At the 2009 LA Auto Show early next month, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will make its U.S. debut alongside the fuel-sipping ML450 HYBRID SUV, the first hybrid SUV from Mercedes-Benz.

We’re hoping Mercedes-Benz will offer some pricing details on the US-spec Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Earlier this week, it was announced that 563-hp SLS AMG will carry a price tag of 177,310 euros ($265,513 USD) in Europe.

The Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID will make its U.S. debut with a 3.5L V6 engine mated to two-electric motors producing a total of 335-hp and a peak torque of 381 lb-ft. Mercedes-Benz says that fuel-economy is improved by 46 percent. The ML450 HYBRID SUV can also drive solely on electric power up to a maximum speed of 34 mph.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

- By: Omar Rana

Press Release:

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, ML450 HYBRID and Fuel Cell to Debut at L.A. Auto Show

All-New SLS AMG Supercar, Fuel-Cell-Powered F-Cell, and New Hybrids Share the Spotlight

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18 — The 563-horsepower Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTEC and the fuel-cell-powered F-Cell will be making their North American debuts at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, open to the public December 4-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Mercedes-Benz will also launch its first hybrid SUV — the ML450 HYBRID — as well as the impressive SPLITVIEW dual-content viewing technology.

All-New SLS AMG Supercar

The first-ever car designed and developed from the ground up by Mercedes-AMG, the new SLS AMG supercar features a lightweight aluminum space-frame body with gullwing doors and a 563-horsepower dry-sump V8 engine. With its front-mid engine and dual-clutch seven-speed, the compelling SLS AMG boasts ideal weight distribution and race-car-like handling.

F-Cell for Fuel Cell Electric Power

Essentially an electric car that makes its own power on board, the new Mercedes-Benz F-Cell will make its North American debut at the L.A. Show. The F-Cell car has a range of about 240 miles and, running on compressed hydrogen, boasts an equivalent fuel mileage of 86.6 city-highway combined miles per gallon. In 2010, 200 production F-Cell cars will be delivered to customers in the U.S. and Europe as part of a special lease program.

BlueTEC – The World’s Cleanest Diesels

Sharing center stage with the F-Cell and the SLS AMG, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTEC is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 210 horsepower, an impressive 400 lb.-ft. of torque and approximately 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine. Now with revolutionary AdBlue injection that makes diesel exhaust super-clean, the E350 BlueTEC will be available in all 50 states in Spring 2010.

S-Class Debuts SPLITVIEW Technology

Also at the L.A. Show is an S-Class equipped with SPLITVIEW — a single display screen that allows the driver and front passenger to view two different programs at the same time. For example, the driver can view the navigation system, while on the very same display screen, the front passenger can watch a movie.

ML450 HYBRID Boasts 46 Percent Better Fuel Economy

Making its West Coast debut at the L.A. Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, two electric motors and sophisticated electronics to produce more than 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model. Integrated within the modified automatic transmission, each magneto-electric motor is dedicated to a specific purpose — one for pulling away under electric power, the other specifically for acceleration. With both electric motors, the ML450 HYBRID has a total system performance of 335 horsepower and 381 pound-feet of torque.

During parking and low-speed operation, the ML450 HYBRID runs on the electric drive only. The ML450 HYBRID can drive solely on electric power up to a maximum speed of 34 mph.

The electric motors are powered by a liquid-cooled, 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery that’s enclosed under the rear cargo floor.

- By: Omar Rana

We reported last week that the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG may spawn a smaller sports car that will compete against the likes of the Porsche 911. According to a senior source that spoke with AutoCar, the car is already in planning.

“Mercedes’ management has been very supportive of AMG’s efforts in developing the SLS,” the senior source said. “The feedback we’ve received since showing the car at the Frankfurt motor show has been extremely encouraging. A second model that will project a similarly exclusive image but be more accessible in terms of its pricing is already in planning.”

