AMG Market News Archive

AMGmarket.com News/Source: MBUSA Press Release, Montvale, NJ (January 9, 2012)

The all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
Lightweight, athletic, luxurious

DETROIT – The all-new 2013 SL continues a tradition that began 60 years ago. For six decades the letters “SL” have been synonymous with a blend of sport, style and comfort – infused with groundbreaking innovation. For the first time, the SL is being produced almost entirely from aluminum and consequently weighs considerably less than its predecessor. Its highly rigid all-aluminum bodyshell provides the basis for agile, sporty handling that has been taken to an entirely new level, coupled with outstanding bodyroll and ride characteristics. Even better driving dynamics come courtesy of the new direct injection engine, which is more powerful and economical than the outgoing generation. Other new features include the unique Frontbass system, which turns the luxury sports car into a concert hall – with the top down or up – and the highly efficient MAGIC VISION CONTROL. The 2013 SL550 will be available in U.S. showrooms this spring.

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The production of the current R 230 model series came to an end after unit no. 169,434 rolled off the assembly line at the Bremen plant on November 30, 2011. The milestone vehicle is an SL 350 painted Iridium silver; 315 BHP 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. The car will be added to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, right next to the iconic roadsters that wrote the prestigious 60-year history of the ‘Sport Leicht’ range. According to company officials, more than 370,000 SL cars were produced at Bremen since 1989.

As the area’s biggest private-sector employer, the Bremen plant is deeply rooted in the region. During a little over 30 years more than five million Mercedes-Benz passenger cars have been produced in Bremen.

The Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen is gearing up for the production of a fourth model of the high-volume C-Class model range. As of 2011, a Coupé will be added to a flexible production line, which already produces the three existing models. This will be a new addition to Bremen’s current production portfolio in the C-Class segment, comprising the Saloon, the Estate and the compact GLK sport utility vehicle (SUV).

“The decision by the Board of Management to produce the Coupé version of the current C-Class here in Bremen as well represents another important milestone on our way to becoming Mercedes’ competence centre for the C-Class and is a clear sign of the trust in the Bremen team’s capabilities and standards,” says Peter Schabert, Head of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen.

AMGmarket.com News/Source: Daimler Media/Stuttgart, Dec. 6, 2011 – In November, Mercedes-Benz sold more cars than ever before in this month. With 113,859 units, the brand surpassed the previous record result, which was set last year, by 8.3%. Mercedes-Benz has delivered a total of 1,136,525 (+7.3%) units to customers since the beginning of the year — which also represents a new sales record.

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Fuel economy is important but rarely the main driving force in the decision making process for a $75,000 to $100,000 plus performance vehicle like the Mercedes-AMG. Most buyers of new Mercedes-AMGs are not losing sleep at night based on the fluctuating price of petroleum. But one thing is for sure, used car buyers are typically younger, up and coming eco-consious professionals, and a much larger population of potential consumers for the manufacturer.

Is your first new car purchase influenced by the brand of the vehicle you first purchased used? Likely. And, it appears Mercedes-AMG is now figuring that out. Although, in my opinion, they have been a little late to the game.

If you take a look at fuel economy charts for cars by year, few (rarely any) Mercedes-AMG vehicles make the top 10 or 15 on the list for fuel-efficiency. For those interested, you can find the fuel economy information at websites such as the U.S. Department of Energy: www.fueleconomy.gov – you can search by type of vehicle (sports car, sedan, SUV, etc.) and by year. Take a look at the lists for 2005 models that have depreciated significantly in value since new; often of interest to used car buyers.

Why say Mercedes-AMG is figuring it out?

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AMGmarket.com New (Source: Daimler/Affalterbach): AMG fans had the chance to drive the SLS AMG GT3 for the first time. The AMG Driving Academy is exclusively using SLS AMG GT3 vehicles at the most demanding MASTERS skill level. With these unique events, the AMG Driving Academy – which was started successfully in 2007 – is offering participants an opportunity to experience motor racing first hand whilst benefitting from what is an unprecedented high standard of safety. The new SLS AMG GT3 MASTERS is a preliminary highlight of the AMG Driving Academy, which is continually extending its programme to provide an extremely wide variety of events.

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Is the 2012 C63 Coupe Black Series the most powerful Mercedes-Benz C-Class of all time?

AMGmarket.com News/SOURCE: MBUSA, July 23, 2011 – MONTVALE, NJ: Spectacular design, technology transferred from the world of motorsport and the very best in driving dynamics; the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series represents the new AMG brand claim, Driving Performance, like no other AMG model. The new high-performance vehicle is the most powerful C-Class of all time, boasting a maximum output of 510 hp and a maximum torque of 457 lb-ft. The high-revving AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine delivers stunning pulling power and exceptional performance – the 2012 C63 AMG Coupe Black Series accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds (all data provisional).

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A friend sent me this video link for a news story on Bruno’s venture, which he opened in January 2008 during the recession: