Bridgestone Named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the Third Consecutive Year

News – 2018

Bridgestone Named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the Third Consecutive Year
– Achieved the highest score in the Auto Components industry sector in the environmental dimension –

2018/09/19

TOKYO (September 19, 2018) – Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for the third consecutive year and the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index for the ninth consecutive year. These indices, maintained collaboratively by S&P Dow Jones Indices and RobecoSAM, measure the performance of the world's sustainability leaders based on a comprehensive analysis of long-term economic, environmental and social criteria.

Bridgestone achieved again the highest score in the Auto Components industry sector in the environmental dimension and the maximum score of 100 in the environmental assessment criteria: environmental reporting. Bridgestone also obtained the highest score in its sector for climate strategy in the environmental dimension.

In February 2018, Bridgestone launched a new Global Sustainable Procurement Policy for further driving sustainable procurement. It is applicable to all purchased materials and services, as well as all suppliers globally. Such an advanced effort that enhanced the sustainability of Bridgestone is highly evaluated.

In March 2017, the Bridgestone Group launched its global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment, Our Way to Serve. This commitment organizes Bridgestone’s CSR efforts under three Priority Areas: Mobility, People and Environment to improve the way people move, live, work and play through innovation and technology. Along with these Priority Areas, the Group continues to strengthen the basic governance, compliance and behavioral characteristics expected of any responsible company through its Management Fundamentals.

Priority Areas and Management Fundamentals of “Our way to Serve”

About DJSI World
DJSI World is a stock index that was launched through collaboration between S&P Dow Jones Indices and RobecoSAM. Every year, DJSI World evaluates and quantifies the sustainability of roughly 2,500 major companies around the world from an environmental, economic and social perspective. Companies within each industry that rank in the top 10 percent are selected for inclusion in the index. This year, nearly 320 companies were selected for inclusion, with Bridgestone being selected within the Automobiles & Components industry group category.

Related links:
Bridgestone’s CSR web page
Bridgestone Group’s Sustainability Report 2017-18
Bridgestone Group’s Annual Report 2017
Bridgestone’s Sustainable Procurement web page

Our Way to Serve special web page
External Assessments for Bridgestone

About Bridgestone Corporation:
Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.

Japan prosecutors file new allegation against Nissan’s Ghosn

Japan prosecutors file new allegation against Nissan’s GhosnTokyo – Japanese prosecutors added a new allegation of breach of trust against Nissan’s former chairman Carlos Ghosn on Friday, dashing his hopes for posting bail.
Ghosn, along with another executive Greg Kelly, was arrested Nov. 19 and charged with underreporting his income by nearly 10 billion yen ($80 million).
The fresh allegations were filed a day after a court rejected prosecutors’ request for a longer detention of Ghosn and Kelly. Their lawyers were hoping they could get them released on bail as early as Friday.
So far, the new allegation only applies to Ghosn and Kelly could still be bailed out.
Kyodo News service and other Japanese media reported that prosecutors alleged that Ghosn caused Nissan a loss of 1.8 billion yen ($16 million) in 2008. Prosecutors alleged that Ghosn put his personal investment loss during the Lehman crisis on to Nissan, according to Japanese reports.
Ghosn and Kelly are also facing allegations that they underreported Ghosn’s pay by about 5 billion yen ($44 million) in 2011-2015, and another 4 billion yen ($36 million) for 2016-2018, for which their first 10-day detention was to expire Thursday.
The maximum penalty for violating the financial law is up to 10 years in prison, a 10 million yen ($89,000) fine, or both. The conviction rate in Japan is more than 99 percent for any crime.
The arrest of an industry icon has triggered international attention. Prosecutors have been criticized for separating the same allegation into two periods as a tactic to detain Ghosn and Kelly longer. They say Ghosn and Kelly are flight risks. No trial date has been set.
The scandal also raised concerns over the Japanese automaker and the future of its alliance with Renault SA of France.
Ghosn’s downfall is seen by some as a maneuver by others at Nissan to gain power in the alliance.
Kelly’s wife, Donna Kelly, said in a video message carried by TV Asahi and other networks that her husband was “wrongly accused as part of a power grab” at Nissan. “Greg and Mr. Ghosn fully believe that they did not break the law,” she said.
Renault in 1999 sent Ghosn to turn around Nissan, then on the verge of bankruptcy, and he led its rise to the world’s second-largest automaker.
Nissan has dismissed Ghosn as chairman and Kelly as a representative director since the allegations were made. Nissan has put off a decision on Ghosn’s replacement.
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New allegation filed against Nissan’s Ghosn

