BMW : Top luxury brand for the fourth consecutive month in U.S

BMW has outsold all other luxury brands in the U.S. for four consecutive months, including Mercedes-Benz.
The new X3 SUV and 5 Series sedan gave sales a boost, bringing numbers up 12 percent from the previous year as of last month. Mercedes saw an increase in sales, as well, although less than BMW at 9.4 percent as of July. Lexus saw a drop rather than an increase, down 22 percent.

July’s sales success for BMW is more than just consecutive success, it also means a bigger lead overall. Lexus still suffers for the year with a 19 percent drop, while Mercedes saw an increase so far of 7.3 percent. BMW still comes out ahead with a 13 percent increase, moving 135,114 units.

As for BMW maintaining its lead, Jesse Toprack, TrueCar.com industry analyst, says “I don’t think Benz will be able to catch up with BMW,”. Although he also mentions that they may be able to close the gap a bit with the release of the revamped C-Class compact. “Depending on how the new C does and when it comes into volume, it may be tight here and there… But overall it’s going to be tough for them to catch up based on what happened during the first half of the year.”

Lexus has a good chance at making a comeback in the future, still, considering they were the in the lead for sales last year, well ahead of BMW by 9,216. The brand’s streak lasted 11 consecutive years.
Audi is another brand that saw an upswing in numbers, with a 17 percent increase last month. Porsche also saw a slight increase at 2.4 percent. Down 24 percent from previous months is Infiniti. Acura also saw a significant drop of 28 percent. Lincoln saw a significant increase last month, at 40 percent. Land Rover is up 23 percent, while Jaguar had a big drop of 35 percent.

Asian car brands satisfy most Australian drivers

There are currently an estimated 14.9 million drivers on Australian roads today. Approximately 8.7 million of these drivers are in cars from Asian owned brands, an increase of almost 22% over the last 5 years. With more than half of all cars on Australian roads originating in Asia, Lexus and Honda have the highest portion of satisfied drivers; according to the March Roy Morgan Automotive Currency Report.
For the 12 months to March 2011, 94% of Lexus drivers said they were satisfied* with their current vehicle. This is 3% points above the Asian average, leaving Lexus tied with Honda on top of the group.

Norman Morris, Industry Communications Director, Roy Morgan Research, says:

Lexus

Honda

“5 years ago Lexus topped the Asian Brand Satisfaction list, with a score 6% points above the average. Although still on top of the list, their total satisfaction figure has declined to 94%, placing them tied with Honda in the top spot. Honda has shifted from equal 3rd place 5 years ago to equal top, moving ahead of Subaru and Suzuki. It is interesting to see that both Lexus and Honda have the same proportion of satisfied drivers as Volvo and Renault, who topped the European importer brand results Roy Morgan published recently.

“With over 3 million Australian drivers currently behind the wheel of a Toyota, this is a key metric for the automotive powerhouse to be aware of. Importantly, Toyota has moved from 5th in 2006 to currently sit 4thand marginally above the average. Other Japanese brands returning positive results are Nissan, Mazda and Mitsubishi, while Suzuki has fallen from equal third in 2006 to 8th overall and 2% points below the average.

“When looking at the Korean brands, Hyundai and Kia have both made positive gains over the last 5 years, but still remain below the average. Importantly though for Hyundai, their total driver satisfaction figure increases to 95% when looking at those Hyundai drivers who have purchased their car in the last 5 years. Like Hyundai this ‘recent ownership’ metric is also up for Kia, suggesting that as age of ownership increase, the portion of satisfied customer’s decreases.

“With such a large portion of Australia 1 million strong new vehicle sales coming from Asia, this metric is a key one for the manufacturers to be aware of. It will also be interesting to look at these results again when the likes of Great Wall, Geely and Cherry have further established themselves in the marketplace.”

Audi to sponsor Emmy awards

Audi may not be the most recognized automotive luxury brand in the U.S., with only about 5.5 percent of American new car buyers considering it, but the automaker is doing its best to get its name out there.

