BIZCHINA / Auto Industry in China
Cross-continent journey demonstrates grit of luxury cars
By Te Kan (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-11-18 05:49
The Mercedes-Benz fleet arrived in Beijing yesterday, the destination of
its cross-continent journey, marking the end of the Long Distance Drive
Paris-Beijing 2006.
Starting from Paris on October 21, the fleet, consisting of almost 400
participants from 35 nations, passed nine countries and covered around
13,600 kilometres in a 25-day transcontinental haul.
Approximately 360 drivers took to the wheel before the diesel marathon
reached its final destination.
It was "the longest and most intensive road show ever staged by
Mercedes," according to Dieter Zetsche, chairman of DaimlerChrysler AG
and CEO of the Mercedes Car Group.
Since the birth of the automobile, this is the first time luxury cars
have driven such a long-distance tour, marking a milestone in auto
history.
The event shows Mercedes-Benz's leading-edge technology and reflects the
automaker's unique role in the car industry during its more than 100-year
history.
"The long-distance tour highlighted the car's excellence and showed that
Mercedes-Benz ranks among the best in the premium segment in comfort,
safety and reliability," Zetsche said.
The endurance drive "did much more than demonstrate technical ability,"
he added. "It also contributed to better understanding among people."
Hundreds of participants from various countries took the journey
together, made friends, learned about different cultures, and had some
unforgettable personal experiences, he said.
"It is always a joy to rediscover what can be achieved by working
together toward a common goal," Zetsche said.
Inspiring journey
Divided into five phases, the long-distance journey from Europe to Asia
passed across six time zones and through France, Germany, Poland,
Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia and Kazakhstan before ending in China.
The first leg, stretching over approximately 3,400 kilometres, provided a
good view of a great variety of landscapes - ranging from the
metropolitan regions of Paris, Berlin, and Warsaw, to the untouched
countryside of the Masurian and Baltic regions.
The second leg of the long-distance haul began from the east of Moscow,
where participants drove through Chuvashia, Tatarstan and Udmurtia for
another stretch of around 2,700 kilometres and passed a number of swamps
and forests.
The third stage was a 2,500 kilometres run across the Kazakhian steppe,
where drivers faced the challenge of breathtaking glaciers. This was the
highest part of the journey, reaching up to 5,000 metres above sea level.
From the fourth stage, which was approximately 3,100 kilometres, the
route took the drivers into China's Wild West. Twenty-two days after its
start in Paris, the Mercedes-Benz team hit another legendary route: the
Silk Road.
On this historical trade route, the fleet reached the western offshoots
of the Great Wall, and finally, at the terminus of their fourth stage in
Lanzhou, met the Yellow River.
The motorcade drove about 1,900 kilometres in the last four days before
it arrived at the destination: Yongding Gate in Beijing.
Along the way, the fleet experienced the rich and diversified history and
culture of various countries. For instance, there were eight UNESCO World
Heritage sites in the first leg alone.
Sei Murakami, a participant from Japan, said with excitement: "I am so
lucky to have seen so many historical places along the way."
The journey provided drivers an opportunity to see famous sights as well
as promote understanding between people from different countries.
For many participants, the relaxed atmosphere in Eastern Europe was a
surprise.
"In my head I still had magazine photos of grey buildings and sad-looking
people. And instead I saw happy faces all around me," said Javier
Reynagas, a 40-year-old reporter from a Mexican daily newspaper.
Technological strength
During the long-distance haul, both drivers and auto engineers met
challenges such as severe weather, rough road conditions and continuous
driving.
The outstanding performance of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles provided
assurance to the brave drivers.
"This sense of security is an important part of what we seek to offer our
Mercedes customers," Dr. Zetsche said.
The chairman's confidence in his vehicles lies in his research team's
strong capacity and continuing efforts in technology innovation.
"Progressive technology is essential if we are to sustain our mobility,"
he said.
In the newly released Mercedes-Benz line-up, fuel economy, environmental
considerations, engine performance and driving pleasure are perfectly
combined each other, a fact proven by the cross-continent drive.
In the 36-vehicle motorcade, three mass-produced BLUETEC vehicles
showcased Mercedes Benz's major breakthroughs in the field of
environmental protection.
With the latest diesel technologies, BLUETEC performed strongly in
reducing emissions, and was ranked among the cleanest diesels in the
world.
Dr Zetsche said, "We wanted to demonstrate - in a very persuasive way -
the economy of modern clean diesel engines. After all, the responsible
use of natural resources and respect for the environment are a worldwide
concern, now more than ever before."
Even against a background of growing calls for energy saving and
environmental protection, a powerful luxury car with economical fuel
consumption is still competitive in auto market, insiders said.
During the driving event, the best teams posted fuel economy of about 36
miles per gallon under challenging conditions, in some cases with a crew
of up to three and heavy baggage on board, according to Zetsche.
The vehicles used in the marathon drive were all equipped with
state-of-the-art diesel engines, which can reduce fuel consumption by 20
to 40 per cent, Zetsche said, adding that the more frugal the consumption
was, the lower the carbon dioxide emissions were. "Our diesels are
setting new environmental standards," he said.
Consumers in Western Europe markets have long enjoyed the advantages of
modern diesel engines. Diesel market share has reached 50 per cent on
average and exceeds more than 80 per cent in some countries.
Zetsche said DaimlerChrysler is working very hard to carry their success
into other parts of the world.
However, modern diesels require clean and low-sulphur fuel. Zetsche said:
"Wherever clean diesel fuel meets the requirements of modern diesel
engines, we can bring our cutting-edge technology to the market on short
notice." At present, a new generation E-Class, known as "a heart of the
Mercedes-Benz brand," is being made locally in Beijing
Benz-DaimlerChrysler Co Ltd, a new plant jointly invested by Beijing
Automotive Industry Holding Co Ltd and DaimlerChrysler AG.
(For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)
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