AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Mercedes A-Class going electric with Tesla's help; for real this time?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-a-class-going-electric-with-teslas-help-for-real-this/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-a-class-going-electric-with-teslas-help-for-real-this/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-a-class-going-electric-with-teslas-help-for-real-this/#commentsFiled under: ,

mercedes e-cell

Reports of Mercedes-Benz and Tesla building an electric A-Class together are nothing new. In fact, a fleet of 500 A-Class-based E-Cells was built for Europe. Most recently, a Tesla earnings report revealed that Tesla was still working on an all-electric powertrain for an unnamed EV for Daimler, the evolution of a deal that began when Daimler invested in the Silicon Valley automaker in 2009. The two automakers also worked together on the Smart ED.

So, what's this then in a Dutch website? A report on Groen7 says that "a source at Tesla" has revealed that the previously unnamed EV Tesla is busy with (among other things) is an updated, electric version of the new A-Class, one that will perhaps arrive in 2013. We had previously guessed the secret Tesla-Daimler deal would result in an all-electric B-Class, but being wrong there won't stop us from trying to predict the future again: the hints are present that this next A-Class EV will remain a small-scale project. We hope we're proved wrong.

Mercedes A-Class going electric with Tesla's help; for real this time? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 23 May 2012 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classb-classe-cellelectric vehiclemercedes evteslatesla daimlertesla mercedesWed, 23 May 2012 16:17:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243787/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243787/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/mercedes-a-class-going-electric-with-teslas-help-for-real-this/20243787/article-detail.xml 20243787 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/79460014577175616374410c100020_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/79460014577175616374410c100020.jpg <![CDATA[BMW, Daimler will work together on Visio.M urban EV project]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/bmw-daimler-will-work-together-on-visio-m-urban-ev-project/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/bmw-daimler-will-work-together-on-visio-m-urban-ev-project/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/bmw-daimler-will-work-together-on-visio-m-urban-ev-project/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



BMW and Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG are among a group of more than a dozen private and public entities that are working together on a project designed to speed up the development of urban electric vehicles.

The German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) is providing 10.8 million euros ($14.2 million U.S. at today's exchange rates) in funding for what's being called the Visio.M project. Scientists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) will work with automotive engineers to develop small, city-oriented EVs that have a maximum power of about 15 kW (20 horsepower) and a maximum weight of about 900 pounds (without battery) which would make the car about 45 percent lighter than a Smart ForTwo.

The overall goal here is to develop a car that's light enough to provide a sufficient single-charge urban driving range but strong enough to be as safe as a conventional vehicle.

Of course, the automakers involved already have advanced EV programs. BMW is planning to start selling its battery-electric i3 four-door next year and, earlier this year, started delivering the battery-electric ActiveE, the i3's precursor, to West Coast and East Coast leasing customers. Mercedes-Benz's alt-fuel development has been focused more on diesels and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles, but is also has its E-Cell models.

Continue reading BMW, Daimler will work together on Visio.M urban EV project

BMW, Daimler will work together on Visio.M urban EV project originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 04 May 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwdaimlerelectric vehicleEVgermanGerman Federal Ministry for Education and Researchgermanymercedes-benzplug-inTechnische Universitaet MuenchenurbanFri, 04 May 2012 11:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20230555/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20230555/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/04/bmw-daimler-will-work-together-on-visio-m-urban-ev-project/20230555/article-detail.xml 20230555 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/activee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/activee.jpg <![CDATA[SAE Congress: Protean Brabus Mercedes-Benz E-Class hybrid previews the future *UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/sae-congress-protean-brabus-mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/sae-congress-protean-brabus-mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/sae-congress-protean-brabus-mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Protean Brabus Hybrid

Protean is back at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress at Cobo Hall this year with a new car showcasing the company's in-wheel motors: a modified Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The car was first seen in Frankfurt last year, and is making its North American debut this week in Detroit.

Protean's principal applications engineer, Tom Prucha, told AutoblogGreen the hybrid uses two in-wheel motors - one in each of the rear wheels - in what Prucha calls a through-the-axle hybrid setup. Both the 2.2-liter diesel engine under the hood and the in-wheel motors power the rear wheels, with the system deciding which powertrain to use at any given moment. The two in-wheel motors add over 200 horsepower and give the car an 0-62 acceleration time of 7.4 seconds while boosting fuel economy by up to 30 percent thanks in part to a 15-kWh lithium-ion battery.

Each in-wheel motor contains more than just the motors: brakes for regen and, unlike some competitors' in-wheel motors, an inverter. Now, putting all of that extra stuff into a wheel adds a lot of unsprung mass, which is usually considered a bad thing. As Ken Stewart, vice president of business development at Protean Electric, says in the video below, the amount of weight that the in-wheel motors add can be tuned out by adjusting other dynamic elements, like mounts, springs and struts. Prucha, too, said that dealing with unsprung mass has a lot to do with the overall weight ratio, not just that it exists. Plus, putting the unsprung mass into the wheels that aren't driving the vehicle helps. Companies that used to scoff at the idea of in-wheel motors are now coming around, Prucha said, adding that in-wheel motors are a question of when, not if.

