Mercedes-Benz Vehicles, Concept Cars, and the Mercedes Lifestyle

It is no secret that in today’s troubled economic times, drivers are clamoring for improved fuel efficiency. Dealers are having trouble keeping hybrids on their lots, with waiting lists of more than six weeks in many cases. Meanwhile, customers are trading in their SUVs and luxury cars at an unprecedented rate.

Mercedes-Benz has long been a world leader in environmentally friendly new vehicle technologies. The company has won numerous awards over the years for its forward-thinking designs. However, in recent weeks Mercedes news has fallen by the wayside as consumers rushed for the Toyota Prius and other hybrid vehicles.

Nonetheless, Mercedes continued to quietly work on their latest initiative. Announced last week, the “Road to the Future” details many of the changes that Mercedes will implement in coming months and years.

Mercedes’ new initiative is focused on modular solutions that provide choice for consumers. Mercedes recognizes that consumers who drive mostly on crowded city streets have far different needs than those whose commutes take them down long stretches of relatively uncrowded highways. Therefore, customers will be able to select those technologies that work best for their unique driving styles.

BlueTEC is one example of a recent Mercedes technology designed for environmental friendliness. Now Mercedes is expanding the concept under the label BlueEFFICIENCY. Customers will be able to select from hybrid options ranging from mild to plug-in. They will be able to choose environmentally friendly diesel or conventional gasoline. Eventually, they will able to select fuel cell vehicles.

Mercedes has recently been working hard to target younger drivers. Now the company is also working to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse audience. With so many choices on the horizon, Mercedes-Benz seems well poised to meet the next decade.

You can discuss this story in our forum, or at eMercedesBenz or Benz Insider. We are eager to hear your thoughts.

J.D. Power is a prestigious United States market research institute. Among other tasks, the institute performs an annual study on customer satisfaction in the first 90 days of new car ownership. The institute then develops and publishes a list of the most highly rated new vehicles, and presents awards to those vehicles’ manufacturers.

This year, over 80,000 owners of 2008 vehicles were surveyed. Mercedes-Benz moved up one spot overall, from fifth to fourth. Additionally, the company received awards in three categories. Gold awards were given for the Mercedes-Benz E Class and CLK Class, marking those vehicles as the best of the year in their respective classes. The third award was a Platinum award given to the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen, recognizing the plant as the assembly facility that delivers the best quality vehicles in the world.

Mercedes has recently renewed its focus on product quality and customer satisfaction, and the efforts appear to have paid off. The J.D. Power awards are considered prestigious, and reflect the opinions of thousands of owners of hundreds of car brands.

Are you happy with your Mercedes-Benz? Are there areas of quality or customer service that you feel should be improved? We would love to hear your thoughts on this. You can also connect with conversations on this story at eMercedes Benz and BenzInsider as well.

Yesterday we talked about some of the perks that come with joining the Mercedes family. I told you the one phone number to commit to memory: 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES. That number will be your primary point of contact for anything you might need, from information on maintenance schedules to roadside assistance to even trip planning.

However, we are living in the internet age. Many of us, myself included, now prefer to get our information online rather than over the phone. If this is more your speed, then be sure to join the Mercedes Owners website. Here you will find a wealth of information, all specifically targeted to the needs of current Mercedes owners.

On the website you will be able to view detailed product specifications for your own Mercedes as well as others that you may be considering. You will be able to view a maintenance schedule and other important information.

You will also receive information and invitations to exclusive owner-only parties and events. This is a wonderful way to network with other Mercedes owners, as well as to learn more about upcoming vehicles.

You will also be among the first to know important company information and announcements. This allows you to keep up with changes and make your plans accordingly.

If you love getting your Mercedes news online, be sure to check out Motor Trend’s Mercedes blog as well as Automobile Magazine’s Mercedes blog section. These are great resources for updated Mercedes information, as is our monthly Mercedes closeup.

When you think of Mercedes-Benz, buses may not be the first vehicles that come to mind. However, the Mercedes Citaro bus is a standard bearer in the European market. According to The Financial, the Citaro recently produced its 20,000th unit in just ten years.

Part of the magic of Citaro is its endless flexibility. Citaros are regularly pressed into service on regular routes as well as a variety of touring and specialty needs. These varied needs are addressed with 12 basic models and seemingly endless customization opportunities.

The Citaro debuted in 1997/1998 and was an immediate success. The buses have been continually updated throughout the years in response to consumer needs. Citaros are leaders in design, comfort, environmental sensitivity and safety. The buses were completely redesigned just two years ago to incorporate newer and more environmentally friendly technologies.

Design options range from low-floor rural service buses to the new Capa-City, a high capacity new model that was designed for the unique challenges of urban crowding. The flexibility of the buses led to their use in large-scale testing of developing fuel cell technology.

The current buses operate on natural gas or diesel, depending on design. These vehicles already exceed the Euro 5 emissions standards that will soon be launched across Europe. Nonetheless, Mercedes’ commitment to excellence ensures that the Citaro will continue its development. Field testing is now taking place on the Citaro hybrids, which are expected to launch in 2009.

The Mercedes Citaro buses are powerful, safe and environmentally friendly. They are also endlessly customizable, making them a great choice for markets around the world. If your tastes run to slightly smaller vehicles, however, why not stop by our convenient local dealership? With so many Mercedes-Benz vehicles to choose from, there is sure to be one that is right for you.