August 2008
Heralding the market launch of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros at Mercedes-Benz dealerships and company-owned Daimler outlets in Germany, a spectacular series of convoys headed out in all directions from the world's largest truck plant in Wörth.
Mercedes-Benz Buses has received a large order for 104 rural-service buses from BVO Bielefeld (Busverkehr Ostwestfalen GmbH). The Mercedes-Benz Integro models will be delivered from late summer through to the end of the first quarter in 2009.
Documenting completed service and maintenance work even more securely and conveniently – this is guaranteed by the new “Digital Service Booklet” online system. Since July 1st, 2008, this system is available in 35 European markets for all Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Ten Fuso Canter Eco Hybrids presented to eight renowned customers --- Fuel consumption reduced by up to 15 percent --- The three-year fleet test is part of Daimler’s “Shaping Future Transportation” initiative.
The investment will be destined to the increase of the production capacity of trucks, buses and components in the plant of São Bernardo do Campo (Brazil). The resources will also be used for the modernization of production processes, the improvement of the logistics system and the increase of the local content rate in the products.
Accident researchers at Mercedes-Benz are acutely aware of the danger in nodding off at the wheel (the "one-second nap"). In the view of these specialists, long holiday journeys without intermediate breaks involve a high risk of overtiredness, whose signs drivers often fail to notice in time. For this reason Mercedes-Benz has developed the innovative driver support system Attention Assist.
Sales of Mercedes-Benz brand passenger vehicles increase by three percent since the beginning of the year, to 691,900 units --- Sales of Mercedes-Benz USA rise by twelve percent to 20,700 units --- Very positive customer response to updated models --- New GLK impresses with an appealing design, extensive safety features, and hallmark Mercedes-Benz driving comfort.
10,000 orders in Western Europe alone just one month after vehicle was released for sale --- Already 1,000 orders for exclusive "Edition 1" model --- Customers especially appreciate the GLK's attractive design, extensive safety features, and typical Mercedes-Benz driving comfort.
July 2008
The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz Travego takes front stage with a world premiere: for the first time the multiple-award-winning Active Brake Assist is being used in a coach. Known as an emergency-braking assistance system, when the risk of crashing into the rear of a slower vehicle ahead is acute, after giving graduated warnings this active safety system automatically brings about emergency braking if the driver shows no reaction.
Daimler exclusive negotiating partner of Troika Dialog in talks to acquire 42% of the shares in Kamaz --- Russia is already Europe’s biggest truck market.
Net profit of EUR 1,395 million (Q2 2007: EUR 1,849 million) --- Earnings per share of EUR 1.40 (Q2 2007: EUR 1.74) --- Unit sales up by 10% to 566,500 cars and commercial vehicles --- Revenue up by 6% to EUR 25.4 billion, adjusted for exchange-rate effects up by 11% --- Full-year EBIT from ongoing operations (excluding Chrysler) expected to exceed EUR 7 billion.
Framework agreed for project volume, approval process and infrastructure for new Mercedes-Benz plant --- Investments of about EUR 800 million in total --- Up to 2,500 new jobs.
Daimler AG and the government of the Republic of Iraq have signed a memorandum of understanding on future cooperation in the presence of Michael Glos, German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs. In the memorandum, Daimler AG emphasizes its willingness to support the economic revival of Iraq through various measures.
Standard equipment of 45 kW/61 bhp and 52 kW/71 bhp petrol-engined smart fortwo models to include micro hybrid drive (mhd) technology with user-friendly automatic start-stop system as of October 2008 --- NEDC consumption reduced by an average of 8 percent, fuel savings of almost 20 percent possible in city traffic --- smart fortwo cdi to be equipped with closed diesel particulate filter.
By now, smart fortwo has won over far more than 900,000 smart enthusiasts in 37 countries --- Since beginning of 2008 also successful in the U.S.; market launch in China in mid-2009 --- Introduction of smart electric drive planned for 2010 --- Unique concept, cutting-edge technology, active safety and exemplary
fuel efficiency.
New truck plant to be constructed in Chennai, Southern India --- Joint venture acquires 1.6 square kilometers (approx. 400 acres) plot --- Site decision based on proximity to suppliers, port, good infrastructure and skilled labor.
