Daimler – Page 1611 – I wish I had more to offer

Rivian CEO Says Having ‘Clean Sheet’ Puts Firm Ahead Of Rivals

Founder of the electric truck startup sounds pretty bullish. Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe has been making the rounds and making the case that his electric vehicle startup is the new one to watch. Not only are Rivian‘s planned electric SUV and pickup truck drawing comparisons to Tesla, but Scaringe is saying his company’s… Continue reading Rivian CEO Says Having ‘Clean Sheet’ Puts Firm Ahead Of Rivals

DC Government Launches New Ride Sharing Program to Transport Employees

Published May 9, 2019 2:39 pm, Via NYC
DC Government Launches New Ride Sharing Program to Transport Employees
District Government Employees can now book rides for official District business through Via, with ride expenses billed electronically to their agency.

May 9, 2019 (Washington, DC) — The Department of Public Works (DPW) recently announced a new partnership with Via to provide District government employees with a new ride sharing service. The ride sharing program minimizes the need for employees to use DC Government vehicles, eliminating maintenance, fuel, and acquisition costs. The program will also reduce fleet operating costs by nearly 20 percent from the resulting per mile rate, while also contributing towards a cleaner environment.

“We know from our previous pilot that an on-demand ride-sharing service is the fastest and most efficient way for our employees to travel for work-related activities,” said DPW Acting Director Chris Geldart. “Via is the best fit for our agencies’ needs and will result in a significant cost savings for the District over our previous fleet sharing options, whether leased or owned vehicles.”

DPW, together with the Department of for Hire Vehicles (DFHV), executed a
pilot with the local taxi cab companies to determine if ride sharing was a
viable option for transporting District government employees. This pilot
successfully ran from June 2017 until April 2018. More than 2,100 rides were
completed with 27 different agencies participating in the pilot. After a
successful pilot, DPW decided to create this as a permanent program for
District employees and Via was selected after a competitive bid process.

To use DPW’s new Vehicle on Demand service, employees simply
download the Via app designed for their iPhone
or Android
device, register for an account and then use it as they would any app-based private driver
service.

“We are delighted to partner with the Department of Public Works to provide an efficient and cost-effective way for employees to travel around the city,” said Alex Lavoie, Via U.S. General Manager. “Via’s vision is to provide cutting-edge mobility solutions that are smart, efficient, and help to reduce congestion and emissions here in D.C. and around the globe.”

About Via

Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via’s mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in September 2013, the Via platform operates in the United States and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through dozens of partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to power cutting-edge on-demand mobility. For more information, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

About DPW

DPW is a nationally recognized leader in sustainable government fleet management practices. It maintains and fuels more than 3,000 vehicles and continuously explores options to help the nation’s capital reach its goal to reduce carbon emissions.

The new Mercedes-Benz EQC: The Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles

08.

May 2019

Stuttgart

Press Contact (2)

Wolfgang Würth

Manager Communications EQ

wolfgang.wuerth@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-46508

Fax: +49 711 17-79016071

Koert Groeneveld

Head of International Product & Technology Communications

koert.groeneveld@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-92311

Fax: +49 711 17-94365

EQC (electricity consumption combined: 20.8 – 19.7 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km)* ; *Electric energy consumption and range have been determined on the basis of Regulation (EC) No. 692/2008. Electric energy consumption and range depend on the vehicle configuration.

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The Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles

Stuttgart, May 8, 2019

End-to-end mobility from the inventor of the automobile

Stuttgart, May 8, 2019

Progressive Luxury: Pioneer of a new electro-look

Stuttgart, May 8, 2019

Dynamic performance meets efficiency

Stuttgart, May 8, 2019

Pleasantly climatised interior from the start

Stuttgart, May 8, 2019

Unique user experience with EQC specific functions

Stuttgart, May 8, 2019

LINGUATRONIC voice control: “Hey Mercedes”

Stuttgart, May 8, 2019

Relaxed travel from start to finish

Stuttgart, May 8, 2019

High stress-relieving comfort and better support in hazardous situations

Stuttgart, May 8, 2019

Mitigating the consequences of accidents with modern technology and the EQC specific safety concept

Stuttgart, May 8, 2019

Endurance tests around the globe: on the road to series production

Stuttgart, May 8, 2019

Electrified Mercedes hits the road

Stuttgart, May 8, 2019

Worldwide electric initiative: Mercedes-Benz is putting the first EQ model into series production

