Category: Official Press Release

Mercedes-Benz already passes sales of 1.5 million units in the first eight months

10.

September 2018

Stuttgart

Mercedes-Benz unit sales in first eight months up by 1.1% to 1,512,268 cars. In August, 155,918 vehicles were sold worldwide (-8.5%). E-Class Saloon and Estate achieved new sales record of 25,367 units in August (+0.4%). Worldwide sales of the smart brand in August increased by 9.8% to 8,470 units. The first fully-electric SUV of the EQ product and technology brand – the EQC (combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures)* – had its world premiere in Stockholm. Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz delivered 1,512,268 vehicles to customers worldwide in the first eight months of this year, thus setting a new record (+1.1%). Never before in the company’s history were sales of 1.5 million vehicles achieved earlier in the year. Mercedes-Benz sold 155,918 (-8.5%) vehicles worldwide in August, the 30th consecutive month with global sales of more than 150,000 units due to the ongoing strong demand for cars with the three-pointed star. As expected, however, there was an impact on unit sales in August from challenges relating to vehicle availability, including model changes and delays in vehicle certification in some markets. Nevertheless, Mercedes-Benz defended in the first eight months of the year its position as the best-selling premium brand worldwide.
“I am delighted that Mercedes-Benz reached the mark of 1.5 million cars delivered earlier than ever in the year. As a strong team, we will continue to work on meeting the ongoing high demand for our vehicles, also again in terms of delivery,” stated Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales. “And with the EQC, we have presented the first fully-electric SUV of our EQ product and technology brand to the world public in Stockholm. We will set additional markers and impulses in the market with the EQC,” Seeger continued.
Mercedes-Benz unit sales by region and market
In Europe, Mercedes-Benz sold 54,989 vehicles in August (-10.7%). In the first eight months of the year, sales totalled 597,347 units (-3.9%). In Germany, the domestic market, Mercedes-Benz delivered 21,442 vehicles with the three-pointed star in August (-14.8%) and a total of 195,163 cars were handed over to customers in Germany in the first eight months of this year (-4.2%). In France, Spain, Sweden, Poland and Denmark, more cars with the star were sold in the first eight months than ever before in that period.
In the Asia-Pacific region, demand for Mercedes-Benz models in the first eight months of the year led to a new record of 639,184 units sold (+9.8%). Last month, the brand with the star delivered 72,342 vehicles in that region, which is just slightly below the prior-year level (-1.3%). In China, the biggest market, a new high for an August was achieved with sales of 53,295 cars (+5.5%). So far this year, 446,075 vehicles have been handed over to customers – more than ever before in the first eight months of a year (+13.9%). Mercedes-Benz achieved additional sales records for the first eight months also in Japan, India, Thailand and Malaysia.
In the NAFTA region, 24,538 vehicles with the three-pointed star were delivered to customers last month (-19.5%) and a total of 240,671 Mercedes-Benz cars were sold in the period of January to August (-5.5%). Mercedes-Benz delivered 199,215 vehicles in the USA in that period (-6.6%) and 20,339 in August (-19.8%). The brand with the star defended its market leadership in the US premium segment in the first eight months. Thanks to strong growth in Mexico, Mercedes-Benz once again achieved record unit sales in that market for an August and for the first eight months.
Mercedes-Benz unit sales by model
The E-Class Saloon and Estate set a new record with sales of 25,367 units last month (+0.4%). Since the market launch of the current models, more than 700,000 customers worldwide have been delighted to receive their new E-Class Saloon or Estate.
Mercedes-Benz increased its sales of the S-Class Saloon in August by 30.3% to 5,254 units. From January to August, more than 53,000 units of the S-Class Saloon were sold (+26.6%). Thanks to a double-digit growth rate worldwide, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Saloon achieved its highest unit sales so far in the first eight months of a year.
A new record was set by the SUVs in the first eight months of this year: Worldwide, a total of 541,120 SUVs with the star were delivered, an increase of 5.4%. An important driver of this growth was the global popularity of the GLC and GLC Coupés. The sales success of the midsize SUVs from Mercedes-Benz will be continued with the EQC, which had its world premiere in Stockholm as the first fully electric SUV from the EQ product and technology brand.
smart
8,470 customers worldwide were delighted to take delivery of their new two- or four-door urban microcars in August (+9.8%) and a total of 85,534 units were sold in the period of January to August (-2.6%). The transition of smart into a purely electric brand continues successfully: Never before were so many units of the electric smart models sold in an August or in the first eight months of a year as in 2018.
Overview of Mercedes-Benz Cars unit sales
August 2018
Change in %
Jan-Aug. 2018
Change in %
Mercedes-Benz
155,918
-8.5
1,512,268
+1.1
smart
8,470
+9.8
85,534
-2.6
Mercedes-Benz Cars
164,388
-7.7
1,597,802
+0.9
Mercedes-Benz unit sales in the regions/markets
Europe
54,989
-10.7
597,347
-3.9
– thereof Germany
21,442
-14.8
195,163
-4.2
Asia-Pacific
72,342
-1.3
639,184
+9.8
– thereof China
53,295
+5.5
446,075
+13.9
NAFTA
24,538
-19.5
240,671
-5.5
– thereof USA
20,339
-19.8
199,215
-6.6