Memorandum of Understanding - reinforcing dialogue and joint commitment for emission-free mobility among all parties --- The Magdeburg Environmental Forum on "Sustainable Mobility – Post-2012 CO2 Agenda" discusses solutions for road transportation of the future --- Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG: "A concerted effort of all parties will make the transition to the age of sustainable mobility as smooth and efficient as possible." --- Hydrogen and Electricity Infrastructure: a prerequisite for the rapid market introduction of locally emission-free drive systems.
Daimler has established a Sustainability Board at top management level, thus grouping together the company’s existing management functions in the three dimensions of sustainability: economy, ecology, and society. Under the lead of Dr. Rüdiger Grube, Board of Management member of Daimler AG responsible for Group Development and Corporate Strategy, the Sustainability Board coordinates all sustainability measures throughout the Group and provides implementation support for the operative sectors.
June 2008
Hartmut Schick (46), currently Head of Global Communications at Daimler AG, is to take over as Head of the Daimler Buses business unit --- Harald Landmann (63), hitherto head of the Daimler Buses business unit, is to retire end of February 2009.
Cleanest exhaust emissions by injecting aqueous urea solution --- Meets future stringent US Bin 5 standard --- High output, economy and comfort add up to superb driving pleasure.
After only three years from planning to completion, the new Development and Test Center for trucks at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, Germany, was formally opened. The new facility has been built at a total capital investment of EUR 80 million, with EUR 35 million of that sum devoted to the second construction phase, for the test track, buildings, and infrastructure.
Four distinct new models planned for the the compact-car segment --- Investments of EUR 600 Million in Rastatt plant enable long-term capacity utilization --- Additional plant to be built Kecskemét, Hungary to boost competitiveness and access new markets --- Improvements in efficiency and structural design ensure long-term profitability of the new vehicle generation.
For the further optimization of Daimler's capital structure, the Board of Management decided to carry out a new share buyback program. The Supervisory Board has approved this decision. In exercise of the authorization granted by the Annual Meeting of April 9, 2008, the decision allows for the buyback of 10 % or approximately 96.4 million of the outstanding shares for a maximum amount of EUR 6 billion.
Sprinter plants in Ludwigsfelde and Düsseldorf expand production --- Capital spending volume of 177 million euros --- 25 percent increase in total capacity --- Securing of existing jobs and potential for 500 new jobs.
The Setra Bus and Coach unit has supplied the 10,000th coach from the Setra 400 series. The milestone vehicle was one of a batch of five S 416 GT-HD/2 models to be handed over to the Turkish key-account customer Varan Turizm at the Setra Customer Centre in Neu-Ulm, Germany.
Vehicle for Polish transport company Kozaryn Transport Spedycja --- Mercedes-Benz Atego has been on the market for ten years and is firmly established in the distribution truck segment --- Automatic engine stop/start system saves fuel and reduces emissions.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) has been commended for its Expanded HIV and AIDS Community Project – called Siyakhana - in the Eastern Cape. The Global Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GBC) annually acknowledges the efforts of companies around the world for implementing the most sophisticated, effective programs using the unique capabilities of business to fight these diseases.
Hartmut Schick (46), currently Head of Global Communications at Daimler AG, to take over a new executive position within the operative business of the group --- Jörg Howe (50), currently Head of Corporate Communications at Arcandor AG, to become Head of Global Communications.
Mercedes-Benz is one of the most successful auto brands in this year's customer survey conducted by the U.S. market research institute J.D. Power. The brand receives two gold awards for the highest vehicle quality in their respective market segments, and is also honoured for the world's best production plant.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class worldwide market leader since the beginning of the year --- Sedan and station wagon are thrilling customers with a striking design featuring two different front ends, great agility, and new safety technology --- BlueEFFICIENCY models lower fuel consumption by as much as 12 percent --- New CLC as attractive entry-level variant to the Mercedes-Benz coupe family, at European dealers from June 2008.
May 2008
Actros' record-breaking drive over 12,728 km: 19,44 l /100 km --- Savings champion also with CO2: minimal emissions of 20,5 g/tkm --- State-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz truck now outperforms the "one-liter car".
It has won the Paris-Dakar Rally, is deemed a worthy means of transport for the Pope, ranks as an automotive design icon, is a serial winner of readers' polls and constitutes the gene pool for the four model series of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family.
More than 1,600,000 commercial vehicles produced in 52 years --- Leading manufacturer of heavy trucks and buses in Latin America --- 50 percent of trucks and 70 percent of buses in Brazil are from Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz is partner and main sponsor of Mike Horn's four-year PANGAEA Expedition. The objective of the expedition is to enhance a respect of the environment and to initiate environmental projects together with young people.
