Welcome to news in brief
Our round-up of the most interesting Mercedes-Benz related news events…
Got a story or news for MERCEDES ENTHUSIAST, don’t delay send it now
New Mercedes-Benz GLB
There has been news of another model to join the ever expanding range of Mercedes-Benz cars, with the ‘crossover’ GLB. Designed to be a versatile off-road orientated SUV, it offers short overhangs and all-wheel drive, with three rows of spacious seating inside. It will be powered solely by the efficient four-cylinder engine range to deliver a refined and economic ride. The new family member has 100mm more wheelbase than the new B-Class, thus offering impressive cabin space and loading capacity, as the car can be used in five-seater formation for improved compartment space. Prices and specifications will be announced later in the year. (29/07/19)
Australian Classics
Don’t miss Australia’s biggest classic car event on 11th and 13th October, now in its seventh year Motorclassica, draws an audience from around Australia for three days of celebration. Hosted in the world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building and its surrounds in Melbourne, more than 500 vehicles are expected including Mercedes-Benz. It includes a concours d’elegance. (26/07/19)
40 years of the G-Class
The G-Class has been the constant presence in the off-roadmarket for over 40 years, making it the longest standing passenger car model series built in Mercedes-Benz history. To mark this anniversary three ‘Stronger Than Time’ special editions based on the G400d are due to be released, as well as a new individualisation range named G manufaktur. The company is also opening the doors to its newly built G-Class Experience Centre in Graz, Austria, where customers can test the off-road icon in extreme terrain. (23/07/19)
Success at the 24-hour Nurburgring
There were celebrations for the Mercedes race teams at the 24-hour Nurburgring that ran from 20th to 23rd June, as both podium places and class wins were scored. Around 230,000 fans came to spectate as the number 3 Black Falcon CT3 car secured third place overall. In a turbulent race, second place went to SP9 Pro-Am went to the number 18 GT3 car from GetSpeed Performance, whilst the number 70 Black Falcon T4 secured a class win in SP10. (19/07/19)
Mercedes on Mercedes – by the Mercedes-Benz Club of South Australia
A collection of classic and modern Mercedes-Benz cars is to be held on 13th October at Mercedes College, Springfield, South Australia. Covering up to eight decades of manufacture, rare and exceptional examples are also invited for display. Dealerships latest offerings will also be in attendance. The event is a joint adventure between the MBCSA and Mercedes College. (12/07/19)
Fun, sun and Pagoda fun
For the worldwide Pagoda enthusiast, visit PagodaFest in San Diego, California between 3rd to 5th October. A great way to learn about the cars and the people. Includes showcases, technical sessions, Pagoda run, market and auction. (09/07/19)
Simply Mercedes
A show for Mercedes of all eras from old to new, from the SSK to the 300 SL and G-Class, all are welcome. with a ‘People's Choice’ contest to be held on 18th August at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hampshire. (05/07/19)
Mercedes-Benz Clubs of Australia national rally - preliminary notice
What promises to be a spectacular few days of Mercedes-Benz magic is set for 24th to the 27th April 2020 at the Crown Casino Complex, Burswood, Perth as the Mercedes-Benz Club of Western Australia hosts the National Rally in Australia. The event is open to all clubs from across Australia (and the world). Registration is now open. (01/07/19)
Shakedown test for the Mercedes-Benz Formula E race car
A new entry in the all-electric race series is the Mercedes-Benz's Formula E, the Silver Arrow 01 will be one of the newer machines on the starting grid later this year. Mercedes-Benz will race under the EQ electric sub-banner in Formula E. EQ is also the name given to Mercedes-Benz road cars' electrification systems. The first race of the season kicks off November 22nd in Saudi Arabia. (28/06/19)
Berlin Klassik car show
Join the Mercedes-Benz Club of Canada at the premier euro car themed show, Berlin Klassik between 10th and 11th August Grand Bend Motorplex, Ontario. All marques will be in attendance including Mercedes-Benz with 140 trophy classes. (24/06/19)
Street life classics
The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance in June lived up to all expectations with an eclectic collection of more than 100 classics gathered. 35,000 spectators attended the 26th edition of the event. While there were just a few Mercedes-Benz on display, what was present did not disappoint. The Steve McQueen Classic Sports Car Award went to an impressive 1954 300SL owned by David Duthu. Two other Mercs to catch the eye were the 1957 190SL owned by Imren Salim and the 1958 300SL Roadster belonging to Howard Green. (20/06/19)
OS welcomes new members
Living in Singapore? The Mercedes-Benz Club of Singapore welcomes new members for social members meetings, workshops events and more. (17/06/19)
Pagoda rally
A contingent of Mercedes-Benz Club members will join this German organised tour from 15th to 19th August starting in Mannheim, Germany. (10/06/19)