Even if the negative issues are dealt with, the fact remains that in-wheel motors are not cheap. Prucha said the two in-wheel motors add around $50,000 to the $100,000 cost of a Brabus E-Class. Protean also made an all-electric E-Class, using four in-wheel motors, which would cost over $200,000. Still, that's the model that Brabus is potentially interested in selling, since some customers have expressed interest in buying such a car.

You can watch a video about Protean's motors right below. We rode in the prototype Ford F-150 fitted with in-wheel motors at last year's SAE World Congress and gotta admit, the E-Class looks like a lot more fun.

UPDATE: Prucha clarified to AutoblogGreen that the target price for the in-wheel motors, once production is ramped up in 18 months or two years, is $1,500 to $1,800 apiece. The prices quoted above are speculation about possible prices if Brabus would use the prototype motors.

Continue reading SAE Congress: Protean Brabus Mercedes-Benz E-Class hybrid previews the future *UPDATE

SAE Congress: Protean Brabus Mercedes-Benz E-Class hybrid previews the future *UPDATE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brabusbrabus hybridin-wheel motormercedes-benz e-classplug-in hybridproteanprotean brabusprotean electricsaesae world congresssae world congress 2012Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20225067/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20225067/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/26/sae-congress-protean-brabus-mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid/20225067/article-detail.xml 20225067 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/sae-world-congress-brabus-protean-hybrid-b-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/sae-world-congress-brabus-protean-hybrid-b-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz diesel emissions fluid can cost up to $32 a gallon]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/mercedes-benz-diesel-emissions-fluid-can-cost-up-to-32-a-gallon/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/mercedes-benz-diesel-emissions-fluid-can-cost-up-to-32-a-gallon/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/mercedes-benz-diesel-emissions-fluid-can-cost-up-to-32-a-gallon/#commentsFiled under: ,



Mercedes-Benz dealers heavily marking up service products? You don't say.

Drivers of Benz's turbodiesel-powered ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic are obliged to periodically refill the vehicle's supply of diesel emissions fluid, which is made up of urea crystals in mineralized water and which is required to turn some of the SUV's exhaust from nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and water, according to The New York Times. Once those fluids run out, the SUV shuts down.

With that prospect in mind, some dealers are charging as much as $32 for a gallon for the fluid that's good for about 1,500 miles, according to the Times. So, with the SUV getting a combined 22 miles per gallon, that equates to an additional 47 cents for each gallon of diesel used. Most Benz buyers won't lose sleep over that, but it certainly offsets much of the $450 a year the EPA says diesel buyers save in refueling costs relative to the gas-powered version of the SUV.

The good news, according to the newspaper, is that stores such as Napa Auto Parts and AutoZone sell jugs of the fluid for about $5.20 a gallon, though a Mercedes-Benz spokeswoman said D.I.Y.-ers lose out on the dealers' flushing out of the system and risk the fluid crystallizing if it sits for two long. Whether that's worth the sixfold mark-up depends on the driver and his or her income-tax bracket.

Mercedes-Benz diesel emissions fluid can cost up to $32 a gallon originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueteccrystalsdealersdiesel emissions fluidmarkupmercedes-benzml350ureaTue, 27 Mar 2012 18:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20202160/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20202160/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/27/mercedes-benz-diesel-emissions-fluid-can-cost-up-to-32-a-gallon/20202160/article-detail.xml 20202160 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mbml350_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mbml350.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell reveals its inner workings]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-e-cell-reveals-its-inner-workings/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-e-cell-reveals-its-inner-workings/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-e-cell-reveals-its-inner-workings/#commentsFiled under: ,



BMW has its i8, Audi has its R8 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz has its SLS AMG E-Cell. The electron-powered, gullwinged coupe will use batteries supplied by SK Innovations that power four synchronous electric motors into developing 525 horsepower and 649 pound-feet of torque. It is predicted to run from zero to 60 mph in 4 seconds - that's up from a previously estimated 3.7 seconds.

Mercedes has loosed a little more info on the technology behind the SLS AMG E-Cell. Its powertrain arrangement necessitated a new front axle, so the conventional-powered car's double wishbones have been supplanted by horizontal, pushrod damper struts. Torque vectoring to the motors mounted near the wheels, not on the hubs, aims to keep electric enthusiasm pointed in the right direction. And the Mercedes F1 team has assisted in the kinetic energy recovery system that will help to extend the coupe's as-yet-unannounced range.