However, we’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of a convertible or Black Series variant. AutoCar recently spoke to AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg and asked him when we can expect to see a convertible version of the SLS AMG. Mornhinweg replied: “Convertible? There are some surprises coming but I can’t confirm anything at the moment.”

As for the SLS Black Series, Mornhinweg said: “That sounds like fun. All I can confirm is that we are thinking about a competition future for the SLS. Its first race track duty, however, will be as the FIA safety car for next year’s Formula One championship.” It was reported last month that an SLS Black Series is due for release in 2013.

All we can say is keep your fingers crossed.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Our favorite segment during the premier of Top Gear season 14 was watching James May being driven by The Stig in the 2009 BMW 760Li as he raced the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. You can check out the clip after the jump.

Refresher:

2009 BMW 760Li: 6.0L turbocharged V12 making 535-hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic, 0-60 mph comes in just 4.5seconds with a top speed of 160 mph.
2009 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG: 6.2L V8 producing 518-hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic and assists with a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph.

Click through for the video.

- By: Omar Rana

According to a report by AutoCar, Mercedes-Benz is planning to replace the CLC with true coupe version of the C-Class by 2011. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe will also replace the CLK, which was discontinued earlier this year after 12 years.

“We went back and studied what made our coupes so popular in the past. If you look at some of the more successful two door models Mercedes-Benz has produced you can see a direct relationship between them and their four door stable mates,” an inside source said.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe will have a short life-span when it makes its debut. Engineering on the fourth-generation C-Class is well underway so that means the coupe model will only be sold for four years before it is replaced by a more curvaceous model.

There are no plans to offer a convertible model the source said.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Starting today, Europeans will be able to order the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG for a starting price of 177,310 euros ($265,513 USD). Deliveries of the new high-performance Benz coupe will begin in Spring 2010.

Click here for more Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG news.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.2L V8 making 563-hp with a maximum torque of 479 lb-ft of torque. Mated to an E-SELECT system that controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the SLS AMG can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (with the Race Start launch control system) with a top speed of 196 mph.

Click through for the press release.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

Press Release:

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG can be ordered from 16 November: The Gullwing is in the starting blocks

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the absolute highlight at this year’s International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, is now available to order. From Monday, 16 November 2009, company-owned sales and service outlets and sales partners of the Mercedes-Benz brand in Germany will be taking orders for this super car with its characteristic gullwing doors. The sales price is 177,310 euros (including 19 % VAT).

“Following a high-profile world premiere at the IAA, we are very excited about the SLS AMG’s commercial release on Monday. There is huge interest in our new super sports car and we are convinced that the SLS AMG will captivate our customers,” says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of the Management Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

As of the commercial release on 16 November 2009, prospective buyers will be able to obtain high-quality informational material which provides details of the paint finishes, leather colours, standard equipment and optional extras available for the SLS AMG. It will also be possible to configure your dream vehicle online at www.mercedes-amg.com and www.mercedes-benz.com. To bridge the time until the market launch in spring 2010, it is worth watching the web specials at www.mercedes-benz.com/sls-amg or www.mercedes-amg.com/#/sls . These offer a comprehensive insight into all the top features of the SLS AMG. Both online magazines cover performance, technology, design and equipment in exciting video material, as well as in words and pictures.

Mercedes-Benz and AMG active on online platforms

customers on social media platforms: at www.sls-amg-reporter.com fans of AMG will find short video clips and articles by Matthew K., the SLS AMG reporter. This 36‑year old car enthusiast is following the market launch of the SLS AMG and provides information about various events worldwide at which the Gullwing model is presented to the public. Matthew K. is also active at http://twitter.com/sls_amg , reporting live on his travels with the SLS AMG, as well as about his experiences and thoughts on the super sports car. Up-to-date information about the SLS AMG is also available from www.facebook.com/MercedesBenz – fans can communicate with other users and even upload their own photos and videos that express their passion for Mercedes-Benz.

