Welcome to the next generation of driving. We’ve already seen a lot of changes across the board in the industry, with innovative automakers like Toyota and Nissan leading the way in change. Pressures from consumers, government officials and corporations for more focus on how we can reduce our impact on the economy, coupled with a general push away from foreign oil and towards more feasible fossil fuels, have been driving factors in the sudden shift in the auto industry. Thus far, we’ve seen a lot of progress made in the small and subcompact car segments because it’s simply easier to find a way to reduce the emissions on a smaller car.

A constant point of contention in the whole reform is the issue of power. How do you get the power you want in a car if you’re using as little fuel as possible? Manufacturers are beginning to make progress in this area. But the really exciting news here isn’t about the Prius – or any other vehicle making headlines for fuel efficiency. While it might seem surprising, the next big innovation in fuel economy is coming out of your Chicago Mercedes dealer. And it’s no small announcement; we’re talking about the next level of efficiency here.

Two words can sum up how big this announcement is: zero emissions. But it isn’t an electric car in the sense that the coming Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt EVs are; this is an electric car that makes its own power onboard. The Mercedes-Benz F-Cell never needs gas or recharging, unlike other fuel efficient vehicles set to hit the market. The new buzzword for fuel efficient automotive technology is “hydrogen” – the new fuel for the Mercedes F-Cell, which will eventually be available at Batavia Mercedes Benz dealers near you.

This solid vehicle debuted at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, where Mercedes execs announced that the F-Cell will be built on the B-class platform, a compact that is popular in Europe and Asia. The model type is a smaller vehicle, one that will definitely fit in with America’s new interest in more compact cars. It’ll also offer a great option for city drivers, who will be able to park their vehicles in smaller spots. Your Chicago Mercedes dealer will do well by taking advantage of the revolution in the automotive industry and coupling it to the manufacturer’s solid reputation for quality, luxury and reliability.

For Chicago Mercedes-Benz dealers, the revolution is right around the corner. With a range of about 240 miles, the F-Cell runs on compressed hydrogen to get the spectacular fuel mileage of 86.6 city-highway combined miles per gallon. As has been the tradition with many cutting-edge manufacturers focused on fuel economy, the automaker will release 200 production models in 2010 for a special leasing program. Make sure to keep up with your Batavia Mercedes Benz dealer to get the latest news on the production vehicles.

The next time you visit your Chicago Mercedes-Benz dealership, remember the new name in innovation: Mercedes.