When it goes on sale sometime next year, what you see in the gallery of high-res photos will be wrapped in an SLS AMG body enhanced by a carbon fiber spine. See below for the company's press release and have a look at the future in the gallery of high-res photos.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell reveals its inner workings

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell reveals its inner workings originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sls amg e-cellmercedes-benzsls amgsls amg e-celltechnologyTue, 13 Mar 2012 19:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20192624/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20192624/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/13/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-e-cell-reveals-its-inner-workings/20192624/article-detail.xml 20192624 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/sls-amge-cell-ch_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/sls-amge-cell-ch.jpg <![CDATA["Invisible" Mercedes F-Cell cruises on hydrogen fuel cell power in Germany]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/invisible-mercedes-f-cell-cruises-on-hydrogen-fuel-cell-power/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/invisible-mercedes-f-cell-cruises-on-hydrogen-fuel-cell-power/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/invisible-mercedes-f-cell-cruises-on-hydrogen-fuel-cell-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

daimler f-cell invisible car mercedes hydrogen

The hydrogen-powered Mercedes-Benz F-Cell is not a new car - it's been around the world, as we saw - but it did just get a brand new look: it's been made "invisible."

Two things for the nit-pickers out there: it's not actually invisible and, yes, the whole thing is just a promotional stunt in Germany, a way to highlight that the car, Daimler says, is "invisible" to the environment.

The way it works is that a camera on one side of the car broadcasts a live image to a multitude of LEDs plastered on the other side. So, when you look at the car, you see a representation of what's on the other side. It's similar to what some military research organizations are working on, but this is the first time we've heard of it used on a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Also, technically, the special F-Cell is only half "invisible," since the non-LED side of the car has the camera rig and associated wires. You can see how this works in the video after the jump.

A year ago, Herbert Kohler, Daimler's head of e-drive and future mobility, said he expects fuel cell vehicles to not cost any more than diesel hybrids by 2015. We expect he meant as long as they're not covered by LEDs, anyway.

Continue reading "Invisible" Mercedes F-Cell cruises on hydrogen fuel cell power in Germany

"Invisible" Mercedes F-Cell cruises on hydrogen fuel cell power in Germany originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel cellh2hydrogeninvisible carmercedes benzstuntMon, 05 Mar 2012 08:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20185501/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20185501/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/05/invisible-mercedes-f-cell-cruises-on-hydrogen-fuel-cell-power/20185501/article-detail.xml 20185501 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/daimler-f-cell-invisible-car-mercedes-hydrogen_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/daimler-f-cell-invisible-car-mercedes-hydrogen.png <![CDATA[Daimler buys 15% stake in MyTaxi cab-hailing application publisher]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/daimler-buys-15-stake-in-mytaxi-cab-hailing-application-publish/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/daimler-buys-15-stake-in-mytaxi-cab-hailing-application-publish/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/daimler-buys-15-stake-in-mytaxi-cab-hailing-application-publish/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG has acquired a 15-percent stake in smartphone application publisher MyTaxi, marking the German automaker's continued willingness to invest in transportation-related businesses that don't actually focus on selling vehicles to customers.

Bloomberg News reported that Daimler's Car2go division, along with Xing AG founder Lars Hinrichs and Deutsche Telekom AG invested about $13 million combined into the company, which makes an application that lets smartphone owners order a taxi with their iPhones or Android devices, the wire service reported, citing an interview with MyTaxi founder and CEO Sven Kuelper. The application, which has been downloaded about 800,000 times, is available for use in about 30 European cities.

With the investment, Daimler continues to take a broader view of personal vehicle demand by acquiring stakes in non-vehicle manufacturing companies. Daimler in 2008 started Car2go, which differs from other car-sharing programs because it does not require the vehicle to be returned to a defined space - i.e., where it was picked up. Instead, as long as the car ends up inside the operating area, drivers are free to leave it in any legal parking space when they are finished with it.

Car2Go operates in Amsterdam; Austin, Texas; Hamburg; Ulm, Germany; and Vancouver. Late last year, car2go added Vienna and San Diego. Washington, D.C. is coming soon.

Daimler buys 15% stake in MyTaxi cab-hailing application publisher originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidapplicationcar2godaimleriPhonemercedesmobile applicationmytaxitechnologyMon, 30 Jan 2012 14:05:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20158959/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20158959/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/30/daimler-buys-15-stake-in-mytaxi-cab-hailing-application-publish/20158959/article-detail.xml 20158959 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/my-taxi-app_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/my-taxi-app.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes will sell extended-range B-Class in U.S.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/mercedes-will-sell-extended-range-b-class-in-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/mercedes-will-sell-extended-range-b-class-in-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/mercedes-will-sell-extended-range-b-class-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Mercedes-Benz plans on selling the B-Class extended-range plug-in vehicle that it premiered last September at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in the U.S., Automotive News reports, citing an interview with Joachim Schmidt, head of the German automaker's sales and marketing division. A production version of the car will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April, PlugInCars reported separately.

