Automobiles Can Be Environmentally Compatible With Cities of the Future Says Mercedes-Benz USA Executive

Automobiles Can Be Environmentally Compatible With Cities of the Future Says
Mercedes-Benz USA Executive
'One-Size-Fits-All' Approach to Alternative Propulsion Won't Work

MONTVALE, N.J., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- As the debate on climate change and
transportation continues to widen, encompassing suggestions ranging from the
increased use of mini commuter cars to vehicle-free cities, a Mercedes-Benz
USA (MBUSA) executive stated that there can and should be a role for the
automobile in the decades ahead.

Speaking at the Wired Smart Salon: "Energy + The City" Sascha Simon,
department manager of advanced product planning for MBUSA said, "We believe
that automobiles -- even luxury automobiles -- can be environmentally
compatible. Technology can and will help to bring down CO2 emissions
dramatically in the future without requiring American drivers to give up the
personal mobility that is so important to us."

Simon explained that MBUSA has a long-term plan that will lead to the adoption
of next-generation drive trains, and eventually, zero-emission vehicles. This
plan encompasses a wide array of alternative energy solutions that will appeal
to the needs of consumers while also reducing their carbon footprint.

"Many automakers are making clean vehicles an either/or proposition," he
explained. "Some are focused on hybrids, others on diesel. But if automakers
are to be truly successful in reducing emissions, we can't offer a
one-size-fits all-solution. We must offer a variety of vehicles that take
into account different driving environments and different consumer comfort
levels in adopting new technology."

Last year, MBUSA introduced BlueTEC clean diesel technology, which is
currently available in three SUVs and will be available next year in the
E-Class sedan. This technology reduces fuel consumption by 30%.

This fall, MBUSA launched the S400 Hybrid sedan, the first series-production
lithium-ion battery powered hybrid, and the ML450 Hybrid, the first full
hybrid from a European manufacturer, will be in dealer showrooms shortly. In
addition, MBUSA will introduce its first fleet of U.S. fuel cell vehicles next
year.

"Globally, we have invested tens of billions of dollars in clean technology
research," Simon said. "We already have an array of technologies, including
diesel, hydrogen, electric and natural gas, ready to roll out as consumer
needs and government legislation require. No other company has a portfolio
structured like this. The trick now is matching each technology to the right
time."

"America has always been a country whose love affair with the automobile is
based in no small part on the importance of personal mobility, and that's
unlikely to change in the foreseeable future," Simon continued. "People want
to do their part to fight climate change, but they will do it much more
quickly if they can see real benefits while make as few sacrifices as is
reasonably possible. That's why we're determined to offer a portfolio of
vehicles with technology optimized to ensure the consumer can easily adopt and
embrace it."

About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for
the sales, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach
products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up
in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to
the flagship S-Class sedans and CL coupes. More information on MBUSA and its
products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

Accredited journalists and editors can access press materials by registering
at www.media.mbusa.com and www.media.maybachusa.com.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA

Donna Boland, +1-201-573-6893, Toll-Free, +1-888-MBNEWS-1