New allegation filed against Nissan’s GhosnTokyo – Japanese prosecutors added a new allegation of breach of trust against Nissan’s former chairman Carlos Ghosn on Friday, dashing his hopes for posting bail quickly.
Ghosn and another former Nissan executive, Greg Kelly, were arrested Nov. 19 and charged with underreporting Ghosn’s income by about 5 billion yen ($44 million) in 2011-2015. They also face the prospect of more charges of underreporting Ghosn’s income for other years by nearly 10 billion ($80 million) in total.
The breach of trust allegations were filed a day after a court rejected prosecutors’ request for a longer detention of both men. The new allegation only applies to Ghosn, and Kelly could still be bailed out. A request for bail by Kelly’s lawyer is pending court approval, according to the Tokyo District Court, but his release will have to wait until next week since the request was still in process after office hours Friday.
Prosecutors in a statement Friday alleged that Ghosn in 2008 transferred a private investment loss worth more than 1.8 billion yen ($16 million) to Nissan by manipulating an unspecified “swap” contract. Ghosn also profited by having the company transfer a total of $14.7 million to another company to benefit himself and that company’s owner, who helped in the contract manipulation, prosecutors said. Japan’s NHK public television said the company owner is a Saudi Arabian acquaintance of Ghosn.
Shin Kukimoto, deputy chief prosecutor at the Tokyo District Prosecutors Office, refuse to say if the two transactions were related or how Ghosn illegally profited. He also declined to identify the collaborator or whether the transactions were made overseas.
Ghosn and Kelly are only charged with underreporting Ghosn’s pay over five years, in violation of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. They have not been formally charged with an additional allegation of underreporting another 4 billion yen ($36 million) for 2016-2018, for which their first 10-day detention was to expire Thursday.
Prosecutors have been criticized for separating the allegations as a tactic to detain Ghosn and Kelly longer. They say Ghosn and Kelly are flight risks.
The Tokyo District Court, in an extremely rare statement Friday, cited overlapping points of contention and evidence between the two allegations as the reason for Thursday’s decision, NHK said. “There was no compelling reason to justify further extension of their detention.”
The maximum penalty for violating the financial act is up to 10 years in prison, a 10 million yen ($89,000) fine, or both. Breach of trust also carries a similar maximum penalty. The conviction rate in Japan is more than 99 percent for any crime.
Ghosn, 64, was sent by Renault in 1999 to turn around Nissan, then on the verge of bankruptcy, and he led its rise to become the world’s second-largest automaker. The arrest of an industry icon has triggered international attention and the scandal has raised concerns over the financial health of the Japanese automaker and the future of its alliance with Renault SA of France.
Nissan has said its own investigation found serious misconduct including underreporting of Ghosn’s income and misuse of company assets. His downfall is seen by some as a maneuver by others at Nissan to gain power in the alliance.
Ghosn was quoted by his lawyer as saying that he is determined to prove his innocence in court and restore his honor, NHK reported Friday. Ghosn also hopes to hold a news conference when he is released.
Kelly’s wife, Donna Kelly, said in a video message carried by TV Asahi and other networks that her husband was “wrongly accused as part of a power grab” at Nissan. “Greg and Mr. Ghosn fully believe that they did not break the law,” she said.
Nissan dismissed Ghosn as chairman and Kelly as a representative director. It has put off a decision on Ghosn’s replacement.
Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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BMW fined $10M, faces criminal probe for engine fires