The German automaker has announced this week that it will be partnering with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to help sponsor the 63rd annual Emmy awards, which kicks off on September 18 and will be hosted by actress Jane Lynch.

Audi will serve as the official automotive partner of the event in a multi-year deal that will also see Audi’s cars at a number of lead-up events to the Emmys. High-end models like the new A6 and A7, along with the A8 flagship sedan, will chauffeur select guests to the show and to additional events throughout the television awards season.

Additionally, Audi will once again host its annual pre-Emmy party the week prior to the actual awards event at Cecconi’s Italian restaurant in West Hollywood.

Audi is no stranger to supporting high-profile entertainment organizations, having already worked closely with Britain’s BAFTA group, the “Iron Man” film franchise, The Weinstein Company, and more.

BMW launched new Sports car for U.S

BMW is on a high these days, after posting good financial results this season and enjoying the luxury car demand from China too, it has got something special for U.S too.

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), officials announced that in the coming months, Audi AG (NSU) would introduce its top-of-the line sports cars in the US car markets.

However, Peter Schwarzenbauer, Sales Chief, while sharing his plans in an exclusive interview, quoted that by 2015 the Company had planned to double the US sales to almost 16,000.

In the meantime, Jim Hall, principal of 2953 Analytics, a consulting firm in Birmingham, Michigan, asserted that the Company had adopted a very effective policy, as a result of which, the new the selling would definitely increase by RS 5 and the TT RS would continue to alter the analyst’s expectations.

On the other hand, other news alleged that the Edmunds. com data recently claimed that in the past 18 months, as compared to the company’s two German opponents, Audi, the chief supplier of VW earnings, had lifted the average U. S business prices.

The data further declared that from the month of January, the carmaker’s standard promotion value was increased by 9.1% and in the meantime, BMW cost was cut by 3.6% but Mercedes’ profits mounted to 2.6%.

Jeremy Acevedo, Edmunds. com analyst, added, “This is a great trend for Audi and their vehicles are popular, demand is meeting supply and cars aren’t sitting on the lot for excessive periods of time”.

Top 10 GLOBAL GREEN BRANDS of 2011

Toyota is again on the top of one more list. This Japanese Automobile giant is topping each and every list from "Most reliable brand" to "Greenest Brand".

The recent released list by the "Interbrand Network",analyzing different brands on the basis of their impact on environment and steps and initiatives taken by different companies to protect environment, revealed that Toyota is the greenest brand of 2011 followed by 3M.


They began with the understanding that 'green', or planet-focused, corporate citizenship efforts of the world's most valuable brands are the ones that are most likely to have the largest impact. As such, it was vital that the Best Global Green Brands ranking be based on the same publicly available data used for the Best Global Brands report.
The result is a comprehensive report of public perception of environmental sustainability ("green") performance and demonstration of that performance for the world’s most valuable brands.


The entire is listed below.

NUMBER 1

NUMBER 2

NUMBER 3

NUMBER 4

NUMBER 5

NUMBER 6

NUMBER 7

NUMBER 8

NUMBER 9

NUMBER 10

CATERPILLAR NAMED TOP EMPLOYER IN ELECTRONIC DESIGN FOR 2010

Last to last year, Caterpillar was number 62 on our list. Last year, it inched up 61 ranks to take the top slot. The company manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives worldwide. It operates through two lines of businesses: Machinery and Power Systems, and Financial Products.
The Machinery business offers construction, mining, and forestry machinery, including track and wheel tractors, track and wheel loaders, pipelayers, motor graders, wheel tractor-scrapers, track and wheel excavators, backhoe loaders, log skidders, log loaders, off-highway trucks, articulated trucks, paving products, skid steer loaders, underground mining equipment, tunnel boring equipment, and related parts. It also manufactures diesel-electric locomotives and manufactures and services rail-related products and logistics services for other companies.
The Power Systems business provides diesel, heavy fuel, and natural gas reciprocating engines for Caterpillar machinery, electric power generation systems, marine, petroleum, construction, industrial, agricultural, and other applications. It offers industrial turbines and turbine-related services for oil and gas, as well as power generation applications. It also remanufactures Caterpillar engines, machines, and engine components and offers remanufacturing services for other companies.

