As some of you may know Mercedes-Benz USA is the Official Vehicle of the US Open and today they announced that they would be participating in the USTA’s environmental strategy by providing fleets of “luxury eco transportation” for the players and VIP transportation.  MBUSA will be positively impacting the US Open’s green initiatives and a new green PSA is expected to feature Alec Baldwin.  For more information on this green initiative check out a portion of the press release below.

Source:  News Blaze/Mercedes-Benz USA

As the Official Vehicle of the US Open, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announces today that it is a driving force behind the USTA’s commitment to green initiatives by providing Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID sedans and Mercedes-Benz F-CELL (Hydrogen Electric Vehicle powered by a fuel cell) vehicles representing 60 percent of the fleet used for player and VIP transportation during the 2010 US Open tournament.

As an innovator in luxury eco-transportation, Mercedes-Benz is dispatching its F-Cell hydrogen fuel vehicles with zero emissions in addition to 75 S400 Hybrid vehicles in an effort to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the US Open tournament. The US Open launched its comprehensive environmental program three years ago and continues to expand green initiatives each year. In 2010, key initiatives include recycling, energy management, composting and utilizing paper products comprised of at least 30% post-consumer waste. In addition, a new green PSA campaign is planned featuring Alec Baldwin.

“We are very excited to participate in the USTA’s environmental strategy and positively impact the US Open green initiatives through the Mercedes-Benz transportation fleet. By tapping our portfolio of eco vehicles, we can provide athletes, staff and officials with green transportation without having to sacrifice luxury or safety,” said Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. “Over the next four years, Mercedes-Benz is committed to exploring new ways through innovative eco mobility to help the USTA expand their environmental initiatives.”‘

For the full article click here.

I’m sure we all can agree on one thing,  gas isn’t exactly cheap these days.  No it’s not over $3 like it was two summers ago, however fuel prices have dramatically increased over the years.  Saving some money never hurts and there are some simple tips that can help you do so when it comes to fuel consumption.  Below is a good article found at Ezine about tips for saving on fuel consumption.  Try implementing some or all of these tips and let us know how you make out! Have a great weekend Benzies!

Tips For Saving on Fuel Consumption

By Robert Cope

With most people still reeling under the effects of the economic meltdown, everybody is looking for ways to cut their expenditures and what better way than to save on fuel consumption. The sky rocketing fuel prices have added to the budgetary woes of most people; fortunately, saving on fuel is not particularly difficult so, here are a few tips on how you can increase the fuel efficiency of your car and lower your transportation costs:

1)  Limit the number of short trips: Vehicles use the greatest amount of fuel and hence release the maximum exhaust within the first few minutes of starting; this means that the mileage of your car on a five km trip will be lower than if you were to cover a distance of 25 kms. The catalytic converters in the car need enough time to warm up so that they can start doing their job; however, trips that are less than 5 kms long do not give the engine enough time to reach the peak temperature. So, instead of taking several small trips, plan your schedule and make a single long trip that covers all your errands

2)  Drive in the right gear: Driving in the second gear when you could make do with the third will not only prevent proper acceleration but will also waste fuel; the engine labors more in the lower gears; however, you can operate the car optimally without accelerating when using a higher gear. If you are driving a manual transmission vehicle, change the gears as soon as it is comfortable.

3)  Check the pressure in the tires: The right pressure in your tires is also vital to maintain fuel efficiency; always ensure that your tires are inflated to the manufacture recommended pressure and the wheels are appropriately aligned to extend the life of the tires and to reduce fuel consumption.

4)  Make sure that you change the engine oils as recommended: The engine oil helps to keep the mechanical component of the vehicle clean and soot free; it also helps to regulate the operating temperature inside the engine. A dirty engine uses up more fuel than required reducing the fuel efficiency of the car and damaging the components. Ideally, you should change the engine oil every 4 months or 3750 km whichever comes first.

5)  Use Fuel additives or conditioners: There are a myriad of duel additives available in the market, each performing a distinct task. While high octane additives help to burn the fuel at a higher temperature increasing the performance of the engine; others such as alcohol and ether help to keep the engine clean and grime free; protecting the individual components

6)  Operate the air conditioner sparingly: The air conditioning system of the car is the biggest gas guzzler in the vehicle. So, if you want to minimize fuel usage, make sure that you keep those windows rolled down and switch off the air conditioner.