BMW fined $10M, faces criminal probe for engine firesBMW AG is facing a criminal probe in South Korea after investigators concluded the manufacturer concealed fire hazards and delayed recalls for a problem that has dented sales and its reputation in the Asian country.
South Korea’s transport ministry plans to ask prosecutors to investigate the German carmaker, the ministry said in a statement on Monday. Korea also fined BMW 11.2 billion won ($10 million) for belatedly recalling 22,670 vehicles. The team that’s been investigating BMW since August found defects that could cause coolant to leak and set the engine on fire.
The move threatens to prolong the Munich-based company’s woes in a country where there have been nearly 40 cases of BMW fires reported this year. The carmaker, which has recalled 1.6 million vehicles worldwide over the issue, has seen its sales in Korea fall about 10 percent during the first 11 months of the year as videos went viral of the luxury cars being engulfed in flames.
BMW’s Korea branch apologized in a statement released after the announcement and said it will cooperate with ongoing investigations.
The Korean probe adds to the challenges at BMW as it prepares to begin a new year fraught with potential hazards from a trade war between the U.S. and China, and a drop in car sales in China, the world’s biggest car market. BMW is also raising spending to develop new electric and self-driving vehicles. The strains have been evident, with the Stoxx Europe 600 Automobiles & Parts Index having declined about 27 percent this year and both BMW and rival Daimler AG lowering 2018 profit targets.
The BMW defect also prompted the carmaker to do a voluntary recall of 323,700 vehicles in Europe, with about 96,000 of those in Germany. BMW had said it would begin replacing starting Aug. 20 the EGR coolers and modules in the recalled cars covering 42 models, including the popular 520d and 320d produced between 2011 and 2016.
BMW shares closed 0.1 percent higher on Friday in Frankfurt, the last trading day before the Christmas holiday, trimming losses to 17 percent for the year.
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Business and Financial Results for 3Q 2018

IR Library : Earnings Announcements

2018
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Back Number

2018

Third Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 3Q 2018 (159KB)
Supplementary Information for 3Q 2018 (186KB)
Financial Results Review for 3Q 2018 (447KB)
Audio Streaming of Conference Call
Available from Nov 09th, 2018 to Feb 15th, 2019

First Half

Consolidated Financial Statements for 1H 2018 (172KB)
Supplementary Information for 1H 2018 (183KB)
Financial Results Review Meeting for 1H 2018 (404KB)
Audio Streaming of Conference Call
Available from Aug 10th to Nov 8th, 2018

First Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 1Q 2018 (236KB)
Supplementary Information for 1Q 2018 (179KB)
Financial Results Review for 1Q 2018 (464KB)

2017

Full Year

Consolidated Financial Statements for FY 2017 (1.1MB)
Supplementary Information for FY 2017 (238KB)
Financial Results Review Meeting for FY 2017 (703KB)

Third Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 3Q 2017 (419KB)
Supplementary Information for 3Q 2017 (240KB)
Financial Results Review for 3Q 2017 (596KB)

First Half

Consolidated Financial Statements for 1H 2017 (193KB)
Supplementary Information for 1H 2017 (193KB)
Financial Results Review Meeting for 1H 2017 (555KB)

First Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 1Q 2017 (472KB)
Supplementary Information for 1Q 2017 (185KB)
Financial Results Review for 1Q 2017 (356KB)

2016

Full Year

Consolidated Financial Statements for FY 2016 (599KB)
Supplementary Information for FY 2016 (203KB)
Financial Results Review Meeting for FY 2016 (791KB)

Third Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 3Q 2016 (266KB)
Supplementary Information for 3Q 2016 (196KB)
Financial Results Review for 3Q 2016 (481KB)

First Half

Bridgestone Corporation Announces Revised Financial Projections for Fiscal 2016 (195KB)
Consolidated Financial Statements for 1H 2016 (270KB)
Supplementary Information for 1H 2016 (198KB)
Financial Results Review Meeting for 1H 2016 (446KB)

First Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 1Q 2016 (259KB)
Supplementary Information for 1Q 2016 (182KB)
Financial Results Review for 1Q 2016 (404KB)

2015

Full Year

[Revised]Consolidated Financial Statements for FY 2015 (859KB)
Supplementary Information for FY 2015 (194KB)
[Revised]Financial Results Review Meeting for FY 2015 (1MB)
* Corrections (February 17, 2016 23:50 Tokyo time)