A new legend delivering exceptional performance

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG dazzles with its purist design, intelligent lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, and is bound to cause a sensation in the super sports car segment. The new SLS AMG is nothing short of a masterpiece by Mercedes-AMG GmbH. As its first completely independently developed vehicle, the super sports car is the highlight in the company’s more than 40-year history.‑It not only takes AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, into a new era, but also demonstrates development expertise of the very highest order.

The SLS AMG’s unrivalled technology package is an alluring proposition: aluminium spaceframe body with gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kW/571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard – this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle’s low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car concept. The ‘Gullwing’ accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). Fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) makes it one of the best among its competitors.

The SLS AMG sells at 149,000 euros net and 177,310 euros gross (including 19% VAT). Thanks to a diverse range of optional extras, the Gullwing model can be enhanced to suit any personal taste.

Some of the main options include:

- AMG ceramic composite high-performance braking system: €9500 net/ €11,305 gross
- AMG performance suspension with a stiffer setup for optimum lateral dynamics: €1200 net/€1428 gross
- AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), tyre sizes 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €950 net/€1130.50 gross
- AMG forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), with tyre size 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €2000 net/€2380 gross
- AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara: €400 net/€476 gross
- AMG sports bucket seats: €3300 net/€3927 gross
- AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover: €4000 net/€4760 gross
- “AMG alubeam silver” paint finish: €10,000 net/€11,900 gross
- “AMG monza grey magno” paint finish: €3250 net/€3867.50 gross
- AMG carbon-fibre trim (front stowage tray and rear stowage compartment including lid, AMG DRIVE UNIT surround, surrounds for the centre console, shiftgate and rear, trim strips for centre console and door armrests): €3500 net/€4165 gross
- AMG interior carbon package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrests and sides, door sill panels): €3500 net/€4165 gross
- leather nappa exclusive single-/two-tone: €2500 net/€2975 gross
- Memory package with electric seat and steering column adjustment, as well as four-way lumbar support: €1225 net/€1457.75 gross
- 6-disc DVD changer: €660 net/€785.40 gross
- Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system: €5900 net/ €7021 gross

- By: Kap Shah

What could be more fun than crashing a six-figure supercar that isn’t even on the market yet? Yes, the little things in life happen to be the most pleasing.

Click here for more Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG news.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.2L V8 making 563-hp with a maximum torque of 479 lb-ft of torque. Mated to an E-SELECT system that controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the SLS AMG can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (with the Race Start launch control system) with a top speed of 196 mph.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoBild (via Straightline)

Daimler AG’s CEO Dieter Zetsche told The Wall Street Journal that Mercedes-Benz is planning on bringing a new small luxury car to the United Stated by 2012 in an effort to compete with the Audi A3, BMW 1-Series and the Mini Cooper.

“We believe the future customer will continue to want to show some statement” in the luxury car the customer drives, but “the definition of luxury will be somewhat different,” Zetsche told WSJ. “It will be fewer CO2 emissions and more modesty in appearance.”

Zetsche said that Mercedes-Benz will offer upscale luxury in a smaller package and that the brand will import at least one of four next-generation compact models it will start selling in Europe in late 2011.

Now we’re not sure of Zetsche is talking about the A-Class or B-Class or a brand new model – stay tuned for further details.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WSJ

According Automotive News, Daimler AG will decided by January 2010 whether or not to shift some of its Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan production to its U.S. factory in Vance, Alabama. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said today that the decision would be based on the currency rates and whether or not the dollar will remain weak against the euro.

Reports from German media say that if the move is approved, Daimler would build about 80,000 C-Class cars annually in Alabama.

Moving the production of the C-Class to Alabama would require some additional capital to expand and retool the Vance factory. The factory currently builds the M-Class, GL-Class and R-Class models.

Mercedes-Benz is preparing to launch the next-generation C-Class by 2013.