The Financial Products business provides retail and wholesale financing alternatives for Caterpillar machinery and engines, solar gas turbines, and other equipment and marine vessels. It also offers loans and various forms of insurance to customers and dealers. And, it provides financing for vehicles, power generation facilities, and marine vessels.

The company markets its products directly, as well as through its distribution centers, dealers, and distributors. It was originally organized as Caterpillar Tractor Co. in 1925 in California. In 1986, the company reorganized as Caterpillar Inc. in Delaware. Caterpillar Inc. is headquartered in Peoria, Ill.
Cat’s Competitive Landscape

Demand for machinery depends on overall industrial activity and on the health of sectors such as agriculture, construction, and power generation. The profitability of individual companies depends on engineering expertise and efficient production. Large companies have economies of scale in purchasing. Small companies can compete effectively by specializing.

The industry is capital-intensive, as average annual revenue per worker is about $300,000. It encompasses a number of segments: construction, mining & other heavy equipment manufacturing; electronics; electrical products; power generation & storage transportation services; and logistics services.
When it comes to machinery, Caterpillar’s chief competitors include Cummins Inc., Tognum AG, GE Energy Infrastructure, Siemens Energy, and Wartsila Corp. Other competitors, such as John Deere Power Systems, MAN Diesel SE, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Volvo Penta (part of Volvo Group AB), Kawasaki Heavy Industries, multiple emerging Chinese competitors, and Rolls Royce Group plc compete in other markets where Caterpillar is active.

An additional set of competitors, including Generac Power Systems Inc. and Kohler Co., includes packagers that source engines and/or other components from domestic and international suppliers and market products regionally and internationally through a variety of distribution channels.
In the engines space, Komatsu Ltd., Volvo Construction Equipment (part of the Volvo Group AB), CNH Global N.V., Deere & Co., Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., J.C. Bamford Ltd., Doosan Infracore Co. Ltd., and LiuGong Construction Machinery N.A. LLC all have varying numbers of product lines that compete with Caterpillar products, and each has varying degrees of regional focus.

The Secret Of Its Success

Infrastructure investment is back, which is a key force behind Caterpillar’s ascension to the top ranking in this year’s Top 50. The company continued its strong performance in the first quarter of 2011 with sales up 57% and profits up more than 400%, the most profitable quarter in the company’s history. Most of the sales increase came from machinery and power systems, which were up 61%. Financial products were basically flat.

Within machinery and power systems, construction industries were up 71%; resource industries, up 84%; and power systems sales were up 51%. Most of the increase came from higher customer demand, but dealers did increase their inventories to meet future demand as well. There was also some improved pricing, as well as the acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), a maker of diesel-electric locomotives, contributing to the sales increase.

Sales improved in all four major geographic regions; North America, up 72%; Latin America, up 90%; Europe Africa/Middle East, up 67%; and Asia/Pacific, up 35%. While commercial construction in the U.S. is still very depressed and machinery sales are at about half the 2006 peak, it appears aging machines are starting to be replaced.

During the recession, Caterpillar’s customers cut machine purchases much more rapidly and deeply than the overall construction spending decline. As a result, their fleets both shrunk in size and got older. However, customers are beginning to buy enough machines now to slow or stop their fleets from continuing to degrade.
Mining activity and higher commodity prices, including coal, have encouraged investment in large mining equipment. Higher sales to oil and gas and electric power customers, along with the acquisition of EMD, drove the increase in power systems sales.
While the reasons for European growth mirror North America, basically replacement, growth in developing countries has been good and is driving investment in infrastructure and increased demand for commodities. Incremental margins were good in the construction industries, resource industries, and power systems segments. The company executed well in the quarter and controlled its costs.
Besides EMD in 2010, the company has announced the fairly large acquisitions of MWM Holding GmbH, a Mannheim, Germany-based manufacturer of combustion engines, and Bucyrus International, a company that designs, manufactures, and markets surface and underground mining equipment.
Caterpillar’s facilities in Japan were not damaged by the earthquake and tsunami, but many of its suppliers in Japan were. Caterpillar expects to experience sporadic production disruptions at many facilities around the world, which will have a negative impact on sales, factory efficiency, and costs like premium freight. While the situation is improving, the biggest impact will be felt in the second quarter of 2011./p>
Since the end of the first quarter of 2010, Caterpillar has added almost 21,000 people to its global workforce. About half are full-time employees, and about half are flexible workforce. In total, that represents an increase of over 19% in the total global workforce.

