AutoProject started working on their wide body kit for the AMG C63. Quite frankly I am liking the direction they are taking. Matter of fact I like the finished product in which I will post in a few days.

My obsession grows with every passing day for the the new entry level AMG Car. In which next year I will most likely pull the trigger on one if all the business plans go as planned then it will be a very feasible purchase. check out some pics and info below.

(from Mercedes-Benz Press Release) In the German Touring Car Championships (DTM) the new AMG C-Class ensures exciting motor racing at the highest level, and now its roadgoing sister model is celebrating its debut: the new C 63 AMG. Its AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine develops a peak output of 336 kW/457 hp and a maximum torque of 600 newton metres – unrivalled figures in this segment. Accordingly the C 63 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. In conjunction with an all-new front axle, speed-sensitive AMG sports steering and the new, 3-stage ESP Ò, the AMG sports suspension ensures both outstanding driving enjoyment and exemplary handling dynamics. A combination of expressive design, a decidedly sporty interior and a high level of everyday practicality makes the C 63 AMG a unique high-performance car. The market launch will commence in early 2008.

With the new C 63 AMG, Mercedes-AMG GmbH is making a confident statement to mark the 40th birthday of the company. The new V8 flagship model is now the fifth generation of the AMG C-Class, whose family tree goes back to the C 36 AMG of 1993 – the very first vehicle developed as a cooperative venture between Daimler-Benz and AMG.

Merely the appearance of the C 63 AMG is impressive enough, with its wide, road-hugging stance. The new bonnet with its prominent power domes conceals the independently developed AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, which develops a fulminating 336 kW/457 hp at 6800 rpm from a displacement of 6208 cubic centimetres. In this respect the C 63 AMG comes very close to the 470 or so horsepower delivered by the AMG C-Class racing touring car in the DTM series. This high output also benefits the power-to-weight ratio, which is a very favourable 3.6 kg/hp.

The torque developed by the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine need fear no comparison either. The maximum of 600 newton metres at 5000 rpm is unrivalled in this class, and the torque curve is equally impressive: from 2000 to 6250 rpm the driver always has more than 500 newton metres on tap – ideal for powerful acceleration in any engine speed range.

V8 with thoroughbred racing technology and a designer exhaust note

Introduced in 2005, the V8 engine is installed in numerous AMG high-performance cars and excels with its thoroughbred motor sports technology.

Perfect cylinder charging is guaranteed by the vertical arrangement of the intake and exhaust ducts, as well as the magnesium variable intake manifold with two integral throttle flaps. Other high-tech features include variable camshaft adjustment, four-valve technology with bucket-type tappets, a particularly rigid aluminium crankcase of closed-deck design and the low-friction TWAS coating on the cylinder contact surfaces.
Among the particular strengths of the AMG V8 engine are outstanding responsiveness and enormous pulling power – by virtue of its large displacement, it develops over 30 percent more torque than comparable engines in this performance class. Electronically controlled fuel delivery is another reason for the outstanding agility and responsiveness to movements of the accelerator. With its sporty AMG sound, which was designed-in during a series of sophisticated trials, this eight-cylinder powerpack from Affalterbach offers the unique excitement of a fast-revving, naturally aspirated engine – an audible and immediate experience whether at low, medium or high engine speeds.

In the interests of optimal reliability, the C 63 AMG has a particularly efficient water cooling system and large engine and transmission oil coolers. Located behind the large apertures in the AMG front apron, these coolers ensure non-critical operating temperatures at all times – even under the extreme stress of the racetrack.

Like all AMG high-performance engines, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 is built in the AMG engine shop on the traditional “one man, one engine” principle. This means that one technician is responsible for hand-assembling a complete V8 engine to the highest quality standards – which is attested to by his signature on the AMG engine plate.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC with blipping function

This high-performance eight-cylinder engine has the perfect partner in the form of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission. Equipped with AMG steering wheel shift paddles and three driving modes, the seven-speed automatic transmission allows a decidedly sporty or more comfort-oriented style of driving according to the driver’s preference. The different modes – “S” (Sport), ” C” (Comfort) and “M” (Manual) differ in their shift characteristics and speed: gearshifts in “S” mode are around 30 percent faster than in “C”, and no less than around 50 percent faster in “M” mode.

