Mercedes-Benz Canada explains Daimler's vision of "The Best or Nothing":
Mercedes-Benz: The best or nothing
Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz invented the automobile in 1886 and the company they founded, now approaching its 125th anniversary, has announced a global strategy based on their original commitment and guiding principle
By Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
When Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz invented the automobile in 1886, they revolutionized personal transportation and, in the process, spawned a new, dynamic industry that has been thriving since. To this day, Mercedes-Benz vehicles consistently set benchmarks and have pushed innovation to new, previously unimaginable heights. As a pioneer and leader in the automotive sector, Mercedes-Benz has always held an enviable position at the forefront of advanced engineering, and our company's brilliant minds have never been content to rest on their laurels or the numerous breakthrough developments that have been achieved throughout the years.
In advance of our company's 125th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz has announced a refined global strategy that clearly articulates our original brand promise. Central to this new positioning is the notion of "The best or nothing," which reiterates Gottlieb Daimler's historic commitment and guiding principle that asserted his ambition to lead the automotive industry from the very beginning. The three-pointed star has always been a proud representation and core element for the brand, and our organization's ambition to lead is reflected in the brand values of perfection, fascination and responsibility.
This genuine legacy from our founders still guides the brand today; it is inherent in every new Mercedes-Benz vehicle and will continue to play a leading role in shaping the future of mobility. For example, many technologies that we take for granted today were developed by Mercedes-Benz engineers, including the safety cell, ABS , airbags and ESP right through to new technological highlights in our latest models such as PreSafe and the Attention Assist drowsiness detector.
While our vehicles offer some of the most advanced active safety and driver-assistance systems available in each of their respective classes, our groundbreaking technologies and innovations go far beyond safety systems. For example, by introducing electric-drive versions of the extraordinary SLS AMG and the intelligent Smart Fortwo, we have proven that emission-free mobility will be a reality sooner than you think. In fact, you will start to see Smart Fortwo electric-drive vehicles in select Canadian cities beginning this fall. It seems only fitting that the vehicle that created a new segment and redefined urban mobility when it was introduced is now also a pioneer in emission-free mobility in Canada and around the world.
Mercedes-Benz cars have always held an irresistible fascination, and they are continually at the leading edge of design by offering distinctive style and refined sportiness. An ideal example of this is the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. With its elegant proportions that combined the dynamism of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a sedan for the first time, the CLS Class inspired an entirely new vehicle category when it was first introduced in 2003. The highly anticipated next-generation CLS-Class will celebrate its world premiere Sept. 30 at a Paris Motor Show press day, building on the style icon's pioneering design and continuing to set the benchmark in the segment it created.
On the subject of design, the breathtaking new 2011 SLS AMG is a pure bred sports car that has drawn inspiration from classic Mercedes-Benz models while offering the ideal synthesis of the strengths of the Mercedes-Benz and AMG brands. This legendary gullwing model dazzles with its purist design, intelligent lightweight construction and exceptional handling dynamics. Powered by a mid-mounted 6.3-litre V8 engine that develops 563 horsepower and 479 foot-pounds of torque, the SLS AMG delivers awesome performance while still providing the comfort, luxurious appointments and advanced safety features expected of any vehicle that displays the three-pointed star.
Another example of continuous innovation can be found in our cabriolet models. In 1989, Mercedes-Benz introduced the world's first draft-stop for the SL-Class, and this was followed by the introduction of the Airscarf neck-level heating system in 2004 that helped extend the top-down driving season by functioning like an invisible scarf that circulates warm air around the occupants' head and neck areas.
The introduction of the 2011 E-Class Cabriolet marks another world-first: the Aircap automatic draft-stop, which can be activated at the push of a button to greatly reduce turbulence in the luxurious interior. This new, advanced system is much easier to implement and use than conventional draft-stops because there is no complicated installation and the two individual rear seats remain free for occupants.
Aircap is, therefore, a classic Mercedes-Benz innovation that has re-engineered the wind to further enhance the level of comfort for open-top motoring.
Today, true to Gottlieb Daimler's vision of "The Best or Nothing," we remain committed to delivering the best in all areas -and our extensive range of premium sport sedans, SUVs, coupes and roadsters represents a dynamic product portfolio that can satisfy any desire.
As we develop new advanced technologies, we are demonstrating that performance and responsibility do not have to be mutually exclusive and, collectively, our clear and unrelenting focus to always strive for the absolute best remains a common bond that joins every employee, guaranteeing an unmatched ownership experience and recognizing that anything less is unacceptable.
© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette
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