Mercedes-Benz, BMW Hit Hard by Slump
Germany's premier automakers have been hurt more than rivals by declining sales of luxury vehicles and a shift to smaller cars

Daimler's executive board has moved offices within the southwestern German city of Stuttgart a number of times over the years. They first relocated across town from the district of Untertürkheim to the higher-lying district of Möhringen. A few years later, they returned to the valley. Then recently the top executives had to transfer from their high-rise office building there to the former company museum.

But wherever the company's senior management goes, a fog of rumors always follows them. And at the moment it is billowing thicker than ever.

Dieter Zetsche, the company's mustachioed CEO, is even allegedly due to be replaced soon—apparently by the current chairman of the supervisory board, Manfred Bischoff. And the more the managers whisper in backrooms, the more often they meet other colleagues who have already heard the rumor. For some people that even counts as a confirmation that the gossip is true.

Rumors are spreading faster than ever in Stuttgart these days. The giant carmaker Daimler (DAI) is not doing well. Car sales have declined by almost 18 percent, while truck sales have plummeted by around a half. The company reported losses of €2.4 billion ($ 3.5 billion) for the first six months of this year.

Zetsche has introduced a savings plan aimed at reducing costs by €4 billion a year. But he still hasn't been able to come up with conclusive answers to key questions. Can the premium carmaker Mercedes-Benz survive alone, or does it need a partner? And how long can Daimler continue to compensate for the drop in sales by relying on government-sponsored "short time" programs which support workers on reduced hours? If sales don't pick up soon, the company will have a surplus of 25,000 employees on the payroll, according to internal calculations. Will the carmaker have to close plants and lay off thousands of workers?

Hard Hit
The global economic crisis has unnerved Daimler, a carmaker which had grown accustomed to success. It is difficult to compare the current downturn with previous sales slumps. One difference is the introduction of a government "cash for clunkers" scheme designed to support the auto industry—but which almost exclusively benefited high-volume carmakers. But that's only part of the story.

Up until now, premium producers like Mercedes-Benz have had an easier time weathering economic storms. This time around, the luxury class is the hardest hit. Sales are also collapsing at brands like Bentley, where sales are down by 50 percent, Rolls-Royce (minus 41 percent), Porsche (minus 25 percent) and BMW (BMWG.DE) (minus 18 percent).

There are multiple reasons why the luxury segment is suffering so badly. Many customers can no longer afford a luxury model, partly because companies have reduced bonus payments for executives, partly because fewer models are being ordered as company cars and also because many managers have lost their jobs.

And there are other consumers who are simply no longer willing to spend so much money on a car. Times are changing and drivers' relationships with their cars are evolving, according to a study conducted by the PricewaterhouseCoopers consulting firm. The automobile is increasingly being seen as a means of transportation—and less as a status symbol.

Downsizing Trend
Until recently, customers always wanted to move up to a larger class when purchasing a new car, but now the opposite is true. Mercedes-Benz purchasers are ordering an E-Class instead of an S-Class luxury sedan, or a compact executive C-Class instead of a larger E-class. A similar development can be observed at BMW, with serious consequences for the carmaker.

Small cars generate only small profits—if that. Consequently, today's downsizing trend has taken a big bite out of manufacturers' earnings.

With a decline of just over 7 percent, Audi is the German upmarket car brand least affected by the current drop in sales. The Volkswagen (VOWG.DE) subsidiary sells a higher proportion of its cars in the compact and lower midsize range. In addition, Audi is profiting from the other two German luxury carmakers' failures by offering what many consumers are looking for during the crisis: premium with a touch of understatement. By contrast, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have been caught unprepared by the new trend in consumer behavior.

Many customers define luxury differently than they did only a short while ago. Cars are still expected to be fast, sexy and safe. But for many people today, prestige now also means that their luxury sedans run in a more environmentally friendly manner or, better yet, act as a trendsetter for green technology. As a result, Daimler and its competitors need to invest billions in electric, hybrid and hydrogen technology.

But it will take some time before they can earn money on these models. In the meantime, their core business has crumbled, leaving them with insufficient profits to finance the necessary investments. Daimler and BMW have fallen into the luxury trap, and they will have a hard time getting out.

Lack of Vision
This development has rattled the company's top executives. For decades their objectives were clear. First, they were supposed to become the world leader in automotive engineering, then a trans-Atlantic powerhouse by merging with Chrysler. Both visions proved to be dismal failures. But Daimler executives have a hard time getting by without any clear mission at all. They are torn between the affirmations of their boss that Daimler can make it alone, and the continuous search for a partner, which appears to contradict those claims.

Following its disappointing experiences with Chrysler and Mitsubishi, Daimler was actually no longer interested in entering into a partnership with a high-volume carmaker. But when then-Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking asked Daimler executives if they wanted to buy a stake in the sports car manufacturer, and thus indirectly become a major shareholder in VW, they started negotiating again.

Zetsche met a number of times with Wiedeking. But the Daimler CEO and supervisory board head Manfred Bischoff agreed right from the start that such a mega-deal was only possible if it was approved by all major VW shareholders. Ultimately, the deal died when the state of Lower Saxony, which owns a blocking minority stake in VW, and Ferdinand Piëch, the powerful chairman of the VW supervisory board, announced their opposition.

Daimler is also conducting talks with the high-volume carmakers Toyota (TM) and Renault (RENA.PA). These negotiations are focusing on issues like hybrid technology and pooling engineering resources for the miniature Smart car. But the most frustrating negotiations have been with BMW. The two upmarket brands actually constitute the best match, but they have the most difficulty agreeing on joint projects. BMW once sold engines to Opel, but they refuse to sell them to Mercedes because they believe that they currently enjoy a competitive edge.

Primordial Fear
From a technological and business perspective, everything points toward a close cooperation between the two companies. Consumers long ago made a mental leap that engineers still reject—today's drivers have no problem with the fact that the Porsche Cayenne has a VW engine under the hood. It has been slightly modified so that it accelerates like a Porsche—and sounds like a Porsche. That's what counts.

Such a division of labor between BMW and Mercedes-Benz would save hundreds of millions of euros annually. So why shouldn't it work?

It is the vanity of the engineers that have put a stop to this marriage. But it also has to do with the history of the two companies. Daimler tried to take over BMW during the 1950s. Ever since they fended off that attempt, managers and the principal owners, the Quandt family, have suffered from a kind of primordial fear of losing their independence.

Nevertheless, the longer-term threat to that independence could be even greater if BMW doesn't cooperate with Mercedes-Benz. After all, the Munich-based carmaker suffers from the same problems as its arch rival. And like Daimler, it has also been unable to come up with convincing solutions. BMW is currently only doing slightly better because the company introduced a cost-cutting program earlier and invested in fuel-saving technology.

New Competitor
In a series of laborious negotiations, Zetsche has been trying to convince the competitor of the merits of other projects, such as a joint transmission and engine plant in the US. The pressure to forge a deal is considerable because the real challenge to both brands—on top of plummeting sales and changes in consumer behavior—comes from another German brand: Audi.

