OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
� Mercedes is first manufacturer to bring BlueTEC SUVs to U.S. market
� Available autumn 2008 for registration in all fifty states
� Updated 2008 M-Class celebrates world premiere
� New generation SL roadster gets first public viewing in New York
Under the heading �Vote for BlueTEC�, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its diesel offensive in the U.S. with a vengeance. At the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), the three-pointed star is presenting three new, exceptionally clean diesel SUVs with the latest AdBlue injection technology. The ML 320 BlueTEC, the R 320 BlueTEC and the GL 320 BlueTEC boast such low emissions that they comply with even the strictest exhaust limits such as the Bin 5 and ULEV standards in the U.S. They are also poised to fulfill the future EU6 standard in Europe. The focal point of today�s Mercedes-Benz NYIAS press conference was the facelifted M-Class, which celebrated its world premiere as the ML 320 BlueTEC.
�The BlueTEC campaign expresses our ambitious targets for the U.S. We want to make diesel driving popular here again � especially for SUVs,� comments Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Management Board Daimler AG, Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. �The prospects for this are now even better,� Weber continues, �because, just in time for the world premiere in New York, we have become the first manufacturer ever to receive certification enabling registration of Bin 5 and ULEV compliant diesel SUVs, thus qualifying them for registration in all 50 states.�
In preparation for the comeback of the clean diesel to the U.S., Mercedes has been conducting years of pioneering work. The decisive breakthrough came with the introduction of the E 320 BlueTEC in October 2006, which was voted �World Green Car of the Year 2007� in the U.S., followed by the successful launch of Mercedes diesel SUVs with CDI technology in 45 states.
Mercedes-Benz facilitates diesel comeback � new success story courtesy of BlueTEC
�What began as a cautious attempt at a comeback, soon developed into a new diesel success story,� explains Dr. Weber. �The E 320 BlueTEC already claims 13 percent of E-Class sales in the U.S. Our diesel SUVs average 22 percent.� These figures already put Mercedes-Benz well over the average diesel market share of 14 percent currently forecast by J.D. Power for the U.S. market in 2017. �With BlueTEC, we have the potential to build on this success.�
The BlueTEC SUVs, which will initially be available only in the U.S., are powered by state-of-the-art V6 engines. With 211 bhp and 540 Nm of torque, they bring refined and highly-efficient driving pleasure to the world�s cleanest diesel vehicles. Weber again, �With the BlueTEC diesel, our three new SUVs consume 20 to 40 percent less fuel than comparable gasoline models. They combine V8 torque with four-cylinder fuel consumption.�
Mercedes-Benz has considerably upgraded the new-generation M-Class with fresh design accents, and more extensive, even higher quality equipment. When it comes to safety, the M-Class has always been a benchmark within the SUV sector. Now the M, R and GL-Class all come with PRE-SAFE� and NECK-PRO head restraints as standard.
First public showing in New York � the new-generation Mercedes-Benz SL
A further Mercedes-Benz highlight at the NYIAS is the new-generation SL luxury roadster, which is celebrating its first public viewing here. Ernst Lieb, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA comments, �As a design icon, the SL has embodied the fascination of the Mercedes-Benz brand for the last fifty years. The combination of classic SL styling characteristics with elements from the current Mercedes design language has made the new-generation more expressive and emotional.�
The new-generation SL is also at the top of its class in terms of technology. The four engine variants include two optimised six-cylinders, providing increased performance with reduced fuel consumption. The three-litre V6in the new SL 280 entry model generates 170kW/231 bhp. The high-revving sports engine can be found under the bonnet of the SL 350. Its output has been increased by 16 percent against the previous 3.5 litre V6 to 232 kW/316 bhp, while maximum torque is up by 10 Nm to 360 Nm. With 9.9 litres per 100 km, the SL 350 is 0.4l/100 km more economical in the NEFZ driving cycle than its predecessor with 200 kw/272 bhp. At the top end of the model line-up are the V8-powered SL 500 and the twelve-cylinder SL 600. Their engines consume up to 0.4 l/100km less fuel than before. New to the SL are the AIRSCARF head-area heating, devised and patented by Mercedes-Benz, and the newly developed direct steer system, which increases the agility of the big roadster, while making it even safer and more comfortable.
Mercedes-AMG displays performance versions of the ML and SL
With the ML 63 AMG, SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG, performance brand Mercedes-AMG also shines the spotlight on new models in New York. The new power SUV and the AMG roadsters embody the pinnacle of sportiness, individuality and exclusivity.
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