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Mercedes Benz, one of the oldest and largest vehicle manufacturers in the world, and producer of the most expensive mass production cars, admitted their cars are "too heavy" for the current market place. Generally, for their class, a Mercedes weighs from 500 to 1000 pounds more than the competition American, Japanese and Korean cars and other Euro cars. In return, on average, a Mercedes will have a more powerful motor to offset the weight, even in their "economical" cars. All this adds to their prices.
IT also adds to their safety. The most notable was a Mecedes that did a head-on at about 50 mph with a out of control semi truck also going about 50 - like hitting a brick wall at 100 mph. The driver (only person in car) survived. I doubt any would in a typical car American or Japanese car. Rescue crews have complained that their "jaws of life" sometimes can't pry open a Mercede's door, though no lives reported lose as a result. There is a saying that Japanese and American cars are made from thin tin and Mercedes are built of battleship steel.
The reason is because most cars are built to meet minimal federal and EU safety standards, which for the most part are designed around low-speed accidents. Mercedes builds cars for potential Autobaum accidents and well beyond any government requirements. The extra weight is in the amount of high grade carbon steel they use for the driver/passenger compartment. However, the weight adds to the price, costs fuel economy and affects performance despite powerful motors.
Safety still does NOT sell. Mercedes appears to be facing an economic necessity to make less safe cars.
What is your top priorities in buying a car/truck? Pick no more than 3 so it represents a direction of priorities.
IT also adds to their safety. The most notable was a Mecedes that did a head-on at about 50 mph with a out of control semi truck also going about 50 - like hitting a brick wall at 100 mph. The driver (only person in car) survived. I doubt any would in a typical car American or Japanese car. Rescue crews have complained that their "jaws of life" sometimes can't pry open a Mercede's door, though no lives reported lose as a result. There is a saying that Japanese and American cars are made from thin tin and Mercedes are built of battleship steel.
The reason is because most cars are built to meet minimal federal and EU safety standards, which for the most part are designed around low-speed accidents. Mercedes builds cars for potential Autobaum accidents and well beyond any government requirements. The extra weight is in the amount of high grade carbon steel they use for the driver/passenger compartment. However, the weight adds to the price, costs fuel economy and affects performance despite powerful motors.
Safety still does NOT sell. Mercedes appears to be facing an economic necessity to make less safe cars.
What is your top priorities in buying a car/truck? Pick no more than 3 so it represents a direction of priorities.
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