Pressing a button is sufficient to activate the desired driving programme.

The new C 63 AMG is the very first AMG car to feature an automatic throttle-blipping function during downshifts. This not only enhances the driver’s emotional experience – the almost completely jolt-free downshifting process also reduces the load-change responses and has a particularly positive effect when braking before bends on the racetrack.

Redesigned front axle with 35-millimetre wider track

The C 63 AMG owes its outstanding handling dynamics to the AMG sports suspension and an all-new three-link front axle design. The stiff configuration of the springs and gas-pressure shock absorbers ensures optimal road contact and low body movements when negotiating serpentine bends at speed. The new front axle has a 35-millimetre wider track – visible by the more widely flared wheel arches – and therefore ensures lower dynamic wheel loads when cornering. A number of features make for substantially more stability and precision in all driving situations: the redesigned wheel location at the front axle is 100 percent more rigid, leading to a considerable improvement in steering precision. Another benefit makes itself felt when braking, as the new wheel location ensures an immediate response even under high dynamic stresses.

In combination with completely newly configured elasto-kinematics, the new wheel location provides greatly improved lateral dynamics and allows the driver of the C 63 AMG to benefit from significantly higher cornering speeds. A larger torsion bar stabiliser, new head bearings and dampers with rebound buffer springs further enhance this stability and precision. Steering feedback is also improved by the new kinematics. The speed-sensitive AMG sports steering has a ratio of 13.5:1, but feels more direct as a result of moving what is termed the instant centre of motion at the front axle. A more rigid Hardy disc in the steering column, as well as modified steering characteristics, make a further contribution to increased precision.

The multi-link independent rear suspension has also been thoroughly re-engineered, with a twelve-millimetre wider track and more camber leading to improved cornering performance. Reinforced drive shafts and drive joints increase fatigue strength and round off the improvements to the rear suspension of the C 63 AMG.

The completely newly developed AMG sports suspension combines outstanding handling dynamics with the long-distance comfort to be expected of a Mercedes – which also means that the C 63 AMG has the characteristic virtues of a genuine AMG.

18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, 19-inch wheel/tyre combination on request

The C 63 AMG is appropriately fitted with new, 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design. Painted in titanium grey, these high-sheen wheels in size 8.0 x 18 and 8.5 x 18 are shod with wide-base tyres in size 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear). Even more dynamic handling is made possible by the optionally available 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design. The front wheels are in size 8.0 x 19 with 235/35 tyres, with 9.0 x 19 wheels and 255/30 R 19 tyres at the rear.
Generously dimensioned AMG high-performance braking system

Internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes all-round reside behind the spokes of the AMG wheels. The front brakes have size 360 x 36-millimetre discs with six-piston fixed callipers, while deceleration at the rear is by 330 x 26-millimetre discs with four-piston fixed callipers. The AMG high-performance braking system is characterised by great sensitivity and high fade-resistance.

3-stage ESPÒ with Sport function as a new feature in the C 63 AMG

The Electronic Stability Program ESPÒ is specifically configured for the dynamic performance of the C 63 AMG, which is the first AMG model to feature the 3-stage ESPÒ with a Sport function. This system offers three different control settings, and is a logical further development of the AMG ESPÒ philosophy. The ESP key in the centre console enables the driver to choose between three modes – “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” – the currently active mode is shown in the central display of the AMG instrument cluster.

In “ESP ON” mode, the onset of handling instability leads to braking intervention at one or more of the wheels, accompanied by a reduction in engine torque. Briefly pressing the ESP key activates “ESP SPORT”. In this mode the braking intervention to counter oversteer or understeer, as well as the accompanying reduction in engine torque, allows a higher dynamic threshold and, for instance, corresponding drift angles – which means that the driver of the C 63 AMG benefits from considerably more active driving pleasure. ESP Ò is restored to its normal function as soon as the brake pedal is operated.

Prolonged pressure on the ESP key activates “ESP OFF”. There is no intervention to control the handling dynamics, and no reduction in engine torque – thus increasing driving enjoyment even further. “ESP OFF” should only be used by experienced drivers on dedicated racetracks. In this mode too, operating the brake pedal restores all the normal functions of ESPÒ. The system’s traction logic is active in all three ESP Ò modes. If one of the drive wheels threatens to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to create the effect of a mechanical differential lock. This means that the engine power is optimally transferred to the road.

More distinctive exterior design than ever before

It is not only in technological but also in visual terms that the new C 63 AMG is more distinctively different from the standard C-Class than ever before. The front end is dominated by the new bonnet with its two pronounced power domes, as well as the trademark AMG radiator grille with a central star and two louvres with chrome inserts. The honeycomb pattern of the grille is also reflected in the large air dams of the new, athletically contoured front apron which forms part of the AMG-specific bodystyling. The fog lamps with chrome surrounds are spaced well apart, acting together with the flared front wheel arches to accentuate the width of the car – with the striking transition from the front apron to the wings leaving a particularly strong impression. The side air vents in the front apron serve to expel the hot air from the oil coolers. If the C 63 AMG is specified with the optional bi-xenon headlamps or the Intelligent Light System, the headlamps are also dark-tinted.

Eye-catching features when viewed from the side include the 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, the harmoniously integrated “6.3 AMG” lettering on the front wing and the AMG side skirts. At the rear the standard LED rear lights, the AMG rear apron with its black diffuser insert and three pronounced diffuser fins, as well as the AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome twin tailpipes, provide further visual highlights that are hallmarks of the brand. The AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid reduces lift and ensures greater handling stability at high speeds.

AMG interior with new sports seats and performance steering wheel

This decidedly sporty theme is continued in the interior of the C 63 AMG, which now has special AMG sports seats with integral head restraints for the first time. The seats not only feature a new design with cross-piping and AMG lettering, but also an adaptive backrest with adjustments for the side bolsters and lumbar support. The standard upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/AMG fabric is available in a choice of black or reef grey – or as an option the interior can be further enhanced with particularly high-grade leather in black, reef grey or black/sahara beige. Perfect handling control is assured with the new AMG performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design, which has a rim diameter of 365 millimetres and a flattened lower section. The upper section is covered in perforated leather, and two silver AMG shift paddles enable the gears to be shifted manually.

AMG main menu with a wide variety of displays

The trademark AMG instrument cluster in a tubular design features newly styled dials, AMG-specific lettering and a new night-time design. Eye-catching details include the 320 km/h speedometer scale, AMG lettering, red needles and the “6.3 V8″ logo in the rev counter. The AMG main menu in the central display allows numerous settings, with “Warm Up”, “Set Up” and “RACE” modes activated via buttons on the AMG performance steering wheel. “Warm Up” displays the engine oil and coolant temperature, “Set Up” the current ESP Ò mode and the transmission mode “S”, “C” or “M”. “RACE” mode makes the RACETIMER available, with which the driver is able to measure lap times on a racetrack.

Development and design of the C 63 AMG

Creating a new car is a complex undertaking, and this certainly applies to the new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG whose conceptual phase commenced in 2004. This began with the fundamental feasibility study known as packaging. The new C 63 AMG was first constructed as a digital model, the engine, cooling system, fuel system, drive train and axles being “married” with the bodyshell to examine buildability. In spring 2005 the first 1:4-scale design models were produced on the basis of drawings and computer images, and in addition the first testing & development vehicles were already built on the basis of the preceding C 55 AMG. This made it possible to test major assemblies such as the drive train, brakes and axles. The latest onboard measuring technology provided valuable data such as engine oil, coolant and brake disc temperatures – but other aspects of interest were lap times e.g. on the north loop of the Nürburgring, as well as measurable, precisely defined handling manoeuvres to provide comparisons between different axle configurations. These tests were accompanied by extensive aerodynamic tests on the bodyshell of the C 63 AMG, and it was only then that the final design was approved.

