The Mercedes-Benz presence at the 62nd IAA in Frankfurt includes an entire fleet of particularly economical and clean cars with intelligent combined drive technologies. The line-up of no less than 19 newcomers - featuring eight BLUETEC models, seven hybrids from five model series, the same number of record holders for low CO2 emissions and the innovative F 700 research vehicle - represents the Mercedes road to the future. "Every one of these 19 models demonstrates that the inventors of the automobile will continue to offer trend-setting solutions in the future, too. We intend to use these technologies, which we have grouped together under the heading 'TrueBlueSolutions', to take us into a zero-emission future", commented Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG.

Developed by Mercedes-Benz, this modular technology concept features intelligent energy management in all the relevant vehicle components, optimised combustion engines and custom-designed hybrid solutions which can be used singly or in combination, depending on the vehicle class, usage and customer requirements. "Every one of our new products is characterised by compelling design, driving pleasure and safety, dynamism and environmental responsibility - Mercedes-Benz believes in reconciling these qualities - and in doing so across its entire model range", continued Dr. Zetsche.

Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz has announced that 2010 will see the start of series production of the B-Class F-Cell model featuring a new-generation fuel-cell drive.

"Our new research vehicle proves that it is possible to combine safety, comfort and effortlessly superior performance with the very lowest fuel consumption and emission levels", explained Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG with responsibility for Group Research and Mercedes Car Group Development. The F 700, with its innovative DIESOTTO and hybrid drive consumes just 5.3 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres, corresponding to a CO2 emission level of just 127 grams per kilometre and on a par with that achieved by today's diesel-powered compact models. Indeed, the F 700 has the distinction of achieving the lowest petrol consumption ever recorded for a large saloon in the history of the motor car.

Commenting on the research vehicle, Dr. Weber said: "We are able to learn from the future with the F 700 and we have already been able to incorporate some of the findings into our series-production models."

A case in point is the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID, a world first in that it combines BLUETEC and hybrid technology to create the most efficient and environmentally compatible premium cars ever built. Its four-cylinder engine and hybrid module develop a combined output of 165 kW/224 hp and a maximum torque of 560 Nm, a figure comparable with that of a large V8 petrol engine.

This luxury saloon combines its effortlessly superior performance with a level of fuel consumption which is exceptionally low for its segment: just 5.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. This corresponds to a mere 142 grams of CO2 per kilometre, a whole 57 grams - or some 30 percent - lower than the figure achieved by the world's current low-emissions champion in the S-Class segment. As a result, Mercedes-Benz models - including those in other key vehicle categories - at this year's IAA boast some of the lowest fuel-consumption and emissions figures in the world. The S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID has the potential to meet the world's most rigorous emissions standards - such as EU6 or BIN5 across all 50 US states.

Following the successful US launch of the world's first BLUETEC passenger car - the E 320 BLUETEC, which was voted "World Green Car of the Year 2007" - the technology behind the world's cleanest diesels is now coming to Europe. This year's IAA sees Mercedes-Benz announce the European market launch of the E 300 BLUETEC for 2007. This is the world's cleanest (EU5) and most economical passenger car in the business class. It will be followed in 2008 by the R, ML and GL 320 BLUETEC, the first three diesel SUVs in the world to have the ability to comply with the rigorous BIN-5 standard for all 50 US states as well as the potential to satisfy a future EU6 emissions standard.

Mercedes-Benz is also presenting the ML 450 HYBRID which will be the most economical petrol hybrid in the SUV segment when it is launched in 2009. Its innovative two-mode hybrid system allows all-electric operation and meets the highest standards of comfort. With a combined system output of 250 kW/340 hp and a combined maximum torque of 480 newtonmetres, the ML 450 HYBRID consumes just 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres, corresponding to a CO2 emission level of only 185 grams per kilometre.

Another of the product highlights at this year's IAA is the new C-Class Estate which combines a high level of practicality and elegant design with the safety, comfort and agility which are so characteristic of the Mercedes brand. "For me, the new C-Class Estate represents the most attractive and versatile combination of practicality and refinement available in the market from December", commented Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes Car Group, responsible for Sales and Marketing.

On its market launch at the beginning of December, the new Estate will be available with a choice of eight advanced four and six-cylinder engines. The enhanced four-cylinder engines with larger displacements impress in particular by offering lower fuel consumption yet delivering higher output. In the case of the new 220 CDI, for example, the 18-percent or 60-Nm increase in torque reduces the engine speed and with it the fuel consumption achieved in typical use. This is why the four-cylinder diesel unit makes do with just 6.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres - 0.7 litres less than the predecessor model despite the fact that the output is up by 13 percent from 110 kW/150 hp to 125 kW/170 hp.

The formula of "lower fuel consumption and an even more effortlessly superior driving experience" also proves extremely successful when applied to the petrol models. The new 115-kW/156-hp C 180 KOMPRESSOR develops some 14 hp more than the predecessor model while consuming 0.7 litres less per 100 kilometres. Mercedes-Benz is also showing various BLUETEC versions of the new C-Class with and without hybrid technology. These models will be rolled out to the market gradually where they will set new standards for low fuel consumption and emissions.

The Mercedes Car Group is also presenting trend-setting hybrid solutions for the smart at the IAA. Featuring an economical three-cylinder petrol engine, the smart fortwo mhd - the abbreviation stands for micro hybrid drive - will be available as early as October 2007. A study of the smart fortwo mhd based on the current CO2 champion among series-production vehicles, the smart fortwo cdi (88 g/km), shows a further distinct reduction in CO2 emissions to 78 g/km thanks to the start/stop function of the micro hybrid drive concept.