Press Contact

Katja Liesenfeld

Manager Global Business Communications
Sales & After Sales Mercedes-Benz Cars

katja.liesenfeld@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-32972

Fax: +49 711 17-790-24594

Evelyn Schwedes

Global Business Communications
Sales & After Sales Mercedes-Benz Cars

evelyn.schwedes@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-49903

Fax: +49 711 17790-84965

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Rapide E: Secrets of first all-electric Aston Martin revealed

Rapide E: Secrets of first all-electric Aston Martin revealed

Published: Sep 12, 2018

Tags:

by
Neil Allison

With development of Aston Martin’s first all-electric production car – the Rapide E – progressing apace, the luxury British marque has today confirmed a raft of technical details for the strictly limited 155-unit special edition.

12 September 2018, Millbrook, England: With development of Aston Martin’s first all-electric production car – the Rapide E – progressing apace, the luxury British marque has today confirmed a raft of technical details for the strictly limited 155-unit special edition.
Working closely with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) as its development partner, Aston Martin has utilised the hugely successful leader in Electric Vehicle (EV) technology to kickstart a new era for Aston Martin’s powertrain technology and overcome the technical challenges associated with packaging the battery system and motors within the space available.
Throughout the development process, the engineering team have focused on achieving effective cooling of the batteries and motor to ensure consistent performance, while strict weight targets have been stringently observed using lightweight alloys and carbon composite materials.
Rapide E will be powered by an 800V battery electrical architecture with 65kWh installed capacity using over 5600 lithium ion 18650 format cylindrical cells. These are mounted in a bespoke battery pack where the original 6.0-litre V12, its gearbox and fuel tank were located. This battery system powers two rear mounted electric motors producing a combined target output of just over 610PS and a colossal 950Nm of torque.
Rapide E’s range target is over 200 miles under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), while the model is capable of charging at a rate of 1851,2 miles of range per hour using a typical 400V 50kW charger. However, the car’s 800V high-voltage battery system enables faster charging of 3101,2 miles of range per hour, using an 800V outlet delivering 100kW or higher.
Being an Aston Martin, the Rapide E is being developed with a high-performance objective. Projected top speed for the Rapide E is 155mph, with a sub-4.0sec 0-60mph time and a 50-70mph time of just 1.5sec. It’s important to stress that these figures are not restricted to a narrow window only when the batteries are fully-charged. Instead the target is for maximum performance on-demand throughout majority of the battery state of charge window, as would be expected from a conventional internal combustion-engined car. This includes the ability to drive a full lap of the Nürburgring with absolutely no derating of the battery and the ability to cope with the daily demands of repeated hard acceleration and braking.
The car’s exterior and underbody has also been aerodynamically optimised and complemented with newly-designed aerodynamic wheels. Shod with Pirelli P Zero™, Rapide E’s bespoke tyres aim to deliver a lower rolling-resistance and reduced cavity noise, while still delivering superior dynamic capability. Rapide E aims to achieve higher levels of aerodynamic, frictional loss and cooling performance over the standard Rapide S.
It has also been an objective of the project to retain and enhance the feel, character and delivery of the V12-engined Rapide S. To this end, careful attention will be paid to the development and tuning of both the electric powertrain and the chassis, with particular focus applied to software integration. The rear-wheel drive Rapide E’s twin electric motors will drive through a Limited-Slip Differential, which combined with revised spring and damper rates ensures the pure handling characteristics for which the petrol-powered Rapide S is already renowned.

