The latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class model continues the tradition of raising the bar for performance, agility and comfort

Kuwait 14 April 2007: The Mercedes-Benz Model 190 was introduced over 25 years ago, laying the foundations for what has become the bestselling model series in the history of the brand - the C-Class. This world-wide experience was mirrored in the Kuwait market, where this model has become an achievable aspiration for many clients over the years. 

At the beginning of the 1980s, the news that Mercedes-Benz was working on a new model series below the E-Class was a sensation, and gave rise to a great deal of speculation. Seldom before had the press reported so often and so exhaustively about a secret prototype as about the 'compact' Mercedes-Benz, which soon became world-famous as the 'Baby Benz' even before its launch.

The new car was the culmination of many years of deliberation for the Stuttgart brand. The compact Saloon met the wishes of car buyers, while offering Mercedes-Benz the opportunity to establish itself in a new market segment and gain additional customers. Moreover, there were increasing calls for more economical cars, and with the Model 190 Mercedes-Benz was able to demonstrate that its typically high standards of safety and comfort could also be realised in a more compact and economical model.

The Saloon was well ahead of its time, with a safety concept that reflected the results of accident research and already took offset frontal collisions into account. Neither was any other car in this class able to offer an anti-lock braking system, bent tensioners and an airbag, which were available as optional equipment, in the early 1980s. The still unrivalled multi-link independent rear suspension celebrated its world debut in the Mercedes-Benz 190, as did the first high-strength steel alloys which combine minimal weight with maximum strength.

Mercedes-Benz also broke new ground with the Model 190 where design was concerned. The angular, trapezoid form of the bodyshell and unusually high rear end ensured plenty of attention. Mercedes-Benz later transferred these basic lines to other model series - making the 'Baby Benz' the pioneer of a new design idiom which characterised saloons bearing the Mercedes star until the early 1990s.

A look back at 25 years of the C-Class also reveals parallels between the two Saloons in styling terms. Both represent something new for their time, and both have set design trends. Just as the trapezoid, "cut diamond" design of the Mercedes-Benz 190 paved the way for a future Mercedes design idiom in its time, the new C-Class is also an ambassador for a new design style. The emphasis here is on purity of form, with the designers following the rules of modern purism and reinterpreting them in a modern context. Owing to an interplay between tightly drawn lines and large, tranquil surfaces, the design expresses unruffled calm and power, and symbolises the technical superiority of cars bearing the Mercedes star.

25 years ago, the Model 190 also marked a new styling departure with a redesign of the tradition-laden Mercedes radiator grille, which was no longer mounted but rather flush-fitted into the front end. In the new C-Class the radiator grille is likewise an important design feature with a high symbolic effect. This is because for the first time in a Saloon, Mercedes-Benz has used the radiator grille to position certain attributes even more unmistakably. With their three-dimensionally contoured radiator grille, the CLASSIC and ELEGANCE lines intentionally echo certain striking features of the S-Class to symbolise attributes such as solidity, power and luxury. In the AVANTGARDE line, the designers have opted for a visually even more striking radiator grille with wide louvers and a large, centrally located Mercedes star. This typical feature of the sporty Mercedes models underlines the dynamic, agile character of this model.

The Model 190 shows that a 25 year-old Mercedes-Benz does not look 'old', and infact it still has a very attractive shape that is well appreciated. This timeless appeal is common to all Mercedes models, and is accompanied by a degree of technical reliability. Both attributes are essential for "value retainers" to become automotive classics -- and for the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz to be a long-term investment with high potential returns. 

The specialists at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre consider a model from the first C-Class generation to be among the classics of the future especially the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3 16 or 190 E 2.5 16. Only 25,200 examples of this sporty Saloon with a 16-valve engine were produced, and this alone makes it a rarity with a high potential return.

The New C-Class, which celebrated its European premiere last month at the Geneva Motor Show, will be available from Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co., Mercedes-Benz general distributors of DaimlerChrysler AG in Kuwait from mid April onwards.

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About Albisher & Alkazemi
Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co. are the exclusive representative  for  Mercedes-Benz products &  services, MTU engines & Fuchs oil. With a dedicated staff of about 650 employees, including senior managers, technicians, parts & sales consultants from DaimlerChrysler, we are committed to the Mercedes-Benz philosophy of product quality & customer service, which is reflected in our motto: simply the best.

For more information please see: http://www.mercedes-benz.com.kw/dealers.aspx?m=3011

Press contact:
Dina Sabry
Gulf Hill & Knowlton
Tel: 2322976
Fax: 2322993
Email: dsabry@hillandknowlton.com.bh

© Press Release 2007