- By: Omar Rana

According to a report by PistonHeads, Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division is planning another stand-alone sports car as a follow up to the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing. The model would be a smaller V8 coupe that will compete with the likes of the Porsche 911.

As of right now, Mercedes-Benz is focused on a successful launch for the SLS AMG, the company’s first ever stand-alone model. That means the smaller V8 model is at least five years away. A rear-engined configuration has been eliminated as since it would be out of step with the AMG values.

Power for the baby SLS will come from a new V8 with a displacement capacity of somewhere between 5.8L or 6.2L with direct injection and cylinder cut-off technology.

Click here for more Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG news.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.2L V8 making 563-hp with a maximum torque of 479 lb-ft of torque. Mated to an E-SELECT system that controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the SLS AMG can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (with the Race Start launch control system) with a top speed of 196 mph.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: PistonHeads

Mercedes-Benz USA announced that 100 dealers have accepted its offer to sell the Springer van in U.S. showrooms starting January. Daimler AG said in September that it will yank the Sprinter from Chrysler and its Dodge dealerships by Jan. 2010.

In October, Mercedes-Benz invited 120 dealers and all of its 45 Freightliner dealers who sell the Sprinter to a meeting in Denver to discuss feature plans for the vehicle. Dealers had until the end of last week to accept the offer to sell the Sprinter, which will now be badged as a Mercedes, reports Automotive News.

Chrysler Group LLC confirmed in September that it is considering two Fiat SpA commercial vehicles for the North American market to replace the Sprinter. The vehicles under consideration include the Fiat Ducato and Iveco Daily.

- By: Kap Shah

Wish that the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG looked more like the old Gullwing? Well, ever since the launch of the SLS AMG at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the folks at Gullwing-America have been working on their own version of the new Stuttgart supercar – the Gullwing 300SL Panamericana.

After seeing the new 2011 SLS AMG coupe, Arturo Alonso, Gullwing-America’s chief engineer, went back to the drawing board and decided to add a new grille, ribs on the hood and fenders and other touches from the original Gullwing. The kit consists of seven body parts made from Hybrid Aluminum and carbon fiber.

Buyers can add two side vents, a set of chrome touches including a new grille frame, new oval dual xenon headlamps, 19 or 20-inch Gullwing America wheels and a sport tuned muffler system. Owners can also add racing stripes on the front fenders in any combination they desire.

Power still comes from the 6.2L V8 making 563-hp with a peak torque of 479 lb-ft of torque from the SLS AMG.

Click here for more news on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Gullwing 300SL Panamericana (Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG):

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Gullwing America

The new 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is already one of the hottest vehicles to ever come out of Stuttgart. Apparently, ever since planning of the return of the Gullwing started back in 2006, a Black Series version was always in the cards. Come 2013, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series will go into limited production, reports AutoCar.

Adding 50 percent to the standard SLS AMG’s price tag, the Black Series version will be a hardcore version of the supercar with more power. While the SLS AMG’s 6.3L V8 engine already makes an outstanding 571-hp and a peak torque of 479 lb-ft, the Black Series model will be retuned to make 600-hp with a maximum torque of 500 lb-ft. 0-62 mph will be cut down to 3.5 seconds (from 3.8 seconds) and top speed will be increased from 197 mph to 208 mph.

“We’re not at the limit with what’s out there the moment. There’s still a good deal more to come from the engine,” says AMG engine boss Friedrich Eichler. “We’re saving the best until last.”

Click here for more news on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Are you hungry for more power from your 457-hp Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG? Well, lucky for you Mercedes-Benz has just announced the new Performance Package Plus for the C 63 AMG that increases output of the high-performance sedan by 30-hp for a total of 487-hp. 0-62 mph time comes in just 4.4 seconds while top speed is still electronically governed at 155 mph.

The power upgrade comes courtesy of the forged pistons adopted from the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft translate into a weight saving of three kilograms.