Cash flow has shown excellent improvement, while the machinery and power systems debt-to-equity ratio dropped from over 47% at year-end 2009 to 34.8% at year-end 2010, down to 30.4% at the end of the first quarter of 2011. That’s a drop of almost 4.5 points from year-end, which is an excellent improvement.
While there are some capacity constraints currently forecast for some products such as excavators and many of the company’s large mining products, Caterpillar continues to invest in capacity increases around the world to be prepared for 2012 and beyond, including substantial investment in the U.S. In fact, more than half of the $3 billion that it expects to spend on capital expenditures in 2011 is being invested in the U.S.
After a couple of very tough years, the continued high investment in infrastructure throughout developing countries and the continued replacement of aging machinery in Europe and the United States has Caterpillar well positioned to continue its rebound in growth. If commercial construction rebounds in North America and Europe as well, it will only make the company’s prospects even stronger.

Luxury without a luxury brand : Hyundai

Quick, what comes to mind when you think “Hyundai“? Cheap, entry level small cars from South Korea? Good answer. Except that you’d be utterly wrong. Because Hyundai’s biggest achievement since first hitting U.S. shores in 1986 — and being constantly ridiculed — has been to redefine what a luxury car can be.

It’s all about the features — and the price

While Toyota (TM), Honda, and Nissan, respectively, created Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti to take on the luxury market, Hyundai did something entirely different. It developed a luxury vehicle, loaded with all the features found on much more prestigious cars, and priced it to move.

The result, the Genesis, put Hyundai on the luxury map. It was showered with media accolades after its debut in 2009, and even notched quite a few fans holding the absurdly exclusive American Express Black Card. The follow-up Equus was equally well-received.

What Hyundai achieved was the assembly of a luxury package, minus the luxury brand separation. When Toyota and Honda went upscale in the 1980s, they were concerned that their reputations for solid little cars wouldn’t fly among BMW and Mercedes owners. Hyundai proved that, a few decades later, luxury buyers were so well-educated that they didn’t need the separate brand.

Luxury as information

This is actually a pretty radical accomplishment. Prior to the emergence of the Genesis, luxury was about the perception of a package, with a fine example being the famous Lexus tagline, the “relentless pursuit of perfection.”

By 2009, however, luxury buyers didn’t need taglines to summarize a potential luxury experience. The Internet provided so much information on demand that they could see luxury as content. If it was there, the brand packaging didn’t matter.

Something similar is actually happening among traditional luxury carmakers. Both BMW and Mercedes are pushing their brands lower on the value chain, building and marketing smaller cars, at lower price points, that still have all manner of luxury features.

Contrast this with Toyota, which followed the same branding playbook when it created Scion, its youth brand, as it did when it concocted Lexus.

South Korean Leadership

As old-school car companies like General Motors (GM) have learned, it’s much easier — and more cost-effective —  to market one brand than it is to market five, six, or seven (GM shed Pontiac, Saturn, Saab, and Hummer when it exited Chapter 11 in 2009).

So rather than have Hyundai dealers pass luxury buyers off to the luxury division, they can now sell them a car that has the luxury “content” luxury buyers demand. The $60,000 Equus can live on the same sales floor as the $15,000 Accent. Simple.

Product versus brands

I think this trend represent a new high point in the transition from brands to products. It parallels Apple’s (AAPL) operation in consumer tech: cheap iPod Nanos share floor space in Apple stores with powerful desktop work stations.