7)  Do not use your vehicle to ferry a large amount of weight: Most manufactures will specifically mention the amount of weight that can be safely carried in a vehicle and its impact on the fuel consumption of the car. A simple rule of thumb is the more the weight the higher will be the need for fuel, so if you are trying to get good fuel efficiency, do not load too many bags in the back seat.

8)  Don’t Speed: Speeding is not only dangerous but it can also prove expensive because the fuel consumption of the engine increases greatly once you cross the 90mph mark. Also, maintaining a steady speed will help you to increase the fuel efficiency of the vehicle

As you can see, it is not particularly difficult to incorporate these tips; however, you will be surprised at how much you can save on fuel costs by using these simple techniques.

Looking for a fuel additive to save gas? Checkout GasSaverForLife for information on fuel additives and to try the Mileage Maxx All In One Gas and Diesel Fuel additive.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Cope

For full article click here.

Here is a video we found over at Mercedes-Benz TV’s YouTube.  The video discusses the Mercedes-Benz safety feature PRE-SAFE package.   Mercedes-Benz vehicles traditionally provide the highest standard of safety.  In this feature you will see how the PRE-SAFE package helps to meet this claim.  It utilizes Active Safety Systems such as ESP and radar sensors in order to identify these critical situations.  Based on accident research two-thirds of all accidents are preceded by skidding or breaking.  PRE-SAFE essentially provides the vehicle with reflexes in order to improve passenger protection.

Now that the summer is starting to come to an end (September 23 is the first day of Fall) a lot of people start having their last hurrah summer parties.  There are many options for a summer party, but have you ever thought about an end of summer movie night in your own backyard? Check out this article for all the details to plan a summer ending movie party!

Planning an End of Summer Party

By Andy E Grant

The summer is rapidly coming to a close and school will soon be back in session, so what better way to beat the end-of-summer blues than with a family movie night or movie party? Gather friends and family, pick out your favorite flicks, rent a projector, then sit back and enjoy your favorite films and some tasty popcorn. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Less is more, or the more the merrier?

It’s up to you whether you want to keep the gathering small and intimate or invite the whole gang. Remember, if the party gets too big, you can always move the fun outdoors with a rental projector. As long as there’s no rain in the forecast, plan to host an outdoor movie party and project onto a smooth blank wall, or a hung white sheet (no patterns, please!).

2. Choose a theme.

Of course, a theme is entirely optional, but it does add a certain dimension to any gathering. What kind of movies does your family enjoy most? From family comedies and musicals to old westerns to heartfelt dramas or suspenseful thrillers, choose movies the whole family is sure to enjoy. Better yet, since you’ll have your rental projector for the entire weekend, why not let each family member choose one of the films you’ll all enjoy together? It’s a great way to ensure that every member of the family gets to contribute, and it introduces family members to selections they might have overlooked otherwise.

3. Don’t forget the food!

In our culture, food is an integral part of any gathering, and family movie night is no different. How simple or elaborate is completely up to you, of course. Whether you want to go old-school and simply pop popcorn for an after-dinner movie gathering, or you prefer to leave the cooking to someone else by ordering pizza or takeout, or you’d like to prepare a snack buffet, be sure to select food options that make the evening enjoyable for everyone.

4. Rent a projector

It’s fast and easy to rent a projector online, and some companies deliver a professional-grade LCD projector for as little as $99 for a full weekend. With a weekend rental, you can extend your movie night to last all weekend long, or have a Wii gaming tournament — the possibilities are endless.

Summer parties are an excellent way to say good-bye to the summer months and hello to cooler, crisper weather, camping, and the holidays. Enjoy your end of summer party!

Need an LCD projector rental for your next business presentation or end of summer party? Renting a projector is as easy as 1-2-3 at http://Projector123.com. Discover the fast, easy, affordable, hassle-free way to procure a professional grade rental projector today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_E_Grant

For full article click here.

Thanks to WORLDCARFANS.com we have spy shots of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG.  The car was heavily disguised while on the Nurburgring test track, but larger brake calipers and discs can be seen behind the testing wheels.  The car is also fitted with a dual exhaust, with a tail pipe on either side of the vehicle, and vents on the hood.  We can expect Mercedes-AMG’s new twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 536 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque.  We may also see the AMG Performance Package making its way onto the next ML63 AMG, which if true, would boost output to 563 hp (420 kW, 571 PS) and up to 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG should get its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011.

For full article click here.

