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April 08 News |
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Classics under threat
There is a movement within the EU to ban the use of cars older than 10 years. Environmentalists argue that banning older cars would ensure that vehicles considered more beneficial to the environment would replace them. However, it could be argued that replacing a car every ten years with a new one would be worse for the environment over sourcing of materials, the disposal of the scrapped vehicle, the energy consumed (and therefore the carbon dioxide produced) to manufacture a new car and this action would lead directly to an increase in car production. The classic car movement is directly at threat by these and similar proposals and those concerned can sign an E-petition on the government site at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/classic-cars
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Back seat stargazers
For those seeking the benefits of a convertible without the wind-blown hair, the answer is on hand. A growing number of new models such as the R- and S-Class and Maybach are offering broad panoramic glass roofs composed of one or two large panels, opening up the cabin to the heavens and giving motorists the feel of more head room and natural light. "It's a feeling of freedom," said Peter Pfeiffer of Mercedes Design. “Sunroofs have long been a popular option for those seeking the open air, but most cars have limited the glass to a small space above the front seat. But with the advent of shatter-resistant glass and reinforcements on the roof, the industry has been able to broaden the sunroofs.” The glass roofs typically offer tinted glass and moveable shades to give a darker feel in the vehicle.
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Tail-lift Sprinter
Furniture transport companies, removal firms and trades people in a wide range of fields are well aware of the problem: heavy and bulky items such as furniture, tool trolleys or goods in wheeled containers are difficult to load and unload. Now an optional, electrohydraulically operated tail-lift makes it much easier to load and unload the Mercedes Sprinter panel van, while improving convenience and safety at the same time. It is available directly ex factory from Düsseldorf.
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2008 SLK collection
Following the launch of the face-lifted SLK roadster, comes a range of products mainly in black, red and brown hues. Accessories specifically designed for use with the SLK include a suit cover, which is intended to be hung on the back of the seats and holds up to three suits. The men's padded gilet is meant for warmth and is ideal for open-top SLK drives during the cooler months. SLK buffs will love the key rings with the laser-engraved Benz logo cast in solid zinc, not to mention the cotton polo shirts, the silk ties and the exclusive retro-style sunglasses. Check your authorised dealer for information
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Another happy customer
Mercedes of Newbury’s Andy Barnett hands over the keys of a C 180 Classic to Claudio Massoli, the 11th car that this customer has purchased from the retailer in the past five years. The opening of a new showroom has helped smash its sales record for previously-owned cars, 240 cars last year, a 25 per cent increase on 2006. Fundamental to the company’s success has been sales executive Andy Barnett, who was recently honoured by parent company Sytner Group for achieving the highest sales within the region.
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Fishy tale
One of the stand-out car design concepts from back in 2005 has re-emerged in the guise of modern art. With an aerodynamic design based on what at first seems an unlikely candidate, the tropical sea-dwelling boxfish, the Mercedes bionic concept car was chosen as part of the "Design and the Elastic Mind" exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Apart from its aerodynamic attributes, the boxfish can withstand high pressures and survive unscathed following collisions with corals or other sea dwellers due to an outer skin consisting of hexagonal bone plates. These influenced the strong, lightweight design, which in the case of a car door, for example, increases stiffness by up to 40 percent. The resulting two-door, four-seater concept has a fuel consumption figure of around 70 miles per gallon.
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Play area support
Mercedes of Stevenage has helped towards the cost of replacing play area equipment that was damaged in an arson attack. The donation was raised by a prize draw at the opening of new premises. The prize was a picture of Lewis Hamilton’s car, autographed by the local star. “We wanted to celebrate becoming part of the Stevenage community by supporting a worthy local cause and Pin Green Play Association seemed perfect,” said Nick Spang, Mercedes-Benz of Stevenage’s General Manager. |
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