Third Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 3Q 2015 (351KB)
Supplementary Information for 3Q 2015 (78KB)
Financial Results Review for 3Q 2015 (501KB)

First Half

Consolidated Financial Statements for 1H 2015 (242KB)
Supplementary Information for 1H 2015 (78KB)
Financial Results Review Meeting for 1H 2015 (581KB)

First Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 1Q 2015 (231KB)
Supplementary Information for 1Q 2015 (184KB)
Financial Results Review for 1Q 2015 (497KB)

2014

Full Year

Consolidated Financial Statements for FY 2014 (629KB)
Supplementary Information for FY 2014 (79KB)
Financial Results Review Meeting for FY 2014 (704KB)

Third Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 3Q 2014 (234KB)
Supplementary Information for 3Q 2014 (77KB)

First Half

Consolidated Financial Statements for 1H 2014 (239KB)
Supplementary Information for 1H 2014 (78KB)
2014 1H Financial Results Review Meeting (451KB)

First Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 1Q 2014 (207KB)
Supplementary Information for 1Q 2014 (75KB)

2013

Full Year

Consolidated Financial Statements for FY 2013 (353KB)
Supplementary Information for FY 2013 (78KB)
Financial Results Review Meeting for FY 2013 (790KB)

Third Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 3Q 2013 (229KB)
Supplementary Information for 3Q 2013 (57KB)

First Half

Consolidated Financial Statements for 1H 2013 (233KB)
Supplementary Information for 1H 2013 (76KB)
2013 1H Financial Results Review Meeting (522KB)

First Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 1Q 2013 (246KB)
Supplementary Information for 1Q 2013 (75KB)

2012

Full Year

Consolidated Financial Statements for FY 2012 (617KB)
Supplementary Information for FY 2012 (76KB)
Financial Results Review Meeting for FY 2012 (316KB)

Third Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 3Q 2012 (506KB)
Supplementary Information for 3Q 2012 (56KB)

First Half

Consolidated Financial Statements for 1H 2012 (225KB)
Supplementary Information for 1H 2012 (182KB)
2012 1H Financial Results Review Meeting (379KB)

First Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 1Q 2012 (284KB)
Supplementary Information for 1Q 2012 (54KB)

2011

Full Year

Consolidated Financial Statements for FY 2011 (988KB)
Supplementary Information for FY 2011 (61KB)
Financial Results Review Meeting for FY 2011 (291KB)

Third Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 3Q 2011 (211KB)
Supplementary Information for 3Q 2011 (166KB)

First Half

Bridgestone Corporation Announces the Difference between Financial Projections and Actual Results for the First Half of Fiscal 2011, and Revised Financial Projections for Fiscal 2011 (81KB)
Consolidated Financial Statements for 1H 2011 (668KB)
Supplementary Information for 1H 2011 (242KB)
2011 1H Financial Results Review Meeting (290KB)

First Quarter

Bridgestone Corporation Announces Revised Financial Projections for Fiscal 2011 (130KB)
Consolidated Financial Statements for 1Q 2011 (129KB)
Supplementary Information for 1Q 2011 (153KB)

2010

Full Year

Consolidated Financial Statements for FY 2010 (1.0MB)
Supplementary Information for FY 2010 (62KB)
Financial Results Review Meeting for FY 2010 (300KB)

Third Quarter

Consolidated Financial Statements for 3Q 2010 (136KB)
Supplementary Information for 3Q 2010 (56KB)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for 3Q 2010 (52KB)

First Half

Consolidated Financial Statements for 1H 2010 (266KB)
Supplementary Information for 1H 2010 (63KB)
Financial Results Review Meeting for 1H 2010 (234KB)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for 1H 2010 (41KB)

June 24, 2010 Release

Bridgestone Corporation Announces Financial Projections for Fiscal 2010 (64KB)
Bridgestone Corporation Announces Revised Financial Projections for the first half of Fiscal 2010 (60KB)
Supplementary Information for FY 2010 Forecast (36KB)

