Mercedes looks to the cloud for next-gen infotainment concept

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It's just a matter of time until all data is stored in the cloud, and when that time comes, Mercedes-Benz's next-generation platform will be there waiting.

Mercedes-Benz revealed the futuristic @yourComand infotainment platform in its F 125 fuel-cell research vehicle. The new system takes the current COMAND Online system to the next level. It can be controlled by voice-commands, a touch pad, or hand-gestures, and can access any type of media stored in the cloud.

Unlike systems that rely on the users' smartphone data connection, @yourComand has a permanent "always on" cloud connection. And rather than placed in the center of the dashboard, the new infotainment system display is contoured around the driver's cockpit. The screen is tailored to the driver's preferred viewing habits, and also provides a 3D representation of the instrument cluster.

The system is controlled either by voice-commands or a touch-pad to cycle through the various functionalities, including social media, news, entertainment, and navigation selections. For rear entertainment, a separate 17-inch retractable screen launches from the passenger side and is controlled by either hand-gestures or voice commands.

Using the F 125's infotainment system isn't limited to the car. The driver can configure the system from a computer or mobile device, and access information such as fuel levels, fuel economy, and maintenance schedules remotely.

Despite its lengthy track record of automotive and safety technologies, Mercedes-Benz is a little behind-the-curve when it comes to integrating smartphones with its vehicles. Even its class-competitor BMW, which was reluctant to add cup holders in its cars, has bit the bullet and added email, social media, and Internet radio connectivity. But @yourComand shows that Mercedes-Benz is serious about changing its stodgy ways.

The upcoming iPhone-centric infotainment system, MirrorLink, and Near Field Communications integrations are stepping stones that will enable Mercedes to implement some aspects of @yourComand in its production vehicles in the future, according to Mercedes.

The auto manufacturer released a video interview of Ralf Lamberti, the director of Mercedes telematics, showing off the F 125's infotainment platform concept. Although the interview is in German, the close-ups and tour of the F 125 interior are informative.

Source: CNET

October Service Specials are ending soon. Stop in this weekend to take advatage of these deals!

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Take a look at Mercedes-Benz's new luxury sedan research vehicle, the F 125!

Visit www.waltsmb.com to find your Mercedes-Benz today

 

 

 

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Take a look at the latest 5 Star Review for Walter's on Google Maps

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SilverSnake
Riverside, CA
Oct 25, 2011

Mr Corona was very helpful and clearly understood my needs and wants. I will be bring all my Mercedes service maintenance work on my vehicles back to Mr Corona for him to handle me personally.Thanks.

Liked: Service

www.waltsmb.com

New 5 Star Review for the team here at Walter's on Yahoo! Local

Come visit our website to learn more about us: http://bit.ly/mTxINe

 

Kraig
Riverside, CA
Oct 23, 2011

My buying experience and service after the purchase have been excellent. The sales team was not pushy and the service team is responsive and treats people with a high level of professionalism.

www.waltsmb.com

The History of Car Logos, Revealed - Mercedes-Benz Three-Pointed Star

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After "Mercedes" became a registered trade name for the Daimler-Mercedes automotive group, the company searched for a defining logo. In 1909, Paul and Adolf Daimler, sons of company founder Gottlieb Daimler, came up with the idea of using a star as the symbol for the automaker's badge. When first employed as the technical director of the Cologne, Germany-based Deutz AG engine factory in 1872, Gottlieb had marked a star above the image of his house on a postcard, writing to his wife that the same star, symbolizing prosperity, would one day shine over his own factory.

Source: MSN Autos

 

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Take a look at this trailer for the AMG Driving Academy

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Walter's October Newsletter is out now!

Waltoberfest is under way all month, great service specials are going on as well: http://bit.ly/margQK, learn about the all new M-Class: http://bit.ly/q8WhnR, and more!

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Thanks to Peter for sharing this great 5 Star Review on Edmunds with us!