The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Performance Package Plus is available for an extra €7,080 ($10,630 USD). Buyers can also opt for the new black designo leather for an additional €2856 ($4,288).

Click through for the press release.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Performance Package Plus:

Press Release:

Performance Package Plus: enhanced performance for successful AMG model: C 63 AMG with a shot of SLS

Affalterbach – Enhanced driving dynamics ex factory for the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG: the new Performance Package Plus is an attractive optional extra that is designed to appeal to the power-hungry sports driver. The Performance Package Plus increases output by 22 kW/30 hp to 358 kW/487 hp. As a result, the C-Class approaches the level of performance offered by C-Class DTM vehicles, which deliver 377 kW/500 hp. The Performance Package Plus is available for the saloon and estate models and includes an AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology on the front axle, a carbon fibre spoiler lip (saloon) and an AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Alcantara.

With the Performance Package Plus, the C 63 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 13.9 seconds. This beats the 336 kW/457 hp standard model by up to 1.2 seconds (0–100 km/h: 4.5 seconds; 0–200 km/h: 15.2 seconds). The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

The improvement in power output to 358 kW/487 hp is due to the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine’s modified engine compartment: the forged pistons adopted from the new SLS AMG super sports car together with new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft translate into a weight saving of three kilograms. Reduced inertia boosts the agility and responsiveness of the uprated V8 engine, which is recognisable from the variable intake manifold painted in titanium grey. New engine management completes the powertrain measures in the Performance Package Plus for the C 63 AMG.

AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology

The Performance Package Plus braking system has been adapted to the enhanced driving dynamics. A new AMG high-performance braking system ensures greater stability when driving dynamically, with compound brake discs on the front axle and red painted brake callipers all round showing the AMG logo. The brake discs feature a composite design and are connected to an aluminium bowl to avoid temperature peaks. The connection between the disc and bowl is new: instead of the usual screw connection, the aluminium bowl is now connected to the brake disc via cast-in arms. The advantage is more homogenous temperature distribution on the brake disc.

A further identifying feature of the Performance Package Plus is the AMG carbon fibre spoiler lip on the boot lid (saloon). In the interior, the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather with a grip area trimmed in Alcantara feels good, while at the same time making a striking visual impact.

The new AMG Performance Package Plus is available for C 63 AMG saloon and estate models and can be ordered now. The sales price is €7080.50 or €6426 (saloon/estate; prices include 19% VAT) with the market launch taking place in December 2009.

Extended appointments in black designo leather

New black designo leather as an optional extra will enhance the interior even further and covers the upper section of the dashboard, the upper door trim and the armrest on the centre console. This high-quality feature is available in conjunction with nappa leather appointments for €2856 (price includes 19% VAT).

The internationally successful C 63 AMG model

The C 63 AMG is one of the most popular vehicles in the Mercedes-AMG model range. In 2008, 8100 units of this high-performance car were sold worldwide. The C 63 AMG demonstrates its sports credentials in international motorsport as well as on the road. For example, the C 63 AMG estate is used as the official F1™ medical car and the C 63 AMG saloon acts as a safety car in the DTM German Touring Car Masters.

- By: Kap Shah

Daimler Financial Services announced today that it will start offering auto financing in Middle Eastern countries that confirms with the strict regulations of Islamic law, better know as Sharia. The Sharia law does not allow financial institutions to charge interest on loans.

Daimler launched to new companies known as Mercedes-Benz Finance Middle East and Mercedes-Benz Leasing Middle East. Both companies are a part of Daimler Financial Services and Al Fahim Group, owners of Emirate Motor Company, an authorized Mercedes-Benz distributor in Abu Dhabi.

The UAW represents a very significant market for Mercedes-Benz’s passenger cars. In 2008, Mercedes-Benz sold 7,800 passenger cars and 3,100 commercial vehicles in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

Click through for the press release.