Following approval of the concept in the autumn of 2005, the first fully-fledged prototypes of the C 63 AMG were built. At the same time the high-performance saloon was also produced as a digital prototype. Computer simulations made it possible for the “real” development prototypes to exhibit a very high level of maturity during the first rollout. These simulations included the most important vehicle functions, such as handling dynamics, the engine and drive train, bodyshell durability, suspension performance, passive safety, the engine’s thermal characteristics and performance/fuel consumption.

From Affalterbach to every climatic zone on earth

The standardised and highly sophisticated AMG development and test programme for the C 63 AMG began in summer 2005. Over the next couple of years around 20 vehicles were dispatched all over the world from Mercedes-AMG GmbH in Affalterbach, to be subjected to strenuous tests in every climatic zone.

Test, analyse and optimise – that is the creed of the specialists at AMG to achieve the objectives laid down in the book of specifications. Another decisive aspect was an ongoing dialogue between Design and Development, so that any necessary technical modifications were also implemented in design terms.

Mercede benz 300SE sale

1990 At fully loaded 60,000km aorund,

Engine, Mission good working condition.

————–

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Payment–bank wire transfer beforeshipment in Japan. Before TT.
we provide you 2 IDs. Passport and Japan drivers licese.　No laond and No finance

_________________

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#510 Castle May, 3-1422 Ueda-Higashi
Tenpaku, Nagoya  Japan 468-0006
ks.nra30133@gmail.com
fax +81 52 803 1870
tel +81 90-1417-1403
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lately I have obtained quite the obsession with the 3 pointed star, most notably the new C63. The New E-class and and Ecoupe is no exception and this time Lorinser has not disappointed and has taken a slightly different approach with their run of the mill styling. And, now the love is running deeper in my veins to obtain more than one benz of my own.

The W212 premium limousine: The new E-Class as a top-class Lorinser

The popular luxury car from Mercedes Benz already has six decades of model history behind it. It was only natural for Sportservice Lorinser, a company with long tradition, to take on the type W212 limousine with special devotion. The result is an optical and technical masterpiece, which is available from now.

The world-renowned four-eyed face of the completely re-designed classic is captivating in its tuned version thanks to the extremely bold expression. The strikingly angular front headlights are joined by a black coated grill, which is thrillingly pushed into centre of attention by the front spoiler that has been stretched further forwards.

Its new aura is not just mysterious, but also oozes power. The designers knew that by having a middle section in the bumper marked with a different colour, they would be able to skilfully emphasise the typical Lorinser gills in the fenders as well as the voluminous side sills. In addition they gave the clear-puritan design of the basic bodywork interesting new highlights: a pert rear, formed by the Lorinser rear apron with the diffuser set and a dynamic roof spoiler. Sports suspension with adequate lowering guarantees that the limousine takes the corners every time. Attractive light-alloy wheels suit them well, which Lorinser offers in timelessly classic and modern designs.

With regards to the sound, the Lorinser E-Class already showed its highly-addictive potential at its first public appearances. This is no wonder as four sonorous exhaust pipes set off acoustic fireworks as soon as you put your foot down. And last but not least this should ensure that the Lorinser E-Class limousine’s appearance is one to remember. www.lorinser.com

At least on surface, the only thing these two seem to have in common is country of origin..

Opel Admiral B, rusted and primered (as if to drive the point home)- sort of reminding us of the Chevy Nova from Death Proof:

The almost feminine M-B Pagoda:

Give us the big, bad Opel, actually- Hart to Hart can have the Pagoda.

Photo credit: essichgurgn (top), oldtech (bottom)

- Gyro

Aside from General Motors “going out of business” taxpayer bail-out fire sales and their deceptive “you can return this care if you don’t absolutely love it” teevee commercials… yeah, that’s enough to make anyone’s stomach turn.

Andyway, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a private, insurance-company-funded organization (don’t get me started on those bastards, the insurance ones, that is), has released their “Top Safety Pick” for 19 sedans and 8 SUVs fro the 2010 model year. Their ratings are, in order, from the top: Good (G), Acceptable (A), Marginal (M), and Poor (P).