Deutsche Fest returns to Brands Hatch
If you like motorsport, and in particular with a German flavour indulge in on-track action at Deutsche Fest on the famous Brands Hatch indy circuit on 7th July. There will be plenty to see including off track where there’s German car displays with plenty of Mercedes in attendance. (04/06/19)
New showroom for Mercedes-Benz Carlisle
Mercedes-Benz of Carlisle has almost doubled the size of its new showroom in Kingmoor Park and is one of the first in the UK to feature Mercedes-Benz interactive technology that includes vehicle configuration and video walls. As a consequence of the expansion a number of new employees will be added to the existing team. (29/05/2019)
New showroom and workshop for restoration specialist
One of the leading concours quality restoration specialists, Hilton & Moss will open a new workshop facility to cater for its growing business enterprise. Due to open in Spring 2019, it will also accompany the construction of a new showroom at their Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire site. Hilton & Moss specialise in the restoration and preservation of the 300SL, 190SL, 280SL and R107SL models. (24/05/2019)
Rowan Atkinson’s Merc for sale
Rowan Atkinson, the British comedian is to sell a facelifted 500E from 1991, featuring a 5.0 litre V-8 engine reaching 326 hp. The car is just one of 29 left-hand drive models that were imported to the UK. For enthusiasts interested in making a bid, the car is at auction at Classic Cars Auctions on 25th May. (21/05/2019)
Mercedes-Benz first quarter global results
Mercedes-Benz closed the first quarter of 2019 with 560,873 passenger cards sold worldwide. For the third year in a row, sales in the first quarter were well over 560,000 units. The first three months of the year featured important model changes in the highest volume SUV and compact car segments. The company expects global sales to increase overall in 2019. (19/05/2019)
HK-World opens
The world’s leading 300SL dealer is opening a new centre where up to 65 of the iconic Gullwings and Roadsters will be on display, many of them for sale. The facility will also be a classic experience, with many period items on display, such as 1950s jukeboxes, luggage and model cars. (17/05/2019)
Ontario annual car show and picnic
For Mercedes enthusiasts in Canada, make a note in the diary for an unmissable event, the Annual Car Show and picnic on 23rd June. Open to both Mercedes-Benz Club members and the public, there will be a number of significant Mercedes-Benzes to see as well as a ‘peoples choice’ contest. Event to be held at Waterloo, Ontario. (15/05/2019)
C125 CL is now a classic
With the broad definition of a ‘classic’ car being one that’s 20 years old, Mercedes-Benz reminds us that the C215 CL is in that category. Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1999, its sleek looks wowed show visitors, and the car also introduced Active Body Roll (ABC) suspension which transformed handling. (14/05/2019)
D-Class does it for Mercedes owners
The classic car trim specialist D-Class Automotive in Chobham, Surrey known for its faithful reproduction of original style materials, is soon to offer a range of under mat insulation for W113 SL Pagoda models. It also plans a range of deleted interior fabrics, such as sports check cloth for various classic Mercedes-Benz models. (04/05/19)
San Marino Motor Classic
The ninth annual San Marino Motor Classic, Southern California’s premier Concours d’Elegance, returns 9th June at Lacy Park in San Marino, California. More than 350 classic collector cars spanning over a century will be on display with a significant number of Mercedes-Benzes. with a feature class that will soon be announced. The San Marino Motor Classic is a nonprofit organization that benefits three local charities. (29/04/19)
Classic Prices on the slide
Values of the top classic Mercedes models have on average dipped in the last year, according to London based Historic Group International. Its index puts prices achieved at auction down 5.2 per cent in the last 12 months. Despite this it reports a pick up in sales of W198 300SL models. (26/04/19)
New GLC coupe announced
Just a few weeks after announcing the new GLC SUV, Mercedes has presented the coupe version of the model. The next generation of the successful car combines the sportiness of a coupe with the functionality of an SUV. The stylish new recedes will be available in the UK with a range of five engine choices to start with, consisting of two petrol models and three diesels. (24/04/19)
Beaulieu Spring Autojumble
A date for the diary will be the Beaulieu Spring Autojumble with over 1,000 stands to be held on 18th and 19th May at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hampshire. (23/04/19)
Simply Mercedes
A great day for all Mercedes owners and enthusiasts will be Simply Mercedes on 18th August. Covers all eras with a ‘people’s choice’ contest. The venue will be at the National motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hampshire. (19/04/19)
2018 DTM winning car on display in museum
The C63 in which Gary Parffett won the DTM championship is now in the Legends 7: Silver Arrows – Races and Records exhibition area of the Mercedes Museum in Germany. The Brit clinched the overall victory with this car and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport won the Team and Manufacturers’ Championships. (17/04/19) (Picture attached)