The car, known as the B-Class E-Cell, is one of a handful of smaller models Mercedes-Benz will introduce to the U.S. during the next few years as it attempts to boost its domestic fleetwide fuel economy. Schmidt didn't say when the extended-range vehicle would debut in the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz showed off a version of the B-Class E-Cell at Frankfurt last year that included an electric motor and battery that could drive the car as far as 62 miles on electric power alone, and a three-cylinder 1.0-liter gas engine that acts as an on-board generator and an additional power source at higher speeds. The company said the car's powertrain supplied 136 horsepower and gave the car a top speed of 93 miles per hour and a total range of 373 miles.

In addition to the B-Class E-Cell, Mercedes-Benz plans on debuting an A-Class hatchback and a compact SUV in the U.S. by next year, Automobile News said, citing Schmidt. Mercedes-Benz also makes a hydrogen fuel-cell electric version of the B-Class, which has been available for lease in limited numbers in Southern California and is slated for a 2014 model year debut.

Mercedes will sell extended-range B-Class in U.S. originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-class e-cellextended rangeextended range plug-inextended-range plug-in hybridmercedesmercedes-benzWed, 18 Jan 2012 18:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20150729/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20150729/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/18/mercedes-will-sell-extended-range-b-class-in-u-s/20150729/article-detail.xml 20150729 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bclassecell_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bclassecell.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S, BMW i3 among 2012 Green Car Vision finalists]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/tesla-model-s-bmw-i3-among-2012-green-car-vision-finalists/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/tesla-model-s-bmw-i3-among-2012-green-car-vision-finalists/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/tesla-model-s-bmw-i3-among-2012-green-car-vision-finalists/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,



Tesla's Model S, the BMW i3, the Cadillac ELR, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell and the Ford C-MAX Energi are the finalists for Green Car Journal's 2012 Green Car Vision awards. The winner of the award, which is given to the most innovative "green vehicle" that's either in its demonstration phase or nearing its public launch, will be named at the Washington Auto Show on January 26.

Of the finalists, two - the Tesla and the BMW - are pure battery electric vehicles that are scheduled to be available for the 2013 and 2014 model years, respectively. The C-MAX is a plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle slated for the 2013 model year, while the Cadillac - expected as a 2014 model year - uses an extended-range plug-in hybrid powertrain similar to that of the Chevrolet Volt. The F-Cell hydrogen fuel-cell electric, which has been available in limited numbers for lease in Southern California, is slated for a 2014 model year debut.

"It's no surprise that electric drive continues to dominate the thoughts of automakers as they look to the future," writes Green Car Journal, which hands out the award. "While all five finalists integrate electric drive, they power their motors in distinctly different ways."

Last year's Green Car Vision award was won by the Ford Focus Electric, while the Nissan Leaf won in 2010. The Chevy Volt won in 2009. Who should win this year? Take our poll after the jump.

Continue reading Tesla Model S, BMW i3 among 2012 Green Car Vision finalists

Tesla Model S, BMW i3 among 2012 Green Car Vision finalists originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsbmw i3cadillac elrFord C-Max energigreen car journalgreen car visionmercedes-benz f-celltesla model 5washington auto showFri, 13 Jan 2012 11:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20147765/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20147765/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/tesla-model-s-bmw-i3-among-2012-green-car-vision-finalists/20147765/article-detail.xml 20147765 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cadillacelr_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cadillacelr.png <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz says E-Class hybrid makes cool cars greener]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid-detroit-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid-detroit-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid-detroit-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz E-Class hybrid

In between debuting the Smart for-us and SL on the floor of the Detroit Auto Show today, Mercedes-Benz thought it right to bring out two brown cars that are actually green: diesel and gasoline flavors of the E-Class hybrid. In fact, the E300 diesel hybrid is so efficient that Mercedes calls it the "world's most economical luxury-class model." Unsurprisingly, the diesel will launch in Europe while the gas-powered E400 hybrid will arrive first in America and will later come to Japan, China and other countries. Pricing for the E-Class hybrids has not yet been announced, but Mercedes says the "extra cost involved here is only moderate."

As we learned during the slow-burning teaser month of December, the diesel-fueled BlueTec hybrid is expected to get 56 miles per gallon (on the European scale, so around 45 mpg in the U.S.) and the gas-electric E400 Hybrid will get 27 mpg (U.S.). The numbers for the E300 are based on the sedan (saloon) versions; it will also be available in estate (station wagon) form. The E-Class hybrids use a combination of lithium-ion batteries, start-stop, regenerative brakes and the ability to "sail" to save fuel. Sailing here means that, at speeds of up to 100 mph, the combustion engine can switch off while the electric motor keeps the car moving as long as the 0.8-kWh battery has enough power.

Since this is Mercedes, the cars also perform well: the E300 BlueTec offers 204 horsepower from the four-cylinder diesel powerplant and another 27 hp from the electric motor. The gas-powered E400 gives up 306 hp, plus the 27 hp. The E300 hybrid has a top speed of 150 miles per hour and goes 0-62 in in 7.5 seconds, while the E400 hybrid can hit 130 mph and does 0-60 in 6.7 seconds. Or, as Damiler's chairman of the board, Dieter Zetsche, put it this during the press conference in Detroit: Mercedes is "making green cars cooler and cool cars greener."