As first customer in Asia, SMRT Corporation chooses advanced BlueTec 5 diesel technology --- Order of 66 Mercedes-Benz BlueTec city buses --- Reduced exhaust emissions and diesel consumption through advanced technology and environment-friendly engines.
All-terrain vehicles also provided --- Daimler employees in China donate EUR 16,000 --- EUR 200,000 provided for Myanmar.
Milestone for Daimler's world-wide "Shaping Future Transportation" initiative --- UPS "Green Fleet" to expand with 200 Hybrid Electric Vehicles and 300 Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles --- Order is being manufactured on FCCC's walk-in van MT45 and MT55 chassis product line.
Higher speeds and quality levels alongside improved economical and ecological efficiency --- Innovative combination of hardware, process technology, and control software --- Daimler to donate prize money to a charitable organization.
April 2008
Daimler's fuel cell bus fleet has broken a new record: the 36 buses together have clocked more than two million kilometers transporting around seven million passengers. Once again this zero-emission drive system has proved its high reliability and suitability for everyday use.
Daimler AG to acquire 22.3% equity interest from EQT --- Daimler to participate in growth potential: protection of long-term supply relations between Daimler and Tognum --- Blocking minority stake targeted.
Net profit of EUR 1,332 million (Q1 2007: EUR 1,972 million) --- Revenue of EUR 23.5 billion at prior year’s level --- Full-year EBIT from ongoing operations (excluding Chrysler) expected to be well above 2007; earnings forecasts confirmed for the divisions.
On April 22, 2008, the international Energy Efficiency Award 2008 was presented by German Energy Agency GmbH (dena) together with Deutsche Messe AG and the KfW Förderbank bank group as part of the World Energy Dialogue event at the Hannover Messe. The second prize goes to the Mercedes-Benz plant in Untertürkheim for its energy efficiency project.
The Indian Hero Group and Daimler AG have signed a contract that governs the establishment of the Daimler Hero Motor Corporation Ltd. commercial vehicle joint venture. Approval for the new company was issued by the Indian government in March 2008, and the two partners now plan to proceed rapidly with the implementation of the joint venture.
Double debut: first Mercedes-Benz compact SUV is also brand's first world premiere in China --- Road to success – Mercedes-Benz China up 53 percent in 2007 --- Pole position – Mercedes is China's no. 1 in customer sales satisfaction --- "Go East": starting 2009, smart will be third brand from Mercedes-Benz Cars in China.
Sustainable mobility through technical innovation --- Daimler is well prepared for the current economic challenges; mid-term profitability targets affirmed --- Shareholders decide on increase in dividend by one third to EUR 2.00 per share (2006: EUR 1.50).
Daimler AG’s shareholders approved the distribution of a dividend for 2007 of EUR 2.00 per share (prior year: EUR 1.50 per share) at the Annual Meeting. The total dividend distribution thus amounts to EUR 1,928 million.
The focus of attention at "Auto Mobil International" (AMI) in Leipzig will be on the new generations of the A and B-Class. Both models are now more youthful, attractive and environmentally compatible than ever before. This is ensured by an all-round design makeover, an even more attractive equipment package and new technical developments which further improve safety, comfort and economy.
The smart fortwo continues its string of successes. Since the end of March 2007, the new model of the innovative two-seater has been purchased by a total of 100,000 customers, representing a sales increase of more than 80 percent.
March 2008
CenterCS Cargo Group orders 335 Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks --- Framework agreement with option for a total of 1,500 units --- Largest order to date from Central Europe for Mercedes-Benz trucks --- Trucks to be equipped with FleetBoard, PowerShift transmission, and BlueTEC.
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class with fuel-cell drive has passed its winter testing in northern Sweden with flying colors. At double-digit, below-zero temperatures, the zero-emission drive showed what it could do in the comprehensive test programs.
About 1,100 electoral delegates from all Daimler group locations gathered at the Trade Fair Hall in Sindelfingen in order to elect ten employee representatives (six internal employee representatives, three union representatives and one management representative) to the Supervisory Board of Daimler AG.
The third generation of the Actros vehicle family has been further improved with 37 individual measures relating to economy, comfort, safety and design. Since its launch in 1996, the Actros has become the industry trendsetter and is now the most successful heavy truck model with sales of 550,000 vehicles in more than 100 countries.