Centre stage C111 in Essen
Mercedes were centre stage for enthusiasts of the marque at the premier European classic and modern show, Techno-Classica with a number of variants of the C111 on display, starting with a 1966 Designstudie SLX. Icing on the cake was a first year of production 300SL barn find sourced from the USA. (15/04/19)
Mercedes enthusiasts in Australia
If you live in Australia there’s a club in sunny Queensland for lovers of the three pointed star. Interstate and overseas members are welcome to join the Mercedes-Benz Club. See what is to offer by contacting the Membership Officer: membership@mbclubqld.com (10/04/19)
Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance
In its 26th year this exclusive classic car meeting is still free to enter. Held at upmarket Rodeo Drive a shopping avenue In Beverly Hills, California on 16th June. Look out for classic Mercedes-Benzes! (08/04/19)
25 years from the E500
This year, the iconic Mercedes E500 celebrates two special moments that took place 25 years ago. In March 1994, the limited special model, of which just 500 units were built, was presented at the Geneva Moto Show, and in October 1994, the Stuttgart-based brand handed over the 10,000th E500 built. (03/04/19)
1000 Miglia 2019
For enthusiasts of the touring re-enactment of the famous Italian touring road race, don’t miss the 1000 Miglia between 15th and 18th May. The recreation of the touring race will commence from Brescia to Rome. (27/03/19)
RM Sotheby’s Auburn Spring sale
Extended to four days for 2019, RM’s auction offers a wide range of classic cars, including Mercedes-Benz. Auction to take place between 29th May and 1st June at Auburn Auction Park, Auburn, Indiana USA. (25/03/19)
Club Chairman is back again
The Mercedes-Benz Club board re-elected Rosemarie Maslin as Chairman in late January. Taking over from Ian Keers in 2018, she said that in her first year the post had been ‘both enjoyable and at times challenging’. (21/03/19)
Finnish Club celebrates 40th anniversary
Founded in 1979, the Mercedes-Benz Club of Finland is to celebrate with a three-day programme that includes a drive from Helsinki to Tampere and a museum visit. The club has a large and active membership with many interested in the classic scene. (20/03/19)
Mercedes-Benz Club National Concours
Don’t forget to make a date for the diary with the Mercedes concours event to be held on 15th June at Mercedes-Benz HQ in Milton Keynes. This will have numerous categories, attracting first time and experienced entrants. (18/03/19)
Mercedes-Benz latest sales figures
The first two months of 2019 saw Mercedes-Benz deliver 333,229 cars worldwide (-6.7%). In February, the brand sold 152,690 worldwide (-6.7%). The model changes in the highest-volume segments SUVs and compact cars had an impact on sales in all regions also last month. The worldwide decrease in unit sales compared with the same month of last year is largely due to the discontinuation of the predecessor models of the CLA and the GLE. Meanwhile, the new B-Class had a positive effect on sales in Europe. (15/03/2019)
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake
The new CLA will be available as a Shooting Brake from September 2019. Just like the four-door CLA Coupé, the Shooting Brake will give additional functionality in terms of more space for that extended shopping spree or for sports and outdoor activities where space is required. (12/03/2019)
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance: Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing twins
This year marks Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in Florida 24th anniversary and on the concours field, two vintage Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwings models with successive chassis numbers will have their own exhibition area. The vehicle bearing number 44 has been completely restored by Mercedes-Benz Classic but number 43 will be presented in barn find condition, as found by Mercedes-Benz in a garage at the end of 2018. It was originally shipped to Miami in 1954 and is completely original. (08/03/2019)
Mercedes-Benz Manchester landmark
Mercedes-Benz is opening its largest showroom in Europe in Stockport, Manchester. The state-of-the art facility will become the Mercedes-Benz hub for the Greater Manchester area and once complete will be a showcase for up to 140 vehicles, including a dedicated AMG area and 30 workshop bays. (06/03/2019)
RM Sotheby’s add new sale date
A large consignment of Mercedes-Benz motor vehicles are included in a new sale date for RM Sotheby’s as part of the Techno-Classica Essen show on 10-14th April. (03/03/2019)
MBUK appoints Tom Brennan as new Head of Fleet
Tom Brennan started his career in financial services, moving into the automotive industry and subsequently into the fleet world, eight years ago. He takes the role as Head of Fleet at an exciting time for Mercedes-Benz, with an expanding line-up that this year will be added to with the fully-electric EQC, along with new plug-in hybrid C-Class and E-Class models. (26/02/2019)
Mercedes-Benz delivers more than 180,000 vehicles in January