The newcomer in the premium class can rely on the platforms and engines of the huge VW conglomerate. Audi has to invest much less in new models and is making life difficult for the leaders on the upscale market.

The A3, for example, is based on VW Golf technology. And the A1, which will be released at the end of the year, uses technology from the VW Polo. What Audi saves in engineering costs can then be spent on extravagant interiors. In fact, some of its models appear more luxurious than those of its competitors BMW and Mercedes-Benz. VW CEO Martin Winterkorn says that he is determined to make Audi the leading premium brand.

The reactions of Mercedes-Benz and BMW to Audi's attack show how seriously they take this threat. They are no longer smiling superiorly at the upstart. Instead, they have started to chip away at Audi's image—for example by trying to associate it with VW's Czech subsidiary Skoda, which makes relatively inexpensive cars. It certainly can't be a long-term successful strategy, says Zetsche, if you take a Skoda body, glue four rings onto the hood, and sell the vehicle as an Audi.

Thin-Skinned
But VW's strategy of equipping its many brands with essentially the same engineering technology has so far paid off. Consumers are not switching in droves from Audi to Skoda, although such a vehicle would give them similar road performance at a substantially lower price tag. Neither Mercedes-Benz nor BMW have figured out how they intend to compensate for Audi's cost advantages. And that's not the only problem.

The crisis has also hit Daimler's truck business. Sales there have plunged by nearly 50 percent. Within the company, they are already calling it a success that this division suffered losses of "only" €650 million in the first six months of this year.

Not surprisingly, this situation is putting Daimler CEO Zetsche under enormous pressure. A number of Daimler managers accuse him of making important decisions without consulting other people. They say that Zetsche has become thin-skinned, and overreacts to every criticism. But it is precisely at times like these that management needs to openly discuss all options to steer the company out of the crisis.

Another contentious figure adding to the general sense of frustration Rainer Schmückle, chief operating officer of the Mercedes-Benz Cars division. He is an efficiency booster who has already managed to drastically reduce costs at Daimler's US subsidiary Freightliner. Schmückle's management style has earned him enemies at all levels of the company. Assembly line workers laid down their tools because the speeds he wanted were unrealistic. Managers criticize the fact that Schmückle apparently only knows two management principles: Either he makes threats or he shouts—and sometimes he does both simultaneously.

Schmückle has often indicated that he is ready and willing to take on a higher position. But according to sources in the company, it has been clear within the firm for some time that the manager will never become a board member. On the contrary, Schmückle is expected to leave the company soon—either voluntarily or with a helping hand.

No Easy Answers
Two candidates are already ready to fill his shoes: the erstwhile VW cost-cutter Wolfgang Bernhard, who currently heads the van division for Daimler, and Thomas Weber, who leads research and development at Mercedes. The idea is for them to ease the work load on Zetsche, who is currently performing two jobs. As the head of Daimler, he has to represent the company to investors and supervise the truck and car divisions, while in his role as Mercedes boss, he has to make decisions about such things as the new rear axle for the A-Class and the interior of the Smart.

Zetsche is head of Daimler and Mercedes. A number of members of the supervisory board say that no one there favors replacing Zetsche. They say that it is not the Daimler CEO's fault that no solution can be found to many of the manufacturer's problems. Supervisory board chairman Manfred Bischoff intends to extend Zetsche's contract, according to plan, at the supervisory board's first session in the coming year.

Nobody knows how long the current sales slump will last or how the market for luxury cars will develop. In Germany smaller cars are in high demand. In China, however, consumers want the biggest cars they can buy.

It's a situation in which there can be no easy answers. But answers need to be found quickly.
Provided by Spiegel Online—Europe's Largest Newsmagazine

 

MB has diluted its brand with too many different types of vehicles.

 

They've really f'ed up their legacy in this past decade and continue to be mismanaged IMO.

 

Nine Exciting Cars For 2010
Audi R8 Spyder Quattro
Notable Innovations: The Spyder will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show--it's the first convertible version of Audi's hottest car, the R8 coupe. Audi chose a fully automatic soft top roof for the sports car, which makes for lighter weight and more cargo space in the trunk. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard. The car is set to hit European dealerships in spring 2010.
Engine: 525-hp V10; transmission choices include a six-speed manual or R-tronic dual-clutch six-speed automated manual with drive and sport modes and manual stick or paddle shifting.
Top Speed: 195 mph
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
MSRP: TBD

BMW 5 Series GT
Notable Innovations: This Gran Turismo-style sedan is a first for BMW. It's a combination between the 7 Series and CS Concept, and it keeps styling elements from the 7 Series like the large front grill, overall length and width, and rear taillights. But the rear of the car evokes the X6, with even a bit more headroom. The car offers a unique rear seating arrangement, with two spacious chairs in the rear, as opposed to the typical bench formation in sedans.
0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds
MSRP: $45,000 estimated

BMW X5 M
Notable Innovations: The X5 M is the high-performance variant of BMW's powerful but nimble X5 SUV. It uses a EU5 engine with a totally new, 555 horsepower M TwinPower Turbo. The unique-to-BMW cross-bank exhaust manifold and two Twin Scroll turbochargers guarantee that the maximum amount of power and exhaust gas energy will hit the turbocharger rotors, creating a more-powerful engine that uses the same amount of gasoline. The M TwinPower Turbo system has the fastest turbocharger response in the world, according to BMW. And with soft Merino leather seats and 16 high-performance speakers, the car's interior is not too shabby, either.
0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
Top Speed: 130
MSRP: $87,000

Chevrolet Volt
Notable Innovations: The Volt represents a completely new paradigm: a mass-produced, affordably priced, all-electric sedan sold in the U.S., specifically as a daily driver. If it succeeds, it could lead the way to GM's reinvention as a strong American automaker. The car uses a 16-kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery coupled with a 3-cylinder, 1-liter gasoline engine that powers a 53 kW generator. GM execs have said the Volt will go 230 miles on one charge, although the car has yet to get EPA certification.
Top Speed: 120 mph
MSRP: TBD (estimated $40,000). Chevy execs have said the price will be determined in part by the price of gas.

