Hi Guys,

Just taking some time out whilst here in Bremen visitng mercedes.
I only have a few minutes, so here are some quick points I picked up, and a few answers to the questions.

Sorry for any typos, the keyboards over here are all back to front.

- New CLK out on Spring/Summer 2002 as a coupe.
- CLK Cabriolet (soft top) out one year later (Summer 2003)
- MB is working on the paint problem - say they are currently looking into new systems to help fix this problem.
- SL350 v6 will be available mid 2002.


I've todaz seen the new CLK coupe at least 10 times in it's un-disguised format. To me, it seems smaller than the current CLK's. The front (headlights) are very simular to the C-class and SL i.e. merged together. It is pillar-less like the CL and the rear has very simular lights as the current CLK, however they are in the format of the C-Class. I like the design, but I was not overly impressed.

I've taken a few pictures, and will post when I return home.

Last but not least, I think a few of us could be visiting AMG and Stuttgart next year. I have spoken nicely, bought dinner and been kind to the MB rep and she is willing to organise an 'MB World' week in 2002, factories and AMG willing. I also said we would need a session with AMG technical people to get some real questions answered.

Cheers,

Matt.

Thank you so much for taking pictures of the new CLK. I am sure I speak for many when I say we anxiously await your post. Thanks again! Oh, and one question. Any word on when the new model will arrive in the U.S.? Sometimes there is a lag between the European introduction and when it finally arrives here.

Maff:

I found this article. It may help in obtaining production/export stats w/ projections.

Thanks for the 2003 CLK heads up. Karl K



MBUSA Year-to-Date Sales Increase to 186,562 Vehicles

MONTVALE, N.J., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported
its all-time best November on record with sales of 18,014 vehicles during
November 2001, up 11.4 percent from the November 2000 sales of 16,175. On a
year-to-date basis, the company recorded an increase of total sales to
186,562 vehicles, versus 185,308 during the comparable period last year (up
0.7 percent).

Volume for the month was led by the C-Class with a boost from the new 2002
model year C-Class coupe and wagon. November sales of 5,144 were up
80.7 percent, surpassing November 2000's 2,846. Year-to-date, C-Class sales
have increased by 50.1 percent compared to 2000's sales level (45,809 vs.
30,518). Sales of the C240 sedan exceeded last year's November sales by
87.2 percent (2,302 vs. 1,230).
November 2001 represents the best November on record for CL-Class and
CLK-Class models in MBUSA's history. Up 62.8 percent for the month (394 vs.
242 units), year-to-date sales of the CL-Class increased by 87.4 percent
(3,365 vs. 1,793). The CLK-Class sales were up 50 percent for November
(2,183 vs. 1,455) and up 6.6 percent year-to-date (17,131 vs. 16,072). In
addition, the G500 marks its first few weeks of sales with 217 units sold.
Separately, through its Starmark certified pre-owned vehicle program,
MBUSA posted sales of 3,231 for the month which is an increase of 28.5 percent
compared to November 2000 sales of 2,515 vehicles. Year-to-date, Starmark
sales increased 24.9 percent to a total of 34,492 compared to 27,616 in
November 2000.

Maff

Can you get more info on the AMG engine lineup??

Thanks!

Thanks for the info Maff. Be sure to ask what models if any they are going to offer a manual transmission with in the future.

Hope your wonderful efforts will result in a tour first week of June.
Hoping.....

Have a great time!

That's great Maff !!!

Don't forget to mention the USA-AMG club we are interested in forming as well.

Have a great time ... Be safe... and don't forget your camera

Thanks again for the update.

Cheers,

I am definetly looking forward to the pictures! Thanks for all the info Maff.

Hi Maff,
I thought the new CLK Cab was going to have the same hardtop as the new SL. Are there going to be 2 Cabs ?

maff! you the bomb..good job ole chap or Gute Aufgabe

i doubt you'll get the chance to ask again but can you ask if they plan to combat BMW's SMG II tranny? will we see something like this on a future 55?

Paddles... mmmmm