First Quarter

Bridgestone Corporation Announces Revised Financial Projections for Fiscal 2010 (68KB)
Consolidated Financial Statements for 1Q 2010 (80KB)
Supplementary Information for 1Q 2010 (84KB)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for 1Q 2010 (52KB)

2009

Full Year

Consolidated Financial Statements for FY 2009 (624KB)
Supplementary Information for FY 2009 (44KB)
Financial Results Review Meeting for FY 2009 (300KB)

February 12, 2010 Release

Bridgestone Corporation Announces Financial Projections for Fiscal 2009 (92KB)

Third Quarter

Bridgestone Corporation Announces Revised Financial Projections for Fiscal 2009 (92KB)
Consolidated Financial Statements for 3Q 2009 (236KB)
Supplementary Information for 3Q 2009 (56KB)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for 3Q 2009 (48KB)

First Half

Bridgestone Corporation Announces Revised Financial Projections for Fiscal 2009 (92KB)
Consolidated Financial Statements for 1H 2009 (232KB)
Supplementary Information for 1H 2009 (44KB)
Financial Results Review Meeting for 1H 2009 (428KB)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for 1H 2009 (48KB)

June 25, 2009 Release

Bridgestone Corporation Announces Financial Projections for Fiscal 2009 (92KB)
Bridgestone Corporation Announces Revised Financial Projections for the First Half of Fiscal 2009 (92KB)
Supplementary Information for FY 2009 Forecast (16KB)

First Quarter

Bridgestone Corporation Announces Revised Financial Projections for Fiscal 2009 (60KB)
Consolidated Financial Statements for 1Q 2009 (232KB)
Supplementary Information for 1Q 2009 (60KB)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for 1Q 2009 (48KB)

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Volkswagen tightened bonuses for top managers

Less money for misconduct, repayment in case of gross mistakes – Volkswagen wants to tighten the bonuses of its 450 top managers stricter. The hope: a cultural change. Getty Images VW logo Wednesday, 19.12.2018 14:29 clock From 2019, the Volkswagen Group plans to introduce a new top management compensation system – and above all to… Continue reading Volkswagen tightened bonuses for top managers

VW wants to delete up to 7,000 jobs

Friday, 21/12/2018 11:00 o’clock If the production of electric cars could be raised at the VW locations Emden and Hanover a total of up to 7,000 jobs will be lost. However, this would only be possible if partial retirement arrangements were fully exploited, reported the news agency dpa, citing unspecified sources. Previously, the ” Frankfurter… Continue reading VW wants to delete up to 7,000 jobs

The new Mercedes-Benz G 350 d: The point of entry to the G-Class without compromises

21.

