YourMercedes-Benz Dealer Blog

Watching the opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games in Beijing is quite fun, but being there could be hectic and confounding despite all of the pageantry and excitement. I can only imagine the piles of people packed into China for the games, all panting and wanting to watch the events from as close a vantage point as possible.

The problem is, or seems to be, that there aren’t enough rental cars to go around. Whether looking for certified used cars to rent or brand spanking new Mercedes vehicles to rent, it’s a more than difficult task to procure one.

If you do find one, the odds are that the prices on the rentals are so incredibly high that you’re better off walking from event to event for the two week extent of the Games.

Beijing will welcome than 2 million visitors to the city to watch the Games. The steep number of people combined with the new restrictions on easing congestion and pollution in the city has meant that Beijing’s rental firms have been preparing for the opportunities. But some cars are still short in supply, notwithstanding the fact that prices have doubled and even risen to four times the standard price.

Daimler AG is getting set to construct 45,000 fewer Mercedes-Benz vehicles than previously thought. A Benz Mercedes spokesperson told reporters today that labour representatives were in negotiations about the procedure of cutting production at the car company’s German plants. According to the rep, a deal had already been struck with the plant in Untertuerkheim that makes engines for all Mercedes factories.

The deal with the plant signed for 45,000 fewer engine parts and axles, which certainly stands as a stark symbol for a diminishment in Benz Mercedes overall production.

The plan also calls for eliminating a shift on a daily or weekly basis until the end of the year. Production would halt for a week in late October and the standard break around the Christmas holidays would be extended for a few days, giving some workers much more time off than they would desire.

Mercedes-Benz brand sales rose 3.4% in the first seven months of the year to 691,900 units. Sales in the United States, Asia and Germany stayed strong, but deliveries in southern Europe and Britain dropped in the past few months.

The impact this will have on Mercedes vehicles in the long run remains to be seen, of course, but as you and I both know, there are not really any good signs that can be pulled from a car company reducing its production in such a way. It surely spells trouble for the German automaker.

Mercedes-Benz is hoping that more power will help things along in the sales department. While you and I might have to wait for the prices to come down to the more reasonable “used Mercedes-Benz” area, new buyers of new cars from the automaker will be able to savour the pleasure that is turbo-charging.

Mercedes-Benz plans to turbo-charge a fleet of its new cars and, by 2011, aims to have turbo-charge options available on each and every model of car the company puts out. According to many reports, turbo-charge technology is actually on the rise again among most mainstream automakers.

Turbo-charging first took hold in the 1980s as carmakers tried to get the most out of smaller engines. Extra parts and drives were added to boost a small engine’s power. With small engines back in style due to gas prices and environmental issues, it’s no small wonder that turbo-charging is set to make a massive comeback in the world of automobiles.

So while you and I may be content to tool around in our used Mercedes-Benz cars, the rest of the world will be scrambling to get a hold of the new Mercedes vehicles with turbo-charged options that can help send the smaller engines right into the stratosphere for speed and power.

With Daimler AG saying that Mercedes-Benz has sold 23,292 units for the month of July 2008 in the United States, it’s probably a good time to go looking for quality certified used cars from the company. The Mercedes-Benz arm in the United States also includes smart cars, so going green never looked better.

From where I sit, companies like Mercedes-Benz are able to keep things steady because they respond to what the public wants. While other companies, luxury or otherwise, keep on pushing the same products on the marketplace in hopes of brand name association trumping all standards, other companies like Mercedes-Benz offer their consumers a good mix of cars and vehicles.

With the smart car and with other great options from Mercedes-Benz, it’s a great time to buy certified used cars or brand new ones from your local dealership.

The sales for July 2008 marks a 12% increase over the sales of last July, which means, obviously, that Mercedes is moving in the right direction. If the car company can continue to offer quality cars to its consumers and can continue to keep the environment as a top priority, the sales will likely continue to rise.

So regardless of what type of car or truck you’re looking for, you can rest assured that Mercedes vehicles can fit the bill. I know I’m down.

The Mercedes-Benz 2009 SL-Class is a wonderful new car, and completely worthy of the Mercedes name. The Baseline, entry-level SL 350 with its V6 is more than adequate for most drivers, but that’s only the beginning.

Forget, for a moment, that these cars just look good. Forget the Mercedes reputation for quality and performance. The SL-Class stands on its own merits, whether or not the name “Mercedes” is attached to it.

One thing that jumps out at you right away when driving the Mercedes-Benz 2009 SL-Class is the suspension. The suspension is excellent, and perfect for touring. The steering is direct, and the vehicle handles very well. This vehicle is lively when taking corners, but not too lively. The steering and the suspension seem to work in concert, providing a consistent driving experience.

http://www.autoconversion.net/media/universalmedia/mercedes/sl/roadster_ext_2_main.jpgThe Mercedes-Benz 2009 SL 63 AMG, of course, is the top end of this line. The engine in this one is a powerhouse, and smooth as can be. It’s steering is light, and the computer-aided steering seem to function just like they should.

All told, if you’re in the market for a new Mercedes, the Mercedes-Benz 2009 SL-Class family almost definitely has a vehicle that will suit your needs.

What is the best of all the Mercedes? Heck if I know. That’s like asking me whether I like the Pittsburgh Pirates or the Philadelphia Eagles more. They’re each in their own league.