Mercedes-Benz delivered 180,539 vehicles worldwide last month and in China, more than 70,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles were delivered in a single month for the first time. The new A-Class also achieved a strong sales increase of approximately 35% in January. Worldwide sales were impacted at the beginning of the year primarily by model changes in the high-volume segments. (19/02/2019)
Simply Mercedes at Beaulieu
Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu doe the Simply Mercedes Show on Sunday 18th August. Admirer and connect with fellow enthusiasts and their cars of all ages from new to old. (13/02/2019)
Sold at Silverstone
An immaculate example of a left-hand drive McLaren SLR with just 6,700 miles on the clock from new has just sold at £196,875 at Silverstone Auctions in January 2019. It was expected to be targeted by keen collectors. (13/02/2019)
New prices and specs for AMG GT
A new pricing and specification structure has been announced for the refreshed version of the AMG GT. The handsome coupe will start from £104,130, whilst prices start at £115,730 for the Roadster. Order books are open now with first deliveries arriving in May. (06/02/2019)
Mercs at the London Classic Car Show
The London Classic Car Show is looming large again with just 2 weeks to go until the doors open. Don’t forget to make a note in the diary for 14th – 18th February at the Excel, London. A number of independent Mercedes specialists will have displays including a few notable names Hilton & Moss, Hemmels and the SL Shop. (30/01/2019)
New Chinese Research & Development Centre
Daimler has announced plans to build a new Research & Development Technical Centre in Beijing. Scheduled to start operations in 2020, the Centre will be in proximity to an existing centre established in 2014. Total investment will be over 145 million Euros. (30/01/2019)
Mercedes Automobilia for sale at auction
An interesting array of Mercedes-Benz themed and other automobilia has come up for sale by auction. Sourced from an impressive collection of over 40 years, the items will be auctioned on 27th April at Cheffins Machinery and Vintage Sales at Sutton, Ely, CAMBS. (29/01/2019)
Norway Club Rally in June
The mercedes-Benz Club of Norway will host its Stjernelopet Rally on 14-16 June. It takes place in the city of Kristiansund on the country’s west coast, and M-B Club members from all over Europe are invited to attend. No picture. (24/01/2019)
Mercedes Classic Values get a Boost
After a decline earlier in 2018, values of classic Merecdes models rose 6.9 per cent during December, according to Historic Group International, which compiles international selling prices in a stock market style index. It adds that price growh for the whole of last year was 2.3 per cent, but that over 3 years the rise in Mercedes vvvvvalues has been almost 20 per cent. (24/01/2019)
130 Electric Variants By 2022
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars has stated the company plans to a total of 130 electrified variants of Mercedes-Benz by 2022, including electric vans, buses and trucks. Having recently invested billions of euros in the development, he stated that the company is consistently pushing forward with the transformation into the electric future (17/01/2019).
BMW & Daimler AG Join Forces
The BMW Group and Daimler AG are planning a joint mobility company. The new venture is owned in equal parts by the BMW Group and Daimler AG and will focus on allowing customers to move through a seamlessly connected and sustainable ecosystem that combines Car Sharing, Ride-Hailing, Parking, Charging and Multimodality from a single source and is available with just a few taps (17/01/2019).
Already Winning in 2019
Mercedes-Benz has won two awards at the 2019 Car buyer awards. The new A-Class was named the ‘Best Small Luxury Car’, while the S-Class was named the ‘Best Luxury Car’.
The A-Class – which is the best-selling model for Mercedes-Benz in the UK – was praised for its interior comfort, innovative technology and low running costs, while the S-Class was praised for its generous amount of interior space and cutting edge technology (17/01/2019).
Rare 300SL AMG for auction
One of just 11 specially converted 300SL models built by AMG with a V8 engine and auto gearbox is up for auction at the Tokyo Auto Salon this month. The right-hand drive example is one of two built and has lived in Japan since new. It’s expected tpo make over £1,000,000. (14/01/2019)
Project ONE prototype testing
The exciting new Mercedes-AMG Project ONE hyper car prototype is reaching an exciting development stage as test drives commence at a secret test ground in England. The heavily camouflaged prototypes are still being driven on closed off test grounds and racetracks, but the sound may give them away 14/01/2019.
Mercedes-Benz posts 8th consecutive record year
Last year, Mercedes-Benz sold more than 2.3 million cars worldwide (+0.9 per cent), making 2018 the most successful year in terms of sales in the company’s history. The passenger car division of Daimler AG sold a total of more than 2.4 million Mercedes-Benz and smart vehicles last year (+0.6%) and is the best-selling premium brand in the automotive industry for the third time in succession (14/01/2018)