December 2018

Stuttgart

Fuel consumption, combined: 9.8-9.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 259-252 g/km*Stuttgart. Powerful, comfortable, superior: The first vehicles of the new G-Class have been conquering the world's off-road trails since June. The cross-country vehicle convinces with performance, safety, modern assistance systems and excellent handling. The powertrain line-up is now being expanded with an efficient diesel variant. The new G 350 d (fuel consumption, combined: 9.8-9.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 259-252 g/km)[1] boasts an output like never before. The models will be available to order starting in January 2019 and will arrive in dealerships in spring. As a result, the G-Class model range now offers buyers a choice between the G 500 (fuel consumption, combined: 12.1-11.5 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 276-263 g/km), the AMG G 63 (fuel consumption, combined: 13.1 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 299 g/km) and the new G 350 d.
The new OM 656 diesel engine will also set standards in the G-Class in terms of performance – both on and off the road. “Our goal was to increase the performance” while reducing the consumption and improving the noise characteristics at the same time”, stresses Ola Källenius, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development on the Daimler Board of Management.
The characteristics of the top-notch engine include the stepped-bowl combustion process, two-stage exhaust turbocharging as well as the use of CAMTRONIC variable valve timing. This heats up the exhaust system without driving up fuel consumption. The further advanced NANOSLIDE® cylinder wall coating also reduces friction losses in the piston/cylinder wall system and reduces fuel consumption.
As powerful and superior as never before
The new in-line six-cylinder diesel makes the icon the most efficient “G” so far. It produces an output of 210 kW (286 hp) and with a peak torque of 600 Newton metres between 1200 and 3200 rpm is as powerful as never before.
The new six-cylinder diesel engine is designed to comply with future emissions legislation (RDE – Real Driving Emissions). All components relevant for efficient emissions reduction are installed directly at the engine. This contributes to faster effectiveness of the catalytic converter and the diesel particulate filter. Thanks to the integral technology approach comprising the new stepped-bowl combustion process, dynamic multi-path exhaust gas recirculation and near-engine emission control system, further reduced consumption figures with low emissions are possible. Thanks to the near-engine insulated configuration, the emission control system has little heat loss and ideal operating conditions.
The most efficient G of all time
Thanks to further enhanced emission control technologies, the powerful six-cylinder unit from the modern OM 656 engine family remains below all of the emission limits of the current Euro 6d-TEMP standard even in demanding driving situations and environmental conditions. This is achieved with an additional selective catalytic reduction (SCR) converter with an ammonia slip catalyst (ASC) in the exhaust tract of the GLE. The SCR catalyst (Selective Catalytic Reduction) reduces the nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas. To this end, AdBlue®, an aqueous urea solution, is fed into the system. It chemically converts the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas, thus releasing ammonia, which reduces up to 80 percent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR catalytic converter. The filler neck for the AdBlue® is integrated into the external tank recess of the vehicle, which makes straightforward filling at the fuel pump possible.
In ECO drive mode, the gliding function helps to save additional fuel. When the driver's foot leaves the accelerator pedal, the transmission's clutch disengages. This reduces the engine speed to idling level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine while coasting. The G-Class “glides”, using its own, current kinetic energy for a certain distance. It rolls for a measurably longer distance than when coasting. This results in further fuel savings. The clutch is re-engaged as soon as the driver operates the accelerator or brake pedal.
Key data of the G 350 d at a glance:
G 350 d
Displacement
2925 cc
Bore x stroke
82.0 x 92.3 mm
Compression ratio
15.5 ɛ
Engine and output
OM 656, 210 kW (286 hp) at 3400-4600 rpm
Peak torque
600 Nm at 1200-3200 rpm
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined
9.8-9.6 l/100 km
CO2 emissions
259-252 g/km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h
7.4
Top speed
199 km/h
Comfort (too) at new heights
Partly due to the new quiet and harmonious diesel engine, the G-Class proves to be extremely comfortable, even on long distances. When driving, the exhaust system and the engine, which is also willing to rev at higher engine speeds, produce much less noise and vibrations in the interior. To reduce engine noise, the engine mounts of the diesel engine are actively controlled for the first time. At speeds below 5 km/h, they are set to soft to optimally dampen the transfer of torsional vibrations to the ladder-type frame at low engine speeds. At higher engine speeds, the two engine mounts are automatically made stiffer, which has positive effects on the vibrational comfort and the driving dynamics.
9G-TRONIC on board
For the transmission of power, the 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission with torque converter was specifically adapted to meet the needs of the off-road icon. The developers used a dedicated software application to shorten the shift and response times of the 9-speed transmission and make the G-Class seem even more lively. The wide transmission ratio not only makes driving quieter and more comfortable especially at low engine speeds, it simultaneously also contributes to reducing fuel consumption. Especially in first gear, the off-roader responds to accelerator pedal commands noticeably better, which customers will appreciate especially when pulling away from a traffic light, for example. The “G” is now also significantly more agile during brief sprints under partial load.
