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April 05 News |
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Mercedes-Benz is recalling nearly 60,000 cars in the UK
Mercedes-Benz is recalling nearly 60,000 cars in the UK and 1.3 million throughout the world.
The models affected are the 6 and 8 cylinder petrol engined cars produced between June 2001 and November 2004, which require checks on the alternator voltage regulator.
E-Class and CLS cars built from January 2002 to January 2005, are being recalled for a software upgrade to the battery control unit, which will improve the on-board power supply.
Also the braking system on the E-Class, CLS and SL models produced between June 2001 and March 2005 are being updated.
Mercedes-Benz are stressing that these recalls are part of a drive for the highest possible quality standards, and the potential problems were identified on the car production lines.
Head of Mercedes-Benz Dr Eckhard Cordes, said: 'We are now producing the best product quality ever and our aim is to ensure that those vehicles in the hands of customers which are the cause of complaints achieve a standard of quality that reflects our highest expectations.'
All affected customers should recieve a letter in the next two weeks asking them to take there car to a dealer for the checks.
For more information call the Mercedes-Benz European hotline on 00800 1 777 7777 |
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Smart for two for tow
The smart is fast becoming the must have
accessory for owners who need a small vehicle
to tow behind their recreational vehicle. Riding
high on demand, Bantam Trailers produced a 2.5
metre trailer and has sold more than 400. The
combination is becoming a common sight on
campsites around Europe. On the back of the
success, Bantam has developed a four wheeled
trailer to carry the new smart forfour. Jeremy
Simpson, Head of smart in the UK, said: “The
attraction of towing a smart cabrio is particularly
high for owners heading for the sun, as they
combine practicality and low ownership costs with
the great feeling of open-top holiday motoring.” |
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Cool Running
The world’s largest climatic wind tunnel was
used to develop a climate control system for
the interior of the new R-Class. After all, with
its 4.5 cubic metres of interior space, a
windscreen area of 1.5 square metres and an
optional panoramic sunroof, the Grand Sports
Tourer is anything but conventional in its
dimensions. The wind tunnel enables staff to
simulate weather conditions at the push of a
button under reproducable laboratory conditions.
It takes just a few hours to change from season
to season. By way of example, the test centre
can be cooled from 40 degrees Celsius to minus
30 degrees Celsius in just seven hours. |
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New AMG M-Class
Following hot on the heels of the launch of the
new Mercedes M-Class, it is now set to make
its debut in dynamic AMG sportswear. The
unmistakable AMG body styling, like the
distinctive 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, is
available for all engine variants of the new off-roader
for a distinctive, sporty look. AMG
body styling consists of front and rear aprons,
painted entirely in body colour. The front
apron, with its distinctive edges and vertical
insets in brushed stainless steel makes the
new M-Class appear broader and more low-slung.
Large, circular fog lamps, ringed in
chrome, with the cornering light function as an
option, add a distinctive look. |
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More powerful Maybach
The all-new Maybach 57 S (the S stands for
‘Special ’)celebrated its world premiere at the
75th Geneva Motor Show. This more powerful
version of the Series 57 saloon comes in
response to customers ’desire for greater
engine output and handling.Developed in
cooperation with AMG,the 6.0-litre V12 biturbo
engine powers the Maybach 57 S from zero to
62mph in only five seconds,making it the
fastest production saloon in its category.
In line with the more powerful engine,
the Maybach also comes with an
uprated chassis. |
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B-class appeal
The Sports Tourer concept developed by
Mercedes is entering series production as the
new B-Class. The company is keen to assert its
role as a trendsetter within a young vibrant
market. The Sports Tourer has space, comfort
and practicality. The new model combines
different concepts to appeal as a touring, family
and recreational vehicle. One of the advantages
is the sandwich concept developed by
Mercedes. Thanks to the space-saving
arrangement of the engine and transmission
partly in front of and partly beneath the
passenger cell, the new B-Class offers the
interior spaciousness of larger saloons and estate
cars despite its compact external dimensions. |
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Vegan Merc
Mercedes is offering leather free versions of all
its cars to pacify an animal rights group that
claims thousands of cows are slaughtered each
year for leather ar seats and other interior
features.After complaints from the People for
the Ethical Treatment of Animals,Mercedes will
offer fabric or synthetic leather as options.A
Mercedes spokesman said:“Our customers are
likely to want even more leather at the premium
end,but we ’ll make cars without leather on
demand.” A PETA spokesman said:“Four to
fifteen cows are needed for each car.This is a
huge victory for animal rights ”. |
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