Mercedes has its budget vehicle, for example, in the C class sedan. They have their ultimate luxury vehicle in the SLR Mc Larren. They have everything in between.

For me, the best Mercedes I’ve ever owned was the 1993 350 SDL sedan. Mine had a Turbo Diesel engine with six cylinders. What’s amazing about that vehicle was that it got around 30 miles to the gallon on the freeway.

In terms of more recent models, the CLS 550 four-door coupe is a good choice, as is the SL 500 Roadster. If speed is your thing, the G-55 with the 493 hp V-8 engine is the way to go.

Really, the best Mercedes vehicle depends on you and what you’re using it for. If you need something to take out on the town at night, you need a different vehicle than if you will be driving it during your daily commute. On top of all that, personal style and preference play a role, as well.

I finally had the opportunity last weekend to drive the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. Now, I’ve blogged about the SL63 AMG before, and about how excited I was to see it coming. It will come as no surprise to you that I was completely happy with this car.

The first thing I noticed about this car was that it’s fast. It weights more than two tons, but it still manages to be extremely agile. The manual shifting was exemplary, too.

In many ways, this particular Mercedes vehicle was built with me in mind. The new look is just plain snarky, and includes a blackout grille and bigger cooling hood intakes. The rear deck spoiler is sharp, and not overbearing in the way that a Gallardo spoiler would be.

The new Multi-Clutch Technology (MCT) transmission makes the powertrain much more responsive, and you can feel it in the car’s performance. The engine is crisp, and shifting is just plain fun on this car.

If you’re looking for a sports car with the Mercedes sense of style and quality, you want the 2009 SL63 AMG.

When you buy a new Mercedes car for the first time, you become a Mercedes lover. Everyone falls in love with their new Mercedes car, and it’s natural to want to spend time with other people who share your passion. It’s not just a car, after all. It’s a lifestyle. Well, look no further than BenzWorld.org, a place for Mercedes-Benz old and new.

First off, check out the forums. Anything and everything that has to do with Mercedes-Benz is here — and people are talking about it. If you’re interested in racing and motorsports, vintage Mercedes-Benz vehicles, or even events and meet ups, there’s something for all interests. If you’re looking for the best way to wax your car or you want to discuss the finer details of your stereo system or you want to find out what’s new in the world of the finest automaker, everything’s here to see, read, and participate in.

If you’re in the mood for something a little longer to read, head over to the Mercedes-Benz owners’ blogs. With over 200 different blogs to choose from, you can hear from like-minded car enthusiasts with their finger on the pulse of all things auto. Help a fellow Benz owner out with answers to their questions or just hang out and relax with people who love their Benz as much as you love yours.

Finally, if you’re just looking for eye candy, take a look at the photo gallery. This is where Benz owners take pictures of their beautiful new Mercedes cars and their vintage models. Get ready for your mouth to water as you flip through the pictures of everything from the sleek and powerful CLS Shark II to the sleek and stately vintage varieties from days gone by.

I have to be honest with you.

The 2009 Mercedes SLK is, without a doubt, the most macho Mercedes yet. The SLK has always been full of machismo, to be sure. It’s the Mercedes 2-seater than men want to be seen driving, and that they want to drive.

The new version is even more macho than its predecessors. The new looks makes you think immediately of the McLaren Mercedes Formula One race car, mainly to the new center-bulge hood. This takes macho to a whole new level. The aggressive looking front fascia features split lower grille openings. The rear fascia looks like a diffuser.

The look isn’t the only thing that’s sportier on the new model, however. There’s plenty of features, from the three-spoke steering wheel to the direct-steer system that add to the macho mix. The leather seats and Bluetooth connectivity scream quality and modernity, too.

If you like Mercedes vehicles and you want to get the sportiest one out there, get the 2009 SLK. And, while it screams “macho,” there’s no reason women sports-car enthusiasts won’t love this one, as well.

There was once a time when owning a new Mercedes car was a goal that was completely unattainable by all but the richest few. For decades, owning luxury cars was something done by only those with too much money on their hands. But for nearly ten years, Mercedes has been gaining more and more market share as it brings its luxury into the reach of buyers in almost all price ranges.

According to economists, marketers and trend researchers, there are many factors going into this change. First is the rising power of women in the workplace. Women directly control an estimated eighty percent of buying decisions, and women on the whole like nice things. More women in the workforce also equals more two income households — something almost unbelievable just sixty years ago. Two incomes means it’s a lot easier to get your hands on a luxury car.

Second is the rising use of credit. For centuries, a person bought what they could pay for in cash. Generally speaking, not many people could buy a new Mercedes car with a wad of money. Now that personal credit is widespread and socially acceptable, your new Mercedes doesn’t have to be paid for in full before you drive it off the lot.

Lastly, prices are changing. According to an article in USA Today, research was done to see how much certain “luxuries” cost in terms of hours worked. In 1953, the average person had to work 140 hours to buy a dishwasher. In 2003, one only had to work 28. In 1959, one had to work 562 hours to buy a color television. Today, one has to work 23. As prices get lower — whether due to industry competition or simply the lowered cost of production and distribution — more people can buy.

For a new Mercedes Benz, stop by your Devon area Mercedes dealer today.