DaimlerChrysler: broad technology portfolio for sustainable mobility in China

Shanghai/Stuttgart, 04/26/2005 - DaimlerChrysler has confirmed its commitment to sustainable mobility in Asia and the key growth market of China with two Asian debuts: At the “Auto China” in Shanghai, the Group demonstrated its leading position in the field of alternative drive systems with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class “Hybrid” and a cutaway model of the fuel-cell version of the new B-Class, the “F-Cell”. “

With the rising need for mobility and the continuing high demand for cars and commercial vehicles, the biggest challenges for our industry in China and the rest of Asia are the environment-friendly use of energy and other resources,” stated Dr. Thomas Weber, responsible for Research and Technology and for the Development of the Mercedes Car Group. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class “Hybrid” presents DaimlerChrysler’s latest hybrid-drive generation. With the so-called P1/2 transmission, DaimlerChrysler has developed a hybrid technology that combines high-performance with a highly efficient design principle.

The drive system has a maxi-mum performance of up to 241 kilowatts (340 horsepower), a new record for automobiles with hybrid drive. The eight-cylinder CDI diesel engine delivers 191 kW (260 hp) and 560 newton-meters, the two electrical motors with a total output of 50 kW (70 hp) optimize driving comfort and acceleration. With the Mercedes-Benz B-Class “F-Cell”, DaimlerChrysler is extending its family of fuel-cell vehicles into the sports-tourer segment. The high-torque electric motor will deliver more than 100 kilowatts (136 hp). Thanks to reduced consumption and significantly improved hydrogen storage capacity, its range has doubled to nearly 400 kilometers on a full tank.