Press Release:

Daimler Financial Services launches business in the United Arab Emirates

- Joint venture with Mercedes-Benz importers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai — the Al Fahim Group and Gargash Enterprises
- The new companies Mercedes-Benz Finance Middle East and Mercedes-Benz Leasing Middle East offer financial services for passenger cars and commercial vehicles
- Medium-term target: Contract Volume of €300 million

Daimler Financial Services AG, headquartered in Berlin, is expanding its global presence to include the Middle East growth region. Toward this end, the company announced the official opening of Mercedes-Benz Finance Middle East and Mercedes-Benz Leasing Middle East on October 7, 2009 at a press conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Both new companies are part of a joint venture between Daimler Financial Services and the Al Fahim Group, owners of Emirates Motor Company, the authorized Mercedes-Benz distributor in the Abu Dhabi Emirate as well as Gargash Enterprises, the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz Cars in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

The new companies are headquartered in Dubai and offer loans and leasing to private and business customers for new and pre-owned passenger cars and commercial vehicles, including a shari’a compliant Islamic finance product. This enables Mercedes-Benz dealers in the United Arab Emirates to now provide their customers with the complete range of financial services.

“Our presence in the United Arab Emirates is of high strategic importance for Daimler Financial Services,” said Daimler Financial Services CEO Juergen Walker at a press conference in Abu Dhabi. “It makes us the first automaker to have its own finance and leasing company in the United Arab Emirates. Once we have successfully established our business operations here, in the mid-term we will decide about offering financial services in other Middle Eastern markets as well.”

The United Arab Emirates represent the most important passenger car market in the region Middle East for Mercedes-Benz. In 2008, Mercedes-Benz sold 7,800 passenger cars and 3,100 commercial vehicles in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

Mr. Andreas Ernst, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Finance and Mercedes-Benz Leasing, said that the medium-term goal of the new companies was to achieve a contract volume of more than €300 million in the United Arab Emirates in three to five years: “To meet this target, we will be offering a comprehensive range of financial services from a single source to meet the needs of private or business customers. And we will support our dealerships with an electronic point-of-sale system that will result in faster loan decisions and a customer-friendly process.”

Mr. Rashed A. J. Al Fahim, Chairman of the Al Fahim Group, welcomed the formation of the joint venture and looked forward to a positive future: “We are confident and expect stronger Mercedes-Benz sales. The start of our jointly owned financial companies will further boost the attractiveness of the Mercedes-Benz brand in Abu Dhabi.”

Mr. Abdul Jabbar Gargash, Executive Director of Gargash Enterprises looked forward to the start of the new businesses: “For the first time, we can now provide our Mercedes-Benz customers in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates with a broad range of financial services products that make owning a new or used Mercedes-Benz the easiest it has ever been.”

With its new financial services in the United Arab Emirates, Daimler Financial Services AG has further expanded its global presence. The Daimler Group’s international provider of financial services employs about 6,800 people and is represented in more than 40 countries. The company currently finances or leases one third of all vehicles produced by Daimler worldwide and manages a contract volume of €60 billion.

Emirates Motor Company

As the flagship company of the Al Fahim Group, Emirates Motor Company(EMC) symbolizes the phenomenal growth and success that the Group has achieved. As one of the Middle East’s leading distributors of Mercedes-Benz, EMC is synonymous with immaculate quality in true Mercedes-Benz tradition. EMC has been the general distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Abu Dhabi since 1962. From the beginning, dedicated customer service has played a major role in the company’s success. EMC is also the first Mercedes-Benz distributor in the Middle East to be awarded the ISO 9002 certification. EMC markets, distributes and services all Mercedes-Benz vehicles from luxury saloons to the largest trucks and provides qualified service with the constant availability of genuine parts. Operations in Abu Dhabi are carried out from purpose-built premises with a well-integrated network of showrooms, offices, parts depots and workshop.