What matters is that all the products are excellent. This is what the educated consumer demands. Because simply saying a car is luxurious just because it’s a Mercedes or a Cadillac, doesn’t fly anymore. The luxury customer knows what he wants. And if he can get it for $50,000 in a great product, the allure of the $90,000 vehicle from the established brand falls away fast.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupe Black Series : A glance

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the much anticipated Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series, which is making its debut today and tomorrow at the Formula 1 race on the Nurburgring. The most powerful C-Class ever produced gets the Black Series treatment with insane amounts of power, a track-focued chassis and aggressive sporty styling.
Power for the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series comes from a 6.3 liter naturally aspirated V8 engine making 517-hp at 6,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 457 lb-ft at 500 rpm. The engine gets forged pistons, conrods and crankshaft, a new engine control unit and a 50 percent bigger oil cooler. It is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with four ESP control settings and can go throw the cogs in 100 milliseconds in the sportiest Sport Plus and Manual modes. The run from 0 to 60 mph comes in just 4.2 seconds.
“AMG has its roots in international motorsport,” said Ola Kallenius, the CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “The new C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series is the best proof there is for the permanent transfer of technology from the race track to the road. The numerous successes in the DTM, the customer sports range featuring the SLS AMG GT3 and our commitment to Formula 1, where we have been providing the Official F1 Safety Car and the Official F1 Medical Car for the past 15 years, continuously spur on our engineers and technicians. The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series embodies the new AMG brand claim, Driving Performance, like no other AMG model.”
Mercedes-Benz added a limited slip differential to the rear axle to improve the traction of the C63 AMG and added a stiffer anti-roll bars while upgraded the suspension with numerous setting options. Stopping power comes from giant 390mm front discs with 6-piston calipers, and 360mm discs at the rear with 4-piston calipers.

On the inside, two seats are standard but buyers can get an optional rear-bench with individual seats. While the new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series is aggressive looking as is with wider tracks, it will be the Black Series model to get an optional Track Package and an AMG Aerodynamic Package.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series will go on sale in January 2012 with prices starting at 115,430 euros ($165,716 USD). Mercedes-Benz says that the U.S. market launch will follow in early 2012 with prices to be announced closer to launch date.



Press Release:
The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series: The most powerful C-Class of all time
Affalterbach – Spectacular design, technology transfer from the world of motorsport and driving dynamics at the highest level; the new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series embodies the new AMG brand claim, Driving Performance, like no other AMG model. The new high-performance vehicle is the most powerful C-Class of all time, boasting a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp) and a maximum torque of 620 newton metres. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine impresses with its hefty torque, tremendous pulling power and responsiveness, and ensures high-calibre performance: the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds (all data provisional). Exclusive fun at the wheel comes courtesy of the adjustable AMG coil-over sports suspension, the AMG high-performance compound braking system and the functional standard equipment. The AMG Track Package is available as an option to enhance driving dynamics even further. It boasts sports tyres and active rear-axle transmission cooling, plus the AMG Aerodynamics package including flics, a functionally tuned front splitter and an adjustable carbon-fibre rear aerofoil.
Broad, low, brawny and ready to pounce from a standstill – the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series makes a mighty impression. It’s clear right from the first time you set eyes on it that the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is made for ambitious laps on a closed-off race track. In visual terms the new high-performance vehicle is reminiscent of the SLS AMG GT3 customer sports car and symbolises the transfer of technology from the sphere of motorsport, which has been part of the corporate philosophy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH for 44 years now.
With its new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series, AMG is presenting an exciting sports car for enthusiasts who are passionate about sports cars which are big on horsepower, and this marks the impressive continuation of the Black Series strategy, which began back in 2006. AMG, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz Cars, is once again demonstrating its expertise when it comes to designing and developing emotionally appealing high-performance cars.


