BMW and Mercedes-Benz have announced that they are putting their autonomous drive technology collaboration on hold. David Leggett, automotive analyst at data and analytics company GlobalData, comments on the news: “The two companies cited the cost of developing a new next generation shared autonomous drive technology platform, as well as current business and economic conditions, as reasons for putting the cooperation on hold.”
Thousands of British drivers have joined a legal claim against Mercedes over a diesel emissions scandal, which will be led by law firm PGMBM. The firm has filed a group litigation claim in the Liverpool High Court against Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz UK, over a diesel emissions scandal that it says could be worth up to £10 billion.
Continental Tyres and Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK have created a new integrated digital Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
In recent years, the popularity of multideck trailers has steadily increased as more and more fleets – especially those transporting in the grocery sector – recognise the environmental and cost benefits that these space-maximising trailers can bring. However, such trailer configurations are not without issues. A heavier load and greater frequency of use can lead to tyre pressure challenges and temperature build up around trailer wheels.
Dismal new car registration figures in April conceal a milestone for the UK motoring public – for the first time ever, an all-electric model topped the passenger vehicle sales charts. But when it comes to overall new registrations, top of the heap during the month was a van.
Following the announcement that Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group have formally established the global joint venture (JV) ‘smart Automobile Co., Ltd’ for the Smart brand after receiving the necessary regulatory approvals, David Leggett, Automotive Editor at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:
Kumho Tire has once again been selected as an original equipment supplier to Mercedes-Benz. The latest generation of its G-Class model, produced in Graz, Austria, is factory fitted with Kumho’s Solus KL21 SUV tyres in size 265/60 R18 110H.
Falken Tyre Europe reports that Falken tyres are being supplied as original equipment for fitment on the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Deliveries of the Falken Wildpeak A/T3WA and AS210A began in May, with size 265/60 R18 tyres being mounded on the luxury 4×4.
Bridgestone tyres have been approved as original equipment on the latest Mercedes A-Class. The Turanza T005 is the tyre of choice, and Bridgestone Europe reports it will supply Mercedes-Benz with dimensions to fit the full 17- to 19-inch high-rim range, including 17- and 18-inch tyres with run-flat technology.
The General Tire Grabber AT² will be fitted to G-Class 4x4s ex-works in the Mercedes-Benz plant in Graz, Austria. A size LT265/75 R16 tyre was chosen for original equipment supply, and the approved OE Grabber AT² can now also be ordered for replacement fitment via Mercedes dealers.
The Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP visited National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) member, Inchcape Mercedes-Benz dealership in Loughborough on Friday 21 July 2017. Morgan, who is Member of Parliament for Loughborough, and recently appointed chair of the Parliamentary Treasury Committee, was on a site visit to discuss the general workings of the dealership and the sites local significance.
Original equipment tyre approvals are standard practice in the automotive industry, however vehicle manufacturers’ influence on later replacement tyre choice is generally restricted to passive recommendation via OE tyre selection. Mercedes-Benz is taking a more hands-on approach in India, and has teamed up with Continental to offer a range of approved products for replacement tyre customers.
Mercedes-Benz has given the Hunter three-axle commercial vehicle alignment system OEM approval. Available exclusively in the UK through wheel alignment specialist Pro-Align, Hunter states that its system is the first and only wheel aligner available capable of providing live alignment readings on three axles simultaneously, reducing the time needed to conduct an alignment check. The aligner can be used on all Mercedes-Benz trucks, buses, trailers and vans, including those with multiple steering axles. The CV approval follows Mercedes-Benz making Hunter’s car focused aligners available to dealers last year.
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) 2016 Autumn Ball took place over the weekend at the Grove Resort in Hertfordshire.
Pirelli has unveiled the line-up for this year’s Pirelli Prestige & Performance Competition. The event, held at Blenheim Palace on 3 September, includes some of the greatest supercars of the last forty years. Aston Martin, Ferrari, Jaguar, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, and Pagani will feature among 25 auto brands in eight different classes, while Lamborghini and Porsche have special celebration classes.
The existing partnership between Hankook Tire and German touring car championship DTM has been extended for a further three years. The tyre maker signed a new contract with DTM promoter ITR e.V. last Friday following the press conference held for the opening of the current season; under the terms of this contract, Hankook will continue to deliver its Ventus Race DTM tyres to Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz until the end of the 2019 season.
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