DIMO introduces most intelligent Mercedes-Benz S-Class
View(s):Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO), the authorised distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Sri Lanka, is planning to sell at least 100 units of Mercedes-Benz S-Class reaching out to a new generation of customers, company officials said.
Mercedes-Benz aims to reach new target groups with this S-Class model, including those who never wanted to drive a Mercedes, Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman and Managing Director DIMO told the Business Times on the side lines of the launching ceremony of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) in Colombo last week.
The new S-Class Mercedes Benz which will be used by visiting heads of State for CHOGM. Pic by Ranjit Perera
He said this is seen as the most intelligent production passenger vehicle built thus far due its special features and is set to be the benchmark for all other luxury models that will follow.
The S-Class is not just a technological spearhead for Mercedes-Benz, but for the automotive development as a whole, he said. Mr. Pandithage explained that the local car market is plummeting due to high import duty and other taxes and the vehicle importers are surviving as a result of car imports using duty free/slashed permits.
However he noted that he is optimistic that the demand for super luxury cars will catch up with the lifting on credit ceiling imposed on banks, reduction in interest rates and a stable exchange rate.
The company is reaching out new target groups including the newly rich, young crowd with this S-Class (W222) model, he revealed. Speaking to the Business Times, Kenny Ng – General Manager, Mercedes-Benz Emerging Markets, said that Mercedes-Benz is leveraging the technological advancements of its flagship model S-Class to attract the emerging markets such as Sri Lanka.
He emphasised that S-Class (W222) model is a result of much research and testing carried out by Daimler production company of Germany and all these vehicles are being imported from Germany.
Daimler South East Asia Pvt Ltd located in Singapore is handling all Mercedes-Benz car sales in the Asian region and DIMO is their sole agent for these vehicles from a long period, he added.
“When you purchase your S-Class from DIMO, you are rest assured that your ‘Intelligent’ car will perform and will be looked after as such a car should be. The S400 Hybrid requires Daimler Certified Hybrid Technicians to look after the vehicle,” he disclosed.
Making a lengthy presentation on the new Benz model, Rajeev Pandithage, Head of the Mercedes-Benz sales parts at DIMO outlined special features of the vehicle including its ability to detect bumps on the road ahead by means of the stereo camera, magic body control which instantaneously sets up the suspension to deal with the new situation. This innovative suspension system is available as an option for the eight-cylinder models, he revealed. As an intelligent automobile, the new S-Class is packed with sophistication and advanced electronics, which are engineered and attuned to suit different conditions.
Mercedes-Benz is now making a complete switch to LED technology; the new S-Class is the first vehicle in the world where the interior and exterior does not include a single light bulb.
Visibility is enhanced by two assistance systems that have undergone some key improvements – Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus. With a new stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors, the S-Class has 360-degree all-round vision and detects potential dangers on the road better.