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz says E-Class hybrid makes cool cars greener

Mercedes-Benz says E-Class hybrid makes cool cars greener originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz e-class hybriddetroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showdieter zetschee-classe-class hybride300e400mercedes hybridmercedes-benzThu, 12 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20147403/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20147403/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/12/mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid-detroit-2012/20147403/article-detail.xml 20147403 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mbe-hybridsdetroit2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mbe-hybridsdetroit2012.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan will make four-cylinder engines for Mercedes' 'Baby Benz' in Tennessee]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/nissan-will-make-four-cylinder-engines-for-mercedes-baby-benz/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/nissan-will-make-four-cylinder-engines-for-mercedes-baby-benz/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/nissan-will-make-four-cylinder-engines-for-mercedes-baby-benz/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Nissan reached an agreement to make four-cylinder engines at its Tennessee plant for Mercedes-Benz, marking a continuation of a collaboration launched in 2010 between Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG and the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Nissan will start making four-cylinder powertrains for Mercedes-Benz starting in 2014 and will expand production to as many as 250,000 engines a year, Daimler said in a recent statement. The engines will be for Mercedes-Benz's North American C-Class vehicles, which will be built at Daimler's Alabama plant.

Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance began collaborating in 2010 that in a move that gave Daimler a 3.1 percent stake in Renault and Nissan and gave Renault-Nissan a 3.1 percent share of Daimler. That partnership includes combining design efforts for Daimler's Smart and Renault's Twingo two-seat vehicles. In addition, Daimler will supply batteries for the Twingo battery-electric vehicles, while Renault-Nissan is building electric motors for Smart's EVs.

Mercedes-Benz is expanding its efforts to make four-cylinder vehicles in order to meet progressively more stringent U.S. fuel-economy and greenhouse-gas emissions standards. Among the 14 largest vehicle makers in the U.S., Daimler had the second-worst fleetwide fuel economy to Chrysler for the 2010 model year, according to the U.S. environmental protection agency.

Continue reading Nissan will make four-cylinder engines for Mercedes' 'Baby Benz' in Tennessee

Nissan will make four-cylinder engines for Mercedes' 'Baby Benz' in Tennessee originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-classdaimlerfour-cylindermercedes-benznissanrenaultrenault-nissan alliancetennesseeThu, 12 Jan 2012 09:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20146602/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20146602/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/12/nissan-will-make-four-cylinder-engines-for-mercedes-baby-benz/20146602/article-detail.xml 20146602 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/merccclass_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/merccclass.jpg <![CDATA[Pope reps talk to Mercedes about more fuel-efficient Popemobile]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/pope-reps-talk-to-mercedes-about-more-fuel-efficient-popemobile/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/pope-reps-talk-to-mercedes-about-more-fuel-efficient-popemobile/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/pope-reps-talk-to-mercedes-about-more-fuel-efficient-popemobile/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Representatives for Pope Benedict XVI continue to talk to Mercedes-Benz about making a custom-made vehicle that could use a hybrid or battery-electric powertrain to make what's commonly known as the Popemobile more fuel efficient, The Detroit Bureau reports.

The German automaker is faced with the dual challenges of making an electric-drive vehicle that is both non-aerodynamic - the current version has an upright cabin that fits two people - and heavier - because the cabin's bulletproof - than normal. One reason for the distinctive bubble is that Pope John Paul II was wounded in a 1981 assassination attempt.

Last year, reports surfaced that Mercedes-Benz was working on a hybrid-electric Popemobile that would be a customized version of the automaker's M-Class and would be able to travel in all-electric mode at low speeds for as far as 16 miles before its gas-powered engine was engaged.

Mercedes-Benz sells a hybrid version of its M-Class that's powered in part by a six-cylinder engine and gets an EPA-rating of 22 miles per gallon combined. Through the first 11 months of last year, Mercedes-Benz sold fewer than 100 of those models in the U.S.

Pope reps talk to Mercedes about more fuel-efficient Popemobile originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclehybridm-classmercedesmercedes-benzmercedes-benz m-classpopepopemobileTue, 10 Jan 2012 20:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20140142/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20140142/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/10/pope-reps-talk-to-mercedes-about-more-fuel-efficient-popemobile/20140142/article-detail.xml 20140142 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/popemobile_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/popemobile.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mercedes ML350 BlueTEC w/ On&Offroad Package]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/2012-mercedes-ml350-bluetec-w-onandoffroad-package-quick-spin-review/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/2012-mercedes-ml350-bluetec-w-onandoffroad-package-quick-spin-review/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/2012-mercedes-ml350-bluetec-w-onandoffroad-package-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

Getting Deliciously Dirty With Clean Diesel



Back in July, our man Bowman got his first chance to drive the new Mercedes M-Class in the wilds of Montana, and he came away particularly impressed by the ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic. It's great news that this updated diesel powertrain is coming to the United States in November, but in Montana, we missed out on the new-generation On&Offroad Package and innovative Active Curve System.

