Mercedes-Benz at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit

Germany (Stuttgart) 14 January (PROTEXT/ots) - Mercedes brings Hollywood toCOBO Hall

- World premiere 1: Sex And The City star Kim Cattrall presents Vision GLK

- World premiere 2: Debut for the new generation SLK Roadster

- 2008: BLUETEC offensive with SUVs in the R, M and GL Class

Picture is available via EPA (European Pressphoto Agency) and can bedownloaded free of charge at:http://www.presseportal.de/pm/68912/daimler_ag/?keygroup=bild

"I love the GLK’s powerful design, not to mention its incredibly spacioustrunk, its exceptional comfort and the fact that it’s a Mercedes," commentsKim Cattrall, one of the four stars of hit TV show Sex And The City andcelebrity guest of the Mercedes-Benz press conference at the 2008 NAIAS(North American International Auto Show), who brought more than just a hintof Hollywood glamour to the COBO Hall. The world-famous actress made herstage entrance in the "Vision GLK" SUV study, where she displayed animpressive familiarity with the subject. "After all, I am one of the fewpeople who have already had the opportunity to gather a generous amount ofhands-on experience with the future GLK," says Kim Cattrall in conversationwith Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Management Board of Daimler BenzAG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

This is because the GLK, which goes on sale in this fall (January 2009 inU.S.), has an automotive starring role as a "rough and ready character" in"Sex And The City" - The Movie, which is currently being filmed and is duefor release in May. As an entry-luxury SUV, the future GLK adds a fifthmodel to the successful Mercedes-Benz SUV range, offering customers a newentry point into the world of Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive and securingyet another growth market segment for the Stuttgart auto manufacturer. "Theforthcoming GLK is the right vehicle at the right time," says DieterZetsche. "Firstly, it possesses a highly individual design that is a cleardeparture from the segment norm. Secondly, it brings together the strengthsof our full-size models within an entry-luxury format that also hasbenefits in terms of fuel consumption." This intelligent "right-sizing"sees Mercedes-Benz achieve - in parallel with its BLUETEC initiative - afurther contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions within the SUVsegment.

Vision GLK with new four-cylinder diesel and BLUETEC

The SUV study is presented in two visually distinct versions - as theelegantly sporty "Vision GLK BLUETEC" with on-road focus, and in thedistinctly robust off-road version. In essence, these two studies previewthe production version of the all new GLK class, which will go on sale inthe US January 2009. The new GLK also sets it own benchmarks in terms ofenvironmental sustainability and efficiency. "Both versions of the VisionGLK are equipped with our highly efficient 4MATIC all-wheel drive systemand our all-new four-cylinder diesel engine - a power unit that is botheconomical and, thanks to BLUETEC, extremely clean," explains Daimler’sHead of Technical Development Dr. Thomas Weber. "From its 2.2 literdisplacement, this high-torque engine generates 204 hp and a world classtorque of 369 lb ft that is available from as low down the rev range as1,600 rpm."

This takes the new four-cylinder into performance dimensions that werepreviously the domain of three-liter six-cylinder diesels and largedisplacement V8 gasoline engines - and combines this with exemplary fueleconomy. Weber again, "All this is made possible by innovations exclusiveto Mercedes. For example, the latest in common-rail injection, new piezoinjectors for 2,000 bar injection pressure, as well as two-phaseturbocharging."

Continuation of the BLUETEC offensive with six and four-cylinder engines

With its new four-cylinder diesel, Mercedes-Benz is driving forward itsBLUETEC offensive, which was successfully launched two years ago in the USAwith the E Class. The E 320 BLUETEC, which was introduced in October 2006,initially in 45 states, was honored shortly afterwards as "World Green Carof the Year 2007" and has since gained approval for California and theother states adopting Californian emission standards. The second half of2008 will see Mercedes launch - once again in the USA first - three50-state approved diesel SUVs in the R, M and GL Class. Like the newfour-cylinder, these six-cylinder models are also equipped with the evenmore efficient BLUETEC System with additional AdBlue injection and SCRcatalyst. Tomas Weber says: "This means that our powerful and economicalSUVs, too, are so clean that they meet the requirements of all 50 U.S.states."

New generation SLK Roadster - consumption down and power up

Passion for automobiles and environmental responsibility harmonizeperfectly at Mercedes, as also demonstrated in Detroit by the secondMercedes world premiere - the new generation SLK Roadster. Among theoutstanding innovations to be found in the newly updated two-seater is theredeveloped gas engine under the hood of the SLK 350. The result - evenmore driving pleasure with up to ten percent lower fuel consumption.

One true masterpiece is the new hi-revving 3.5 liter V6 sports engine duefor introduction in the US and other international markets in April. In theSLK 350 it generates 300 hp, which is 32 hp more than its predecessor with268 hp. Despite this significant power increase, the SLK 350 boasts notablylower fuel consumption. In the automatic version, gas mileage has beenincreased by 2 mpg to 27 mpg.

Updated design and new Direct-Steer

The updated design of the new generation SLK conveys even greater sportingcharacter and dynamism. Exterior accents are set by the redesigned frontspoiler with more distinctive treatment of the air intakes and the frontgrille V-element, as well as a new diffuser-look rear spoiler. The interiorreceives a boost through a host of new details and exquisite materials,while the cockpit layout increases its focus on the driver.

Visual accents are set by the new three-spoke sports steering wheel, whichrepresents yet another technical innovation. The newly developedDirect-Steer system with variable power assistance brings together agilityand responsiveness on winding country roads with greater ease duringparking maneuvers and improved high-speed safety. Based on the provenprinciples of speed-sensitive power steering, Direct-Steer is a purelymechanical system resulting in more direct feedback and increased steeringprecision. With the wheel in a central position, the steering parametersare set more indirectly for increased straight-line stability and,therefore, improved safety at high speed. At steering angles upwards offive degrees, the ratio rapidly increases and the steering becomesnoticeably more direct.

Since its market launch in 2004, the current SLK has become the world’sbest-selling premium roadster in its class, with an industry-leading recordin residual values. Its average market share is 30 percent. "The SLK hasbeen a success story from the very start. The new generation model bearsall the prerequisites for further consolidating this leading position,"comments Dieter Zetsche. "A more dynamic look, even better equipment andeven more refined technology."

Contact:

Christoph Horn

Telefon: 0711-17-75841

E-mail: christoph.horn@daimler.com

Robert Moran

Telefon: (201) 573 2245

E-mail: robert.moran@mbusa.com

Norbert Giesen

Telefon: 0711-17-76422

E-mail: norbert.giesen@daimler.com

Eva Wiese

Telefon: +49 711 17-92311

E-mail: eva.wiese@daimler.com

Wolfgang Zanker

Telefon: +49 711-17-75847

E-mail: wolfgang.zanker@daimler.com

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available online at:http://www.media.mbusa.com

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