Visit our website to learn more about us http://bit.ly/mTxINe

peterhubbard

Riverside, CA
Oct 19, 2011

Service Review
Written by peterhubbard on 10/19/11 9:05:42 PM PDT Recommend this dealer? Yes

Walters is an outstanding dealership. Not only their sales but their service department is outstanding. Mario Torres is a wonderful asset and exceptionally helpful. Would highly recommend this dealership to anyone.
Dealership Experience
Were you satisfied with the quality of work performed on your vehicle? Yes Did the dealership complete the work within the timeframe promised? Yes Did the dealership provide you with an accurate quote of the work to be performed? Yes Do you feel the price paid for service(s) was fair and appropriate? Yes Did the dealer honor all commitments made? Yes

www.waltsmb.com

Take a look at the great service specials going on at Walter's throughout Waltoberfest!

 waltsmb.com/specials/service

 

 

www.waltsmb.com

Follow along in the last leg of the trip with J.G. and Sean as they travel from Alaska to California in a young classic car.

Visit www.waltsmb.com to find your Mercedes-Benz today

Are you in the market for a new Mercedes-Benz? Check out these offers at Walter's!

2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 Lease Special

$299
per month 

Now is the time to take advantage of special lease offers on select new inventory models! Spectacular savings are just a pen stroke away! Stop in today to schedule a test drive and learn more.

$299 a month lease plus tax for 33 months with $4,009 total down. MSRP $38,175. 10,000 miles per year with $.25 per mile in excess. $0 Security deposit

2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Lease Special

$349
per month  

Now is the time to take advantage of special lease offers on select new inventory models! Spectacular savings are just a pen stroke away! Stop in today to schedule a test drive and learn more.

$349 a month lease plus tax for 30 months with $4,009 total down. MSRP $38,175. 10,000 miles per year with $.25 per mile in excess. $0 Security deposit.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe Lease Special

$399
per month 

Now is the time to take advantage of special lease offers on select new inventory models! Spectacular savings are just a pen stroke away! Stop in today to schedule a test drive and learn more.

36 month lease plus tax with $3,844 total down. MSRP $40,090. 10,000 miles per year with $.25 per mile in excess. $0 Security deposit..

2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Lease Special

$399
per month

Take advantage of exceptional lease offers like this brand new Mercedes-Benz GLK350 for only $399 a month. Stop in today to schedule a test drive and learn more.

$399 a month lease plus tax for 30 months. MSRP $39,575 with $4,583 total down. 10,000 miles per year with $.25 per mile in excess. $0 Security deposit.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Lease Special

$529
per month

Take advantage of Walter's Lease Specials by driving home today in a brand new Mercedes-Benz E350 for $529 a month. Stop in today to schedule a test drive and learn more.

 $529 a month lease plus tax for 33 months with $4,369 total down. MSRP $54,275. 10,000 miles per year with $.25 per mile in excess. $0 Security deposit.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Lease Special

$619
per month

The all new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 has arrived at Walter's. and can be your for only $619 a month!Now is the time to take advantage of special lease offers on select new inventory models! Spectacular savings are just a pen stroke away! Stop in today to schedule a test drive and learn more.

$619 a month lease plus tax for 33 months with $4,964 total down. MSRP $58,265. 10,000 miles per year with $.25 per mile in excess. $0 Security deposit

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Lease Special

$639
per month 

Now is the time to take advantage of special lease offers on select new inventory models! Spectacular savings are just a pen stroke away! Stop in today to schedule a test drive and learn more.

$639 a month lease plus tax for 30 months with $4,934 total down. MSRP $53,465. 10,000 miles per year with $.25 per mile in excess. $0 Security Deposit.

2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 Lease Special

$619
per month

Take advantage of Walter's Lease Specials by driving home today in a brand new Mercedes-Benz E350 (Coupe) for $619 a month. Stop in today to schedule a test drive and learn more.

$619 a month lease plus tax for 36 months with $4,213 total down. MSRP $54,675. 10,000 miles per year with $.25 per mile in excess. $0 Security deposit.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Lease Special

$999
per month 

The all new 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 has arrived at Walter's. Drive home this vehicle for as little as $999 a month! Now is the time to take advantage of special lease offers on select new inventory models! Spectacular savings are just a pen stroke away! Stop in today to schedule a test drive and learn more.