Key data at a glance:C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series

Displacement                                         6208 cc
Bore x stroke                                         102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression ratio                                  11.3 : 1
Output                                                     380 kW (517 hp) at 6800 rpm at 6800/min
Max. torque                                            620 Nm at 500 rpm
Engine weight (dry)                                196 kg
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined     12.2 l/100 km*
CO2 emissions                                       286 g/km*
Acceleration 0-100 km/h                        4.2 s*


Arrow-shaped front section with large cooling air openings
It doesn’t matter from which angle you’re looking at it: the new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series displays its ties with motorsport from every perspective. The arrow-shaped front section with the central Mercedes star in the radiator grille is the visual synonym for its unfettered forwards thrust. The air intakes in the striking front apron ensure reliable air flow through the large cooling modules. Two openings in the aluminium bonnet support the expelling of engine heat, whilst the struts positioned at an angle in the front apron emphasise the vehicle’s width. The black front splitter located at the lower end helps to balance the vehicle aerodynamically.
The expressive design continues in the side view: the newly developed front axle with a greater track width calls for new wings, which have been widened by 28 millimetres on each side. “6.3” logos give a nod to the sheer power of the large-displacement eight-cylinder high-speed naturally aspirated engine beneath the bonnet. Air outlets intimated behind the wheel cut-outs call to mind powerful racing cars. The onlooker discovers a black strip on the restyled AMG side skirts – a look which continues the idea of the front splitter. On each side the rear wings have also been widened by 42 millimetres, due to the greater track width of the rear axle. Air openings are hinted at in front of the rear wheels, forming a fitting conclusion.

AMG light-alloy wheels featuring light forging technology
255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 – these are the impressive wheel formats for the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series at its market launch. The wheel/tyre combination is mounted on 9 x 19 (front) and 9.5 x 19 (rear) AMG light-alloy wheels, fills out the wings to stunning effect and plays a significant part in the dynamic appearance of this new AMG sports car.
Painted titanium grey, the high-sheen light-alloy wheels are produced using particularly light forging technology – as is the case on the SLS AMG. These forged wheels weigh a total of eleven kilograms less than comparable wheels with a conventional design. The lower weight results in reduced unsprung masses, which improves both the suspension’s response and the steering precision.
Broad effect of the tail end with a diffuser insert
The tail end of the Black Series coupé is also a feast for the eyes: the new rear apron with its expressive black diffuser insert creates a broad effect. Just like on the SLS AMG GT3, it protrudes beyond the profile of the rear apron. The black grille on the upper end of the diffuser insert is an eye-catching feature, as is the AMG sports exhaust system: both of the chromed twin tailpipes integrated into the rear apron have an angular cross-section. The spoiler lip on the boot lid is painted in the vehicle colour and reduces lift at the rear axle, resulting in more driving stability at high speeds. The AMG logo with its discreet “Black Series” lettering is reserved exclusively for the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series.

Engine with high-tech components from the gull-wing model
A displacement of 6.3 litres, a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp) and a torque of 620 newton metres from eight cylinders – one glance at the technical data and it’s clear that the engineering behind the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is every bit the equal of its sensational appearance. The high-torque M156 naturally aspirated engine was specially refined for the new two-door model, whose forged pistons, connecting rods and the crankshaft with a lightweight design, for example, all come courtesy of the SLS AMG. These measures are flanked by a new engine control unit. As the car’s performance proves, the uprated V8 engine has an easy time of it in the coupé: the sprint from standing to 100 is over in 4.2* seconds (* preliminary data).
Plenty of pulling power, an agile response and hefty torque – the qualities of the large-displacement AMG high-speed naturally aspirated engine arouse unadulterated passion in the driver. The jewel in the crown is the emotive, hallmark AMG eight-cylinder sound from the AMG sports exhaust system.
The optimised engine oil cooling ensures more performance even when the vehicle is put through its paces in harsh race-track conditions. With the aid of components from the SLS AMG, the AMG experts have managed to give the oil cooler a cooling surface which is 50 percent larger. The tried-and-trusted, innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission takes care of power transmission. Four transmission modes, the double-declutching function and RACE START promise maximum motoring pleasure and a high degree of variability. In the “Sport plus” and “Manual” transmission modes the gear changes take a mere 100 milliseconds.

