Tag Archives: Mercedes-Benz

News

Mercedes-Benz can test Level 4 self-driving systems in China

The automotive industry and everything that goes with it has been on the rise in China for years, and so has autonomous driving. Leaders in the development of autonomous driving, although in strained relations with the EU, have allowed Mercedes-Benz to test self-driving cars with level four autonomy in this country.

Mercedes-Benz got permission to test cars with level 3 autonomy in China late last year, and the new permission is a big deal for the manufacturer as their test self-driving cars are now allowed to move in most situations without the need for humans to take control. The focus will be on U-turns, lane changes and driving in roundabouts, as well as driving at toll booths in Beijing.

Of course, Mercedes is not the only one testing self-driving cars with level four autonomy in China, as Baidu, Hongqi and WeRide are already doing it, but it is the first foreign company with this permission. However, that could soon change, as Tesla is working on getting full approval for its Full Self-Driving system in this country, which should be completed by the end of the year.

They previously received tentative approvals to test 10 cars with the FSD software in June, but it should be noted that the FSD software is considered second-level autonomy, which means that drivers must keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times and constantly monitor the situation. Tesla’s approach is unique because every driver using FSD actually helps improve the system through real-world testing.

Also, other companies like GM and SAIC, which launched Level 2 autonomy software last month, are trying to get their share of the pie, but the competition is getting tougher.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Auctions

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sb Coupe is for sale

At the 1951 Paris Salon, Mercedes-Benz revealed a hand-built two-door car, the Mercedes-Benz 300 which was produced until 1954 as the 300 S when it was replaced by the 300 Sc version. However, between 1954 and 1955, Mercedes-Benz launched an updated version of the 300 S, the 300 Sb. Only 216 cars were produced and one of them, the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sb Coupe, will be offered at auction.

Mercedes-Benz 300 represented a strong return of the German manufacturer to the market after the Second World War. It was an elegant luxury car designed to give reliable service under prolonged hard use. However, Mercedes decided to update this model by installing upgraded brakes, a redesigned dashboard, and pivoting vent windows. Ultimately, this also resulted in a 50% price increase over the 300 S ($12,300).

This car is finished in Dark Gray over Light Gray leather, and is in excellent condition. It is equipped with Becker Le Mans radio, whitewall tires, Hirschmann automatic antenna and sealed-beam headlights. What makes this 300 Sb rare is the ultra-desirable and rarely seen floor-shift option, as opposed to the typical column-mounted transmission selector.

Under the bonnet is a 3.0-L inline-6 ​​engine with 150 hp (110 kW).
and 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission.

The auction will be held in Monterey from August 15 – 17, 2024, and the estimated value of the car is between $375,000 – $425,000 USD.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

Gallery:

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sb Coupe is for sale

News

BMW sales results in six months of 2024

2023 was a successful year for many companies when it comes to sales, and some continued on the same path in the first six months of 2024. One of them is BMW, which recorded sales growth in the first half of 2024, with over a million vehicles delivered worldwide.

BMW is still the leader in the segment of premium cars. According to the Bavarian manufacturer, in the first six months BMW sold 1,096,486 cars worldwide, which is a growth of 2.3 percent compared to the same period in 2023. Although the biggest growth was recorded in the sale of electric cars, and 180,000 of them got new owners (+34%), customers still mostly opt for cars powered by internal combustion engines and hybrids.

When it comes to competition, in second place in the ranking of premium brands was Mercedes-Benz, which, although it delivered around 960,000 cars worldwide, recorded a 6 percent drop in sales. Also, in the segment of battery cars, they sold only 93,400 units (-17%). Audi is in third place with 833,000 cars delivered, which is also a drop of 8 percent compared to the same period in 2023. In the segment of battery cars, the company based in England recorded a growth of 1.3%.

Speaking of models, the highest demand was for the 7 Series, which recorded a 22 percent increase in sales, and other models such as the 3 Series and X1 also achieved excellent results.

The highest demand was in their biggest market (Europe), where 460,144 vehicles were delivered (+2.6%), and a positive result was also achieved in the American market (+2.1%). In Asia, BMW delivered 493,364 cars (-3.6%), of which 375,947 cars in China, a drop of 4.2%.

Source: BMW