Daimler and BYD Join Forces, Create a New Brand with Electric Cars for China

Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) and Mercedes-Benz's parent company Daimler AG have set up a new joint venture called "Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd," to develop electric vehicles for China.

The two companies said that they are planning to invest a total of 600 million yuan (US$87.9 million) in the 50-50 partnership in China.

According to a statement made by Daimler, the German automaker will bring its "know-how in electric vehicle architecture and safety" to the venture, while BYD will contribute "it's excellence in battery technology and e-drive systems".

The new electric vehicle(s) will be marketed under a new brand jointly created and owned by Daimler and BYD.

BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu and Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche signed the joint venture contract today in Beijing, however, like everything else in China, the business license for the new joint venture is still subject to relevant government approval.

Mr. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Company Limited: "Together with Daimler we are making excellent progress identifying opportunities to utilize the strengths of both companies to create a new brand of electric cars for China. This is a unique and exciting initiative and together we are pushing hard to bring this new electric vehicle to market as soon as possible."

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG: "Our new joint venture is well positioned to make the most of the vast potential of electric mobility in China. We are fortunate to have excellent joint venture partners in China and the establishment of this research and technology center with BYD adds another dimension to our growing presence in this important market."

*BYD Model Featured in These Photos is the F8 Coupe-Convertible and Not the Dedicated Electric Car Being Prepared by Daimler and the Chinese Automaker

Mercedes-Benz Hexawheel Concept Study

The Mercedes Hexawheel concept asks an interesting question: what if Mercedes (or Smart) tackled mini-off-roading?

Thought up by Siyamak Rouhi Dehkordi, a 35-year-old Mechanical Engineer from Iran, it features an insect-inspired all-wheel-drive platform integrating hydraulic pistons into the frame to help control the car's two halves.

A diesel engine would put power through a "flexible hydraulic power transmission system" to all six wheels.

The concept is 4.8 meters long, split up by twin 0.95 meter wheelbases. It may be a little too funky for production, but it would be awesome to see something like in real concept form.

For an idea of what the Hexawheel could theoretically handle, have a look at some of the pics below.

By Phil Alex

Images: Siyamak Rouhi Dehkord, Via: Carbodydesign

BINZ Debuts 6-Door 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Limo

Limousine manufacturer Binz has applied its 'Procrustean magic' on the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stretching the executive sedan to a mighty 5,979mm in length, or about 1,100mm longer than the standard version.

The E-Class limo also adopts a 6-door configuration and three rows of seats, increasing passenger capacity to seven (including the driver). In addition, the two individual middle row seats can be placed to face forward or backward.

Those interested can choose from three powertrain options, including a 204HP 2.2-liter turbo diesel, a 292HP 3.5-liter V6 petrol and a range-toppingh 388HP 5.5-liter V8 petrol.

Prior Design Fattens up the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211

Own a W211 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and just desperately need to stand out from the crowd? Prior Design just dropped some pics of its new appearance package for just that model.

Owners can get new front/rear bumpers (€599 each), side skirts (€349), and roof/trunk spoilers (€199 each) made from Duraflex (other materials optional). Fog lamps for the new front bumper are €249.

An extra €900 nets a stainless steel exhaust, and to get those 20-inch rims involved people will have to cough up another €1,700. That really isn't terrible for the rims, as long as one likes them; no word on what kind of tires are painted on them.

Personally, I'd love to see the Halloween paint scheme and black rims from Prior Design's Maserati 4200GT. On an E-Class with a CLK Black Series face, the Maser's rims and colors would just make it pop.

By Phil Alex

Vorsteiner Releases V6E Kit for Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Vorsteiner has a new aero kit for the latest AMG E63, and it's called the V6E. The body kit consists of a front lip spoiler, trunk spoiler, and diffuser all made of carbon fiber.

Also part of the package are Vorsteiner's forged V-308 rims, which have an interesting claim to fame if you take Vorsteiner at their word: they're "the most concave wheel available on the market". Hey, whatever helps you stand out.

While it's certainly not as imposing as the GTRS3 kit Vorsteiner put out last month, it sure good in an understated gangster kind of way. You know, for the times you don't need to be a teenage Darth Vader.