The new transfer case is flange-mounted directly to the 9G-TRONIC. It is designed to send 40 percent of the drive torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear axle. This configuration particularly benefits the handling characteristics on the road. The permanent all-wheel drive ensures maximum traction. However, the “G” would not be a “G” if it did not have even more in store. The low-range off-road reduction gear considerably increases torque at the drive wheels, which e.g. makes very difficult terrain negotiable.
Personal best in terms of equipment features
The G 350 d is more extensively equipped as standard than the preceding model even ex-factory. This includes the high-quality interior with leather seats, an instrument panel covered in ARTICO man-made leather, and open-pore wood. There are also new options to tailor the G 350 d fully to personal preferences. In addition to various optional extras, Mercedes-Benz offers items from the very popular designo manufaktur ex-factory. For the first time ever, the Exclusive Interior Plus with diamond quilting is optionally available for the G 350 d.
As a result, the G 350 d is a seamless fit with the G-Class, which embodies craftsmanship and customisability like no other vehicle from Mercedes-Benz. In fact, the G-Class is almost exclusively built by hand, which results in a total production time of at least 100 hours. This underscores the uniqueness and high quality of every G-Class.
DYNAMIC SELECT is now available with up to five drive modes for the G-Class as standard. This allows adjusting the vehicle characteristics in seconds at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the characteristics of the engine, transmission, suspension, and steering at the driver's behest. In addition, the G-Class offers a host of new driver assistance systems. For example, Active Braking Assist is able to prevent impending collisions or mitigate their consequences, and assist the driver during emergency braking. If necessary, it will brake autonomously if the driver takes no action to defuse a detected dangerous situation.
Even better off the road, more dynamic than ever on the road
Specifically for the G-Class, the new front axle is designed in such a robust way that the off-road performance and off-road capabilities of its predecessor are retained and partly even surpassed. The components of the double-wishbone front suspension are directly mounted to the ladder-type frame without a subframe. The lower wishbone's attachment points on the frame in Z-direction are positioned as high up as possible. This arrangement ensures good driveability beyond the asphalt.
At the rear, in contrast to the predecessor, the new rigid axle is controlled by four trailing arms on each side and a Panhard rod. This makes normal driving on the road even more comfortable. Off the road, the rear spring jounce of 82 mm and rebound of 142 mm plus the ground clearance of 241 mm to the rear axle gear help to ensure a safe ride even in extreme situations.
Thanks to the new front-axle design, the on-road performance of the G-Class has been enhanced at the same time. On the road, the “G” is as agile as it is comfortable and provides the driver with a better steering feel. The off-roader stays on track more solidly, and is agile and effortless when driving off-road.
Stronger than time
The G-Class is the top model among luxury off-road vehicles. It is not only the passenger car model series with by far the longest production run in the history of Mercedes-Benz, but also the forefather of all SUVs bearing the three-pointed star – this is why all Mercedes off-road models feature the upper-case G in their name.
What began more than 40 years ago with a cooperation agreement between then Daimler-Benz AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the Austrian city of Graz is now a story peppered with superlatives and milestones. At the time of its market launch, in the spring of 1979, it was available with a choice of four engine variants covering a performance range from of 53 kW/72 hp to 115 kW/156 hp. Customers had the option of a Cabriolet with a short wheelbase or Station Wagon models with short or long wheelbase. The consortium decided on the simple but distinctive name “G”, standing for “Geländewagen” (off-road vehicle). At that time nobody could have guessed that this was an almost visionary decision in view of the later change in the nomenclature of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars classes, using just a single letter.
In 1989 the vehicles of the model series 463 marked the beginning of an evolutionary process for the off-roader that was not just about keeping pace with technical progress. It was an evolution that also brought a steadily expanding fan base and emphasised its character as an exclusive vehicle for any occasion. And, since 1993, a vehicle with an official name: the G-Class.
The summer of 2017 saw the 300,000th G-Class roll off the assembly line in Graz – a Mercedes-Benz G 500 in designo Mauritius blue metallic with black leather seats and contrasting white topstitching (fuel consumption, combined: 12.3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 289 g/km).
[1]The stated figures were determined in accordance with the prescribed measuring method. These are the NEDC CO2 figures pursuant to Art. 2 No. 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated based on these figures.

Press Contact

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Fax: +49 711 17-98646

Koert Groeneveld

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koert.groeneveld@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-92311

Fax: +49 711 17-94365

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Carlos Ghosn re-arrested in fresh twist

Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn has been re-arrested on fresh charges, Japanese media report, dashing any hopes he could be released on bail. Mr Ghosn has spent the last month in prison, accused of misusing funds and hiding more than $40m (£31m) of income. But on Thursday a court rejected a request by the prosecution… Continue reading Carlos Ghosn re-arrested in fresh twist