Philo Northrup is responsible for giving his Honda Element named Daisy Singer an extreme makeover and in his own words this is what he had to say:
"Daisy Singer is so named because of two objects attached to it. I started to artify this brand new 2004 Honda Element in Marcola, Oregon, with my mentor, Jack DeVore. He had an old SINGER sewing machine treadle and an old DAISY stove door. The names on these iron relics just seemed to fit for some strange reason. Later I found out that Daisy Singer, sewing machine heiress, left her fortune to whoever found her will in a bottle. She tossed this bottle into London's Thames River in 1937, and it washed ashore in San Francisco in 1949 to be found by a very lucky beachcomber named, of course, Jack.
So Daisy Singer it is!
My ambitions with this car-evolutioncars are formal, not thematic, focusing on design & texture. I am creating something antique and curvilinear out of a new shoebox. I am indulging my love of oxidation - the patina of decay. Daisy is an earthy car-evolutioncars, which fits in nicely with the fiery Truck in Flux, and the aquatic Buick of Unconditional Love. Like the Buick of Unconditional Love and the Truck in Flux, this car-evolutioncars features a living garden on the roof.
Daisy has already traveled extensively from Canada to Arizona and I plan to take it on car-evolutioncars tours to schools & hospitals around North America." via
Daisy Singer by Philo Northrup
Daisy Singer Door Panel Close Up
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Saturday, January 31, 2009
eBay Find of the Day: Sole remaining 1995 Ford Thunderbird SVT prototype
It might not be the very first production Thunderbird ever made, but it is a pretty special T-Bird nonetheless, and it is up for auction, not at Barrett-Jackson, but rather on eBay Motors. Item number 190283235126 is a rare, 1 of 4, 1995 Ford Thunderbird SVT Concept prototype.
The description tells us that the other three were crushed by the Blue Oval, making this the sole survivor. What makes this SVT concept special is the engine. It features a turbocharged 4.8L V8 instead of the supercharged V6 that went into the production Thunderbird SC. Black with a gray leather interior, it appears to have aged well, with nearly 70,000 miles on the clock.
The car has been with one owner for the past ten years and was featured in Makes & Models Magazine in 2005. Unfortunately, it has a few non-stock "upgrades," including a racing fuel cell and a fiberglass hood with an airbrushed bird on the underside. Check out the gallery and click over if you feel its worth at least the $30,000 starting price.
More Photos
Other article:
2010 Ford Shelby GT-500 Detailed
Ford to Celebrate Model T's 100th Birthday in 2008
Remembering Dyno Don
Event Alert: February Calendar of Automotive Events
Thanks to your suggestions, we added a Google Calendar after the jump so you can bookmark it and constantly receive updates as we add them. We appreciate all of your input and hope you find our calendar a useful tool. We also appreciate your comments listing events we might have overlooked or that are just near-and-dear to your hearts. Event cancellation notices are also greatly appreciated.
Highlights for February include the Chicago Auto Show, which we will be covering obsessively from McCormick Place; the kickoff of the NASCAR and NHRA seasons with the Daytona 500 and the Winternationals, respectively; and the RetroMobile show in Paris. There's plenty of other fun stuff scheduled all over the country and indeed around the world.
Read more
How Berkeley Can You Get? Art Car Fest Video
This Art Car Fest video was taken on my first event with my Mercedes Pens Art Car and was featured in it as well. They interviewed artists from all over the US & Canada who gathered for the 2005 car-evolutioncars Fest in the San Francisco Bay Area. Some of the other art cars also featured were: Amethyst, Cinnabar Charm, Temple Bus, Siren, Von Tiki, La Sirena, Science Is Golden, Periodic Table Car, Glass Quilt, Daisy Singer, Truck In Flux, Buick of Unconditional Love, Banana Bike, Sopa Box Derby Coffin and many others. Enjoy
Bee Four revives BRM brand, reveals in-wheel motor source
It's been announced that the electric race car we were telling you about from Bee Automobiles Ltd will now contend for the British Speed Hill Climb Championship in 2010 as the BRM Bee Four ERV.