Fortunately, we were recently afforded the chance to test all of this goodness over a small paved circuit in Austria, as well as up and down a truly hellacious off-road course. By the end of the day, we were convinced that this ML350 diesel 4x4 thus equipped can finally take it to a similarly optioned BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. And, as Mercedes Germany tells us, North American buyers will at long last get a crack at this On&Offroad harder-core package for 2013. Are they at risk of messing with the winning on-road recipe that has made the M-Class the world's best-selling premium SUV, with over 1.2 million sold?

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes ML350 BlueTEC w/ On&Offroad Package

2012 Mercedes ML350 BlueTEC w/ On&Offroad Package originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mercedes-benz ml350bluetecfeaturedm-classm-klassemercedes-benzml 350ml-350ml350quick spinquickspinThu, 05 Jan 2012 14:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20141246/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20141246/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/2012-mercedes-ml350-bluetec-w-onandoffroad-package-quick-spin-review/20141246/article-detail.xml 20141246 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/11c9190003-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/11c9190003-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz developing E Superlight as its new carbon fiber halo sedan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/mercedes-benz-developing-e-superlight-as-its-new-carbon-fiber-ha/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/mercedes-benz-developing-e-superlight-as-its-new-carbon-fiber-ha/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/mercedes-benz-developing-e-superlight-as-its-new-carbon-fiber-ha/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Automakers need halo cars. They bring people into the showroom and demonstrate just what their engineers can do. Typically those range-topping vehicles come in the form of sports cars - think Audi R8, Dodge Viper, Lexus LFA et al - but Mercedes-Benz is reportedly taking another direction. That's because these exotic supercars tend to sell in small numbers (almost by definition), while - for Mercedes-Benz - mid-size luxury sedans like the E-Class sell in much bigger numbers. As such, the Silver Star automaker is planning on making its next halo car a four-door sedan (of sorts).

A couple months ago, we brought you initial word of Daimler's plans to make a super-lightweight, carbon-fiber E-Class, and now further details have found their way into the bloggosphere. Dubbed the E Superlight, the sedan is tipped to share its footprint with the E-Class, its size with the CLS and its price with the S-Class. For that, buyers would get a state-of-the-art sedan made from carbon fiber sitting at the very cutting edge of what Stuttgart's finest are capable of achieving.

That's right, the E Superlight isn't a mere concept car: reports from overseas indicate that Daimler is actually planning on building it, with production earmarked to begin in 2015 and to come fully online by 2017. A hydrogen fuel cell is expected to provide the motivation at least in the beginning, but more conventional powertrains are also said to be in the mix. Once it's made its point, Mercedes can lift the halo back where it usually sits, atop the replacement for the current SLS AMG supercar.

Mercedes-Benz developing E Superlight as its new carbon fiber halo sedan originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e superlighte-classmercedes-benzmercedes-benz e superlightmercedes-benz e-classWed, 04 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20140250/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20140250/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/mercedes-benz-developing-e-superlight-as-its-new-carbon-fiber-ha/20140250/article-detail.xml 20140250 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/e-class-frame_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/e-class-frame.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes bringing two E-class hybrids, one diesel-powered, to Detroit *UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/20/mercedes-bringing-two-e-class-hybrids-one-diesel-powered-to-de/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/20/mercedes-bringing-two-e-class-hybrids-one-diesel-powered-to-de/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/20/mercedes-bringing-two-e-class-hybrids-one-diesel-powered-to-de/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

http://green.autoblog.com/photos/mercedea-benz-e-class-hybid/

The Detroit Auto Show is shaping up to be a full-fledged green event. Looks like there are now two more efficiency-minded vehicles to add to the list: an E-Class hybrid and a diesel hybrid E-Class from Mercedes-Benz.

The diesel-burning E300 Bluetec Hybrid is obviously the more efficient of the two. If numbers reported by AutoBild are accurate, it will get 56 miles per gallon (on the European scale, probably something like 45 mpg here) while the standard petrol-powered E400 Hybrid will manage only 27 mpg (U.S. scale). Both vehicles will use a 0.8-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 7G-Tronic transmission.

Mercedes already has the S400 Hybrid and the news that Mercedes would produce the E300 Bluetec Hybrid was confirmed back in May. Even though AutoBild's report says we'll see the diesel-hybrid debut in Detroit, we still don't have any more of an inkling that we'll see it for sale anywhere outside of Europe. We'll be on the lookout for complete details from Cobo Hall in the very near future.

*UPDATE: M-B has released official information on the cars, which we've pasted after the jump.