Stuttgart, May 8, 2019

UPDATE 2-Continental powertrain IPO could be delayed further after profit slides

* First-quarter net profit falls 22 pct to 575 mln euros * Expects market upturn in second half * Affirms guidance for operating margin of 8-9 pct * CFO says powertrain IPO depends on market conditions (Recasts, adds CFO quotes on powertrain IPO) HAMBURG/BERLIN, May 9 (Reuters) – German automotive supplier Continental’s spin-off of its… Continue reading UPDATE 2-Continental powertrain IPO could be delayed further after profit slides

Heetch raises $38M to take on Uber in French-speaking countries

With Uber just days away from going public, a small challenger has raised some funds of its own to take it and the rest of the field on in francophone markets. Heetch, a ride-sharing platform based out of Paris with operations across France and French-speaking Africa, has picked up a Series B of $38 million,… Continue reading Heetch raises $38M to take on Uber in French-speaking countries

Daimler CEO says successor will have tough job

Zetsche took over as CEO of DaimlerChrysler in 2006 and took the decision to sell Chrysler. OSLO: Daimler’s next chief executive will have a tough job to restore margins at Mercedes-Benz, current boss Dieter Zetsche told Reuters on Wednesday, as Mercedes-Benz launched a new luxury electric car to rival Tesla. Zetsche, who bows out as… Continue reading Daimler CEO says successor will have tough job

Mercedes-Benz Vans starts campaign for the new V-Class: Make Your Move

08.

May 2019

Stuttgart

Mercedes-Benz starts the innovative marketing communication campaign “Make Your Move” to accompany the market launch of the new V-Class. Five protagonists provide an insight into their lives and tell us about a life-changing decision. What is special about the campaign? For the first time ever Mercedes-Benz Vans has dispensed with a written screenplay and is relying on authentic stories from real life that are relevant to its target groups. Initially, the campaign will be shown for the most part on social media channels and will be followed by TV advertisements. The films can be seen now online.

Marion Friese, Head of Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Vans: For the first time, with “Make Your Move” we are taking a new approach to campaign communication because the V-Class is a versatile vehicle for very different target groups: we have families and sports fans who need a lot of space as well as those running a business who use their V-Class both for work and privately. With this campaign, Mercedes-Benz would like to show the customer target group that the flexible V-Class is an excellent companion for any situation in life and provides freedom and independence.”
“Make Your Move” – Five real-life stories
Nothing is more authentic than reality. That is why, for this campaign, Mercedes-Benz looked all over the world for people to tell their own story of decision, change and movement:
a family man looking for work-life balance, an outdoor couple with the thrill of adventure on the one hand and everyday commitments on the other, an employee about to make the leap into self-employment with a focus on recreation, a woman with a new calling on a new continent, two friends realising their dream Every V-Class customer target group will identify with one of the five stories: the life of every individual is flexible and can change, and the new V-Class is just as versatile. The films can be seen online. The Lukas Lindemann Rosinski Agency is responsible for the idea, concept and realisation of the campaign.
The campaign – in three steps to the product
The communication campaign is primarily designed for social media channels and takes the different customer target groups to the product in three steps: first, the emotional story teaser arouses the viewer's interest. The target group is then provided with specific product information using canvas and carousel formats which can be clicked to appear in full-screen mode or allow several photos, videos or links to be shown in one display. In the third step, interested parties are guided to the Mercedes-Benz website. The focus of the campaign is on the initial marketing communication in social media, later the content will be used for other advertising formats such as TV advertisements.
Marco Polo: same campaign, different story
This communication concept will also be adopted for the compact Marco Polo camper van. The campaign will be launched at the same time, but with its own authentic story. It will portray Nick Fouquet, a well-known milliner who specialises in exclusive, individually made hats.
The new V-Class
Five years ago, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class set standards in the MPV segment with its design, value appeal, comfort as well as safety and assistance systems. The facelift builds upon these core values and thus enhances the attractiveness of the biggest member of the Stuttgart-based passenger car family. The compact Marco Polo and Marco Polo HORIZON camper and leisure vans also benefit from the innovations implemented in the V-Class. Focal points of the facelift include a restyled and striking front-end design and the introduction of the OM 654 four-cylinder diesel engine generation – with the V 300 d being the new top-power variant with 176 kW (239 hp) (combined fuel consumption 6.1-5.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 161-155 g/km)[1]. The new engine generation is even more efficient and clean and offers further improved noise and vibration characteristics. In addition the new V-Class comes with the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission for the first time as well as several safety and assistance systems meeting the latest technological level, among them Active Brake Assist. The new V-Class can be ordered in Europe since March 2019.
[1] The stated figures were determined in accordance with the prescribed measuring method. These are the “NEDC CO2 figures” according to Art. 2 No. 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated based on these figures. Further information on the vehicles on offer, including the WLTP values, can be found for each country at www.mercedes-benz.com

