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Excitement was at fever pitch for the final of the 9th FleetBoard Drivers’ League on 3 September: 25 truck drivers from 13 different countries delivered an outstanding finish to the competition at the Altes Lager site in Münsingen. Their results in four challenging tasks decided who would reign supreme in the international Drivers’ League of 2011.
After some exciting action, Karsten Krüger of DOEGO Fruchthandel in Germany was able to defend his title as the ‘Winner of the Drivers’ League’. The winning company has used FleetBoard since 2006 and sees continuous improvement in the driving style of its drivers. Hot on his heels was Dawied Walczak of Smeets Beheer B.V. from the Netherlands, who took second place after a thrilling final round. Jürgen Breginski of DOEGO Fruchthandel from Germany narrowly managed to secure a well-deserved third place. For the first time in the history of the Drivers’ League, a female driver made it through to the final. Patrizia Kofler of Tanzer Handels- und Speditionsgesellschaft mbH from Austria was a good match for her fellow competitors and finished in 22nd place.
One of the challenges involved a 30km drive on public roads, which included highways, country lanes and roads in built-up areas. During this test, the competitors were judged on their economical driving style using FleetBoard Performance Analysis. Operating the truck in everyday conditions with optimal fuel consumption and minimal wear and tear was what counted here. The drivers skilfully demonstrated an efficient use of resources in handling their vehicles and achieved top scores between 8.1 and 9.9 (on a scale of 1 to 10).
Another exercise involved estimating speed with an obscured speedometer. Here, the finalists demonstrated their feel for their vehicle by driving a section of road as closely to 30km/h as possible.
The task on the off-road course in a laden Actros tipper with a weight of 32 tonnes provided plenty of entertaining driving. On those sections of the course with a 20 percent gradient, the weight of the tipper had a particularly noticeable effect and the full concentration of the drivers was required to keep fuel consumption to a minimum. Twist humps and wading ponds recreated off-road conditions perfectly and posed a real challenge for the drivers.
The drivers from Great Britain and South Africa, who were used to right-hand vehicles, also demonstrated their proficiency at the highest level. All of the finalists showed great competitive spirit and delivered exceptional performances. It was a close run race.
Those who made it through to the final had already qualified from an original field of 9,000 drivers in their home countries of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Great Britain, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, South Africa and also in the Middle East. Drivers from France, Spain and the Middle East were taking part for the first time.
This year, to coincide with ‘FleetBoard inside’ – which sees FleetBoard as standard in the new Actros – the drivers faced a new challenge: they competed in the new Mercedes-Benz truck. If their companions held a truck driver’s licence, they too were able to have a go at driving the new Actros. For all the drivers, so-called ‘trucker maniacs’, it was an exciting weekend of thrilling driving experiences and a fantastic event to be part of. They also took the opportunity to talk shop about the best use of retarder brake systems, cruise control and environmentally-friendly driving, and enjoyed their time together as winners of the 2011 Drivers’ League.
The Drivers’ League also represented a triumph for the environment: the competition provided motivation for all 9,000 participants to reduce their CO2 emissions by an additional 1 percent, which roughly equates to a tonne of CO2 per year and per truck.
Karsten Krüger was overwhelmed at his victory: "It was a challenging competition with a lot of fun, excitement and action. I am very happy to be taking the trophy home with me again." As his prize, FleetBoard will be sending him and a companion to Madrid for a week. As well as enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Spanish capital, the two-time winner of the Drivers’ League will get to experience the European Championship Truck Race on 2 October 2011.
Markus Lipinsky, Managing Director of Daimler FleetBoard GmbH, shared in the excitement of the live final: "The finalists of the Drivers’ League are the best Mercedes-Benz truck drivers in the world. The driver is often the final link in the chain and as such they earn great respect for their day-to-day work on the road. FleetBoard enables them to clearly show how efficiently they drive, how well they anticipate traffic conditions and how they can minimize wear and tear on their vehicles. They form the basis for the company’s success and play an active part in protecting the environment. My thanks go to all 9,000 competitors."
Results and photos from the final can be found at www.fahrerliga.de .
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Daimler AG and Rolls-Royce Holdings plc have obtained the approval of all the relevant regulatory authorities for the acquisition of Tognum AG. This step paves the way for Daimler and Rolls-Royce to conclude the takeover of the Friedrichshafen-based engine and drive system specialist Tognum through their joint venture, Engine Holding GmbH. The settlement will be completed within the next eight bank working days. This means that the Tognum shareholders who tendered their shares before the extended offer period ended on June 20, 2011 will receive settlement within the next two weeks.
As of August 22, 2011, Engine Holding GmbH had secured approximately 96.78% of the Tognum shares. Tognum shareholders who have not yet accepted the takeover offer can tender their shares for purchase by Engine Holding GmbH at the offer price of €26 until midnight on November 10, 2011.
Through the acquisition of Tognum, Daimler and Rolls-Royce plan to create a leading supplier of complete industrial engine systems. The joint venture company will offer a broad range of products, services, and solutions worldwide.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The G-Class, the ultimate off-roader that has fascinated fans for over 30 years, is approaching the end of its victorious career. Back in 2009, Mercedes-Benz extended the production of the W 463 model generation up to 2015, at the established Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria, and is about to give the car another major revamp probably next year prior to phasing out this series. To keep the customers' interest high, Mercedes-Benz will release two special edition versions of the G-Class. The first one is dubbed "BA3 Final Edition" and it is being offered with the short wheelbase Geländewagen, which is going to be discontinued in the near future. The specifications include 18-inch, five-twin spoke alloy wheels, a metallic exterior paint job, a chromed radiator grille, AMG wheel flares and high-grade materials to personalize the interior of the 4x4 vehicle. The BA3 Final Edition is available either for the G 350 BlueTEC or for the G 500 variants. The second of the special versions is called "Edition Select" and is offered exclusively with the powerful G 500 in long-wheelbase trim. It features extensive AMG design appointments such as the bumpers and side flaps, which like the exterior mirrors and the 18-inch alloy wheels, are decorated in black colour. The contrasting silver metallic paint finish underscores the pure clasiness of this G-Class model, whereas the refined porcelain/black designo, stitched leather upholstery, the piano lacquer wood trim, the discrete chromed details and the impressive safety and infotainment technology are the epitome of a true, luxurios Mercedes-Benz cabin.