Ford Flex
Notable Innovations: The Flex is tough to describe: It's got components of a crossover, station wagon, and a truck-based SUV all rolled into one. Ford's turbocharged "eco-boost" engine will be available in the car for the first time in 2010. The refrigerated center console (room for seven beverage cans), panoramic sunroof, elongated wagon look and "woody" side panels (styled after vintage vacuums, says designer Richard Gresens) represent a strong statement away from run-of-the-mill crossovers.
MSRP: $28,495

Fisker Karma
Notable Innovations: The Karma uses "Q-DRIVE" plug-in hybrid technology developed for Fisker Automotive by Quantum Technologies. The car can go 50 miles on electric energy from a lithium-ion battery; after that, it runs in hybrid mode. It has two modes--stealth and sport--which help regulate the use of power. The Karma is singular for its electric-sports car identity and unmarred beauty (most electrics are bought despite their looks, not because of them). Designer Henrik Fisker, who designed the BMW Z8 and Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage, was obviously determined to make the car aesthetically pleasing, as well as earth-friendly--a relative first, except for maybe Tesla, on the electric front.
0-60 mph: Less than six seconds
Top Speed: 125 mph
MSRP: $87,900

Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid
Notable Innovations: The S Class offers uniquely Mercedes attributes, like the steering-wheel shifter, old-school radio, LED speedometer, coffee-cup-designated drowsy-driver alert and corner-responsive seats. But now the S400 has the first mass-produced lithium-ion battery on the global market. The car gets a combined 30 miles per gallon; it’s a “mild hybrid” that restarts the engine after it’s switched off when stopped. Mercedes and other German automakers have been slow to embrace hybrid technology, in part because of their efficient diesel engines, which are about 30% more efficient than combustion engines, so this is a new move for the Stuttgart-based automaker.
Engine: 15-kW electric motor; 275-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission
MSRP: $88,000

Porsche Panamera
Notable Innovations: This is the first four-door sedan from Porsche. Purists are cringing, but experts point to the best-selling Cayenne and say Porsche has got to broaden its vehicle range or risk permanent decline.The car handles like a Porsche and stays true to the wide, low feel of the 911. Its front and rear seats are spacious, with generous headroom and less of a track-car feel than the 911 or Cayman. Porsche calls the fact that the company has no experience building sedans a plus: They set out to make a Porsche, not an estate car, a coupe, or a sedan per se. The turbo's two-piece extending rear spoiler is distinctive.
Engine: 4.8-liter, 400 hp 8-cylindar
0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds
Top Speed: 175 mph
MSRP: $89,800

Rolls-Royce Ghost
Notable Innovations: This car breaks with Rolls tradition in that, while it's still a four-door sedan, it's meant as a driver's car. It offers the most forward-thinking technology of any Rolls model, including night vision, heads-up display, lane-departure warning and active cruise control. As for its looks,Ian Cameron, the chief designer of the Ghost, says the car's style, size and expression are purposely less formal than previous models from Rolls in order to make it appropriate for a wider range of circumstances. The elevated prow, long hood and short front overhang add to the informal effect. It's "powerful but unobtrusive," Cameron says. The coach doors also offer the widest rear access of any car (they open on an 83-degree angle).
Engine: 563-hp, 6.6 liter V12
0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
Top Speed: 155 miles per hour
MSRP: $245,000

 

2009 Frankfurt Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID
Shortly after the successful market launch of the S 400 HYBRID, currently the most fuel-efficient luxury-segment saloon with a petrol engine, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting the first “three-litre car” in the premium class - the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID - at the 63rd IAA in Frankfurt. The technology vehicle will display the future of Mercedes-Benz’ modular set of hybrid systems. The Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID can drive for up to 30 kilometers solely on electricity and therefore without producing any local emissions. The efficient drive system combined with the CO2 bonus for the battery-electric driving mode enables the vehicle to achieve a certified consumption of only 3.2 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres. With CO2 emissions of only 74 grams per kilometre in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), the experimental vehicle developed in Sindelfingen demonstrates the long-term viability of future S-Class generations.

The outstanding values are made possible by the combination of a plug-in hybrid with the efficiency-boosting BlueEFFICIENCY measures. At the same time, the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID has all of the strengths that are typical of the S-Class: top comfort, outstanding safety and masterful performance. The drive system in the concept car consists of three main components: a powerful V6 petrol engine with a next-generation direct injection system, a 44 kW/60 hp hybrid module and a lithium-ion battery with more than 10 kWh of storage capacity that can be recharged at charging stations. The Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.

 

Daimler AG May Move Some Production to Alabama
STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — German carmaker Daimler AG is considering whether to move some production of its Mercedes-Benz C-Class models to Alabama from Germany, a newspaper reported Wednesday.

The daily Stuttgarter Zeitung reported, without citing sources, that the company's management is mulling whether to move production of the C-Class from its Sindelfingen plant, in the Stuttgart suburbs, to Tuscaloosa.

That would allow the company to take advantage of lower labor and other costs and avoid swings in the value of the U.S. dollar against the euro, and would leave Bremen as the only German site producing the C-Class, the newspaper said.

Daimler builds a C-Class four door sedan, a two-door sedan and a station wagon. The report didn't specify which models could be affected.

Daimler spokesman Markus Mainka said that "there is neither a decision nor a recommendation on C-Class location politics." He declined to comment further on the matter.

The Stuttgarter Zeitung reported that, if Daimler did move C-Class production, it could move some production of the SL roadster from Bremen to Sindelfingen.

Still, Erich Klemm, the head of Daimler's employee council, told The Associated Press that moving production could cost about 3,000 jobs at Sindelfingen alone.

"We expect a plan from the company that would secure jobs at the German locations," he said. "We demand that the management comes to a reasonable decision regarding the Sindelfingen and Bremen locations."

Daimler shares were about a third of a percent lower at $50.70 in Frankfurt morning trading.

 

BMW, Mercedes-Benz to Use Intel Based Infotainment Systems by 2012
Intel just announced that both BMW and Mercedes-Benz will be shipping Atom-based infotainment systems designed by Harman-Becker in 2012. BMW will make the system available in the 7-series, while MB will put it in S- and C-class vehicles. According to Paul Otellini, these are just the first Atom-based in-vehicle entertainment systems to be announced, and automakers are coming around to "consistent and persistent platforms," so we'd expect this is the start of a very welcome trend. Sadly there was no demo, but we'll be on the lookout here at IDF.

 

Inside Look at Mercedes-Benz Design
Stuttgart: “Crossing boundaries and setting trends – that is emphatically what our design is all about”, says Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. “We develop existing forms further, and take them to new, exciting dimensions.”

This year, visitors to the International Motor Show are able to see this exciting design process at first hand, and witness how familiar Mercedes features are reinterpreted using innovative design concepts to form a dramatic composition of tradition and progress. The designers of the premium automobile brand have allowed outsiders to gain an insight into their work. In numerous individual stages, they show how a new Mercedes-Benz model is created from an idea.

To provide this authentic experience, Mercedes-Benz has constructed a special bay on its stand at the show in Frankfurt. This is where the designers lend their personal, creative touch to the subject of “Mercedes-Benz Design” by demonstrating their work live at several display stations. At the drawing board, for example. Or during a live-tape event, where the designers magically project the 1:1-scale exterior of the AMG SLS Gullwing and the E-Class Coupé on the wall. To do this they use special, usually black adhesive tape in various thicknesses and transparent foils. This so-called “taping” is a flexible way of presenting design perspectives. In practice it is used as a first reconciliation between the proportions and the dimensional concept.

A number of clearly presented exhibits demonstrate aspects of the interior design work. In addition to styling, this is about functionality, materials, colour, touch or instrument design – to ensure that the aesthetics of the interior are in harmony with the exterior.