This revives the BRM (British Racing Motors) brand that was born 60 years ago and has a rich and proud history. This also delays the original plan by a year, but should give them the necessary time to introduce a car that is fully tested and ready to win. There is hope that we'll see it before then as it is rumored that it may make some cameos at events this year.
more detail. ...
Other article:
Geneva: Wiesmann GT MF4 Roadster BMW M3 with heart
Wiesmann GT MF 5 World Premiere
LusoMotors LM 23
Eliica 8-wheeler EV Pursues Speed Record and Production
Lotec released 2009 Sirius sketches
Detroit Auto Show : Revenge Designs GTM-R supercar to debut
Bugatti Veyron modified by Mansory
Official Photos : McLaren Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss
Edo Competition LP-710 Christian Audi Gier Limited Edition
Labels:
Electric Vehicle,
European,
Motorsport,
Specialty Marques,
technology
Amethyst The Magic Bus by Samonberry
Samonberry is the creator of the Amethyst the Magic Bus who learned his craft at the Old-world school of Gypsy Painters. His art is very true to the original psychedelic art of the 60's and has managed to do a great job of capturing that era. His art includes posters, stickers, fine art, clothing along with this amazing 72 VW bus called Amethyst. I saw Samonberry at my first Art Car Fest in 2005 and was also featured in a video in which he describes how his art car came about.
Amethyst The Magic Bus by Samonberry
Amethyst The Magic Bus by Samonberry
Ford of Europe makes $1bn (�700m) in Europe (EU)
Ford of Europe has reported a pre-tax profit of just over $1bn (�700m) for 2008.
Profits for the first half of the year soared to $1.37bn (�950m) but declined in the second half of the year, with the company recording a $261m (�182m) loss. Its record profit in Europe, up from $997m (approx. �700m) in 2007, is in stark contrast with Ford�s global loss for the fourth quarter of 2008. The company lost $5.9bn (�4.1bn) in the last quarter of 2008, and a total of $14.6bn (�10bn) for the whole year.
Ford now intends to draw on $10bn (�7bn) of additional credit, which is expected to reach the company by Tuesday 2nd February.
'09 Renault Clio uncovered
An amateur spy photographer spied the facelift Clio III free of disguising in a public car park with its bonnet wide open. Spy pictures of the revised Clio date back to September 2007 where the Clio's engineers were testing the newcomer in Spain and Italy.
New headlights, grille, intake, and front bumper assist in giving the car a more aggressive look. Body-coloured side mouldings gives the car a more appealing look, but this is not just an exterior redesign. The revised Clio is also expected to have higher quality materials inside with special attention being paid to the upholstery.
Expect to see the facelifted Renault Clio and the Clio Sport Tourer, at the Geneva motorshow for its debut. UK sales start in June, Clio Sports Tourer in October and Clio Renaultsport in December.
Volvo XC60 pricing announced (U.S)
3 weeks ago, it was announced that the 2010 Volvo XC60 will start from under $40,000. Today, Volvo Cars of North America has revealed prices for the compact XC60 SUV. Starting from $37,200, the vehicle comes with a 3.0 litre turbocharged petrol T6 engine with AWD. It delivers 281bhp and maximum torque of 295 lb.-ft.
A host of features are included in the base price, such as a panoramic roof (limited time only), heated front and rear seats, HD Radio technology with USB and AUX ports, Bluetooth connectivity, leather seats and a SIRIUS satellite radio with a six month complimentary subscription.
For extra cash buyers can choose from a host of options that comprise a DVD-based navigation system with an integrated rear-view camera, a lane departure warning system and Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) amongst others.
Press Release:
Anticipation is growing as Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) today announced pricing of the exciting new 2010 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD small premium utility. With a starting price of just $37,200* for the well-equipped XC60, buyers will have it all: Class-leading safety, stunning design and unrivaled driving dynamics. The new Volvo XC60 goes on sale this March.
The XC60 is Volvo's entry into the growing small premium utility segment. Features such as leather seating surfaces with a power driver's seat, SIRIUS satellite radio (with complimentary six-month subscription), hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio technology with USB and AUX ports are all standard. As a special introductory offer, the unique Panorama moonroof will be offered at no charge. Customers may also opt for Volvo's DVD-based navigation system with integrated back-up camera and two new colors: Lime Grass Green or Terra Bronze.
Continuing Volvo's quest as a pioneer and leader in vehicle safety systems, the XC60 introduces a new world's first -- City Safety -- as standard equipment. City Safety is a driver-support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions occurring at speeds of 19 mph or less.
The new Volvo XC60 is the first production expression of Volvo's new design DNA. As a crossover, it artfully blends a dynamic mix of two car styles. Down below, the unmistakable, immensely capable XC pumps up its muscles creating a strong athletic body that is mated with high ground clearance and large wheels. Up top the flowing lines create the sporty charisma of a coupe.
The 3.0 litre turbocharged T6 engine is based on Volvo's naturally aspirated 3.2 litre inline all-aluminum six-cylinder that was introduced in the Volvo S80 in 2008. The T6 delivers 281 horsepower with torque of no less than 295 lb.-ft., combining for best-in-class performance. Maximum torque is available from just 1,500 rpm and remains on tap throughout the rev range. The result is swift acceleration and impressive passing performance. Volvo's all-wheel-drive system with Instant Traction is standard in the new XC60.
The XC60 is also included in Volvo's recently announced Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance program, which covers the first three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first). Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance helps reduce the cost of ownership by providing customers the first four maintenance visits to their Volvo retailer as complimentary. A wide range of services are covered by the program, including oil and filter changes, cabin filter replacement, complete fluid level top-offs and a check of the vehicle's on-board diagnostic system.
VCNA, part of Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg, Sweden, provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
The 2009 Volvo Cars model lineup includes the award-winning S40 and its wagon counterpart the V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan; the flagship S80 luxury sedan; versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); the stunning C70 retractable hardtop convertible and the dynamic C30.
THE GODFATHER'S 1940 CADILLAC LIMOUSINE
The Godfather's 1940 Cadillac Limousine by Jada Toys
A single rear and the divider behind the chauffeur�s seat identify Jada�s new 1:18 scale 1940 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood as the Five-Passenger Touring Imperial. Its big seven-piece diecast body is smooth and clean, with a glossy black finish that has traces of orange peel. The features that distinguished 1940 models � new grille, bumper with thin vertical guards, and fender-mounted turn signals, are all modeled accurately, however leave the hood closed; the V8 engine beneath it is completely chrome-plated. All four doors are hinged correctly and close with an audible snap. The all-plastic interior has neatly painted handles and cranks and legible instruments, but much of the dashboard trim, including wood-grain panels, hasn�t been reproduced. The nicely detailed Godfather figure in the rear seat+ is neatly and realistically painted, as is the standing driver whose gun hand is tucked inside his jacket. While Jada�s 1940 Cadillac Series 75 looks good and is well-made, I think they fitted it to the box. Wheelbase is 1:19 scale, while the length is more than 2 inches short at 1:21 scale and photos show that both the rear doors and rear fenders are too short. --SMI May 2007.
Friday, January 30, 2009
New Ford Focus RS Video
The Focus RS is a serious performance machine, all indications point towards this. But on this video a more somber, normal Focus RS shows itself proving that there's more to this spicy lime hatch than mere numbers.
Pushing the car forward is a 6-speed manual gearbox that helps the RS reach the 100km/h target in second gear. For certain engine frequencies a �sound symposer' is used to transfer certain pleasing sounds the car makes as it goes along into the cabin. Those bonnet louvers are there to help with idle cooling especially after heavy runs on a track so they aren't just there for aggressive looks.
For the longest time Ford wasn't even breathing a word related to the Focus RS. Then suddenly a flood of information came through, including confirmation that the RS would make a return after a six year hiatus. When details burst out, few really believed that the RS was to be driven through the front wheels, given its power figures of 300bhp (224kW) and 440Nm of torque from a 2.5-litre turbo.