Read more official details in the press release posted after the jump!
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Stuttgart, Germany, May 04, 2011 – Mercedes-Benz is ushering in the spring with two new, luxuriously equipped special models in the G-Class. Among other enhancements, an extensive stainless steel package and mounted AMG features ensure a visually striking appearance for the "BA3 Final Edition" based on the short-wheelbase Station Wagon and the "Edition Select" with a long wheelbase. In the interior a Chrome package and many more comfort-enhancing extras dominate the ambience of this classic, which has continued to enjoy the affection of off-roader fans worldwide for no less than 32 years.
A classic off-roader is entering its final phase: as the model designation suggests, Mercedes-Benz is producing the last edition of the short wheelbase Station Wagon in the successful G-Class with the special "BA3 Final Edition" model. Two variants will be available: in the G 350 BlueTEC a 6-cylinder diesel engine with the very latest BlueTEC emissions control, 155 kW (211 hp) and 540 newton metres for great pulling power both on and off the road. In the G 500 a powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine with 285 kW (388 hp) and 530 newton metres effortlessly performs the same function.
Both special models of this classic among Mercedes-Benz off-roaders are equipped with the same high-performance drive and dynamic handling control systems. Alongside the permanent all-wheel drive with off-road ratio and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the standard specification includes the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS, the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and three differential locks with 100-percent locking effect selectable at the push of a button.
Externally Mercedes-Benz has significantly upgraded the "BA3 Final Edition". AMG flared wheel arches in the vehicle colour, in combination with 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and tyre size 265/60 R 18, underline the striking appearance of the special model. Running boards and a spare wheel cover with a 3D Mercedes-Benz star in stainless steel, as well as an AMG radiator grille in a 3-louvre design with chrome highlights, emphasise its exceptional position in the range. Standard features also include an electric sliding/tilting sunroof, metallic paintwork, rear mudflaps, carbon-fibre look inserts in the protective strips, an ultrasonic reversing aid and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
In the interior the driver and passengers are able to enjoy even more generous appointments. Fine details and high-grade technology raise both visual appeal and comfort to a new level. Further highlights are provided by stylish yet functional ambient lighting, as well as chrome highlights on the frame and selector lever cover, seat adjustment controls and the loudspeakers in the front doors. Another eye-catching detail is the chrome luggage compartment sill panel with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering.
Outstandingly high seating comfort is assured by the multicontour front seats in black leather with seat climatisation. These offer first-class comfort on long journeys, even in mid-summer temperatures. They are accompanied by burr walnut wood trim, and the same, high-grade wood plus leather adorns the steering wheel and selector lever.
Standard equipment also includes a convenience telephony system in the armrest, with a universal interface for various mobile phone cradles, extended telephone functions, a charging function and an external aerial for optimum reception. Useful accessories include rubber mats for the footwells and load compartment, as well as a load compartment cover including additional stowage boxes.
As the G 350 BlueTEC, the "BA3 Final Edition" is priced at € 90,511.40, and as the G 500 € 100,685.90 (both prices include 19% VAT).
Special "Edition Select" model
Mercedes-Benz has conceived the special "Edition Select" model with two-tone paintwork exclusively for the long-wheelbase G 500 Station Wagon. At no extra cost, there is a choice of designo mystic white, palladium silver metallic, thulite red metallic and obsidian black metallic. The bumpers, AMG side flaps and exterior mirrors are always painted in obsidian black metallic. Further contrasts are provided by running boards and the spare wheel cover with a 3D Mercedes-Benz star in stainless steel. Other eye-catching features include black-painted 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design with size 265/60 R 18 tyres, carbon-fibre look inserts in the protective strips, an underguard and an AMG sports exhaust system.
In the interior the stylish atmosphere is characterised by high-grade two-tone upholstery in porcelain/black designo leather. Single-tone black designo leather is available as an alternative. Ambient lighting and chrome trim in the area of the selector lever, the seat adjustment controls and the loudspeakers in the front doors underline the luxurious standard. The Chrome package is rounded off by a chrome luggage compartment sill protector with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering and a radiator grille with chrome inserts.
The dashboard, armrest, door handles and parking brake lever are lined in black leather, with contrasting topstitching is some areas. The inner door panels are lined with gathered leather, and black designo velour floor mats with porcelain edging lend a cosy touch to the footwells. Highlights in the interior also include designo wood trim in black piano lacquer. The steering wheel and selector lever are in a leather/piano lacquer combination with contrasting topstitching.
The already extensive standard equipment is supplemented with stainless steel door sill panels illuminated in white and bearing the lettering "Mercedes-Benz", as well as crash-responsive NECK-PRO luxury head restraints. The Harman Kardon Logic7® surround sound system is among the finest available. It provides an exquisite listening experience in the off-roader, thanks to a 10-channel DSP amplifier with a total output of 450 watts and twelve high-performance loudspeakers.
The high-grade additional features of the special "Edition Select" model, whose status is marked by a corresponding logo on the cover of the stowage compartment in the dashboard console, are priced at € 6735.40 (incl. 19% VAT).
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