A film with authentic scenes from the design department also shows the development of the SLS from what amounts to a “backstage” perspective, something which is normally covered with a veil of secrecy for outsiders. Visitors to the stand are able to judge the quality with which the design ideas have been realised by displays of design icons such as the E-Class Coupé, CLS, CL, SL and SLK.

Direct communication with Mercedes-Benz designers heightens this first-hand experience. They describe their work, explain the secrets of the Mercedes-Benz strategy and design philosophy in a logical and clear way even for the layman, point out the characteristic design features of the Coupé and Roadster, and provide an insight into design thinking for the Mercedes-Benz sports cars.

 

Most/Least Stolen Vehicles
It seems like the symbol for making it big is driving around in a large oversized American SUV. You know you’ve hit the jackpot when you buy a Cadillac Escalade or Hummer SUV. However, you better drop some extra cash on protecting your elite purchase because the Escalade and Hummer are two of the most stolen vehicles.

The 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV has the highest probability of being stolen; 15 times more than the least-stolen car – the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

To put together the list, the IIHS reviews the insurance-claim reports to come up with theft frequency rates based on the number of claims for every 1,000 vehicles insured each year.

Ten Most Stolen Vehicles
1. Cadillac Escalade ESV
2. Ford F-250 SuperCrew
3. Cadillac Escalade
4. Dodge Charger
5. Ford F-350 SuperCrew
6. Hummer H2 SUT
7. Dodge Magnum
8. Hummer H2
9. Dodge Durango
10. Honda S2000 convertible

Ten Least Stolen Vehicles
1. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2. Buick Rainier
3. Subaru Forester
4. Buick Terraza
5. Volkswagen New Beetle
6. Ford Focus
7. Volvo V70
8. Toyota Prius
9. Saturn Relay
10. Ford Freestyle

 

Haha, typical the Escalade is the biggest target for thieves. That is an old stat chart though, I'm sure with all the economy stuff we've gone through since '07, different cars are in high demand now.

 

Theoretically speaking, emphasis on theoretically, the "Smart" car should be # 1 on most wanted list.

 

Vehicles with Highest-Precentage of Male Drivers
Men want cars that exude power, performance and exclusivity. Vehicles with the highest percentage of male drivers are among the flashiest, loudest and most expensive models on the market.

If you see a canary-colored Lamborghini Gallardo cruising down the street, nine times out of 10 a man will be at the wheel.

The same goes for other attention-getting sports cars, chauffeur-worthy sedans and burly sport utility vehicles that make up our list of the Top 10 Vehicles Driven by Men.

Vehicles with Highest Percentage Male Drivers
Maybach 57 and Maybach 62: 95%
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: 90.47%
Lamborghini: 90.32%
Rolls-Royce Phantom: 90%
Dodge Viper: 89.87%
Mercedes-Benz G-Class: 88.84%
Ferrari: 85.82%
Cadillac Escalade ESV: 85.13%
BMW 6 Series: 81.71%
Aston Martin: 81.25%

 

I have a feeling most other M-B models will be very high on the Female drivers list, save for the S-Class as it's not much of a girl savvy car.

 

Karmann Shuts Doors as Last Mercedes-Benz CLK Rolls Off Assembly Line
The global financial crisis has the car industry in a steady downward spin, pushing even those considered as the best and toughest brands in the brink of bankruptcy. In the previous year, even Karmann, famous for the conversion of the Ghia, has been hit by a series of potentials closures and purchase. Today, it’s finally closing doors and while bankruptcy is the next rational step to save their hide, nothing is still certain.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK, which was recently replaced by the new comer E-Class Coupe, is the final automobile that Karmann built. However, the said model finally left the Mercedes-Benz assembly line. A report in Strait Times tackled the issue of whether a new Karmann model will be revealed in the near future with a different partner.

As most sudden closures, a fight erupted as Karmann’s workers’ union, the IG Metall, raised their demands. Unfortunately and ultimately, the slowdown of the industry itself that caused the big reduction in production and sales is the one to blame for the sudden closures of several car companies these days.

On the brighter side, we can look back on how Karmann has accumulated it’s 3.3 million sales since 1949. Its most famous model, perhaps, is the Karmann Ghia, which is both a Volkswagen convertible as well as a coupe. There are also the Volkswagen Beetle, Ford escort, Mercedes-Benz CLK and a great number of Audio cabrios.

As with most carmakers that went bankrupt the past months, there is a possible that Karmann will resurface with a stronger local or foreign partner.

 

World's Most Expensive Cars
To compile our list of the most expensive cars this year, we reviewed price lists from all the ultra-luxe automakers who might have produced a contender this year for the top spot, including Bentley, Bugatti, Ferrari, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Leblanc, Maserati, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Pagani, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Saleen, Spyker and others. We narrowed our terms for the list by choosing only cars that are currently in production and street legal, which eliminated the discontinued $653,000 Enzo Ferrari, as well as the $500,000 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster. Prices do not include taxes; some prices have been converted from euros to dollars. Not all of the vehicles on our list are sold in the U.S.

Maybach 62 Zeppelin
Price: $506,500
Horsepower: 631 bhp
0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph
Engine: 6.0 liter, twin-turbocharged AMG-sourced V12
Extras: Longer and plusher than the 57, the Maybach 62 Zeppelin is designed to be chauffeured. It is wrapped with leather and wood inside, including lambskin carpeting and 20-inch wheels in a Chrome Shadow finish. The center console in the front, the partition screen and the standard silver champagne flutes are all marked with the lettering "MAYBACH ZEPPELIN," while the door sill panels and key ring are engraved with the word "ZEPPELIN." The system's core component is an internally illuminated Plexiglas sphere atomizer on the rear center console, into which Maybach Zeppelin owners can insert a vial of their preferred fragrance. A regulator pump then fans the vial's perfume molecules into the vehicle interior. The Zeppelin edition car has a limited run of 100 units.

SSC Ultimate Aero
Price: $740,000, plus $31,200 for the carbon ceramic brakes
Horsepower: 1,287 bhp
0-60 mph: 2.7 seconds
Engine: Twin-turbocharged SSC billet aluminum block V8
Top Speed: 270 mph
Extras: The Aero owns the title of Guinness-certified world's fastest production car, which it set in 2007. The Guinness record is for 256.15 mph, held by the 2008 Ultimate Aero. After increasing power in the engine and adding carbon fiber louvers to brace the side intakes, SSC says the 2009 Ultimate Aero will be able to hit 270 miles per hour. Only 50 models will be made from 2007 to 2010.

Leblanc Mirabeau
Price: $861,798 (including $76,000 semi-automatic shifting option)
Engine: 4.7-liter V8 Supercharged
Horsepower: 700
Top Speed: 230 mph
Extras: The layout uses carbon fiber monocoques for ultra-high rigidity and security. Other parts of the chassis are made with titanium or magnesium. Some would argue that the fact that this Swiss stunner is street-legal makes the price tag worth it--most cars of its caliber are ready only for the racetrack. But be prepared for a sparse interior.

