Core Insights - The 2025 Mercedes-Benz Service Skills Master Competition recently concluded in Shanghai, showcasing nearly 5,800 participants from authorized dealers, emphasizing the brand's service standards and commitment to luxury service experiences for over 6.8 million car owners in China [1][3]. Group 1: Service Standards - Mercedes-Benz has established over 900 detailed service standards, covering seven core processes from appointment to post-service follow-up, ensuring vehicle safety and reliability [3]. - Each vehicle undergoes a 100% pre-inspection with 38 procedures and over 20 final checks before delivery, adhering to the "Mercedes-Benz Standard" [3][10]. - The service process is designed to be predictable and transparent, enhancing customer trust and satisfaction [3]. Group 2: Digital Innovation - Digital innovations have improved service convenience and transparency, allowing online appointments and real-time vehicle tracking, thus creating a luxurious service experience throughout the vehicle lifecycle [5][11]. - The "Star Emblem Transparent Workshop" enables customers to monitor repair progress and complete payments remotely, enhancing service efficiency [11]. Group 3: Talent Development - The service skills master competition serves as a training ground for talent, continuously updating its assessment criteria to meet evolving customer needs [6][8]. - Mercedes-Benz has a structured talent development system, requiring technicians to complete over 100 hours of online training and nearly 500 hours of in-person courses to achieve certification [8]. - The company has nearly 1,000 certified diagnostic technicians, reinforcing customer confidence in service quality [8]. Group 4: Tools and Equipment - Mercedes-Benz utilizes over 500 specialized tools in its service workshops, with a total tool value exceeding one million, ensuring vehicles are restored to "factory quality" [10]. - The use of precision tools and original parts is emphasized to guarantee safety and performance [10]. Group 5: Long-term Commitment - Mercedes-Benz's commitment to service excellence over 17 years reflects its strategy to build long-term customer relationships rather than focusing solely on short-term sales [11]. - The comprehensive standardization system encompassing talent, processes, and tools establishes a robust safety net for vehicle owners, setting a benchmark for "new luxury" service in the industry [11].

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Lumo, Mercedes-Benz, and Momenta aims to launch a high-end autonomous taxi fleet in Abu Dhabi, utilizing Level 4 autonomous driving technology on a mass-produced luxury platform [1] Group 1: Company Collaboration - Lumo, a national taxi company in the UAE, partners with Mercedes-Benz and Momenta to introduce an autonomous taxi fleet [1] - The fleet will be based on the new Mercedes S-Class and will incorporate Momenta's Level 4 autonomous driving system [1] - This initiative marks the first scalable autonomous taxi model based on a mass-produced luxury platform in the industry [1] Group 2: Market Expansion - The autonomous taxi fleet is expected to commence commercial operations in Abu Dhabi next year [1] - There are plans to expand the service to additional international markets following the initial launch [1] Group 3: Industry Impact - The collaboration is positioned to advance the development of smart transportation solutions [1]

Core Insights - The Guangzhou Auto Show this year reflects a shift in focus from sensationalism to substantive product offerings, with Mercedes-Benz showcasing a robust and systematic value enhancement across its vehicle lineup [1] - Mercedes-Benz emphasizes that luxury is not merely about technological innovation but also about a deep understanding of consumer needs and a commitment to safety and quality [7] Group 1: Product Innovation - Mercedes-Benz's long-wheelbase C-Class is the first in its class to feature the Qualcomm 8295 smart cockpit chip and the third-generation MBUX intelligent human-machine interaction system, highlighting the brand's commitment to integrating advanced technology into luxury vehicles [2] - The entire lineup, including the E-Class and S-Class, has undergone intelligent upgrades, reinforcing the idea that smart technology should be a standard in luxury rather than an optional feature [2][3] Group 2: Market Positioning - The stability of Mercedes-Benz's sales in the luxury segment is supported by high resale values, with the E-Class achieving the highest three-year resale rate among mid-to-large sedans in 2024 [5] - The brand's high resale value is attributed to a unified global manufacturing standard, extensive after-sales network, and timeless design, which collectively reduce long-term ownership anxiety for consumers [5] Group 3: Manufacturing Philosophy - Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety and quality is evident in its rigorous testing protocols, including 15,000 simulation tests and 150 real vehicle crash tests before market launch [3][7] - The brand's manufacturing philosophy emphasizes a deep respect for the essence of manufacturing, ensuring that every vehicle meets high standards of safety, comfort, and performance [7] Group 4: Consumer Trust - In an era of uncertainty, the predictability and reliability of Mercedes-Benz vehicles are seen as a luxury, with consumers choosing the brand for its long-term value and trustworthiness [5][6] - The focus on delivering real value and a predictable experience positions Mercedes-Benz as a leader in the luxury automotive market, especially as the industry shifts from disruptive narratives to value-driven storytelling [7]