Continue reading Mercedes bringing two E-class hybrids, one diesel-powered, to Detroit *UPDATE

Mercedes bringing two E-class hybrids, one diesel-powered, to Detroit *UPDATE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit 2012detroit auto showdieseldiesel hybride-classhybridmercedes-benz hybridTue, 20 Dec 2011 17:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20132311/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20132311/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/20/mercedes-bringing-two-e-class-hybrids-one-diesel-powered-to-de/20132311/article-detail.xml 20132311 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid-628.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler testing B-Class E-Cell plug-in hybrid with inductive charging *UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/05/daimler-testing-b-class-e-cell-with-inductive-charging/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/05/daimler-testing-b-class-e-cell-with-inductive-charging/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/05/daimler-testing-b-class-e-cell-with-inductive-charging/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Daimler B-Class E-Cell Inductive Charging Tests

Whether its WiFi vs. ethernet or cell phones vs. land lines, it's pretty clear that wireless technology is more appealing to people than wired ones. The same will some day be true of plug-in cars, since companies like Rolls-Royce and Toyota, Nissan and Volvo are all trying to get energy from the grid to your car without a wire. Daimler wants to join the club.

That's why Daimler and Conductix-Wampfler are teaming up on inductive charging tests with a Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus. The general idea is that a car can automatically charge up when parked over (or, perhaps, while driving) a special unit in the ground. This eliminates all sorts of potential problems with wired EVs, from vandalism of charging units to people unplugging cars to plain laziness. (Note we said potential; none of these "problems" have been reported in any great numbers, if at all.)

Daimler's tests showed confirmed "the considerable gain of comfort in comparison with cable based charging and that inductive charging is suitable in principle. The potential optimization regarding package, weight and integration in future vehicle model lines is identified and will accordingly be further developed." More information is available after the jump.

Daimler and Conductix-Wampfler conducted the tests with help from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. Currently, the efficiency of this wireless technology sits at around 90 percent, which is a bit lower than the performance capability reported by other inductive charging companies. Conductix-Wampfler has been operating wireless charging electric buses Italy since 2003.

*UPDATE: Added Daimler's press release and new photos.

Continue reading Daimler testing B-Class E-Cell plug-in hybrid with inductive charging *UPDATE

Daimler testing B-Class E-Cell plug-in hybrid with inductive charging *UPDATE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-classb-class e-cellconductix-wampflere-cell pluselectric vehicleinductive chargingplug-in hybridwireless chargingMon, 05 Dec 2011 17:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20121214/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20121214/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/05/daimler-testing-b-class-e-cell-with-inductive-charging/20121214/article-detail.xml 20121214 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/b-class-e-cell-inductive-charge-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/b-class-e-cell-inductive-charge-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes creates "aero trailer" concept to improve big rig fuel efficiency]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/28/mercedes-aero-trailer-concept-mpg-semi-fuel-efficiency/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/28/mercedes-aero-trailer-concept-mpg-semi-fuel-efficiency/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/28/mercedes-aero-trailer-concept-mpg-semi-fuel-efficiency/#commentsFiled under: ,



Every time you drive by a semi and feel your car get pushed away from the rig, it reinforces the reality that tractor trailers punch a big, ragged hole in the air around them. It takes a lot of power to force those big boxes through the wind, and Mercedes-Benz is working to please both fleet operators and the environmentally conscious by taking some of these heavy haulers for a spin in the wind tunnel for a much-needed aerodynamic tuneup.

The result is a trailer that features a front airdam, side trim panels rear diffuser, and a tapered rear design that adds up to an 18 percent reduction in wind resistance when paired with the Mercedes Actros tractor. Mercedes projects that a truck averaging 150,000 kilometers per year (93,205 miles) will save 2,000 liters of diesel (528 gallons) during that time while releasing five fewer tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

The wind-cheating changes leave the cargo box completely unaffected, though the aero trailer is going to need special legislative dispensation to allow its extra length on the road. The tail extension makes the trailer a half-meter too long than the current law allows, though other specialty trailers, like those with forklifts, have been given such consideration, paving the way for the more-efficient Mercedes trailers. See the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Mercedes creates "aero trailer" concept to improve big rig fuel efficiency

Mercedes creates "aero trailer" concept to improve big rig fuel efficiency originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actrosmercedes-benzsemisemi trucktrailertruckMon, 28 Nov 2011 17:19:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20115564/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20115564/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/28/mercedes-aero-trailer-concept-mpg-semi-fuel-efficiency/20115564/article-detail.xml 20115564 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/mercedes-aero-trailer-3-1322451656_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/mercedes-aero-trailer-3-1322451656.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz working on carbon fiber E-Class?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/30/benz-working-on-carbon-fiber-e-class/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/30/benz-working-on-carbon-fiber-e-class/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/30/benz-working-on-carbon-fiber-e-class/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

A few years ago if you wanted a Mercedes-Benz Coupe your only choices were the dandyish CLK two-door or spending the GDP of a Polynesian island on an SL or CL. The options have grown - and grown more manly - lately, and according to a story in Auto Bild there's another one coming: the E-Class Superlight.

With a rumored arrival of 2015, this rethink of the E will weigh just 2,860 pounds, meaning it would shed 770 pounds compared to the current E Coupe. How? By being "made of super lightweight carbon fiber." Powerplants for the model are suggested to be a six-cylinder gas with a hybrid motor, or a fuel-cell hybrid.