AMG coil-over sports suspension with an AMG rear axle differential lock
The AMG sports suspension is a sophisticated new development. It has been designed as a coil-over suspension, as is the norm in motorsport – and it represents a hallmark feature of a Black Series model. It offers numerous setting options, and allows the driver to create their own personal set-up. The track width of the axles has been widened by 40 (at the front) and 79 millimetres (at the rear) respectively. In conjunction with the modified torsion-bar stabilisers, the C 63 AMG Black Series impresses with its pronounced driving dynamics, high grip and low roll angle. The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering facilitates superb vehicle control: the retuned map control for the power assistance ensures optimum steering precision.
The standard-specification AMG rear axle differential lock is responsible for reliable traction in particular for race-track applications. The 3-stage ESP® offers the ideal solution for all driving situations: via the ESP® button the driver can choose from the “ESP ON”, “Sport Handling Mode” and “ESP OFF” stages. In view of the increased driving dynamics, not only has the anti-lock braking system been completely retuned; the AMG high-performance braking system has also been redeveloped: a larger braking system is now used, with discs featuring compound technology proven in motorsport at the front axle (format: 390 x 36 millimetres) and integral discs at the rear axle (360 x 26 mm). Red-painted six-piston fixed callipers at the front and four-piston fixed callipers at the rear reliably decelerate the perforated, fade-resistant brake discs, which are ventilated all round.

Interior with a functional motor-racing atmosphere
The captivating high-tech components and the spectacular exterior design both find their logical continuation in the interior of the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series, which is black with red highlight elements, displaying the functional atmosphere of a true racing vehicle, whilst at the same time positively glowing with high quality and lovingly crafted details. Two AMG sports bucket seats facilitate the best levels of lateral support and thus optimum vehicle control on the race track. The black DINAMICA microfibre upholstery on the centre panels of the seats and doors is a new type of synthetic fibre which is characterised by its high lightfastness. The omission of the rear bench seat underlines the vehicle’s sporty character and reduces its weight. As an option the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is also available as a four-seater including the AMG sports seats familiar from the C 63 AMG Coupé – and with single seats in the rear.
The AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre with a steering wheel rim featuring flattened top and bottom sections has aluminium shift paddles for manual gear changes. Red seat belts and red contrasting topstitching on the steering wheel, on the seats, door centre panels, armrests on the doors, the centre console and on the shift lever gaiter add some interesting highlights. An exclusive “Black Series” logo adorns the trim on the dashboard, which sports a high-gloss black piano-lacquer look. The dashboard with three autonomous round dials has a three-dimensional TFT colour display. On opening the vehicle door the driver is greeted by AMG lettering. Possible displays for the engine oil temperature, the ESP® mode or the gear selection are integrated into the AMG main menu. The rotary switch for the C, S, S+ and M transmission modes and RACE START is located on the centre console next to the selector lever with a DINAMICA microfibre cover.

The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is proof positive that high driving dynamics and excellent active and passive safety need not necessarily be mutually exclusive: five airbags, belt tensioners and belt-force limiters for all seats are part of the standard specification, as are the anti-lock braking system ABS, the 3-stage ESP®, Headlamp Assist, the tyre pressure loss warning system and cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter.
The standard specification also includes (selection):

• AMG door sills in stainless steel, brushed, with AMG logo
• AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel, with rubber studs
• Audio 20 CD radio with double tuner, colour display, Bluetooth® interface, hands-free function, USB interface and eight loudspeakers
• THERMATIC automatic climate control