$999 a month lease plus tax for 39 months with $5,493 total down. MSRP $78,195. 10,000 miles per year with $.25 per mile in excess. $0 Security deposit

Walter's received a 5-Star Review on Google Maps!

"Carlos in the parts department is AWESOME! Over the years I have dealt with several manufacturers parts departments, and the guys get the job done, but Carlos went above and beyond to help me find the replacement iPod cable needed. Thank you so much for being so helpful Carlos!!"

 

Check out our official website!  www.waltsmb.com

Thank you, venueman, for your feedback in this 5-Star Review!

"Mr. Corona was very diligent in determing my problem from the info I provided. His listening skills made my service visit comfortable and successful."

Check out our website for more info!

www.waltsmb.com

Continue the journey with J.G. and Sean as they travel from Alaska to California in a young classic car.

Visit www.waltsmb.com to find your Mercedes-Benz today

Take a look at the latest 5 Star 'Best Ever' Review for Walter's on Google Maps

Come visit our website to learn more about us: http://bit.ly/mTxINe

Riverside, CA
Oct 11, 2011

I was presented with a wonderful E350. Sold at a fair price and given a fair value for both parties on my trade. I would gladly purchase another CPO Mercedes-Benz form Walter's Auto Sales in the future.

Take a look at the great service specials going on at Walter's throughout Waltoberfest!

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Video of the Day: Mercedes CLK DTM AMG at the Nürburgring

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The Scuderia Hanseat is a driving course organized every spring and autumn at the famous Nürburgring. This event where the joy of driving is combined with improving driving skills features many remarkable and exclusive cars.

A great example of such remarkable car at the last edition of the Scuderia Hanseat is the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG. This car is based on the racing car that entered the German Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) racing series.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG is powered by a supercharged 5.4 liter V8. This engine provides 582 horsepower and 800Nm of torque. Thanks to this the CLK DTM AMG is able to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds, and top speed is limited to 322km/h.

A total of 100 coupés and 80 convertibles were produced. This video featuring four of these rare cars is made by SpotterGijs.

Source: GTSPIRIT

Mercedes-Benz tops world's most valuable premium auto brand news

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Mercedes-Benz continues to be regarded as the world's most valuable premium automotive brand.

In the latest ranking by respected brand consultancy Interbrand Zintzmeyer & Lux, 'Best Global Brands 2011', the three-pointed star brand again took 12th place – as it did last year – emerging the most valuable European brand.

With sales of around 1.1 million passenger cars per year, Mercedes-Benz is also the world's most successful premium car manufacturer. Passenger car sales figures doubled between 1993 and 2003, with turnover for all of the Mercedes Car Group brands soaring more than two-and-a-half-fold to €51.4 billion during the same period.

"Mercedes-Benz's success is largely due to its extensive, systematic analysis of customer requirements and trends within society," the manufacturer says on its website.

This approach enabled the Stuttgart-based manufacturer realise at the start of the '90s that customer expectations and, in turn, demand within the premium car market were changing.

The traditional segmentation of the passenger car business into compact car, mid-size and upper category no longer applied while demand for new vehicle variants was increasing: cabriolets, roadsters, coupés, off-roaders and concepts that also offer a high recreational value in addition to meeting pure transportation needs have been going strong ever since. Market niches have consequently turned into booming market segments.

Mercedes-Benz's brand equity has risen to $27.455 billion, an increase of 9 per cent compared to 2010. Mercedes-Benz's brand equity has risen continuously since 2009.

The study's authors attribute this success to customer satisfaction with the brand, which is higher than that of all other automotive brands.

Interbrand conducts the 'Best Global Brands' study every year. Leading CEOs regard it as the benchmark for measuring the value of international brands. The study identifies the 100 most valuable brands in the world.

Source: domain-b

Take a look at the latest 5 Star 'Best Ever' Review for Walter's on Google Maps

Come visit our website to learn more about us: http://bit.ly/mTxINe

Riverside, CA
Oct 06, 2011

Coming to your dealership was truly a gratifying experience! You treated our "oldie but goodie" with the same respect as if it had been a new car just purchased from you and that is a rare thing! Also we appreciated the fact that you suggested some maintenance, but not once did any of your personnel push us to have same done immediately. All in all from price to general experience we were very happy.