Core Viewpoint - The European Commission has proposed to relax the 2035 "ban on fuel vehicles" requirements, adjusting the new car "zero-emission" target to a "90% reduction" from 2021 levels, allowing some fuel vehicles to enter the market under specific conditions [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Changes - The European Council passed a regulation in March 2023 to ban the sale of new fuel-powered cars and small commercial vehicles starting in 2035, which was seen as a key strategy for decarbonizing the transport sector [2]. - The recent proposal allows for plug-in hybrid vehicles, range-extended vehicles, mild hybrid vehicles, and internal combustion engine vehicles to be sold after 2035, indicating a significant policy shift [2][4]. - This adjustment is viewed as the largest retreat in green policy by the EU in the past five years, aimed at providing breathing room for the electric transition in Europe [1][4]. Group 2: Industry Reactions - Major automotive manufacturers from Germany and Italy, as well as companies like Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz, have pressured the EU for this policy change, arguing that a single-path transition could undermine the resilience and survival of the European automotive industry [2][4]. - German Chancellor Merz welcomed the proposal, stating it is a pragmatic and economically reasonable approach that aligns with current market realities [2]. - BMW acknowledged the importance of recognizing the viability of internal combustion engines for the future [2]. Group 3: Concerns and Criticism - Critics, including automotive economist Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, argue that the proposal is the "worst possible solution," failing to provide a clear direction for industry transformation and potentially delaying investment and innovation [3]. - The proposal signals hesitation and compromise, which may lead to indecision in corporate strategy and wasted time in the transition process [3]. Group 4: Industry Challenges - The European automotive industry faces structural pressures, with electric vehicles accounting for only 16.4% of new car registrations from January to October this year [4]. - The transition is hindered by an immature electric vehicle market, insufficient charging infrastructure, and supply chain issues [4]. - Rising energy prices and tariffs from the U.S. have increased cost pressures, leading to profit declines among major German automakers [4]. Group 5: Diverging Positions - There are significant divisions within the EU regarding the adjustment of the fuel vehicle ban, with some member states advocating for "technological openness" to ensure investment confidence [5]. - Conversely, some European automakers and environmental organizations oppose the policy relaxation, fearing it will slow the transition and weaken Europe's long-term competitiveness in the new energy sector [5][6]. - Executives from companies like Volvo and Polestar express concerns that policy reversals undermine confidence in EU regulations and could harm climate goals [5][6].

北京商报讯（记者 刘晓梦）12月17日，梅赛德斯-奔驰集团股份公司董事会就公司管理层人事任命作出 决议，瓦格纳将于明年1月31日正式离任梅赛德斯-奔驰首席设计官一职，其职务将由现任梅赛德斯- AMG品牌首席设计官鲍迪接任，明年2月1日起生效。 ...