Pagani Zonda F Coupé
Price: $1,375,980
Horsepower: 602
0-100 km/h: 3.6 seconds
Top Speed: 345 km/h
Engine: Mercedes-Benz AMG V12 mechanical 6-speed with twin plate clutch
Extras: When the car debuted, Horacio Pagani dedicated it to Juan Manuel Fangio, a record-setting Formula One driver known as "El Maestro." It has Bosch ABS/traction control, a central carbon fiber safety cell with steel and carbon fiber roll bar; and a front- and rear-impact energy-absorbing structure made from carbon fiber. The car is currently sold out.

Maybach Landaulet
Price: $1,380,000
Horsepower: 604
0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph
Engine: V12 biturbo gasoline engine with 5-speed automatic transmission
Extras: The roof can be opened fully at the rear, while the chauffeur's compartment remains completely enclosed. Opening and closing the roof takes 16 seconds. Each armchair is encased in white leather. Partition screen with clear glass and curtains, reclining rear seats with leg and footrests, and a Dunhill umbrella are included.

Pagani Zonda F Roadster
Price: $1,448,000
Horsepower: 602
0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed: 214 mph
Engine: Mercedes-Benz AMG V12 mechanical 6-speed with twin plate clutch
Extras: The Zonda F is Pagani's top model and a tribute to five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio. It's made largely of carbon fiber and titanium. Production of the Roadster F is limited to 25 units.

Lamborghini Reventon
Price: $1,454,400
Horsepower: 650
0-100 km/h: 3.4 seconds
Top Speed: 211 mph
Engine: 6.5-liter aluminum V12, 6-speed mechanical gearbox
Extras: The Reventon was inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet and named after one of history's most famous fighting bulls. The entire body, excluding the roof and steel external door panels, is encased with carbon fiber. Introduced with the 2007 model year, just 20 of them will be made.

Pagani Zonda Cinque Coupé (tie)
Price: $1,738,080
Horsepower: 678
0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
Top Speed: 217
Engine: Mercedes-Benz AMG V12 engine
Extras: The Cinque borrows traits from the upcoming Zonda R track-day supercar, but with an upholstered interior and no roll cage. It's likely to be the final Zonda variant before the model's replacement in a few years. There were only five of these sold for the 2009 model year; the car is currently sold out.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 (tie)
Price: $1,738,080
Horsepower: 1,001
0-100 km/h: 2.5 seconds
Top Speed: 400 km per hour
Engine: 16-cylinder four-wheel drive
Extras: The Veyron has three diving modes that allow it conserve power, even at the highest speeds. (It needs only 270-280 horsepower to maintain speeds of 250 km/h.) Like the Grand Sport, the Veyron's ceramic brakes slow it down faster than it can accelerate: it takes only 2.5 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h but it takes 2.3 seconds to come to a standstill from 100 km/h. The car is made of titanium, carbon, magnesium and aluminum--the lightest metals available, and some of the most expensive.

Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster
Price: $1,882,920
Horsepower: 678
0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
Top Speed: 355 mph
Engine: Mercedes-Benz AMG V12 engine
Extras: There will be only five of these sold. The roof can be stored in the front trunk. Different drive modes of the sequential robotic gearbox and an adjustable suspension will make the car fun either on the road or on the racetrack.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport
Price: $2,027,760
Horsepower: 1,001
0-100 km/h: 2.5 seconds
Top Speed: 407 km/h
Engine: 8-liter, 16-cylinder engine with a seven-gear, twin-clutch gearbox
Extras: More than 700 hp in its "launch control" function are "continuously on standby” for a quick burst of speed, while cruise control allows constant driving at high speeds. Carbon-ceramic brake discs have interior ventilation; at speeds higher than 200 km/h, the rear spoiler serves as an additional brake. The car can come to a full stop from 100 km/h in just 32 meters.

Koenigsegg CCXR
Price: $2,173,950
Horsepower: 1,018 bhp
0-100 km/h: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 250 mph
Engine: 4.7 liter aluminum V8
Extras: Detachable storable hardtop with glass roof, rear wing, carbon ceramic brakes, hydraulic lifting system, navigation system, rear-view camera, DVD, CD, iPod, satellite radio, climate control, tire-monitoring system, leather carpets, roof stowage bag, car cover comes standard. Buyers can request custom leather interior and color options. You'll need the right connections to get one of these--last March, production plans were cut from six cars to four.

 

Mercedes-Benz myCOMAND System to be 4G (LTE) Equipped
Mercedes-Benz fully Internet-based infotainment system, myCOMAND, has now passed its first on-road test. During the Nokia Siemens Networks Solutions Forum 2009 in Munich, myCOMAND was run for the first time on a 4G wireless high-speed LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. Driving the S-Class prototype on normal roads produced a shining outcome: all myCOMAND features prove smooth and enhanced performance, with high resolution and improved quality. The roll-out of wireless technologies such as LTE, is a necessary prerequisite for myCOMAND connectivity. This first trial is an important milestone on the way to product realization of myCOMAND features and applications.

 

Mercedes-Benz Changes Marketing Strategy for 2010
Mercedes has decided to stress safety over luxury in its new marketing campaign. As the tables have turned in the economic downturn, so have consumer priorities. It is becoming more popular to brag about how little you just spent on a new car as opposed to telling your friends how ridiculously expensive your new car was.

Steve Cannon, VP of marketing for the U.S., believes that the new safety technology Mercedes has to offer should play a bigger role in its vehicle sales. In an interview with Automotive News, Cannon said, "You have to give people the justification that says, 'Yes, a Mercedes-Benz is relevant to me -- it can save my life.' " At a time when hybrids and less expensive cars are hugely popular, Mercedes has to give America a reason to shop for a Benz.

Mercedes has just launched its all new E-class, equipped with several features previously only available in the top of the range S-class. Blind spot detection, lane-keeping assist, night view, and attention assist, which monitors the driver's road awareness, are a few safety features available on the 2010 E-class. These features set Mercedes ahead of the pack in terms of safety, and the company is banking on its innovation to help it sell some cars.

Cannon quickly touched on competing brands and their marketing tactics. He said that Mercedes would not lower its game and that the company would continue to focus on innovation and safety.

 

Mercedes-Benz Takes Four First Places In Internet Auto Award 2009
The Stuttgart-based automobile manufacturer Daimler AG has won four first places in the Europe-wide survey to decide the 2009 Internet Auto Awards. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class was voted Europe's most popular van, for which it received the "Carolina" Trophy. The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG took first place in the online vote for the most popular new product at this year's Frankfurt International Motor Show. The editors of AutoScout24 declared "e-mobility Berlin" with the smart electric drive to be the best environmental initiative – the first large-scale project for urban electro-mobility. The best innovation was the SPLITVIEW technology that now enables the driver and front passenger to see different displays on one and the same screen at the same time.

For the eighth time AutoScout24, Germany's best-known online automobile market-place, conducted an online survey to establish Europe's most popular cars and the best automobile-related ideas. In the "Vans and Compact Vans" category, the majority of the more than 250,000 users gave first place to the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. This year 331 models in nine vehicle categories competed for Europe's largest public awards in the automobile sector.