AMG Track Package and AMG Aerodynamics package

AMG has two special packages to offer for enhancing driving dynamics even further: the AMG Track Package comprises 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 19 rear sports tyres from Dunlop. They have been exclusively developed for the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series, and they tangibly and measurably increase grip. Active rear-axle transmission cooling improves performance in punishing race-track conditions. The radiator is located in the rear apron and the airflow passes through it effectively.
What are known as flics are part of the AMG Aerodynamics package. They are made of genuine carbon fibre and located on the front apron. Also included in the package are a functionally tuned front splitter made of genuine carbon fibre and a fixed carbon-fibre rear aerofoil with an adjustable blade. Both components not only increase the lift at the front and rear axle; they also optimise the vehicle’s aerodynamic balance.
Other optional extras include:

• AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package (cross strut in front apron, exterior mirror housing, inserts on the side sill panel, diffuser insert and spoiler lip in genuine carbon fibre)
• AMG light-alloy wheels featuring forging technology, painted in matt black with a high-sheen finish on the rim flange, with 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 tyres
• AMG carbon-fibre trim
• Fire extinguisher
• Intelligent Light System ILS
• KEYLESS-GO
• Tinted side/rear windows

Four captivating Black Series models since 2006

Whilst its driving dynamics are totally suited to the race track, the new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series offers all the properties which characterise a true Mercedes-Benz: suitability for everyday use, durability, safety and quality.

The most powerful C-Class of all time is the fourth Black Series model to be launched since 2006. The first one was the SLK 55 AMG Black Series. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine in the decidedly puristic two-seater enticed customers with its maximum output of 294 kW (400 hp) and a torque of 520 newton metres, and between July 2006 and April 2007 120 units were produced. The CLK 63 AMG Black Series followed directly in its footsteps. The two-seater coupé was powered by an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with 373 kW (507 hp) and a torque of 630 newton metres. Between April 2007 and March 2008 700 vehicles were made.

The highlight up until now was the SL 65 AMG Black Series, which was unveiled in July 2008: the high-performance coupé still captivates drivers today with its spectacular appearance, unique performance data, systematic lightweight construction and exclusivity of the highest calibre. The AMG 6.0 litre V12 biturbo engine with a maximum output of 493 kW (670 hp) and torque of 1000 newton metres made the SL 65 AMG Black Series the most powerful AMG vehicle ever to enter series production. In total there were 350 units built from September 2008 to August 2009.

The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is celebrating its world premiere during the Formula 1 race on the Nürburgring, the German Grand Prix (23 – 24 July 2011). The market launch will follow in January 2012, and its sales price is 115,430 euros (incl. 19% VAT).

Toyota Most Reliable Brand in the 2011 TÜV Report

Toyota has achieved 17 Top 10 ratings in the 2011 Auto Bild TÜV Report, with eight models in the 5 different vehicle age categories (2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 and 10-11 year old). This makes it the most successful brand listed. With only eight and 10 Top 10 ratings respectively, the second and third placed brands trail by a significant margin, reinforcing the exemplary quality standards of Toyota vehicles.
The full hybrid, high-technology pioneer, the Prius, proved the most reliable car in its class. With only 2.2% of all vehicles tested in the main inspection revealing any defect whatsoever, Prius secured first place with the lowest defect rate amongst two to three year old vehicles. This success has been achieved in the context of some eight million TÜV inspections over the past 12 months, providing the strongest evidence yet of the quality, durability and reliability of Prius and its Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain.

Toyota  Prius

                                                                                     Toyota  Auris

Close behind the Prius, the Toyota Auris was awarded second place in the same category, with a defect rate of just 2.3%. In the Brakes, Suspension, Lights and Environment inspection categories, neither Prius nor Auris demonstrated any significant weaknesses. And they both recorded defect levels far below the TÜV report’s 5.5% average.

Toyota corolla Verso

The same applies to the Corolla Verso. Having won first place in the 2009 TÜV report for two to three year old cars, the Verso secured a 2011 win for cars in the four to five year old class, with a defect rate of only 4.2%.

Toyota Avensis

An impressive fourth place went to the Toyota Avensis. With an average defect rate of 10.4% for vehicles in this age category, the Avensis rated just 5.0%. Older Avensis models also displayed above-average reliability. TÜV discovered defects in only 7.6% of the six to seven year old vehicles tested, corresponding to fifth place.