M-Class (W166/C292) Mercedes ML-Class SUV – W166 (Spy pics & info)

[SKY]

Look at the shape of the rearlights of the last spy pic. Guess who was right again?.

 

[MBFanToDeath]

Source: Mercedes-Fans

 

[SCOTT27]

I do the exact same thing with my tailgate .

I see they were out at the supermarket , wonder if the Mercedes-Benz test drivers conform to the same as other test drivers and sit down and watch -John Carpenters "The Thing" as a ritual when they are hunkered down in the test centre in the middle of nowhere with a blizzard outside.

There are quite a few auto manufacturers test drivers out there that do that... It's kind of like a ritual.

 

[Wolfgang]

A new factory for the seats is in the works:

Construction begins on seat factory

Governor, French auto supplier mark occasion with ceremony

Gov. Bob Riley, left, talks with Mike Heneka, center, president of Faurecia North America, and Pat Szaroletta
at the Bill Taylor Institute at the Mercedes-Benz complex in Vance.

By Patrick Rupinski Staff Writer, Tuscaloosanews

VANCE - It’s been almost five months since Faurecia announced plans to build a factory in Cottondale to make auto seats for Mercedes-Benz, and construction of the factory has begun.

But on Thursday, there was a welcoming ceremony of sorts for the French automotive supplier as Gov. Bob Riley told Faurecia (pronounced “for-see-ah”) officials that the state is committed to the company’s success. “If you make a profit, you will grow in Alabama,” Riley said. “We are not going to bend any rules or break any codes, but if there is anything we can do to help build your success, we will do it.”

Riley made his comments at a beam-signing ceremony at the Bill Taylor Institute on the campus of the Mercedes assembly plant in Vance. The ceremony replaced the traditional groundbreaking often held to welcome new businesses. The two-foot metal beam, complete with the signatures of Riley, local elected officials and Faurecia executives, will be displayed at the factory when it opens next year.

Faurecia’s first plant in Alabama will make fully-assembled seats for Mercedes-Benz starting with the 2012 models that will go into production at the Vance plant in 2011. Faurecia, which has plants worldwide, will invest more than $15 million in the plant and will employ 198 people there.

The 2012 model of the M-Class, one of three vehicles made in Vance, will represent the start of the next generation of the sport utility vehicle, said Jason Hoff, vice president of procurement and logistics at the Mercedes plant.

The plant also makes the GL-Class SUV and R-Class crossover vehicle. Faurecia also is expected to make seats for those.

The Mercedes factory in Vance is scheduled to add C-Class sedan production in 2014. Hoff said no decision has been made on which company will make the seats for the C-Class, Mercedes’ top-selling model in the United States.

Johnson Controls now makes the seats for Mercedes vehicles made in Vance. Its factory is across the road from the site of the new Faurecia plant in the Cedar Cove Technology Park.

The Johnson Controls plant also makes automotive headliners and interior door panels. Its unknown at this time what impact the loss of the Mercedes seating contract will have on its Cottondale plant operation.

While Faurecia is new to Mercedes’ Vance operations — known as Mercedes-Benz U.S. International — it is not new to Mercedes-Benz, Hoff said. The company has supplied automotive parts to Mercedes’ plants in Europe, starting in 1995 with Mercedes’ B-Class plant in Spain. Faurecia is a major player in the world automotive industry, said Mike Heneka, president of its North American operations. The company has operations in 32 countries and is the world’s fifth-largest automotive supplier. It makes automotive seating, emissions control technologies, interior systems and automotive exteriors, and had 2009 sales of $13 billion.

“Worldwide, we have 200 (manufacturing) sites, 33 research and development centers and 62,000 employees. That’s more employees than Ford Motor Co.,” Heneka said.

In North America, Faurecia has 29 manufacturing sites, five research and development centers and about 9,000 employees. Pat Szaroletta, president of Faurecia Automotive Seating North America, said the Cottondale plant “establishes our footprint in this region.” The Cottondale plant will be six miles from the Mercedes plant and it will make and deliver seats on a just-in-time basis.