Ford and Volvo (a Ford-owned subsidiary), each earned 6, while Subaru, Volkswagen and their Audi division each received 5.

Chrysler earned 4, while Honda and GM each had 2, with Toyota, BMW, Mazda and Mitsubishi receiving none.

Hey!

What about Mercedes-Benz?

Oh yeah… their C class automobile (which the IIHS classifies as “midsize” – what’s their S class, then? Super? The C class is Coupe/Compact, you idiots!) is a “Top Safety Pick” for 2010.

And, Mercedes models have ranked Good from 200-2009 and Acceptable from 1997-2000.

Remember that awesome car chase in 007 Tomorrow Never Dies?? Bond has jumped into the backseat of his BMW and he uses his cell phone to DRIVE HIS CAR. And do many other cool things. Watch here!

Well, an iPhone and Blackberry app have come out that will turn you into James Bond! I’m just kidding, the app can unlock your car, locate where you parked it, and contact roadside assistance. Initially free, but after 6 months there is an annual fee of $280.

I don’t know…my own car remote can lock/unlock my car for free (also pop open my trunk), my brain remembers where I parked my car (or I can use other free apps for that), and I can use my own phone to call for roadside assistance, thanks.

So, until this app allows me to drive my car with my phone, I will be holding onto my $280. But still, pretty cool!

[CrunchGear]

mercedes benz e320 wagon sale

1997, AT fully loaded 3,200cc gasoline,

140,000km around.

Payment–bank wire transfer beforeshipment in Japan. Before TT.
we provide you 2 IDs. Passport and Japan drivers licese.　No laond and No finance

_______________

Kuroyanagi Shouten Ltd Japan.
#510 Castle May, 3-1422 Ueda-Higashi
Tenpaku, Nagoya  Japan 468-0006
ks.nra30133@gmail.com
fax +81 52 803 1870
tel +81 90-1417-1403
http://111kuroyanagi1.wordpress.com/
http://nagoyajapan1.wordpress.com/
http://japancarexport.at.infoseek.co.jp/index.html
http://ukcanada.hp.infoseek.co.jp/GTR.html
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mercedes benz 560 SEL sale

1988 560 SEL At fully loaded 120,000km around.

Payment–bank wire transfer beforeshipment in Japan. Before TT.
we provide you 2 IDs. Passport and Japan drivers licese.　No laond and No finance

____________________

Kuroyanagi Shouten Ltd Japan.
#510 Castle May, 3-1422 Ueda-Higashi
Tenpaku, Nagoya  Japan 468-0006
ks.nra30133@gmail.com
fax +81 52 803 1870
tel +81 90-1417-1403
http://111kuroyanagi1.wordpress.com/
http://nagoyajapan1.wordpress.com/
http://japancarexport.at.infoseek.co.jp/index.html
http://ukcanada.hp.infoseek.co.jp/GTR.html
http://kuroyanagikazuo.hp.infoseek.co.jp/index.html
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Michael E. Porter defines a Strategic Group as ‘the group of firms in an industry following the same or a similar strategy along the strategic dimensions.’  This essentially means that a Strategic Group, within an industry, is a group of firms that operate in a similar fashion in terms of their respective Specialization and Vertical Integration. If we take the example of the Passenger Car Industry, a group of firms are characterized by broad product lines, heavy advertising, medium integration, extensive distribution, mass-market appeal and widely-available service, lets call this Group A, while another group of companies would be characterized as extremely narrow product lines, minimal, often no advertising, high integration, selective distribution and service and superior performance, lets call this Group B. The firms that fall in Group A, internationally, are to the likes of Hyundai, Ford, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Fiat, Toyota, Renault etc., while firms like Ferrari, Bugatti, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, Maybach etc, belong to the latter group. Then there exists a group in between wherein performance meets mass-market appeal. This, Group C, would consist of firms like BMW, Audi, Daimler-Benz (Mercedes), Porsche, Alfa-Romeo, Nissan etc., which are a match between performance and luxury, and wide-appeal through narrow product lines. Another group of manufacturers, say Group D, such as Proton, Tata Motors, Maruti-Suzuki, Daihatsu, Mahindra & Mahindra, etc. exists which has most characteristics of the first group, barring an international appeal, meaning that manufacturers like these are broadly limited to their home countries and a few other countries, with product lines which are neither narrow nor broad, but have extensive distribution channels, at least in their home countries.  Firms in Group B are highly vertically integrated primarily because of the focus on quality in their products, which is essentially why most products from these firms are hand-built with in-house manufacturing of components unlike other groups where most, and in some cases, all components are purchased, ranging from the Chassis to the Design, and Automobiles are just assembled in the plants.