Liked: Service

Take a look at latest 5 Star reviews on Edmunds for Walter's

Visit us online to learn more about Walter's: http://bit.ly/mTxINe

kdwil5120
Riverside, CA
Oct 09, 2011

Molding Trim and Alignment

Recommend this dealer? Yes

I recently purchased my Mercedes-Benz from Walters and had an absolutely wonderful experience. There was a little bit of paint that was peeling on the molding trim located on the roof. The salesman told me that the service department would have that replaced. They ordered the part called me when it was in and I brought the car in. While on my way to the dealer for the trim I noticed that the alignment was off. I mentioned it to the service representative and he told me that the alignment was not covered by the warranty but they were able to identify that the alignment was not caused by my doing and they were able to take care of it at no cost.

Dealership Experience

Were you satisfied with the quality of work performed on your vehicle? Yes
Did the dealership complete the work within the timeframe promised? Yes
Did the dealership provide you with an accurate quote of the work to be performed? Yes
Do you feel the price paid for service(s) was fair and appropriate?
Yes Did the dealer honor all commitments made? Yes

---

lshmbz
Riverside, CA
Oct 06, 2011

21 Years doing business here

Recommend this dealer? Yes
Purchased a vehicle from this dealer? Yes

We have been doing business with Walters since 1990. We have purchased numerous vehicles from them and have always been given a great deal.

Dealership Experience

How quickly did the dealer respond to your email inquiries? Not applicable
While you were at the dealership, did you feel the dealership used your time well throughout the purchase process? Yes
Did the dealer honor all commitments made? Yes

---

rajackson
Riverside, CA
Oct 06, 2011

Excellent Service

Recommend this dealer? Yes

They have a Number 1 Rating and their service is excellent!

Dealership Experience

Were you satisfied with the quality of work performed on your vehicle? Yes
Did the dealership complete the work within the timeframe promised? Yes
Did the dealership provide you with an accurate quote of the work to be performed? Yes
Do you feel the price paid for service(s) was fair and appropriate? Yes Did the dealer honor all commitments made? Yes

---

lshmbz
Riverside, CA
Oct 06, 2011

Great and prompt service

Recommend this dealer? Yes

Walter's has always gone the extra mile on their service commitment. We have been taking our cars there for 21 years and will continue to do so.

Dealership Experience

Were you satisfied with the quality of work performed on your vehicle? Yes
Did the dealership complete the work within the timeframe promised? Yes
Did the dealership provide you with an accurate quote of the work to be performed? Yes
Do you feel the price paid for service(s) was fair and appropriate? Yes
Did the dealer honor all commitments made? Yes

Waltoberfest is going on all month long here at Walter's

Take a look at these great specials: http://bit.ly/oHvxYO and stop by this weekend for a test drive!

Waltoberfest is underway here at Walter's! Take a look at these specials and stop in this month for a test drive!

Visit www.waltsmb.com to find your Mercedes-Benz

October Service Special: Complimentary Fall Inspection

It's October, which means great new service specials here at Walter's: http://bit.ly/margQK!

Mercedes-Benz has Superdome deal

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NEW ORLEANS -- The home of the New Orleans Saints and site of six Super Bowls will be renamed the Mercedes-Benz Superdome under a deal with the German automaker, the team and company said Tuesday.

The deal will allow Mercedes-Benz USA to have its name associated with championships in college and pro football and men's college basketball over the next 16 months. The stadium has also hosted a Republican presidential convention and a visit from the pope, and once served as refuge for thousands of miserable victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said Mercedes-Benz USA is signing on for a 10-year naming-rights agreement, with terms of the deal to be made public Tuesday afternoon. The team holds authority to sell naming rights to the state-owned stadium through their lease on the 73,000-seat stadium. The team's lease runs through 2025.

"The joining of the Mercedes-Benz brand with the world-class Saints organization and the Superdome, an iconic destination which has undergone an incredible transformation over the past six years, is a significant moment for us, the City of New Orleans, and the State of Louisiana," said Ernst Lieb, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, in a prepared statement.

