new plastic has long reinforcing fibres which improve its mechanical properties. The result: excellent thermal and chemical stability, dynamic strength, toughness and good continuous operating characteristics. First intensive product tests at smart show the performance capability of the all-plastic wheel and confirm the potential for possible use in production vehicles.

In addition to the tridion passenger cell, further components such as the doors are made of carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy resin – a high-performance composite material. The use of such materials enables a weight saving of more than 50 percent to be achieved compared with steel, or 30 percent compared with aluminium. Thanks to short hardening times the resin systems from BASF are also suitable for producing larger volumes.

Heating: close to the body and efficient
The multifunctional, comfortable and lightweight seats in the smart forvision offer a unique combination of efficient temperature management and an energy-saving lightweight design. Here, several innovative products are combined with one another for the first time. A new, lightweight, self-supporting plastic seat shell forms the basis.

Numerous studies have shown that the body only absorbs heat efficiently through certain contact points. This is why “e-textiles” – thin fabrics with custom-tailored conductive coatings – replace conventional seat heating in the smart forvision. With direct heating close to the body in the middle and lower back area of the seats they provide for a pleasant feeling of warmth. The energy, space and weight-saving e-textile technology is also found in the armrests of the doors and ensures that body contact points sensitive to the cold are also warmed in this area.
The innovations continue with the seat foam, which provides for both comfort and weight savings. The material from BASF is around 10 to 20 percent lighter than other materials and enables different degrees of hardness to be realised in different areas of the upholstery in a single work operation – resulting in clear ergonomic advantages.

Superabsorbent containing fleece fabric integrated in the seat greatly enhances seating comfort through its passive climate control. Compared with conventional climate-controlled seats the lightweight seat in the smart forvision does not have the complexity and energy requirement of mechanical ventilation.

Temperature management: heat stays outside
As a large amount of energy is needed to air condition and heat a vehicle, temperature management was a key focus area for the smart and BASF researchers. A whole package of measures has been implemented in the smart forvision to ensure more efficient air conditioning of the vehicle.

At the same time they make energy-intensive heating of the whole interior superfluous.
A heat shield that has not been previously used for automotive applications consists of a new kind of infrared-reflective film from BASF applied in the windscreen and side windows, protecting the car interior from heating up. Integrated between the panes of the safety glass the metal-free film ensures that the infrared rays are effectively reflected. Thanks to its high transparency in the visible range it can also be applied to tinted windows and guarantees an unprecedented level of reflection of sunlight and heat. Unlike metallized films, which are already used in some vehicles, the new film reflects only the infrared rays of the sun. Radio waves needed to use GPS, Bluetooth, mobile phones or for toll collection pass through the glass unhindered.

The high-performance foams from BASF fitted in the bodypanels also provide for a pleasant climate inside the car. They keep the vehicle pleasantly cool in summer and also insulate it against the cold in winter. Thanks to their high efficiency even in a small width, they can be fitted everywhere in the vehicle. With this innovative insulation system in the smart forvision, the two companies are breaking new ground in the automotive sector.

Cool coatings – cool interior
The infrared-reflective and extremely scratch-resistant coating system covers two important aspects at once. Firstly, it supports the extensive temperature management system and, secondly, the brilliant and high-quality look of the coating underlines the unique design of the smart forvision. The concept vehicle features a white special-effect coating with glass flakes that create a gleaming metallic look. An important side effect: the colour white reflects heat rays from sun and light particularly well. But even surfaces coated with dark colours stay much cooler thanks to special colour pigments from BASF. They ensure that heat radiation is reflected rather than absorbed. This leads to a temperature reduction of up to 20 degrees Celsius on the paint surface and of up to approximately four degrees in the vehicle interior.

Futuristic design trendsetter
Painted in pearl white and accentuated by the tridion safety cell coated with a copper-coloured liquid metal paint, there is a deliberate connection between the basic structure of the smart forvision and the design of the smart fortwo. Trendy yet high quality – the aluminium flakes in the liquid metal paintwork create a reflecting surface on the safety cell, changing between light and dark depending on the viewer’s perspective. Both the panels and the cell of the smart forvision are additionally painted with an extremely scratch-resistant clear coat.

The faceted side doors with integrated door openers are a real eye-catcher. Here, plastic is presented in a new, expressive and three-dimensional form; a reinterpretation that is only possible at smart thanks to the consistent use of plastic. The precise facets give the area stability and enable a smaller material thickness to be used. Optimal use is made of the possibilities offered by plastic as a material. In contrast, the front and rear have a softer design with smooth transitions from the doors. Just as the integrated door handle does not need an additional component, the familiar smart air inlet is represented by small hexagons located right on the outer skin.

The jet-like rear lights are reminiscent of small aircraft turbines and give the rear a futuristic and sporty look. Inside the lights, small propellers convey the air from the inside to the outside. In addition to all the light functions needed, transparent stacks in the form of rings around the lights also show the charge status of the battery during charging.