Interestingly, the Strategic Groups, as mentioned, also have a lot in common with market shares of these firms. While Group A firms tend to enjoy a high market share with their products with mass-market appeal internationally, Group B, on the other end of the spectrum, has firms with products of very limited appeal, primarily because of the exorbitant price tags. Group C firms have much smaller market shares than that of Group A, and have a middle-of-the-road appeal in terms of luxury and performance and price. Group D, on the other hand, consists of firms with large market shares in only a few markets, most commonly in the country they originate from. It is also interesting to understand the ownership patterns of firms across various Strategic Groups. Broadly, the largest Global players enjoy a presence, through one or more of their brands, in at least three of the four strategic groups. For example, Volkswagen Group has a presence in Group A with its Volkswagen brand, in Group B with Bugatti & Bentley, in Group C with Audi & Porsche, and in Group D with Skoda & SEAT. Similarly, Fiat Group has a presence in the three groups with Fiat in Group A, Ferrari in Group B and Alfa-Romeo in Group C. The benefits are primarily in the form of platform sharing and in effect, cost saving because of reduced Research & Development costs, Market Power and the sharing of critical components.

Industry Rivalry

Rivalry within a Strategic Group is likely to be more in industries where there is a great difference between product lines of firms, especially in terms of pricing. In the Automobile Industry, the rivalry among the firms within a Group is far greater than the inter-group rivalry, as opposed to an industry where the substitutes are very close and are available in plenty. The inter-group rivalry is at a far lower level internationally because of the scale and appeal of products of firms from different groups. On the customers’ part, there can be a shift from one group to another, especially when upgrading to a more expensive automobile, the firms effectively compete for customers in different market segments on their parts. For example, Ford does not compete with Ferrari, but it does, in some segments, with BMW, Audi & Mercedes. This is because Ford’s more expensive and less mass-market range of cars are in similar segments with BMW’s lesser expensive, more mass-market cars. So a Ford Focus would compete with a BMW 1-Series and not a BMW 7-Series as the target customers for both are poles apart. Similarly, firms from Group D can often compete with firms from Group A on a regional level, which is why we see Maruti-Suzuki competing with Ford, Fiat & Chevrolet because their target customers in the Indian market are broadly similar, but differ in the global context.

Bargaining Power of Suppliers

Different strategic groups enjoy different degreed of bargaining power of suppliers. In Strategic Groups where firms are primarily assemblers, the bargaining power of suppliers tends to be low primarily because of the scale of production of these firms. Often firms that operate in the mass-market enjoy market power because of their market share. This allows them to leverage their position to bargain with suppliers and have components customized for their use than that of other players. For example, Denso is a key supplier of Toyota to such an extent that Denso follows Toyota to whichever market Toyota enters. The bargaining power of Toyota over Denso is fairly high because of standardization of components and faster product development times across the industry because of which Toyota has the advantage of purchasing similar components from Bosch or Delphi. But because Denso is so dependent on Toyota for its revenues, it has to operate in a manner which suits Toyota, hence effectively lowering possibilities of serving another client. The existence of multiple-suppliers allows firms to pick and choose from a bouquet of firms and attain the lowest possible costs, keeping in mind the specification of the components in concern. In other strategic groups such as Group B, the bargaining power of suppliers is fairly high because of the focus on quality of the product. Most firms in Group B product most components of their cars and outsource only a few. The few components that they outsource come from specialist suppliers. The switching costs may not be very high, but the costs of customization of products to suit the manufacturer is very high because of the nature of the product.