Though the Rapide E will be built in low volumes, it is being subjected to Aston Martin’s stringent and exhaustive testing protocols, with the dedicated WAE team working closely alongside Aston Martin personnel to ensure every aspect of the prototype test programme follows the marque’s established procedures. Uniquely, customers will be an extended part of the ongoing Rapide E programme, with their comments and driving experiences providing an invaluable stream of feedback that will help shape and improve future Aston Martin EVs.
In addition to WAE, the Rapide E programme enjoys the support of other technical partners including Hyperbat Limited – a new joint venture company between Williams Advanced Engineering and Unipart Manufacturing Group – as the battery manufacturer, Integral Powertrain for the electric motors, Xtrac for the transmission and the H1PERBAT project consortium with grant funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre.
Speaking of the Rapide E programme, Andy Palmer, CEO Aston Martin, commented: “Environmental responsibility and sustainability is a global challenge faced by us all. As a career automotive engineer, I’m proud that the car industry is leading the way in finding long-term solutions and reducing harmful emissions. As Aston Martin’s CEO, I take particular satisfaction working with Williams Advanced Engineering and our other associated technology partners to bring Rapide E to reality. As our first all-electric production model, Rapide E will fast-track our knowledge and help us ensure the character and high-performance capabilities of our future EV models and enhance the unique qualities found in all Aston Martins as we know them today. Rapide E will also serve as a critical step on our path to re-launching Lagonda as the world’s first zero-emission luxury marque”.
Rapide E will be built at the upcoming St. Athan production facility, announced as the future ‘Home of Electrification’ for both the Aston Martin and Lagonda brands. Aston Martin is accepting expressions of interest via its global dealership network, with pricing available on application.
Customer deliveries are set for Q4 2019.

1Predicted figure
2WLTP figure

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iStream Superlight and T43 unveiled

New Gordon Murray Design technology cuts vehicle body weight in half

iStream Superlight reduces vehicle body weight by up to 50%

Applicable to all vehicle segments, the new chassis promises to be the lightest, strongest and safest platform for decades to come

Another new innovation, the iStream lightweight seat, achieves 30% weight saving over standard seat

Dunsfold, UK: The world-leading British design and engineering company Gordon Murray Design has unveiled the latest version of its ground breaking iStream® automotive manufacturing system which revolutionises the way cars are manufactured. Combining a high-strength aluminium frame with advanced carbon fibre composite panels, iStream Superlight® brings Formula One-derived construction and technologies to mainstream car production.

The new process promises to usher in a new era of vehicle performance with the lightweight structure offering greater safety, lower emissions, improved handling, and enhanced durability. The new innovation not only delivers up to 50% weight reduction compared with a standard stamped-metal body, it also offers new levels of platform flexibility.

Due to the modular nature of the iStream Superlight chassis, the core platform can be adapted to suit every segment of vehicle from sports cars and ultra-efficient electric city cars to SUVs and light commercial vehicles. This adaptable formula ensures cost-effectiveness for manufacturers by avoiding the need for high capital investment and individual chassis designs for each model variant.

Professor Gordon Murray said: “The new iStream Superlight approach to vehicle manufacturing is a paradigm-shifting innovation for the global automotive industry. It is a breakthrough that will deliver the lightest chassis technology for decades to come. The Gordon Murray Design team has created a unique, adaptable and cost-effective way for manufacturers around the world to dramatically improve vehicle performance and efficiency.”

‘iStream Superlight’ employs a simple high-strength aluminium thin-wall tubular frame and honeycomb recycled carbon-composite chassis panels in place of the stamped metal used in most volume car production. Its lightweight design delivers a body-in-white structure delivering up to 50% of the weight of stamped metal, while achieving new levels of rigidity, durability and platform flexibility.

Key advantages of iStream Superlight**:

50% saving over conventional stamp steel BIW

Corrosion resistant properties exceed coated steel

Low weight aluminum frame can deliver a cost neutral BIW when compared to stamped steel

More efficient frame stiffness achieved for aluminum section through the use of carbon iPanels®

iStream lightweight seat

Gordon Murray Design has also revealed its new seat innovation – the iStream lightweight seat, which uses the same innovative materials, techniques and technologies as the iStream chassis.

This newly-developed seat incorporates glass or recycled carbon-fibre composite and a tubular frame to achieve dramatic weight savings. Compared to a typical vehicle seat, the iStream lightweight seat achieves a weight reduction of up to 30%. The iStream lightweight seat can be designed to suit all types of passenger vehicle.

While the design is aimed at weight saving in passenger cars, the new seat has the potential to benefit other passenger transportation sectors. From aerospace to rail, the patented design delivers new levels of lightweight and low tooling costs.

*** Key advantages of iStream lightweight seat:

30% weight saving vs conventional modern seat

iStream lightweight composite structure (glass or carbon)

Full four-way adjustment and fold-flat mode

T.43 iStream Superlight sports car

During Gordon Murray Design’s One Formula event in November 2017, which celebrated Gordon Murray’s 50 years of car design, a new company was announced – Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) – alongside the official opening of the GMA premises at Dunsfold in Surrey.