Hey everyone!  We’re going to be trying to add more diversified content to our blog.  Obviously our main focus is Mercedes-Benz news, however we also wanted to once in awhile provide posts about luxury goods we think our readers will be interested in.  Here is an article we found about the high quality watchmaker Movado.  This was a rather long article, so if you want to read the entire thing check out the link at the bottom of this post.  Enjoy!

Movado – A Truly Sleek Style Selection

By Wyatt Hume

There are certain brand names with which you instantly associate quality. Mercedes-Benz for cars. Brooks Brothers for men’s suits. Vera Wang for wedding dresses. Veuve Clicquot for champagne. Cohiba for cigars. Manolo Blanhik for women’s shoes.

But when it comes to luxury timepieces, no name is more revered than Movado.

Founded in 1881 by Archille Ditesheim in a small Swiss village, the Movado line of watches encompasses over 100 patents, 200 international awards, and countless hours spent on artistry, innovation, and attention to detail. The result is a reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty that is unequaled in the wristwatch world.

Here are some examples of Movado timepieces for both men and women:

For Men:

Fiero Swiss Quartz Black Dial Stainless Steel Watch

The quintessential representation of Movado style! The tungsten carbide bracelet supports the sturdy stainless steel case. The silver tone hands sweep across the round dial, which has a white “high noon sun” accent at the 12:00 position.

Black Dial & Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch. Bold, handsome, and trendy. The rounded rectangular dial sports a white dot and white stick index markers. There is also a date window as well as three different subdials.

Esperanza Swiss Quartz Silver-tone Dial Stainless Steel Watch

Movado craftsmanship in a more traditional style. The face features 30-minute, 60-second, and 1/10 second subdials on the main dial. The hands, index markers, bracelet, and round case all match the dial color.

For Women:

Corporate Exclusive Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch

The classic Movado look that’s perfect for any occasion. The silver tone multilink bracelet supports the matching round case. The round black dial highlights the silver tone hour and minute hands and coordinating signature 12:00 dot.

Two-Tone Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch

Slender and subtle yet chic. The simple bracelet contrasts beautifully with a gold tone loop at the top and bottom of the case. The round silver case is offset by gold tone hands and 12:00 dot on the deep black dial.

Wyatt Hume is a freelance writer who writes about jewelry, watches and specific brands such as Movado.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wyatt_Hume

For full article click here.

Do you have the need for speed? Do you wish you could get your hands on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG? Well to satisfy your craving, we found the trailer of a new 3D film shot at 162 mph featuring former F1 driver David Coulthard.

“Ex-F1 driver David Coulthard takes the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG to 162 mph in 3D on a closed section of the Isle of Man TT course. It is the fastest 3D has ever been shot on land. This is a 2D taster of the full 3D film, Manx Meister (an In© Production. www.incword.com) to be released in August. This is the sequel to Fast and the Famous featuring Jay Leno.”

For those of you who have not gone on vacation this summer or those that have and still wish they were on vacation , here are some inexpensive family activities to help you ride out the rest of the summer!  Personally, day trips are my favorite!

Inexpensive Family Activities to Help Finish Out the Summer

By Jeanne Gibson

If you decided to stick around home this summer instead of heading out for an expensive vacation, the kids are probably driving you crazy by now wanting something to do. Why not spice up that last month of no school with one of the following activities?

1. King (or Queen) for a Week

Assign one week during the month for each of the kids to be King or Queen of the family. During that week, they get to choose an activity for the whole family to do–within reason, of course. You could post a list of suggestions for them to choose from such as, dinner at the local mall followed by a movie. Or a picnic coupled with a fishing trip at a nearby lake or river. Or a visit to a local attraction such as a bowling ally, a swimming pool, a paintball palace, a skating rink, etc. with a stop at McDonald’s on the way home.

Or how about a visit to a local fair, or visiting circus, or similar event in your town? The point is that each King or Queen of the week gets to choose something special for the whole family to do together.

The King or Queen is also absolved of regular chores that week. Other family members make their bed for them, clean up their room, and do other regular chores they may have been assigned. They can also plan what will be served for dinner, one night of their reign.

For small children, a glittering crown made of paper and fancy stickers, sprinkled with sparkles (or one purchased from the local dollar store) adds to the excitement of being the King or Queen and gives them a keepsake to remember it by.