In voting the Mercedes-Benz B-Class the most popular van, the participants above all acknowledged the fact that it combines the advantages of different vehicle concepts: this four-door model has the dynamic design of a sports saloon, the exterior dimensions of a compact car, the spaciousness of an estate car and the variability of a minivan.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was the undisputed No. 1 attraction at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. This is shown by an online public survey conducted in connection with the show by AutoScout24. By a wide margin, the new Gullwing model was voted the most popular among 27 new product presentations. This means that immediately after its world premiere, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has received its first sought-after award in the form of the Carolina Trophy.

The editors of AutoScout24 voted the project "e-mobility Berlin" with the smart electric drive the best environmental initiative. In cooperation with RWE and with the support of the federal German government and the city of Berlin, Daimler AG is currently creating the conditions for locally emission-free driving under battery-electric power in the German capital. Equipped with the innovative, highly efficient lithium-ion battery, more than 100 electric cars with environmentally friendly drive units will be on the roads as part of this project. The cars Daimler is using are the smart fortwo electric drive and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class with electric drive. Deliveries of the first vehicles will commence at the end of this year.

In the special category "Best Innovation", for which an award was also presented by the editors of AutoScout24, Mercedes-Benz also took first place with the new SPLITVIEW technology. This system available in the S-Class enables the driver and front passenger to see two different displays on the same screen at the same time. While the driver is e.g. following the navigation instructions, the front passenger can be watching a film on the same screen.

 

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Caught Testing Again
The latest spy shots of the S-Class Coupe, previously known as the CL, are here. What's new?

LED daytime running lights, and new front and rear bumpers.

Check out the related links for a few more details which we've previously reported on but that's pretty much it for this facelift.

Engines expected in the S-Class Coupe will be the same as featured in the sedan variant. A 5.5 liter V8 and 3.0 liter diesel will be available, the diesel also likely to be offered with BlueEfficiency technology for improved fuel economy.

Also in the cards may be an S-Class Coupe 400 BlueHybrid, just like the sedan model. That drivetrain is made up of a 3.5 liter V6 gasoline engine with 279 hp coupled to a 20 hp electric motor providing a total of 385 Nm of torque. Fuel economy on the S400 BlueHybrid sedan is a healthy 7.9 liters/100 km, though, some critics contend you'd be better off with the 3.0 liter diesel.

 

What Your Car Says About You
Are You What You Drive?
Since there have been cars, people have chosen their rides based on what their cars say about them. AOL Autos put a list of cars before automotive industry experts to capture their take on several popular cars. Our panel consisted of Stephanie Brinley, Senior Manager at Auto Pacific; James Bell, Editor and Publisher of IntelliChoice and Jim Markwalder, veteran automotive consultant from Detroit. Rest assured, these experts did not pull any punches.

Experts' First ThoughtsBell on Chrysler Sebring Convertible: "I hope it's a rental." Brinley adds, "It's an old person's cars, with only four-percent of its buyers from Gen Y." Bell on the Honda Insight: "They're members of the Prius Alternative Club for Honda lovers." Markwalder on Smart ForTwo: "Experimenters with a sense of humor who would rather sprint away from a light than hold up traffic."

Toyota Prius: Green No Matter Its ColorAuto Pacific's Brinley looked through the company's vast data on the Prius. "Buying a Prius shows the world that you love the environment and hate using fuel," said Brinley. "Compared to the overall industry, Prius buyers are more often women, have fewer kids and more often have college educations." Bell adds, "New Prius buyers want to be part of the 'green' club."
"Prius drivers like the video-game challenge of continuously trying to best your own fuel economy achievements," said Brinley. Markwalder opines: "There's a good chance that if you come upon a line of slow moving traffic, a Prius driver will be at the front of the line, self-righteously driving under the speed limit on his or her way to save the world." We're just quoting here, folks.

Chevrolet Corvette: Performer For The Mid-Life CrisisAccording to Auto Pacific data, the Chevy Corvette "seems to be more often a reward car. Its buyers are older than the industry average, with 88% born before 1946. Only 11% of Corvette owners are in Gen Y or Gen X." Bell adds: "Sadly, the usual stereotype of the Corvette buyer as a 57-year old male deep in a mid-life crisis is proven."
Bell sees another side to the Corvette. "It is the absolute greatest performance bargain on the planet," said Bell. "It's an affordable giant-killer." Markwalder adds, "There have been 1.5 million Corvettes produced since 1953, and while plenty of old guys drive them, they are an engineering marvel that will run 180 mph or return 30+ mpg highway fuel economy."

Toyota Camry: A Major Transportation Appliance"I think the Camry gets a bad rap for being the 'microwave oven' of the car industry," said Bell. "It's boring, reliable, efficient, and common. But to many drivers, these words are exactly all they are looking for, making the Camry their own personal rock star. A Camry in the driveway tells everyone that you know what is important in life, and it's not your car."

Dodge Challenger: The Transcendent Pony CarThe Challenger looks more like its original than the 2010 Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro. According to Brinley, the Challenger appeals to Baby Boomers who like styling and power. But almost 30 percent of Challenger buyers are Gen X or Gen Y. Surprisingly, this beats out the Prius, a more forward-looking vehicle; only 18-percent of its buyers are Gen X or Y.
Auto Pacific's data shows that the Dodge Challenger is winning buyers too young to remember the original 1970-74 Challenger. "All ages stop and stare at this car," said Bell. "Especially when it's in Hemi Orange, from old-skool Hot Rodders to the Import Tuner crowd." This wide appeal makes pegging the Challenger owner more challenging.

Ford F-150: Working Man's Truck According to Auto Pacific data, the driver of a Ford F-150 work truck (a plain, regular-cab model), is an employed man. Markwalder confirms with this: "Basic Ford trucks, like the XLT, make a good tool for the guy who works hard for an honest living." Bell adds, "We'll see fewer non-work trucks because using them for commuting has lost its shine."

Mercedes-Benz R-Class: A Marketing Mystery"With 2008 sales of only 7700 vehicles, we don't have enough information about buyers to provide a strong picture of why somebody drives an R-Class," said Brinley. "The more expensive GL-Class and ML-Class SUVs each sold three times as many." Markwalder states, "The R-Class has always been a contradiction, looking like a minivan but not delivering on functionality."
Bell quips, "My experience tells me that its few buyers are attracted to its three-pointed star (badge appeal) or the large discounts because the R-Class hasn't sold well." The R-class, a "tweener" that is somewhat minivan, somewhat wagon and somewhat crossover, has few rivals. Only the Ford Flex and the new Toyota Venza seem to come close.

 

MORE: What Your Car Says About You
Bentley
The Bentley trademark screams wealth, but in a softer voice than some of its competitors. "Our cars aren't as brash as some other performance car manufacturers," says Stuart McCullough, a Bentley board member. "We tend to be understated, quintessentially English. That reflects the mood and style of our customers." A Bentley also reflects its owner's bank account: typically flush with at least $5 million in investable assets.