Gargash Enterprises

Gargash Enterprises has been the authorized Mercedes-Benz distributor in Dubai since 1958 and understands the special requirements for operating in the U.A.E. Customers are guaranteed not just-premium-quality products, but also top-notch after sales services. The company employs over 1,000 staff members and has become one of the largest premium brands in the U.A.E. Gargash Enterprises is a full-service Mercedes-Benz operation with five dealerships across Dubai, Sharjah and Northern Emirates, all professionally managed to satisfy the needs of the consumer. Gargash Enterprises also delivers a car rental service through its SIXT, which operates from Dubai International Airport, Sharjah International Airport, and Ras AL Khaimah. Furthermore, through its Silver Star Rental division, established in 2006, Gargash Enterprises offers customers highly acclaimed Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles on short and long term rental basis.

- By: Stephen Calogera

It’s that time of the year again – when Motor Trend picks the “Motor Trend SUV of the Year” for the year 2010. Last year’s award went to the 2009 Subaru Forester. It seems as though this year, Motor Trend has focused most of its attention on luxury SUVs. Either way, stay tuned for the winner who will get all the bragging rights in their new ad campaigns.

Let us know who you think should win in the comments section after the jump.

Click through for the list.

2010 Motor Trend SUV of the Year Contenders:

Acura ZDX
Audi Q5
Cadillac SRX
Chevrolet Equinox
GMC Terrain
Lexus RX
Lincoln MKT
Mercedes GLK
Subaru Outback
Toyota 4Runner
Volvo XC60

- By: Omar Rana

The new 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG came to a recent gathering of classic 300 SL models in Sedona, California. Details on the event are limited; however, we do know that the show attracted more than 30 vehicles and many Gullwing fans.

Click here for more Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG news.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.2L V8 making 563-hp with a maximum torque of 479 lb-ft of torque. Mated to an E-SELECT system that controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the SLS AMG can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (with the Race Start launch control system) with a top speed of 196 mph.

Click through for more pictures.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG hangs out with its predecessors:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: TeamSpeed (via WCF)

Hein Wagner, a South African man who was born blind, set a new land speed record for the blind after hitting 200 mph in a Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series. He held the 200 mph speed for more than a half mile.

Wagner said that hitting 200 mph is a milestone for any drive, regardless of whether they’re sighted or blind. His record will be entered in the Guinness World Records and will replace the previous record of 191 mph set by a blind Belgian man.

In 2005, Wagner became the first South African man to set a world land speed record in a Maserati while traveling at a speed of 167 mph.

Refresher: Power comes for the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series comes from a 6.0L twin-turbo V12 that produces 661-hp and a peak torque of 738 lb-ft. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. 0-60mph comes in at 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 200 mph.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: News24

Mercedes-Benz has entered the apple universe with the launch of their iPhone application, which enables Benz drivers to make payments via their iPhone. Those customers who have a loan or lease with Mercedes-Benz Financial can get full access to their accounts through the application, including account status, the ability to make a payment, and even payoff quotes on their vehicles.

For those who still only dream about life as a Benz owner/lessee, the app still provides the latest info on the company’s vehicles, and for when the time comes, locate dealers and get directions right on your phone.

Senior Marketing Manager for Mercedes-Benz Financial, Michael Kanzleiter, told Autoweek that chose to develop the iPhone app first because nearly three-quarters of Benz drivers use smart phones and of those, one third use the Apple device. Another solid third Benz’s smart phone toting customers use RIM’s BlackBerry, and Kanzleiter says that the BlackBerry app should be available within six-months.

Currently the app is only available to U.S. Customers, but is poised to soon hit Canada and Mexico. Europe is unlikely to see the app says Kanzleiter, as most European buyers arrange for monthly payments to be automatically debited from their bank accounts.

Currently Mercedes-Benz is the only automaker to offer such services, but we doubt that will be the case for very long.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: AutoWeek