Core Insights - Mercedes-Benz has announced a significant upgrade for several core models, including long-wheelbase C-Class, E-Class, S-Class sedans, and GLB, long-wheelbase GLC, and GLS SUVs, introducing classic, special, and collector's editions to meet the luxury travel demands of Chinese consumers [1][14] Product Matrix Expansion - The upgrade features a substantial expansion of the product matrix, with new models added to cater to diverse consumer needs across various price ranges and usage scenarios [3] Sedan Lineup Enhancements - The long-wheelbase C-Class introduces the C 260 L Sport Sedan special edition, focusing on personalized experiences; the long-wheelbase E-Class adds the E 260 L classic version, optimizing price and configuration for high cost-performance; the flagship S-Class includes the S 400 L special edition and S 400 L Business special edition, lowering the entry barrier for luxury sedans [5] SUV Family Updates - The GLB SUV launches the GLB 220 Collector's Edition with unique features; the long-wheelbase GLC SUV adds the GLC 260 L 4MATIC classic version as a new entry-level option; the GLS SUV enhances configuration differentiation while maintaining off-road performance and luxury [5][7] Pricing Strategy - The suggested retail prices for the upgraded models range from 311,900 to 1,398,200 yuan, covering the mainstream luxury automotive market; the long-wheelbase C-Class starts at 338,300 yuan, the E 260 L classic version is priced at 429,900 yuan, and the S 400 L special edition is set at 898,800 yuan, ensuring a clear and comprehensive pricing structure [7] Intelligent and Comfort Upgrades - The product upgrades focus on enhancing intelligent technology and comfort features across all models, with significant improvements in standard configurations while maintaining safety standards [8][14] Intelligent Features - The long-wheelbase C-Class is the first in its class to feature the Qualcomm 8295 smart cockpit chip and the third-generation MBUX human-machine interface system, along with the new "mind-reading voice assistant"; the E-Class family includes the third-generation MBUX system, Qualcomm 8295 chip, and 5G connectivity for improved voice interaction and navigation [8][10] Comfort Features - Heated front seats are standard across the long-wheelbase C-Class, E 260 L, GLB SUV, and long-wheelbase GLC SUV mid-high configurations; additional comfort features like ventilated seats and 360° camera parking assist are widely available across various models [12] Safety Standards - Mercedes-Benz maintains high industry safety standards, with the long-wheelbase E-Class featuring 13 airbags and rigorous testing protocols for new models, including extensive simulation and real-world crash tests [14]

Group 1 - Mercedes-Benz and Momenta announced the launch of an autonomous taxi service based on the new generation S-Class, with initial testing set to take place in Abu Dhabi [1] - The first batch of S-Class vehicles will be used for road testing in Abu Dhabi, with local partner Lumo responsible for operating the autonomous taxi fleet [1] - Lumo, a mobility operator under tech company K2, has received permission to operate autonomous vehicles in the UAE and will be the first to launch services in Abu Dhabi [1] Group 2 - In 2024, Mercedes-Benz became the first international automotive brand authorized to conduct Level 4 (L4) urban and highway testing in Beijing [1] - The L4 testing aims to explore cutting-edge technologies in the development of autonomous driving systems, focusing on multi-sensor perception and performance in extreme conditions [1] - The testing will utilize S-Class vehicles equipped with a specially designed sensor suite, including lidar, radar sensors, and cameras [1]

近日，LG新能源斩获梅赛德斯-奔驰集团14亿美元订单，将于2028年3月至2035年6月期间向梅赛德斯-奔 驰供应电动汽车电池。（新浪财经） 作者丨彭鑫 编辑丨安安 ...

格隆汇12月4日｜美国银行全球研究将梅赛德斯-奔驰集团评级从表现不佳调整为中性；同时将其目标价 格上调至63欧元，原目标为50欧元。 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolving design strategies of luxury car manufacturers Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi (BBA) in the context of electric vehicles (EVs) and the challenges they face in meeting consumer aesthetic demands while transitioning from traditional fuel vehicles to electric models [1][10][29] Group 1: Design Evolution and Challenges - The luxury car market is experiencing a shift in design language, with BBA aiming to blend retro elements with modern technology in their new electric models [11][18] - Mercedes-Benz's EQS has set a record for aerodynamic efficiency with a drag coefficient of Cd 0.20, but the design has faced criticism for lacking the traditional elegance associated with luxury vehicles [2][4] - BMW has opted for a shared design language between its electric and fuel models, which has led to challenges in distinguishing between the two and potential market confusion [6][10] Group 2: Market Performance and Consumer Perception - In 2024, Mercedes-Benz's global electric vehicle sales dropped by 23%, while Audi's fell by 8%, indicating a struggle in the luxury EV segment despite BMW's growth [10][25] - The article highlights a generational divide in consumer preferences, with older consumers in Europe favoring traditional luxury aesthetics, while younger consumers in China are more open to innovative designs [25][28] Group 3: Future Directions and Strategies - BBA's new design language aims to resonate with a global consumer base, but the challenge lies in addressing the diverse aesthetic preferences across different markets [25][29] - The upcoming models from BBA are expected to launch in 2026, with a focus on re-establishing a cohesive luxury aesthetic in the electric vehicle market [25][30]