> “Mercedes-Benz World Drive” – with fuel-cell drive around the world, the new B-Class Electric Drive and Natural Gas Drive, the smart fortwo electric drive (top down). 9 F o c u s includes targeted lightweight construction, embedded in a vehicle construction that is as flexible and as consistently optimized as possible. In this respect, we rely on an intelligent material mix of high-strength steels, light metal and synthetic materials based on the motto, the right material in the right place. The decision on which material to use and where depends on weight, ecological balance, cost-efficiency and, more than anything else, a material’s function. It is our mission to offer drivers and passengers the highest possible level of safety. So to protect the passenger compartment optimally in the case of an accident, we combine different kinds of materials and can thus make the most of the different advantages each material has. In parts that are considered particularly relevant in terms of safety, for example the B-pillar, we rely on ultra-highstrength steels. We only use aluminum in the body shell, the so-called hang-on parts as well as in the front and rear end. We additionally use mounted parts, like the inner part of the trunk lid in the SL AMG which consists of FRP/CFRP. ‹F›: The emotional component is a very important factor where cars are concerned. How do you manage to make the Mercedes a car that will always be a pleasure to drive – despite the economy and environmental compatibility of its drive? ‹Dr. Weber›: It works because our development team follows a guiding principle right from the start of every project: to bring together fascination and responsibility. The results are highly emotional products, such as our new A-Class. Here we have developed an exceptionally attractive, sporty compact vehicle, which defines the premium of this segment not merely via its fascinating design. With a fuel consumption of 3.6 liters and 92 grams of CO2 per kilometer, the new A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition also achieves optimum values when it comes to fuel consumption. And who ever claims that electric cars and big emotions don’t go together has definitely not yet had the pleasure of driving our smart fortwo electric drive: smooth acceleration and maximum torque right from the start; now that’s what I call pure driving pleasure – with “zero emissions!” <
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