Press Contact

Diana Boch

Spokesperson V-Class and Travel Vans

diana.boch@daimler.com

Tel: +49 (0)711 17-52406

Fax: +49 (0)711 17-52030

Ingeborg Gärtner

Spokesperson Private Vans (V-/X-Class and Travel Vans)

ingeborg.gaertner@daimler.com

Tel: +49 (0)711 17-49784

Fax: +49 (0)711 17-52030

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First Mercedes-Benz EQC rolls off assembly line in Germany

2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC Edition 1886
German automakers have all said they will go all-in on electric cars, Yet so far, few have actually arrived, with the Audi E-tron trickling into a few U.S. dealerships last week.

Now Mercedes-Benz has announced that it produced its first new electric EQC SUV on Monday at its factory in Bremen, Germany. The car will go on sale in Europe, but is not expected to come to the U.S. until next year.

We're headed out to sample the EQC from behind the wheel and will update readers as soon as we've had a chance to gather first impressions.

CHECK OUT: Mercedes-Benz EQC Edition 1886 electric SUV kicks off a new era

In the meantime, Mercedes says the EQC's 80 kilowatt-hour battery will give it a range of 280 miles on the old, and very optimistic, New European Drive Cycle tests. That could equate to little more than 200 miles in the U.S., though Mercedes has said it will have as much as 279 miles of range when it goes on sale here.

The EQC's main competitor, the 2019 Audi E-tron quattro, which just went on sale, has only a 204-mile EPA range rating.

The EQC also includes a relatively fast 7.4-kilowatt Level 2 onboard charger.

DON'T MISS: It's a long(er) story? 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC scraps 200-mile range estimate

Mercedes announced European pricing, with a “base version” that starts at 71,281 euros, or just short of $80,000. That makes it slightly less expensive than the E-tron quattro in Europe.

With a “net basic price,” Mercedes says, of less than 60,000 euros (just over $67,000) it qualifies for Germany's 4,000-euro federal tax incentive for EVs.

READ MORE: 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC specs revealed (Updated)

Mercedes says the EQC will get between 3 and 3.3 miles per kilowatt-hour.

The EQC is based on Mercedes' GLC SUV and expected to go into production in the U.S. at Mercedes's Tuscaloosa, Alabama, factory late this year, with batteries produced at another plant near the factory.

Tesla Thanks VW

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Published on May 8th, 2019 |

by Maarten Vinkhuyzen

Tesla Thanks VW

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May 8th, 2019 by Maarten Vinkhuyzen

Today was another exiting day for the electric drive aficionados. Volkswagen presented its ID. sub-brand to the world, with the first model, the ID.3, ready for reservation. The times that VW was short for VaporWare are over.

My colleagues are covering everything there is to say about today’s announcement from a VW perspective. This article is about the impact on the competition.

Who are the competition? We have seen announcements from PSA about the Peugeot e-208 — and its siblings for the Opel, Citroen, and DS brands. We expect the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf to become mature with larger batteries and usable DC fast charging. In the upper regions of the market, the Jaguar I-PACE, Audi e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Polestar 2, and Porsche Taycan are all trying to get a piece, and the 900 pound gorilla out of Fremont, California, is extending its market to the rest of the world.

What the competition is not doing (yet) is launching a big marketing campaign. This afternoon’s presentation will be a big news item on the evening news in much of Europe, followed by repeated segments on all the mobility and auto shows on television and numerous articles in the car segments of major newspapers and in auto magazines.

What VW is doing with this introduction of its ID. sub-brand is giving electric cars a seal of approval that no other carmaker has provided. It is not that VW has something new for a few enthusiasts (most of you reading this). However, VW is saying that electric vehicles will replace their fossil fuel models in the coming years, likely in the next decade, and transfers the story we enthusiasts know so well to the broader public. VW is clearly all-in, which means a lot more to the average Joe (or Jürgen) than Tesla predicting the industry will go electric. It also means a lot to all of VW’s conventional auto industry colleagues.

Thank You, VW
The impact on the competition can go two ways in the eyes of many critics and followers. Those who see the electric car space as a limited space will argue that VW will push the competition to the margins. VW will crush the ambitions of PSA, Renault, Nissan, and most of all Tesla, according to these people. The competition is here — go home, Tesla. No doubt Seeking Alpha and Wall Street will see this as another sign of the coming demise of the upstart from California.