After all, front-wheel-driven cars with slightly less power than the RS are known to have excessive torque steer. Nevertheless Ford had an answer to that in a hi-tech system called RevoKnuckle, a specially design steering knuckle containing two ball bearing sets which help compensate for torque steer. Additionally an LSD is fitted for extra traction.
via:World Car Fans
Other article:
Full details and pricing announced for 2009 Ford Focus RS
NEW FORD FOCUS RS: A LEGEND RETURNS
2009 Ford focal point RS official: With 280 PS 2.5 liters turbine wheels!
In a Galaxy... not too far away.
*laughs*
This is so cool. I love making fun of the N�r's current theme being the same as a Stormtrooper from Star Wars. Check out what's been circulating around the net...
Stormtrooper driving a Lotus Exige?! Quite fitting too don't you think?
What about Vader? He didn't want to be left out so he got himself an Ariel Atom to join the fun.
This is so cool. I love making fun of the N�r's current theme being the same as a Stormtrooper from Star Wars. Check out what's been circulating around the net...
Stormtrooper driving a Lotus Exige?! Quite fitting too don't you think?
What about Vader? He didn't want to be left out so he got himself an Ariel Atom to join the fun.
Sponsorship program
car-evolutioncars is looking to partner with select businesses that can enhance the Fiat experience.
If you would like to sponsor this site, I have attractive packages to get your business in front of a very targeted audience. This is the most popular US based Fiat 500 site on the internet and is growing by leaps and bounds. With the Fiat market in the US about to take off, be part of it at the very beginning and reserve a banner space today.
Contact; Chris (at) car-evolutioncars.com and I'll email you the terms. Please include the name of your business and website address*.
*I reserve the right to choose what businesses I accept as sponsors.
If you would like to sponsor this site, I have attractive packages to get your business in front of a very targeted audience. This is the most popular US based Fiat 500 site on the internet and is growing by leaps and bounds. With the Fiat market in the US about to take off, be part of it at the very beginning and reserve a banner space today.
Contact; Chris (at) car-evolutioncars.com and I'll email you the terms. Please include the name of your business and website address*.
*I reserve the right to choose what businesses I accept as sponsors.
1971 PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER LIMITED EDITION
From the American Muscle Elite series this is an authentically reproduced, two-door hardtop wrapped in Hemi Orange Metallic paint with black roof strobe stripe, and matching coloured bumpers. You also get an excellent air grabber hood with hood pins and can raise it to view the highly detailed 440-cubic-inch 'Six Pack' engine with separate battery and flexible cables
1966 DODGE CHARGER
This one is also from the American Muscle Authentic Series wih over 200 highly detailed parts. The bright Red bodywork comes with highly polished, electro-plated chrome parts, and authentic Charger badges.
1965 FORD MUSTANG 2+2 GT
1965 Ford Mustang Gt 22 Fastback Diecast Model Yellow 118 Die Cast Car By Ertl Authentics
Here is 1965 Ford Mustang 2+2 GT from the American Muscle Authentic Series by ERTL This model is 2 door hardtop fastback body wrapped in a Phoenician Yellow paint and electro-plated chrome parts. The doors open to a black bucket seat interior fully carpeted with black flocking. Pop the 'hood' to view the beautifully reproduced 289 engine.
PREVIEW:2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Gullwing Hybrid
Mercedes-Benz clearly wants to revive in style those beautiful rising doors that made history in the 50s. That's why a little brother for the yet-to-be-unveiled SLC supercar is on the way.
The future mini supercar could use the underpinnings of the 3rd generation of the SLK-Klasse, which should hit the streets in 2011. The rumoured SLK Gullwing will feature a hybrid powertrain:a 3,5 litres V6 internal combustion engine(probably, the current one, which boasts a 305 BHP output/360 Nm max. torque and an electronically-limited max. speed of 250 km/h) and an electric unit coupled to Li-Ion batteries.