Mercedes-Benz also owns naming rights to arenas in Shanghai and in Stuttgart, Germany.

Andrew Zimbalist, a Smith College professor who studies sports economics, said the economy has made the sale of naming rights difficult lately. He said that the British bank Barclays paid less than expected in 2007 for naming rights for the Brooklyn arena that will house the NBA's Nets, as did the MetLife insurance company in a deal this summer for naming rights to the New Jersey stadium where the Jets and Giants play football. He also cited the fact that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has yet to sell naming rights for his stadium that opened in June of 2009.

"It's been a very difficult time to sell naming rights," Zimbalist said on Tuesday.

The Superdome opened in 1975. It has gone through many renovations, including a massive rebuild after Katrina ripped off its roof when the storm struck in August 2005.

Used as a refuge after Katrina, the Superdome was considered a total loss by some lawmakers, who debated if it was worth restoring after the 2005 storm. The roof had been torn off and the building flooded. Evacuees filled the building, stewing in the heat without lights, air conditioning or working bathrooms, a scene that epitomized the chaos of the disaster.

The stadium reopened for the 2006 Saints season as the first part of a multiphase $336 million renovation project paid for by the state that was completed this past summer. Since the storm workers have replaced, refurbished and added seats; created new club facilities and luxury suites; and installed new video systems and scoreboards. The Saints' locker room was also expanded to twice its old size. The exterior has also been refurbished.

"Having big upcoming events is attractive to those wanting naming rights," Zimbalist said. "But as strange as it sounds, the role the Superdome had during Katrina and the attention it drew probably turned out to be a positive."

Upcoming events are expected to attract an affluent demographic targeted by the automaker that's owned by German-based Daimler AG. The Allstate Sugar Bowl and BCS college football championship are scheduled in January 2012, followed by the NCAA's men's Final Four basketball championships in April 2012 and the Super Bowl in 2013.

The stadium was the site of a 1987 visit by Pope John Paul II and the 1988 Republican National Convention, at which George H.W. Bush was nominated for president. The stadium was also home to the New Orleans Jazz until the franchise moved to Salt Lake City in the late 1970s.

Built at the edge of the New Orleans business district, the stadium has a place in local lore, which holds it was built on the site of a former cemetery. In voodoo-conscious New Orleans, some speculated that was one reason why the Saints didn't have a winning record from their first season in 1967 until 1987. Their break-out season came after Pope John Paul II celebrated mass before thousands on the stadium floor.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

espn.com

We Hear: Mercedes Working on 650-HP, $500,000 SLS AMG Black Series

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Mercedes-Benz is moving forward with plans for a range-topping SLS AMG Black Series. The latest report out of Auto Express is that the super-SLS will pack 650 hp and wear a $500,000 price tag.

The fact that Mercedes is working on an SLS AMG Black Series isn’t exactly earthshaking, as it was previously confirmed along with the production announcement for a SLS GT3 racecar and the electric SLS E-Cell variant. The new Black Series is said to slot in between the GT3 and the regular SLS, butwould be based off of the stripped-out GT3.

The GT3 uses a 600-hp version of the SLS AMG’s 6.2-liter V-8, but for Black Series duty, output would be bumped to a healthy 650 hp. A unique aerodynamic body kit and extensive use of carbon fiber panels would keep the SLS Black’s weight down.AE reports that it will have a top speed of 200 mph and a three-second 0 to 60 mph time.

Other modifications are still being finalized, but it’s widely expected the SLS Black Series will receive a stiffer suspension setting, upgraded brakes, and racing seats. Like the base SLS itself, the Black Series car is expected to retain a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, albeit beefed up to handle the extra power.

AE says that AMG boss Christoph Jung told sayswe shouldn’t expect to see the new Black Series car until “the end of the SLS’ lifecycle,” which we think should be sometime around 2014. With the power bump, comes a significantprice bump. The SLS AMG starts at $192,350 with its $2750 destination charge; the SLS GT3 will retail for around $419,121 in the U.K. AE expects the SLS AMG Black Series to be priced well above that at about $500,000, twice the price of a regular SLS.

motortrend.com