Buick
Known as one of Detroit's geriatric brands, Buick is trying to shake its reputation with splashy vehicles like the LaCrosse. Owners of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse are 13% younger as a group than owners of the 2009 version, according to Buick reps. But on the whole, the sedan's owners remain a stodgy bunch: two-thirds are older than 55. They're also reasonably affluent, with a median household income of $75,000.

Chevrolet
On top of all the challenges facing Detroit automakers, Chevy must find a way to deal with the fact that its owners have a reputation for being behind the times, to put it nicely. Strategic Vision's 2009 New Vehicle Experience Study found that 13% of Chevy owners have never used the Web. By contrast, only 3% of Honda owners remain in the technological Stone Age. While 70% of Honda owners boast a college degree or higher, only 35% of Chevy owners can say the same.

Ford
Like Chevy, Ford faces a few unfavorable demographic trends. Only 45% of Ford owners have a college degree and 12% don't use the Internet. To combat this image and appeal to a younger, more tech-savvy group, Ford has introduced features in its cars such as Ford Sync, which allows drivers to play music from an iPod on the auto's sound system using Bluetooth technology. Drivers can request songs by voice command; Sync will even read text messages aloud.

Honda
The antithesis of flashy, Honda owners are usually pragmatic and well educated; 70% boast a college degree or higher. "Honda buyers buy primarily for the trust and dependability they find in our vehicles," says Chris Naughton, a Honda spokesperson. "Typically, highly functional vehicles deliver less image because customers didn't purchase for image." Honda users also tend to be tech-savvy--only 3% of owners don't use the Internet, compared with 13% of Chevy owners.

Lexus
Lexus owners are wealthy and well educated. A full 71% boast a college degree, by far the highest rate of Toyota's three brands (the flagship brand's rate is 60%; the youth-focused Scion's rate is 50%). With a median age of 56 and a marriage rate of 75%, most Lexus owners are settled down.

Mini Cooper
Mini owners are sophisticated and wealthy, boasting a median income around $125,000. Beyond that, they're a tough bunch to pin down, demographically speaking. "It's a certain mindset," says Nathalie Bauters, a spokesperson for Mini USA. "People who relate to the brand, there's no age to that." She says owners fall into four categories: brand enthusiasts, who relish the car's British racing roots; design aficionados, who like the car's simple elegance; social butterflies, who want to be part of the Mini community; and gas misers, who crave the Mini's fuel efficiency.

Scion
With a median age of 37, Toyota's youth-targeted brand has a very youthful owner base indeed. In terms of individual models, the Scion tC coupe has the youngest median buyer age in the industry: 25. The brand also brings a lot of first-time buyers to Toyota's fold--as was intended by the company. "One of Scion's main goals is to bring new buyers to our company," says Toyota's Greg Thome. "With 76% of buyers being new, it accomplishes that goal."

Toyota
A quintessential family brand, one in four Toyotas belongs to a household with children under age 18. The median age of owners is 55; 70% are married. Though 60% of Toyota owners have a college degree, that's slightly less than the 71% rate of the company's Lexus line.

Rolls-Royce
Unsurprisingly, extreme wealth is the only consistent demographic for Rolls-Royce owners. "The one common thread that all our customers share is a passion for life," says Rolls Royce's Karen Vonder Meulen. "Most truly love cars." Well-known owners range from royals to rappers. Recording artist T-Pain, who ranks No. 9 on Forbes' Hip-Hop Cash Kings list, owns North America's first Rolls-Royce Drophead. The fire-engine-red coupe boasts a 12-cylinder, 453-horsepower engine and a top speed of 150 miles per hour. Base price: $435,000.

 

Can Your Car Help You Get a Date?
From hairstyles to hypnosis, Patti Stanger, CEO of matchmaking service Millionaire Club 123, knows exactly what it takes to make a match.

I caught up with Stanger who also stars in the reality series "The Millionaire Matchmaker" while she was promoting her book "Become Your Own Matchmaker" for advice on the best cars for attracting girls.

Hands down, Stanger recommends a Bentley Continental GT. "It says, I have money and will shower you with gifts and attention," says Stanger. On top of it, it says classy.

Other top contenders include the Mercedes Maybach, which is even more expensive and impressive than the Bentley. "It says Gazillionaire," explains Stanger.

If you're going for the "hip, cool guy" look, consider the Aston Martin DB9. It's two steps above the Porsche, said to Stanger, which is typically driven by the 55-year old going through a midlife crisis.

However, she said she's not a fan of Ferraris of any sort--the typical go-to sports car--which screams "little dick" to Stanger.

"If you want to be off-the-beaten-path with a real sports car, you get a Viper," says Stanger.

However, the regular viewers of her show know that the same American muscle appeal doesn't work with yellow Corvettes, which Stanger says are "uglier than ugg."

Then there are the classics that Stanger said she likes; the "I have money but I'm still practical" cars, such as the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, and Jaguar XKR. These are the cars that look expensive, but aren't "off the wall," says the Millionaire Matchmaker.

If you're in daddy mode, pick an Cadillac Escalade or, Stanger's personal favorite, a Range Rover.

"I like guys in trucks because it says 'rugged hunter,' " she explains.

Granted, Stanger caters to a decidedly well-heeled crowd--all of her clients are millionaires. Her advice may be good for the monied set, but not every guy can afford these high-end vehicles.

However, that's no excuse for driving a beater.

Stanger points to the unprecedented sales and incentives for American automotive products.

"There are huge deals on cars now; you can make really good deals right now. Girls respect a guy with a truck. It says you'll protect me, take care of me, and help me move furniture," she says of the vehicle stereotype.

However, the important thing is that you don't buy outside of your economic bracket.

"Buy what is practical for your budget," she says. That same standard applies to those at the higher end of the spectrum.

"If he's making millions of dollars and driving the 10-year old Corolla, we have a problem here," says Stanger. "The exception is the Prius, because it shows he cares about the environment."

And regardless of what you drive, every guy should demonstrate basic car etiquette, which means a man must open the car door for his date, even if it has automatically unlocking doors.

"It says protection and I love you," says Stanger of the gesture.

But chivalry doesn't end at the door. Stanger also advises that when the car stops short, you put your arm out to protect her. Don't smoke, and ask her what music she wants to hear. Set the air conditioner to her temperature preferences and have water bottles for the two of you.

Take care of the car as you take care of you body. "In other words, keep it clean," she says.

 

That girl is retarded. ^^

 

Saw this in this months Star Magazine.
2007 S550 Designo

I love this care and it will have a good home. If you can't prove $300,00 net income annually don't call..."

No doubt a number of the members of this board make that kind of money. Would any of you dignify this guy's request and provide that ind of information in order to have the opportunity to purchase his precious car?

I can tell you I don't make that kind of money but I wouldn't do it at my income level short of him offering to sell it at a fraction of the going rate.