Specifically, those state-of-the-art technology batteries are the reason for planning such a dramatic SLK version. Mercedes-Benz intends to install them in the side sills, so there would be no room for the conventional doors.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Gullwing will try, as best as it can, to protect the environment:regenerative brakes and START/STOP function to be fitted, a 150 g CO2/km gas emission, an average 5,9 l/100 km fuel consumption, 193 km of all-electric autonomy. However, the car won't forget its main objective as a sports car, so it will ensure a 0-100 km/h sprint in approximately 5 seconds.
Source:WorldCarFans
Copyright � 2009, car-evolutioncars. All rights reserved.
Metrobus project in Istanbul wins a USA award
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Stuttgart, Germany, Jan 30, 2009
* Sustainable Transport Award in Washington D.C. in recognition of the sustainable transport concept of the city of Istanbul
* Mercedes-Benz CapaCity offers solutions for innovative transport concepts
The Metrobus project of the Istanbul administration authority was recently given an award during the presentation of the Sustainable Transport Awards in Washington D.C. This award is presented to projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the quality of life in the inner areas of major cities worldwide.
In its award citation the jury emphasised that Istanbul has played a pioneering role versus other, comparable major cities with its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) concept, which went into operation in 2007. The BRT line originally ran from the suburb of Avcilar in the north-west of Istanbul to Topkapi in the city centre, and in 2008 a further connection was added between Topkapi and Zincirlikuyu in view of the service�s widespread acceptance. This additional stretch extended the originally 17-kilometre long route to a length of 29 kilometres. The buses travel on their own roadways at an average speed of 40 km/h, and shorten the daily travel time from 1.5 hours to 40 minutes. Each day the BRT system carries more than 530,000 passengers, which means 70,000 to 80,000 fewer individual journeys in the dense city traffic of this major Turkish metropolis. Per passenger, a regular service bus such as the CapaCity consumes between 0.3 and 0.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, and thereby makes a significant contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions. The much-discussed level of CO2 emissions directly depends on fuel consumption.
Mercedes-Benz CapaCity offers solutions for innovative transport concepts
150 CapaCity buses supplied by EvoBus GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG, from the Mercedes-Benz plant in Mannheim have so far formed the backbone of the Bus Rapid Transit line in Istanbul. A further 100 CapaCity buses were ordered for the city of Istanbul by the transport operator Istanbul Elektrik Tramvay ve T�nel Isletmelerie (IETT) at the end of 2008. As in Istanbul, the CapaCity is able to provide answers to many urban public transport problems in other regions as well. It concentrates the transport capacity on the major routes, while reducing fuel, driver, workshop and capital costs. As a high-capacity vehicle not restricted to on-rail operation, the CapaCity combines the typical advantages of the series production city buses, i.e. great flexibility and high cost-effectiveness, with the attributes of a tram system. By virtue of its cost-effectiveness, high passenger capacity of 193 and low infrastructure costs, it is an ideal component for innovative BRT transport systems.
The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) was founded in 1985 for the encouragement of environmentally and socially compatible transport concepts worldwide. It cooperates with urban authorities and local interest groups to implement projects aimed at fighting poverty, environmental pollution and dependence on crude oil.
" The mobility requirements of a major metropolis such as Istanbul are enormous. Only an optimal combination of the infrastructure and the vehicle fleet is able to guarantee the best possible transport performance, as the BRT project is already demonstrating today ", says Holger Suffel, Daimler Buses Vice President, Service & Parts.
Copyright � 2009, car-evolutioncars. All rights reserved.
Decision to establish joint venture between Daimler (AG) and Beiqi Foton (Motor Co., Ltd.) is affirmed in letter of intent
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Berlin, Germany, Jan 29, 2009
In the presence of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Gou Zhongwen, the Vice Mayor of Beijing, Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. and Daimler AG signed a letter of intent to form a 50:50 joint venture to produce medium and heavy-duty trucks and exchange technology in China. This is the foundation for the next step of the process, which is to gain the approval of the Chinese government.
Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, was also present as Dr. R�diger Grube, Daimler AG Board of Management member responsible for corporate development, and Ulrich Walker, Chairman and CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia, signed the agreement together with their Chinese partners, Mr. Heyi Xu, Chairman of BAIC, and Jinyu Wang, President of Beiqi Foton.
The joint venture will benefit from Daimler�s technology leadership, especially in the area of diesel engines. Together, the joint venture partners will use Foton�s Auman truck brand as a platform for international growth in the lower-end commercial vehicle segment.
�This joint venture is another step in realizing both our long-term commercial vehicle strategy and our China strategy,� said Dr. R�diger Grube, Daimler AG Board of Management member responsible for corporate development. �Foton is the right partner for us. This cooperation is a win-win situation for both companies and, most importantly, for our customers."
With this new joint venture, Daimler will now have two commercial vehicle joint ventures and one passenger car joint venture in China, in addition to its financial services operations there.
�At BAIC we are very happy to expand our business relationship with Daimler to include commercial vehicles at Beiqi Foton, in addition to our cooperation for passenger cars at BeijingBenz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive,� said BAIC Chairman Xu. BAIC is the primary Chinese shareholder for both Beiqi Foton Trucks, Ltd. and BeijingBenz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive Ltd. (BBDC).
�Today�s agreement is a milestone in the history of the Chinese commercial vehicle industry,� said Ulrich Walker, Chairman and CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia. �The joint venture of Daimler and Foton will benefit from the outstanding strengths of the two companies. Daimler�s technology expertise, global scale, and market leadership in the high-end truck segment ideally complement Foton�s broad sales network in China and its market leadership in the lower-end truck segment. This joint venture will be an excellent starting point for growth, profitability, and expansion, not only in China but in international markets as well.�
Copyright � 2009, car-evolutioncars. All rights reserved.
Berlin dealership celebrates centennial: 100 years of Mercedes-Benz sales in Germany
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Berlin, Germany, Jan 29, 2009
* Ceremony in the Mercedes World on Salzufer marks centennial of the Berlin company-owned sales and service outlet
* Curtain-raiser for four more anniversaries of company-owned outlets opened in Dresden, Hamburg, Frankfurt and D�sseldorf in 1909
* Historic basis of the present Mercedes-Benz Sales Organisation in Germany
The Berlin company-owned sales and service outlet extended invitations to a ceremony which took place today to mark its 100th anniversary. Some 800 guests attended the function at the Mercedes World Berlin on Salzufer. At the same time, this event is the start of a series of jubilees at the Mercedes-Benz-owned sales and service outlets established in Dresden, Hamburg, Frankfurt and D�sseldorf in 1909. The founding of these outlets is the historic basis of the present-day Mercedes-Benz Sales Organisation in Germany.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "The connection between Daimler and Berlinevolved historically and now dates back even more than one hundred years."
The first car registered in Berlin in 1902 was a Daimler, and the factory in Marienfelde, set up in the same year, is the oldest Daimler factory in the world. "Today and in future, too, Berlin retains its central significance for us on the way to the automobile of the future: last year we took an important step towards emission-free mobility with our 'e-mobility Berlin' project." Berlinalso is the site of the first European service station for emission-free fuel-cell-powered vehicles of Daimler AG.
January 1st, 1909 is considered the official founding day of the Berlin sales and service outlet of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG): it was created from the existing showroom at the prestigious Unter den Linden 78 address and a separate repair shop. Just a few years later, DMG inaugurated a house-cum-showroom in Berlin which already then combined sales with the brand world and entertainment.
The tradition of making the Mercedes-Benz brand a tangible experience for customers and visitors lives on to this day in the capital city. At the Benz & Cie. site on Salzufer, in use since 1915, the new headquarters of the Berlin sales and service outlet was erected in 2000. The Berlin outlet has a total of 1400 employees at nine locations to make it one of the capital's biggest employers. The vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz brand find a befitting stage for presentation to customers and visitors in the brand and event world on Salzufer. The Mercedes World can boast more than one million visitors to around 200 events annually, including model premieres, receptions and public viewing of sports events. It has again become one of the city's social meeting points.