If true, this is presented as Mercedes' response to BMW and Audi moves into plastics and light weight. And this wouldn't be the only challenger from Benz, with a lightweight B and an SCS also said to be in the works.

Mercedes-Benz working on carbon fiber E-Class? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon fibere-classe-class superlightmercedes e-classmercedes e-class superlightmercedes-benz e superlightSun, 30 Oct 2011 18:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20094111/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20094111/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/30/benz-working-on-carbon-fiber-e-class/20094111/article-detail.xml 20094111 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/e-classsuperlight_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/e-classsuperlight.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz F125! hints at future plug-in fuel cell S-Class]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/mercedes-benz-f125-hints-at-future-plug-in-fuel-cell-s-class/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/mercedes-benz-f125-hints-at-future-plug-in-fuel-cell-s-class/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/mercedes-benz-f125-hints-at-future-plug-in-fuel-cell-s-class/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mercedes-Benz F125! Concept

When the radical Mercedes-Benz F-125! hit the stage at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show it was (and still is) a non-working concept. The zero-emissions F125! is great, in theory, with lithium-sulphur batteries, controls via "touch, speech and hand gestures," semi-autonomous driving, three-dimensional projector-beam displays and a 1,000-kilometer range. In reality, the F125! is, well, a novel concept with massive gullwing doors.

But word is the F125! previews the technology that may eventually be employed in the 2025-ish Mercedes-Benz S-Class. According to Automotive News, M-B has concluded that electric-drive vehicles will be a big part of its future lineup. Thomas Weber, head of research and development at Daimler AG, told AN that
If zero emission mobility will be necessary, and that's what we believe, it's clear we have to change to electric mobility.
But today's electric vehicles wouldn't satisfy S-class buyers, says Weber. Most S-Class owners expect a zero-emissions vehicle to have cruising range of at least 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) and thrust comparable today's diesel-fueled luxury sedans.

To satisfy those buyers, Weber says the obvious choice is a plug-in fuel cell vehicle. That's where the F125!'s technology comes in. M-B developed the F125! as a plug-in hybrid to reproduce the driving characteristics of today's S-Class. Weber says where a fuel cell vehicle needs approximately ten seconds to fire up, a plug-in fuel cell hybrid operates almost exactly the same as today's luxo-barges. Will we ever see a plug-in fuel cell S-Class? Mercedes-Benz sure seems to hint that we will.

Mercedes-Benz F125! hints at future plug-in fuel cell S-Class originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric s-classelectric vehiclem-bmercedes-benzmercedes-benz s-classs-classMon, 17 Oct 2011 16:23:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20083108/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20083108/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/17/mercedes-benz-f125-hints-at-future-plug-in-fuel-cell-s-class/20083108/article-detail.xml 20083108 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mercedes-benz-f125-concept-1315915220_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mercedes-benz-f125-concept-1315915220.jpg <![CDATA[Diesel passenger vehicles sales slip 13% in September; VW, BMW on top]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/diesel-passenger-vehicles-sales-slip-13-in-september-vw-bmw/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/diesel-passenger-vehicles-sales-slip-13-in-september-vw-bmw/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/diesel-passenger-vehicles-sales-slip-13-in-september-vw-bmw/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Oil-sippers failed to make even the slightest of dents in the U.S.' hybrid-heavy green vehicle scene.

Through the end of September 2011, sales of diesel passenger vehicles in the U.S. were up 30.9 percent, compared to the same nine-month period in 2010. However, at only 7,663 total units sold last month - a decline of 13 percent compared to August's numbers - the diesel's take-rate rings in at a mere 0.73 percent, compared to hybrid vehicles at 1.68 percent and plug-ins at 0.17 percent.

Led by the Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Golf TDI, diesel vehicles have slowly inched their way up the sales charts. No U.S. automaker sold even a single diesel passenger vehicle in September of 2011.

Sales of the segment leader, the Jetta TDI, checked in at 4,158 units in September, bringing the diesel sedan's year-to-date total to 41,083. The oil-burning Golf didn't fare nearly as well, but its sales of 694 units in September landed the diesel hatchback in second place. In third, with 610 sales, was the diesel-fueled BMW X5 xDrive35d. And coming in fourth, with 449 units sold, was the spectacular BMW 335d.

Looking for more details? Head over to Hybrid Cars for a model-by-model breakdown of diesel vehicle sales for September 2011.

Diesel passenger vehicles sales slip 13% in September; VW, BMW on top originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw 335dbmw x5clean dieseldieseldiesel salessalessales september 2011 salesseptember salesvolkswagen golfvolkswagen jettaFri, 07 Oct 2011 19:48:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20076305/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20076305/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/07/diesel-passenger-vehicles-sales-slip-13-in-september-vw-bmw/20076305/article-detail.xml 20076305 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/eco-comparo---09_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/eco-comparo---09.jpg -1 2