2. Sign Up For a Class of Some Kind.

The activities for kids in your town may be different than in mine, but look for things your family doesn’t normally do, as well as the usual basketball or baseball team sports. Not that those aren’t great activities, but a vacation is usually viewed as doing something you wouldn’t ordinarily be doing so look for something that fits that description. Maybe you can take a language class together, go to an interpretive center and learn how the early settlers in your area preserved food, made clothing from wool, washed on a washboard, etc.

3. Make a “Day Trip,” At Least Once a Week During That Last Month of Summer.

A trip to a fish hatchery is always exciting, or perhaps to a wildlife sanctuary. Our area has one where they take care of birds that have been injured or orphaned. (Not only is a trip like this interesting, but it is also educational, but you don’t have to mention that to the kids.)

Jeanne Gibson writes from her home in Springfield, Oregon. Some of her favorite topics to write about are kids, cats, divorce, marriage, working from home, and writing. See her website on inexpensive vacation activities at http://www.cheapsummerfun.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanne_Gibson

To read the rest of this article click here.

We’ve got more….you’ve guessed it….SPY SHOTS! Some of you may be thinking what the heck? The Mercedes-Benz B-Class doesn’t exist for United States Mercedes lovers, however that will soon change as Mercedes is planning up to three B-Class variants for the U.S. market!  The hatchback version in these photos (courtesy of LEFTLANE) will likely be a part of the B-Class’ U.S. mix, but two other models are still under consideration as well.  Mercedes-Benz is planning sedan and SUV variants of the next B-Class, giving the premium compact a broader appeal among U.S. buyers.

As you can see in the interior shots the display for the radio and navigation has moved up a bit on the dashboard as well as it seems that the gearstick for the automatic gearbox comes with a steering column gear selector rather than a gearstick in the center console. That will offer more possibilities for storage in the center console.

Look for the next-generation B-Class to debut sometime next year as a 2012 model, with a U.S. sales debut likely a year or two later.

For full article click here.

Okay so we all have garages or know people that do.  These tips can help prevent serious accidents and injuries due to careless mistakes involving the garage door.  Anyone remember the scene in the movie Scream in which the girl dies in the garage door? Yeah not a pleasant image! Some children and pets aren’t wise enough to know that garage doors can be harmful and if you happen to get caught in the garage door’s path, watch out!  We at Ray Catena Mercedes-Benz would never want such accidents to happen, therefore we are providing you these quick and easy safety tips to always keep in mind.

Garage Door Safety Tips and Info

By Jim Redfield

It is summer time and that means the kids are out of school and you are trying hard to keep them out of trouble. You have probably already had a long talk with them about what they can and can not do but did that include talk about Garage Door safety?

The garage door is the largest moving object in a house. It weighs in at over 300 pounds and can easily crush a small finger or toe. Unfortunately, the garage door looks like a toy. What is not to like about it. You hit a button and the door starts to open. Hit it again and it closes. Some kids settle for just that, but others play games like trying to beat the closing door by running underneath it.

There is a reason that July is garage door safety month, and that is because the most injuries occur during this month. Make sure you ensure the safety of your child. Read these tips on garage door safety and make sure your kids understand how serious the door is.

-  Do not play with the garage door opener. Constantly opening and closing the door can burn out the motor, rendering it inoperable.

-  Do not walk or put anything under the door while it is in operation. While many doors come equipped with safety sensors these days, there is always a chance that a broken wire or other error may cause the safety feature to fail. This results in the door crushing and injuring.

-  Do not touch the springs or cables attached to the system. These are under tension and provide the strength to lift the door. Inadvertently loosening one will cause it to snap lose and injure or damage whatever is in the line of fire.

- Do not dangle or hold on to the door or any other component of it while it is operational. There are videos of children enjoying a fun ride on the door while it lifts up. Unfortunately, there are also videos of children getting caught and pulled into the pulley system, often resulting in significant injury.

-  Do not neglect repair. The cost of a new spring, typically about 100 to 200 dollars, is nothing compared to a trip to the ER for an injury. If you have not done so recently, look over the various springs, pulleys, and cables on your garage door. Look for any signs of wear or tear and damage. If you need repair, find a professional to do this quickly for you. Simply open a yellow book or go to Google and search for Garage Door Repair birmingham or whatever your town is. Call the first few that come up and start getting pricing.

Ensure that your children have a safe and enjoyable summer. Talk to them about the dangers hidden in the garage, and supervise them when possible.

Jim Redfield provides tips and tricks for getting the most out of your garage door service. If you are in the Birmingham area and still need help on your garage door, call Precision Door Service Birmingham.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Redfield

For full article click here.