The headlamps are emphasised by a ring comprising the daytime driving lights and indicator functions. The lights add to the likeable expression of the smart forvision.

Doors open to the future
With a mix of polygonal surfaces and organic shapes the interior of the smart forvision builds a bridge to the architectural design handwriting of the exterior. This also applies to the colour concept: a cool white dominates in the interior as well, accentuated by the inner part of the instrument panel in liquid copper. Hexagons in the form of white rubber nubs on a white floor are a reference to the design idiom of the overall vehicle, as is the tone-in-tone design of the seat upholstery.

The faceted surface of the side doors is also found on their inside. The polygonal surfaces with integrated armrests and stowage compartments curve into the interior. They are painted in the body colour and feature coloured LEDs. These guide the driver with a light animation running from the outside to the inside when the door is opened and closed. After closing the door the animation changes to unobtrusive ambient lighting.

The elliptical user interface with a copper coloured frame – matching the lightweight tridion – is semi-transparent when switched off. When the vehicle is switched on all cockpit information is then projected onto the transparent surface. The driver uses a touchscreen to switch between operating menus.

The white steering wheel that is reminiscent of an aircraft yoke additionally gives the cockpit a futuristic look. As well as function buttons the LED display for the battery charge status is found here.

Forward-looking technologies
The smart forvision not only shows that electric mobility can make emission-free driving possible. At the same time, it paves the way for new technologies in the automotive sector. Many of these innovations are based on nano technology, the key to the development of sustainable solutions. Nano materials serve as drivers of innovation in the automotive industry, as they do in the fields of construction, energy, healthcare and electronics.

The total of all technologies integrated in the concept vehicle make a perceptible contribution to increasing the range.

This is always at the centre of discussions relating to battery-electric driven vehicles. With maximum energy efficiency, intelligent temperature management and consistent lightweight construction it is possible to increase the range by up to 20 percent. An additional bonus for electric mobility of the future.

- By: Omar Rana

Smart has been falling off the map slowly because the brand’s awareness has decreased significantly. But to reinvigorate the brand, a new team was appointed to run the company for Daimler AG and they feel that Americans are shunning the Smart ForTwo because very little knowledge is known about the car, especially since marketing hasn’t exactly been Smart’s strong suit as of recent.

“You very rarely get a second chance to make a first impression, but this is where we have a chance to do that,” said Tracey Matura, Smart USA’s new general manager. “We can put the full suite of our marketing efforts behind it, and that’s the good thing about having an organization like Mercedes-Benz USA behind [Smart]. They’re known for marketing. And marketing and advertising opportunities will be first and foremost.”

Click here for more news about the Smart ForTwo.

Penske Automotive Group was primarily in charge of running the brand before Mercedes-Benz’s parent Daimler AG had decided to take full control of Smart’s US last month, relieving Penske from the responsibility. Now, Smart USA really wants to take advantage of the marketing prowess that already preexists with the Mercedes-Benz brand, thanks to Daimler AG closing the ties with the brand

Either way, Daimler AG and the Smart brand have a long way to go to try and reinvigorate the brand. It would certainly be interesting to see how their efforts play out.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoObserver

Mercedes-Benz has just given the green light to the latest effort, which is in the form of a “Shooting Brake” model. According to Benz’s boss Dieter Zetsche, the so called CLC is expected to hit North American showrooms in 2014, to accompany the incoming CLS Shooting Brake, which comes out in 2012.

The CLC is expected to us a complete new platform and will rival the likes of the Audi A5 Sportback and the up and coming BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo model.

A series of direct injected gasoline four bangers are planned to be the engines of choice for the new CLC and power will be delivered to either the front wheels or all four.

No other details have been announced, so as usual, we could expect more to pop up as time goes by.

Mercedes-Benz Shooting Brake Concept:

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Automotive News

Mercedes-Benz’s parent, Daimler, is unfortunately struggling to keep up with the current world’s No. 1 maker of luxury cars, BMW, in terms of sales. Not too long ago, Mercedes-Benz announced that it has raised its sales target by 50,000 cars, which is still lower than BMW’s increase of 100,000 units.

“Right now, the delta to Daimler’s peers is widening,” said Arndt Ellinghorst, a Credit Suisse analyst in London. “They have to make sure that changes. That’s why the stock is underperforming.”

BMW even increased its 2011 sales forecast from 1.5 million vehicles to 1.6 million, very much exceeding Mercedes’s target by even 2015.

In a statement responding to these reports and findings, a spokesperson from Daimler said that capacity expansion could’ve helped a lot and that said, they’re planning on investing in a new plant in Hungary to meet the demands from the Asian markets.

Additionally, Daimler reported on July 21st that it will be investing more than $2 billion on their Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant, where the M-, R-, and GL-Class SUVs are made.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Automotive News