In just-in-time manufacturing, parts are delivered to assembly plants as they are needed, eliminating the need for stockpiling parts in assembly plant warehouses.

Szaroletta said it will take only 240 to 260 minutes from the time seats leave Faurecia’s plant to have them installed in Mercedes’ vehicles.
Mercedes is a major user of the just-in-time philosophy, which has resulted in many of its suppliers locating near the Vance plant.

Construction begins on seat factory | TuscaloosaNews.com

 

[Merc1]

They better be some hellified seats! I'm talking good looking and comfortable as hell, with that inviting look like Range Rover seats.

M

 

[m-power]

These look like E61 5er touring rearlights

 

[fortuner]

TO me the lights look a blend off the E .c and even a bit off B class to them.It looks very MB.

Why are their so few spy pics recently and when can we expect this car i really would like one off these..Hope it turns out good i am really liking the interior from what i see...

 

[bmer]

These look like E61 5er touring rearlights

The shape is similar but the graphics are closer to those of B-Class.

 

[Wolfgang]

The shape of the rear lights reminds me a bit of the W220 (and W163).

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Proportions look a bit funny. Very different from the last 2 gens.

 

[MBFanToDeath]

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

^

As the world's automakers go back to the drawing board on what they need to compete in today's market, both structurally and in terms of product, parts sharing and efficiency are increasingly becoming key concepts. The next-generation of the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class SUV could embrace both concepts with a much closer link to the next G-Class and R-Class (or their successors) as well as more forward-looking powertrains.

Due in the middle of 2011, the next-gen ML is still largely a matter of speculation. Spy shots of an early prototype reveal a smaller body than the current ML, though the wheelbase appears unchanged. These latest shots reveal the high-performance AMG variant.

Almost certain to pick up the performance division’s new twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8, the new SUV will be called the ML63 AMG and will likely be launched soon after the standard version next year. The new V-8 engine produces more power and torque than AMG’s current 6.2-liter naturally aspirated mill, with output peaking at 544 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. However, an available Performance Pack will see output increased to 571 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque thanks to additional boost pressure from the turbos.

Telltale signs that this is the AMG variant are the oversized cross-drilled brakes and dual exhaust tailpipes. Expect a slightly lowered ride height and a sports tuned suspension as well.

- Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG - MotorAuthority

 

[GBOY]

OMG, this thing is off the Hizzy Best in Segment by miles ... Damn!

 

[tennmb]

Definately looks good.

Much flatter over all. Flatter roof line, and hood line. Gone is the over wedged design. Gone are the quirky fender accents. Appears to lose gimmicky styling and go for solid, staid, lines.

Looks to be more in like with the X5, which is good. Sadly, I think the oversized C-pillar is still there. I never liked and I think makes the ML look squatier than it really is. Not sure why this model doesn't have exhaust integrated into bumper?

Offer a standard wheel base R to compete with the Lexus RX, and MB has its bases covered. Although I honestly doubt this has crossed their mind.

 

[tennmb]

rp

 

[Merc1]

Mercedes really has a lot going on, CLS, SLK, ML, SLS Roadster, SL and next S-Class and C-Class facelift.

M

 

[Bartek S.]

 

[Wolfgang]

dark blue = high strength steel

Mercedes-Benz supplier plans expansion in McCalla

By Barnett Wright -- The Birmingham News

The Jefferson County Commission's finance committee this morning approved tax abatements for a $28 million expansion planned by a Mercedes-Benz supplier in Jefferson Metropolitan Park McCalla.

Gestamp Alabama, which supplies underbody stampings to Mercedes' Vance plant as well as parts to other automakers, wants to add to its $200 million plant in JeffMet McCalla and create as many as 30 jobs to the 300-plus workforce there now.

The tax breaks must now be approved by the entire Jefferson County Commission.

Mercedes-Benz supplier plans expansion in McCalla | al.com

 

[PanterroR]

 

[Pekka]

M-class prototype involved in fatal crash. Here is the link to the article (I don't want to post pictures since a man died - my deepest condolences to his family):

http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/0,1518,691031,00.html