PRESS RELEASE

Mercedes-Benz Announces North American Debut of Concept Car

5 February 1997

    Futuristic F200 Design Study Features Revolutionary Safety Technology

    CHICAGO, Feb. 5 -- Mercedes-Benz today debuted an all-new
concept car with future-oriented technology and styling that may be
incorporated into Mercedes production models of the future.  On display for
the first time in North America at the Chicago Auto Show, February 8-16 at
McCormick Place South, the Mercedes-Benz F200 design study features a
revolutionary control system to drive and steer the car, an inflatable airbag
"curtain" for increased side-impact protection, and video technology to
enhance driving safety.
    Instead of a steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, the Mercedes-
Benz F200 uses "side sticks" or joysticks.  To steer the car, the driver moves
the side sticks to the left or right, while the sticks are moved forward for
acceleration and rearward for braking.  The "side sticks" give the Mercedes-
Benz F200 design study a major advantage in a serious frontal collision since
there's no steering column or pedals to be pushed toward the driver.  The
controls can be operated from either front seat, allowing a fatigued driver to
turn control over to the passenger without stopping the car.
    In-dash video displays replace conventional outside rear-view mirrors for
a greater view of the traffic behind and around the F200.  Four cameras are
hidden at the rear corners of the roof, and a fifth camera in the rear bumper
is automatically switched on when the car is shifted into reverse.
    At the touch of a button, the doors of the F200 open up and forward
hydraulically.  This design makes it easier to get in and out of the vehicle
and requires less space for parking.
    Pressing a switch under the license plate opens the trunk, and a four-
joint hinge allows it to move forward and up -- parallel to the rear window --
providing a larger, more accessible opening for easier loading of cargo.
    The F200's glass roof uses electro-chromic technology (similar to
automatic dimming mirrors) which can darken the glass at the touch of a
button.
    In a side impact, a new window bag extends across the interior side of the
car like a curtain.  Hidden along the roof pillar trim, the new window bag
works in conjunction with door-mounted side airbags to substantially reduce
the risk of head injuries in lateral crashes and roll-overs.
    When the car is cornering the headlights turn automatically to light up
the curves ahead.

SOURCE  Mercedes-Benz