Bargaining Power of Buyers

Bargaining power of buyers varies from group to group. Groups where mass-market players exist with minimal product differentiation have to deal with high bargaining power of buyers while groups with highly differentiated products enjoy low bargaining power of buyers. Strategic Group A, where firms are mass-market players with low product differentiation in most cases, have to deal with very high bargaining power of customers, primarily because of the availability of a plethora of options both from the same firm as well as from constituents of the Strategic Group. The bargaining power of buyers is slightly lower for Group C firms than that of Group A, because each Group C firm has a brand identity which is peculiar to that firm alone while others are close to achieving similar results, but are not widely known for the same. For example, BMWs are identified with their handling and performance, while Mercedes cars are identified as the more luxurious of the two. While customers pick between one of the brands, they have an agenda in mind while purchasing cars from this particular group. A customer who would like more performance than luxury is likely to go for one brand over the other, but at the same time, the customer also enjoys the presence of multiple players and can shift from one brand to another because the products are so close to each other in terms of specifications, features, luxury and performance. Firms in Group B enjoy low bargaining power of buyers, primarily because they have highly differentiated products with varied features and specifications. The products are normally either extremely high on luxury, or on performance. While all products in this strategic group are far more luxurious and better in performance than those in the other groups, they tend to have an inclination towards one side of the spectrum. While Rolls Royce cars are the epitome of luxury on wheels, Ferrari’s are the best performers of the lot, which is not to say Rolls Royce is archaic in terms of performance and Ferrari in luxury. The customers here have a clear-cut demand which can only normally be filled by one of the brands, which essentially goes to say that the bargaining power of buyers is low for Strategic Group B firms.

Threat of Substitutes

Substitutes to passenger cars are broadly based on the price points of the vehicles. While at the lower-end of the spectrum, substitutes are public transport and 2-wheelers, the higher-end of the spectrum only has air-travel as a substitute, which is only applicable for inter-city travel. Group A and Group D face the threat of substitutes such as 2-wheelers and public transport because of their price points. For example, the Tata Nano faces threat of substitutes by Motorbikes in India, especially for unmarried individuals, married without children and empty-nesters. The other threat to lower-end cars is Public Transport, primarily because of the limited spending capacity of the target customers of these products. Firms in Strategic Group B only face threat from substitutes such as Helicopters and Airplanes, the latter primarily for inter-city travel and the former for intra-city travel. The threat is low because of the scarcity of helipads in most parts of the world.

Threat of New Entrants

Threat of new entrants is low across the industry at a global level primarily because of the capital requirements for setting up of production facilities and distribution channels. The threat is low on a global level, but at a local level, threat in parts of the world is high. For example, in India, the threat of new entrants is at a medium level because of the absence of multiple global players. When these players decide to enter India, they can, and are willing to, spend Millions of dollars in setting up infrastructure to support their products. This is aided by a huge potential market for products of these firms, which are primarily members of Group A. Establishing of brands is also a very difficult task, especially for firms looking to enter Group B or Group C. Most firms in these groups have been present in the market for decades and have established their brands over years and years of existence and can hence charge a huge price tag for their offerings.

Reference:
Competitive Strategy, Michael E. Porter

While the Frankfurt Show has eyes only for 100% electric car, Mercedes-Benz launches new vehicle fuel cell. The B-Class F-Cell will be 200 copies produced and tested in Europe and the United States.

With the slew of electric models powered by Lithium-Ion unveiled at Frankfurt, we would end almost forget that other technologies are being developed.
Among them is of course the fuel cell which converts hydrogen into electrical energy. This solution, tested by many manufacturers (see our dossier Honda FCX Clarity), seems less in vogue today. While we no longer Had concepts and motor vehicles, Mercedes is the only show in Frankfurt.
Because the manufacturer is a forerunner in this field. He did not intend to abandon a promising despite its many disadvantages.