The market researchers who see the auto market as one market where all powertrains are competing for a bigger slice think differently. The battery electric powertrain is still mostly unknown and misunderstood. The biggest problem is still convincing customers that fully electric cars are real cars, better cars. Able to do everything one expects from a normal car, but better.

This media campaign by VW will not only sell a lot of ID.3 cars all over Europe. It will also sell a lot of Leafs, Zoes, e-208s, i3s, Konas, Niros, and most of all, very many Tesla Model 3s. It is the perfect example of a rising tide lifting all ships.

The competition in the luxury segment from Jaguar, Audi, Mercedes, and Porsche is mostly sold out for over 12 months. Some have stopped taking new orders. It will be frustrating for automakers to see this tide wash away fossil fuel sales without having the capacity to profit with their own new electric offerings. The interest VW is generating can only be turned into orders by Tesla, because it’s the only company with the production capacity and maturity to profit right now from this rising tide.

It is great to be the only one that can deliver in volume when the competition starts a media campaign. Tesla (investors) must thank VW for this present. Other automakers in the top half of the EV market — Renault, Nissan, Peugeot, Hyundai, and Kia — should also thank VW for the long-term benefit, for the extra demand and interest they get from VW’s public push.

Editor’s note: One thing I found interesting from the Q&A after the presentation was that journalists repeatedly referenced Tesla without saying “Tesla” — but everyone knew what company was being referenced. Something I learned long ago in a sociology class was that unspoken shared assumptions are often the most powerful — they are so clear that no one has to speak them. It is clear that Tesla is setting the high bar for this competition. And not only were the questioners clearly referencing Tesla — many of the highlights of VW’s presentation were essentially VW’s copies of what Tesla had done, what Tesla had shown consumers like and want.

This is, honestly, not a knock on VW. To the contrary, I think it’s very big of VW and a sign of strong long-term vision that the gigantic company swallowed its pride and rolled into its doors and policies numerous lessons it learned from Tesla. Sure, it threw some shade here or there to try to place its evolution a foot above Tesla’s. Perhaps that fooled some people, while it surely didn’t fool others, but much more important than that is that the company has studied Tesla and is trying to be flexible, innovate, and evolve quickly in order to try to maintain its position on top of the world’s auto market (in terms of sales). The journalists recognized the similarities, felt confident getting up and asking questions about other puzzle pieces that were lacking or didn’t match Tesla’s example, and Mr. Stackmann politely and graciously answered the questions to — I think — honestly explain where the company thought it was smart to copy Tesla and where the company thought it was smart to do something else — without mentioning “Tesla.”

In the end, we’ll see how the automaker’s approach serves the German giant. We’ll also see if the departures from Tesla’s path are smart or are strategic mistakes. To me, though, VW’s new focus is long-delayed (very long-delayed) leadership, the kind of honest leadership that does not pretend to invent the wheel but instead learns from prior leaders. And the good news, as Maarten insightfully shows us, is that it will push less thoughtful, less humble, less ambitious, less in-need-of-a-brand-revival fossil automakers to follow the growing excitement down electric avenue.

About the Author

Maarten Vinkhuyzen Grumpy old man. The best thing I did with my life was raising two kids. Only finished primary education, but when you don’t go to school, you have lots of time to read. I switched from accounting to software development and ended my career as system integrator and architect. My 2007 boss got two electric Lotus Elise cars to show policymakers the future direction of energy and transportation. And I have been looking to replace my diesel cars with electric vehicles ever since.

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Mercedes-Benz EQC, VW ID 3, FCA emissions boost Tesla: Today’s Car News

Tesla Model Y – introduction, Hawthorne CA, March 2019
Electric cars are starting to roll out from German automakers. Volkswagen gave a name to its new electric hatchback, and started taking orders. And Mercedes-Benz rolled the first electric EQC SUV off its assembly line in Germany. Details emerged of Fiat Chrysler's deal with Tesla to share emissions credits. All this and more on Green Car Reports.

Volkswagen opened its order banks for its first of a new generation of electric cars, the ID 3 electric hatchback, albeit only in Europe.

Mercedes-Benz also launched its new EQC electric SUV in Europe, with the first example rolling off the assembly line this week.

The emissions deal between Tesla and FCA announced last month could be worth a surprising amount to Tesla's bottom line.

And in our latest Twitter poll, most readers reported realizing the full amount of the federal tax credit if they bought an electric car last year. A sizable minority, however, didn't.

Google is revamping its Android Auto driving interface to give it a cleaner look, more flexibility, and simpler operation.

Finally, BMW says it will roll out a fleet of 500 fully-self-driving SUVs based on its iNext electric SUV concept, in 2021.

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