Posted on 1/29/2014
The MINI has been called an automotive icon of the 1960s so many times that it has eventually become cliché. Ironically, the aforementioned title is actually too modest. The vehicle’s adoption of the front-wheel-drive layout became revolutionary, and it would become the standard drivetrain in the automotive industry. It has been manufactured uninterrupted for six decades. And the only car The New York Times named as more influential in the 20th century is the Ford Model T. Birthed during an energy crisis, the MINI has since flourished as one of the most popular cars in modern times. THE BEGINNING It all began in Britain, which was reeling from the Suez Crisis of 1956. Britain was in a diplomatic and military confrontation with Egypt, which decided to nationalize the Suez Canal. As this waterway was a major conduit for shipping oil, Britain was hit by the shortage and rising cost of fuel. This created a longing for less reliance on the relatively ... read more
Posted on 1/22/2014
Mercedes-Benz sales in Canada make it one of the leading and popular luxury car lines in the country.Desrosiers Canadian Automotive Reports for June, 2014 showed that Mercedes-Benz sales ranked 11th for the month at 3,556 units, representing a 6 percent increase over last year’s results. Year-to-date, Mercedes-Benz ranks 9th overall at 36,944 units sold, just behind luxury car Infiniti at 51,011 sold to date but ahead of Audi at 36,299 units sold year-to-date for the 6 months ending June 30, 2014. Canadians have many different models from which to choose from, based on their budget and model preference. You have the ability to choose between sedans, coupes, SUVs and wagons, as well as convertibles and roadsters. The company even has a selection hybrids and electric car models for those who are e ... read more
Posted on 1/15/2014
For German automaker and vehicle industry stalwart Mercedes-Benz, making supercars isn’t new. For decades its AMG division has produced vehicles characterized by powerful engines, sport-like performance, and aerodynamic styling. However, with its latest attempt—the Mercedes-AMG GT—Mercedes will attempt to make a more accessible and affordable supercar. BACKGROUND Formerly an independent engineering and manufacturing firm, AMG—an acronym derived from the founder’s surnames (Aufrecht and Melcher) and Aufrecht’s hometown of Großaspach—was founded in 1967. Then known as AMG Engine Production and Development, Ltd., the company began to build a reputation for modifying Mercedes vehicles like the 190E and 300E four-door sedans. Mercedes-Benz was so pleased with the work that it signed a contract of cooperation with AMG in 1993, allowing the latter to customize some of the most popular vehicles in the automaker’s line-up. They included the compact C-Class, the mid-size E-C ... read more
Posted on 1/8/2014
Mercedes-Benz has been in the business of making cars since the turn of the last century. A division of Daimler A.G., a Stuttgart, Germany based global auto maker, this maker of luxury class vehicles has also been involved in the manufacturing of non-traditional vehicles. This includes land racers that have been involved early land speed records, boats, trucks and other types of vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is more than just cars. Here is a look at the history of Mercedes-Benz and the different types of non-automotive vehicles they have produced over the years. Mercedes-Benz 2014 Canadian Sales The Mercedes-Benz division of Daimler A.G. has been a leading maker of luxury vehicles and a top selling brand in Canada. According to Desrosiers Canadian Automotive Reports for May 2014, Mercedes-Benz has sold 14,889 units in Canada yea ... read more
Posted on 1/1/2014
In the car kingdom, the three pointed star of the Mercedes-Benz is undisputedly one of the highest ranking and most sought after symbols when it comes to luxury and style. The brand Mercedes-Benz isn’t just an empty status symbol, it provides owners with the ultimate driving experience that proves all cars are not created equal. So it is even within the world of the Mercedes-Benz, that though they are all equipped with the essentials of luxury vehicles, there are some that are just a cut above the rest. Here are the models that will have you hitting the breaks and spinning right around for a second look. 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Lets go back in time and meet the supercar of the day. The 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K, first released at the Paris Motor Show, was tailored specifically to each individual customer and only produced on special order in a range of bodies. Its 5.4 liter inline-8 cylinder could produces speeds up to 170kph leaving the rest of the competitio ... read more