My guess is anybody who makes that kind of money would rather buy a new one than deal with this clown.

 

Top 25 Movie Car Chases
'Bullitt' (1968)
"Bullitt" is the quintessential car chase movie. If you haven't seen this film's '68 Ford Mustang versus '68 Dodge Charger chase through the streets of San Francisco, then you are not really a car guy (or a car gal)!

'The Italian Job' (1969)
The entire second half of this film is little more than an epic car chase involving three Mini Coopers, a couple of Jaguars, and a bus, through, under, and above the streets of Turin, Italy.

'The French Connection' (1971)
I accidentally rented this film many years ago when I couldn't remember the title of "The Italian Job." Little did I know that I'd picked up one of the greatest chase scenes in film history. The hero, Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle, commandeers a 1971 Pontiac LeMans and races it through the streets of New York, frantically chasing an elevated train.

'Vanishing Point' (1971)
"Vanishing Point" is to MOPAR guys what "Bullitt" is to Ford lovers, although in my opinion 'Bullitt' is a much better movie than this meandering film. At center stage is the white 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T that our hero Kowalski is charged with driving from Denver to San Francisco.

'Duel' (1971)
David Mann is minding his own business, driving his Plymouth Valiant, when he encounters a faded and grimy Peterbilt 281 tanker truck in the California desert. Mann soon finds himself in a bizarre cat-and-mouse game with the truck, which won't let him pass, but won't let him stop. This movie is 90 minutes of pure suspense and is a must-see.

'Gone in 60 Seconds' (1974)
A South American drug lord pays a group of thieves $400,000 to steal 48 specific cars for him, including a 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Ninety-three cars are crashed in this 97-minute movie. Skip the year 2000 remake for the classic's better, longer climatic chase.

'Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry' (1974)
Larry and Mary are washed-up NASCAR drivers who rob a small-town grocery and are pursued in their 1969 Dodge Challenger R/T by police. "Ain't nothin' gonna stop us!"

'Death Race 2000' (1975)
Sometimes a movie is so bad that it's good. "Death Race 2000" (not the 2008 remake, "Death Race") is a wacky film starring David Carradine and Sylvester Stallone. Based in a post-apocalyptic America, the Transcontinental Death Race is now a national sport. The only things funnier than the one-dimensional drivers are their themed, custom vehicles.

'Smokey and the Bandit' (1977)
This southern classic about the world's greatest beer run from Texas to Georgia is chock full of car chases and epic jumps--and definitely deserves a place on our list.

'The Driver' (1978)
The title character in 'The Driver' is a professional who steals cars to drive as getaway vehicles for big-time robberies. He only says 350 words in the entire movie. Why? He's busy driving, that's why!

'Mad Max' (1979)
Personally, I don't think this first film in the "Mad Max" trilogy is that great--the second film is where the series gets good. What I do like about it are the long bumper-cam shots of Max's 1973 Ford XB Falcon Hardtop GT351 ripping down the Australian highways. The sound of the supercharged V8 is incredible!

'The Blues Brothers' (1980)
For the large car chases, filmmakers purchased 60 police cars at $400 each, and most were destroyed at the completion of the filming. At the time of the film's release, it held the world record for the most cars destroyed in one film until it was surpassed by its own sequel, "Blues Brothers 2000."

'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' (1989)
OK, so this film isn't a car movie, but it does feature car chases, boat chases, motorcycle chases, even horse versus tank chases. If it moves, this film has someone chasing someone in it or fighting on top of it. In fact, the entirety of the "Indiana Jones" franchise is chase after chase for a series of MacGuffins.

'Short Time' (1990)
This obscure 1990s comedy is about a Seattle cop who, after being told he has 2 weeks to live, is trying to get killed in the line of duty for the insurance benefits. This film features a pretty epic (and pretty silly) 7-minute car chase that's definitely worth seeing.

'Tomorrow Never Dies' (1997)
You could really take your pick of any of the James Bond films--they all have awesome chase sequences--but I'm choosing "Tomorrow Never Dies" because Bond spends the whole chase in the back seat of his BMW 750, piloting the car with his cellphone! That has to be a violation of hands-free laws.

'Who Am I?' (1998)
Mostly, this is a martial arts/crazy stunts extravaganza, but the car chase scene in this 1998 Jackie Chan film introduced me to the four-wheeled wonder that is the Lancer Evolution IV. However, I still can't get this movie's theme song out of my head.

'Ronin' (1998)
I'm sure there's a plot, but the only thing anyone remembers about "Ronin" is the car chases. Several cars are used in the chases, including a Peugeot 406, a Citroen Xantia and XM, a BMW M5, and a Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9, a rare Mercedes-Benz W116 variant with a high-powered engine, and, most famously, an Audi S8.

'The Fast and the Furious' (2001)
Laughable dialog? Check. Stupid plot? Check. Lots of explosions and car crashes? Check and check. Say what you will about "The Fast and the Furious" series of films, I still find the car chases and variety of vehicles involved to be quite interesting. I especially love playing Spot the Inaccuracies with my friends!

'The Transporter' (2002)
"The Transporter" isn't what I'd call a "good" movie, but the first film of the series opened with an apologetically over-the-top chase in a modified BMW 7-Series. For the true Bimmer-phile, the first 20 minutes of this film are worth the price of admission.

'xXx' (2002)
What is it with bad movies and good car chases? This 2002 film starring Vin Diesel was so utterly forgettable that it almost didn't make the list. Then we remembered that epic Pontiac GTO done up 007-style. Bonus: A Chevrolet Corvette gets base-jumped off of a bridge in the opening scene.

'The Bourne Identity' (2002)
Another great Mini chase, this time through the streets of Paris. Actually, all three "Bourne" films have pretty good chases in them. I'd recommend you check them all out.

'Bad Boys II' (2003)
Detectives Lowery and Burnett pursue the villains in a silver Ferrari 575M Maranello, but the baddies have stolen a loaded vehicle carrier and are throwing whole cars (and boats) in at our heroes. If director Michael Bay could make a chase scene this exciting for a buddy-cop film, why was "Transformers 2" so devoid of car-based mayhem?

'The Matrix Reloaded' (2003)
OK, so there's a lot of digital trickery used to make this chase happen, but we're Car Tech, so that's fine! This chase starts with the (at the time) unreleased Cadillac CTS being chased by the also unreleased Cadillac Escalade EXT, and quickly devolves into an explosion-filled, crashing mess involving big rigs and motorcycles.

'Deathproof' (2007)
This film by Quentin Tarantino culminates with a high-speed chase through the desert with our heroine trapped on the hood of a speeding white 1970 Dodge Challenger (like the one in "Vanishing Point"), pursued by a washed-up stuntman in a 1970 Dodge Charger modified to be death-proof!

'Speed Racer' (2008)
"Speed Racer's" car-fu driving style may have been a bit much for many viewers, but I enjoyed this digital effects extravaganza, with its half-pipes, loop-de-loops, and extreme vehicle acrobatics. Then again, I'm easily influenced by shiny, colorful things...