The objective of the Star is to the solution of the fuel cell, simpler, more compact and easier to industrialize. The B-Class Fuel Cell presented at the IAA is an important milestone: 200 copies will be produced. It is with the Honda FCX Clarity one of the largest series of hydrogen cars ever built.

Self inherits the concept of motorization BlueZERO presented at the last NAIAS. It has very little in common with that of the Class A fuel cell in 2004.

Mercedes-Benz puts forward in particular of the largest cold start (-25 °) and increased reliability. The fuel cell is connected to a lithium ion power of 35 kW. The engine, meanwhile, develops 100 kW (136 hp). With the fuel cell, autonomy is about 300 km and above, the transition to the pump lasts only three minutes. Must still find a hydrogen pump nearby.

This class B again shows that the congestion generated by the fuel cell have been resolved. The B-Class offers a safe effect of 416 liters and retains its 5 seats.

Source: Getlyris Cars

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WARNER CHANNEL, A LAS 20:00 HRS, SKY 205, CABLE 210

Two and a Half Men, NBC 2009, Warner Channel

Alan tiene que hacerla de Naná con el Bebé de Judith y con su Mamá que siempre se encuentra un poco…. “feliz”;  mientras Judith y Herb salen para tomar unos días llenos de “romanticismo”. Mientras tanto, Charlie atropella a un gato del que jura se trata Sir Lancelot, y Jake toma una foto de ese accidente para chantajear a Charlie y que lo deje manejar su Mercedes.

We all know the silver emblem that sits on the hood. Three identical bars in a silver circle have changed how millions of people view cars… and class. The timeless Mercedes Benz has been around for decades (12, to be exact) and since the beginning, at least in my family, it’s been associated with upper class (i.e. money).  Don’t get me wrong, it’s no Rolls Royce, but to drive a “Benz” you have to have at least some coin in those not-so-shallow pockets.

Now, I know I’m supposed to be covering advertising and design aesthetics in my section of this blog, and Jeff is our video expert here, but, i’m going to digress (sort of) temporarily.  For the past few weeks, I can’t seem to get this promotional video out of my head.  It is the history of Mercedes Benz and it’s “Firsts” – how they were the front runners for innovation in the automotive field.

I found this video while looking for something else, but… it’s beautiful. Okay, maybe I’m just a little off my rocker (you can be the judge of that) but this video does everything it should – it gives information, it brands the product, it creates excitement, and it’s just down-right interesting.  But, beyond that, the shots are great, the editing is fantastic, the old images and video brings you back in time – it’s as if you step out of your shabby computer chair into the “good old days” of innovation and design.

Anyways, here it is.  Let me know what you all think – will it stick with you, too?

We… deliberately omitted some vehicles that rated higher on the particulate-emissions scale, including exotics like the Ferrari F430, uber-luxury cars like the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, and high-performance variants from Mercedes-Benz’s AMG line. Those cars have marginally worse emissions ratings than some of the entries on our list but are produced in such small quantities and driven so infrequently–on weekends or on racetracks–that they often don’t contribute much to air-pollution problems.

- Forbes, America’s Dirtiest Vehicles

Forbes then goes on to rate the BMW M6 “sedan” as the third most, er, pollutingest car on the road, followed by the BMW M5 in the number two spot (the Jeep Grand Cherokee took dubious top honors).

What is the upshot of all this? Obviously, it’s that E63 and SL63 owners track their cars and put them away for the rest of the week, while their BMW-owning counterparts sit gridlocked in traffic, idling their carbon belchers and killing Mother Earth. Get with the program, BM!

- Gyro

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As you might have gathered, we like the W201 around here. And we’re definitely sweating this purposefully-lowered, manual gearbox-equipped Atlanta car rolling on 16″ Evo I-spec wheels.

Find it here on fleaBay, where it’s currently listed with a Buy-It-Now price of $12,500.

(via BaT, where we’re constantly like kids in a candy store. One of these days…)

- Gyro

Props 2DopeBoyz via Attorney Street