GMA also announced a new licensing model to complement its existing iStream technology licensing programme. The new licencing approach focuses on licensing automotive platforms alongside existing iStream licences. The T.43 sports car is the first platform and product designed for licence or sale.

The T.43 sports car utilises iStream Superlight and is designed to be an everyday usable coupe with not only exceptional performance capabilities, but also class leading ergonomics, visibility, and cargo capacity. The T.43 introduces new levels of lightweight, torsional stiffness, and durability.

T.43 sports car specifications:

Power to weight ratio: 259 bhp per tonne

Power: 220 bhp

Weight: 850 kg

Engine: 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo

Transmission: Six-speed manual

Length – Rolling chassis: 3,640 mm

Width: 1,750 mm

Height – Rolling chassis: 1,240 mm

Wheelbase – Rolling chassis: 2,500 mm

The new iStream Superlight structure is the output of a collaborative research project part-funded by the Innovate UK framework. Led by Gordon Murray Design, the consortium includes Bentley Motor Company, Brunel University London, Constellium, and Innoval Technology. The iStream seat also benefitted from collaborative research with Gordon Murray and Formaplex Limited pooling resources for the duration of a 12-month study.

-Ends-

Notes to editors

Gordon Murray Design will exhibit its iStream Superlight body and iStream lightweight seat at the LCV 2018 show on 12-13 September 2018 on stand C3-100.

About Gordon Murray Design

Gordon Murray Design is a visionary design and engineering company with its headquarters in Shalford in Surrey, plus R&D and manufacturing facilities in Dunsfold. It was established in 2007 with a focus on developing an innovative and disruptive manufacturing technology trademarked iStream, and has since built a global reputation as one of the finest automotive design teams in the world.

The company’s unique approach and truly creative thinking enables Gordon Murray Design to deliver complete car programmes in a highly efficient and innovative way from concept and design, through to prototype and development for production.

About Gordon Murray Automotive

Gordon Murray Automotive was launched in November 2017. Cars built by the new business will be based on a new version of Gordon Murray Design’s revolutionary iStream production system. The company will also be able to manufacture vehicles on a low-volume basis for external customers.

Gordon Murray Automotive forms part of a new corporate organisation for the engineering group, and is positioned as a sister company to Gordon Murray Design.

About iStream

Rather than the traditional method of combining hundreds of panels of stamped metal, iStream uses tubular metal with 10 – 15 structural composite panels. iStream Superlight is the ultimate automotive lightweighting technology as it maximises the iStream approach by using cored honeycomb carbon fibre composite and an aluminium frame to save almost 50% in weight against a standard stamped metal chassis.

iStream is an acronym for iS = Stabilised; T = Tube; R = Reinforced; E = Exo-frame; A = Advanced; M = Manufacturing.

About iStream Superlight

** Advantages of iStream Superlight

50% saving over conventional stamped steel BIW

High degree of flexibility in optimising aluminium section shapes to ensure structural efficiency

Corrosion resistant properties exceed coated steel

Cold metal transfer welding reduces distortion and manufacturing time

Low weight aluminium frame can deliver a cost neutral BIW when compared to stamped steel

Delivers new levels of efficient body quality

Aluminium saving vs conventional aluminium BIW

More efficient frame stiffness achieved for aluminium section through use of carbon iPanels

Low cost, high recycled content aluminium alloys

Re-cycled carbon fibre

Aluminium iFrame® protected from external damage

All hard points (i.e. suspension, steering etc.) are carried by the aluminium iFrame

Carbon sandwich panel cycle time of 100 seconds

About iStream lightweight seat

*** Advantages of the iStream lightweight seat

iStream lightweight composite structure (glass or carbon)

Full four-way adjustment and fold-flat mode

30% weight saving vs conventional modern seat

Satisfies all applicable European automotive requirements (UN ECE), including luggage retention requirements

Ultra-low tooling and developments costs

Low part count

Simple, high-speed assembly

Suitable for low and high-volume applications

Can achieve low seating position

Excellent package performance

Anti-submarining design

Competitive piece cost

Patent protected

PR contacts

For further information, images or comment, contact PFPR Communications:

Ed Callow, Account Director

Tel: +44 (0)1622 766520

Mob: +44 (0)7732 088337

ed.callow@pfpr.com

Jon Visscher, Associate Director

Tel: +44 (0)1622 776680

Mob: +44 (0)7816 906794

jon.visscher@pfpr.com

Sarah Smith, Communications Officer at Gordon Murray Design

Tel: +44 (0)1483 484700

enquiries@gordonmurraydesign.com

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