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.

Motor Trend magazine, one of the world’s premiere automotive publications has included the new Mercedes-Benz GL 450 on their long term test fleet. The GL 450, the first and only model (as of today) on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class full size luxury crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment made its debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show when the German automaker finally decided to include an entry in the full size luxury crossover SUV market. Motor Trend has also named the Mercedes-Benz GL 450 as the 2007 Sport/Utility of the Year.

Here is how Angus MacKenzie, Editor in Chief of Motor Trend describes the Mercedes-Benz GL 450: “The GL may be a surprise winner for many people. The first full-size sport/utility from Mercedes is not cheap, but it has astonishing technology. It offers a seven-speed automatic transmission and a V-8 engine with 335 horsepower, and it will be available in a version that runs on the new low-sulfur diesel fuel for greater gas mileage. Comfortable, third-row seating has become one of the most important measures for sport/utilities, and the GL’s is the best.”

The Mercedes-Benz GL 450 is powered by a monstrous 4.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 front engine that pumps out 335-hp and delivers 339-lb-ft amount of peak torque, combined with a 7-speed automatic transmission powering the Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive configuration with traction control. The GL 450 also comes with adjustable-ride air suspension, Mercedes CV boot, as well as 18-inch wheels and performance tires for the vehicle to ride on.

Standard interior highlights include heated and powered front seats, bird’s eye maple trim, manual 60/40-split second-row and powered 50/50-split third-row seating, multifunction steering wheel with mounted controls, eight-speaker premium audio system. The Mercedes-Benz GL 450 won’t compromise the safety of its occupants. The vehicle is equipped with advanced safety equipments including eight standard airbags (including two front airbags for the driver and passenger, side airbags for the first and second rows and three-row head-protection curtain air bags), seatbelt pretensioners as well as passive safety systems like electronic hill-descent control, anti lock braking system (ABS), roll stability controls (RSC) with traction control.

Meanwhile, bunch of premium packages for the Mercedes-Benz are also offered. These include the premium package that includes Parktronic, power tailgate, DVD navigation system, Sirius Satellite Radio, premium sound with rear controls, power tilt/telescoping steering, and BlueTooth hands-free mobile phone, and rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The off-road package comes with adaptive damping, two locking differentials, and front/rear skid plates to provide all-terrain capability and better traction. Other optional features include twin sunroofs three-zone climate-control, Macadamia leather interior trim, rearview backup camera, wood and leather steering wheel, and Bi-Xenon headlamps.

The starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the Mercedes-Benz GL 450 is about ,900, but getting the fully-loaded model with the above packages will make you spend about ,195 USD.

This week host JRR and guest host Jonny Lieberman of MotorTrend Magazine discuss all the latest news in the auto industry. Plus they look at future trends in the “Strap In” segment, and they go over top races from the weekend in the “Racing” segment. For more information, show notes, and schedules, go to www.thisweekin.com.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

In the news: Two Mercedes-Benz models were recently awarded with the Car Environment Certificate by the internationally renowned environmental institute Oko Trend. The Mercedes-Benz models that were awarded are Mercedes-Benz A 160 CDI and the Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI which are both manufactured by the Stuttgart brand. The two Mercedes models received top marks during an extensive and critical analysis by specialists at the independent institute.

Both the Mercedes-Benz A 160 CDI and Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI have achieved well-above-average results in all areas. According to the institute Oko Trend, the two Mercedes models have obtained excellent values in terms of fuel consumption and exhaust/noise emissions plus excel in virtue of its environmentally friendly production, materials and logistics.

The Oko Trend institute was so impress with the two Mercedes-Benz models that it said, “The Mercedes-Benz A 160 CDI may be seen as one of the most eco-friendly vehicles with a conventional drive system. The development phase for this compact car was already based on a comprehensive environmental concept which takes the entire lifecycle of the vehicle into consideration. Numerous specific measures have reduced emissions during the production and operation of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class by approximately 17 percent compared to the preceding model. All in all, Mercedes has set new ecological standards for conventionally powered vehicles with the new A-Class.”

The Mercedes-Benz A 160 CDI has a fuel consumption of 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers with a corresponding CO2 emission of 128 grams. Based on the research conducted by the Oko Trend, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is distinguished by a “high degree of variability and spaciousness, as well as convincing environmental credentials”. The Oko Trend institute has high regards for the power unit of the Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI saying, “The 140hp diesel is equipped with a particulate filter as standard. Thanks to a high torque of 300 Nm, which is already available from 1600 rpm, this engine allows a relaxed style of driving and early upshifts. A fuel consumption of six liters per 100 km is feasible in practice. All in all, therefore, the Mercedes B 200 CDI achieves a very good environmental rating.” The Institute also stressed the high ecological standards that generally apply at Mercedes-Benz.

Aside from the environmentally friendly standards that Mercedes-Benz is implementing it is also renowned for its high level of safety features. Every component added to a Mercedes vehicle is carefully scrutinized and tested for quality and durability especially in terms of safety parts like Mercedes brakes which are the primary safety features of a Benz car. Mercedes brake parts are manufactured and designed by the carmaker itself to further ensure quality. This is in keeping with the long tradition of the automaker in creating not only top-of-the-line vehicles but also producing high quality auto parts.

The Oko Trend Institute for Environmental Research is founded by the Bergische University of Wuppertal and has been publishing research reports regarding the eco-friendliness of car models since 1997. And last year this financially independent and neutral institute has expanded their analytical activities and started giving their internationally renowned Oko Trend Car Environment Certificate. These certificates are awarded only to vehicles which meet the particularly high environmental standards set by the institute. In making their assessment, the specialists take not only the vehicle specific criteria such as exhaust/noise emissions and fuel consumption but also take into consideration the environmental parameters relating to production, logistics, including the manufacturer’s environmental management systems. And that’s not all; vehicles need to obtain at least 90 percent of the maximum score in all assessment criteria in order to be awarded with the car Environment Certificate.

At present only 15 car models worldwide were given the Certificate and two of them were from Mercedes-Benz: one from the Mercedes compact class and Mercedes compact van class.

Join Editor-In-Chief Angus MacKenzie as he takes us through the build process of our very own tricked out Ford Flex created buy the guys at Galpin Auto Sports for the 2008 SEMA show.

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.