100 years of Mercedes-Benz sales in Germany
Dr. Klaus Maier, Manager Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: "The founding of the first five company-owned sales and service outlets forms the basis for the present-day Mercedes-Benz Sales Organisation in Germany. With a total of 34 company-owned branches plus around 600 sales and service partners throughout Germany, we have an efficient nationwide network at our disposal today. At 1200 locations in all, 60,000 employees provide optimum care and support to our customers." As a part of Daimler AG, today the Mercedes-Benz Sales Organisation Germany with its staff of 1200 bears responsibility for the national sales of the brands Mercedes-Benz, smart, Maybach, AMG and Mitsubishi Fuso.
In the outgoing 19th/early 20th century, sales of Mercedes and Benz automobiles were still fully in the hands of independently operating agents. The best-known example is the Austrian businessman Emil Jellinek, who resided in Nice and was the creator of the brand name Mercedes. When car sales declined in 1906 and 1907 as a result of the troubled world economy, DMG relied on a separate sales organisation to enable it to respond on its own to market happenings. At Benz & Cie. in Mannheim, almost simultaneously similar reasons led to the establishment of Benz-owned sales and service outlets.
1909 thus saw the establishment of five company-owned sales and service outlets at once: in Berlin, Frankfurt, Dresden, D�sseldorf and Hamburg. In 1926 Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie. merged to form Daimler-Benz AG, carrying on their business from then on jointly. Vehicles are sold both through the company-owned outlets and through independent agents and dealers. This system ensures that all car customers � those outside the big cities too � can be reached and creates a service network affording comprehensive coverage. In 1914 DMG already had around 70 sales outlets and agencies worldwide, in New York, London, Cairo, St. Petersburg, Bangkok and other cities.
From 1939 onwards, the Second World War brought car production and sales practically to a standstill. Factories and branches of Daimler-Benz AG were destroyed and had to be rebuilt after 1945. During the "Economic Miracle" period in the 1950s and 1960s car sales boomed. Sports cars like the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing symbolised the freedom of the road. Simultaneously, truck production expanded as goods traffic increasingly shifted to the highway. Buses, vans and the Unimog complemented the product range. The extended product offer caused the demands on the company-owned outlets and the dealers to grow. Daimler-Benz AG responded by setting up the Mercedes-Benz Sales Organisation Germany for the purpose of concerted, brand-adequate marketing of its vehicles. After the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification, the German sales organisation relocated from Stuttgart to Berlin in 1998.
More information about the Mercedes-Benz Sales Organisation is available in the internet at www.mbvd.de .
Copyright � 2009, car-evolutioncars. All rights reserved.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
2009 Saturn Astra Cars
2009 Saturn Astra Cars
Prices: $17,045 - 19,545
Power comes from a 140
horsepower 1.8-liter
Ecotec four-cylinder
engine.The system has
a sporty 14:1 steering
ratio.Three-door models
come standard with
17-inch aluminum wheels.
Hot Insignia caught at official Opel event
The Vauxhall/Opel Insignia has recently gone on sale across Europe with a sports variant due this year. Prototypes of the Insignia VXR/OPC have been lapping around Germany heavily disguised but a crafty photographer managed to leaked a pre-production ready model onto the net.
This prototype's model, a saloon rather than a hatchback, shows the vertical front air intakes that were a striking feature of the Opel GTC Concept coup� that previewed the Insignia's design language at the 2007 Geneva motorshow.
Running OPC Prototypes have lapped the N�rburgring in a little over 8 minutes, according to Opel managing director and engineering guru Hans Demant. With its Haldex 4WD and 255/35 R20 tyres, it's said to be very grippy, very stable and very benign in its handling. Wheels have five concave spokes, are painted in dark metallic grey and have polished rims and spoke outlines.
Power is not yet disclosed but the twin-turbo V6 is thought to produce around 320bhp. Expect to see this styling model at the Geneva show in March, with the production version making its debut at the Frankfurt show in September, if not before. A wagon variant is also expected.
Via Evo.co.uk > Vauxhall Insignia VXR
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