Mercedes-Benz Previews the L.A. Auto Show

[Merc1]

In an interview at the 2010 L.A. Auto Show, Ola Kallenius, head of AMG at Mercedes-Benz, told Inside Line that the company is considering AMG models below the current C-Class.

Kallenius said the current A- and B-Class models don't fit into the AMG portfolio, but there will be appropriate vehicles in that space "in the next 3-4 years." Clearly, those models would require something smaller than AMG's current 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8, and Kallenius said there's work being done in that area as well.

Other items of note from Kallenius:

- AMG will pursue weight reduction before attempting to incorporate hybrid technology into its product mix.

- There are no immediate plans for a diesel-powered AMG product.

- There are two vehicles that will get the Black Series treatment in the "very near future."

- The SLS will likely spawn several variants over the next few years.



2010 L.A. Auto Show: AMG Boss Says Models Below the C-Class Are Possible



SLS and C-Class Black Series are next, count on it!



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[PanterroR]

Mercedes-Benz Announces AMG-Ducati Cooperation at LA Show

At this week's Los Angeles Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz announced that performance division AMG, and Italian motorcycle maker Ducati will develop common marketing activities in the near future. Mercedes-AMG CEO Ola Källenius and Ducati CEO Gabriele del Torchio signed the agreement during a press conference held at the LA Show.

According to the deal, AMG will be the Ducati MotoGP Team's Official Car Partner in the 2011 championship and, in return, during various events held by the Germans, participants will also have the opportunity to test Ducati motorcycles and vice versa.

AMG plans these events for its Private Lounge members, numbering more than 13,000 customers worldwide. The two companies noted that other activities and strategic steps are also under consideration, but didn't disclose any further information yet.

"I am very pleased that we are able to announce our strategic cooperation with Ducati today. AMG and Ducati ideally complement each other, as both companies share the same values: racing as the driving passion, and high performance plus exclusivity as the central brand messages of both AMG and Ducati. This long-term cooperation will help us to jointly access new customer groups", said Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

"I am especially proud to have AMG as one of our sponsors for the MotoGP Team. I am also very pleased that our joint marketing activities are well under way. In AMG we have found a partner who perfectly reflects our brand values of high performance, motorsport, excitement and our sense of unmistakable style and design", Gabriele del Torchio, President and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A, added.

Both companies are highly respected in their line of work, so their cooperation sounds like a good idea, as customers have the opportunity to experiment with new ways of achieving that gratifying adrenaline-rush.





Source: Mercedes-Benz Announces AMG-Ducati Cooperation at LA Show - Carscoop

 

[Wolfgang]

AMG - Ducati partnership Is Mercedes-Benz eyeing two-wheelers finally?

AMG, the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz has inked a marketing co-operation deal with Italian bike maker Ducati but it could just be the precursor for a full fledged acquisition of the Italian firm by the German giant, says Adil Jal Darukhanawala.

AMG - Ducati partnership : Is Mercedes-Benz eyeing two-wheelers finally? Page - 2 Zigwheels