Mercedes-Benz and BMW - Catching up with top brand Lexus

Long time luxury car segment leader Lexus is outclassed by rivals Mercedes and BMW in terms of sales. Toyota's luxury brand Lexus have been the annual top leader among the luxury car marques for eleven years.

The sales of Mercedes-Benz jumped by 11% or by 16,398 units compared to their last year's numbers. BMW sprung by 21% or by as much as 15,905 vehicles. Lexus on the other hand fell by 17% or by 12,860 vehicles.

Lexus was able to protect its position last year and held off the two other rivals BMW and Mercedes to keep the top position in terms of sales in the Unite States. Lexus held the position for 11 years. The German brands have outpaced and outpositioned the Japanese Toyota unit with the X3 of BMW hitting the showrooms and the C-Class of Mercedes Benz getting a face lift.

The lead of Lexus is getting smaller with its 2009 19,473 units lead shrinkign to 9,216 last year. The sales of Lexus jumped 6.2% in 2010 or by around 229, 329 units while BMW's numbers sprung by 12% or by as much as 220, 113 vehicles for 2010. Mercedes-Benz was able to achiev a 14% jump or 216,448 cars for 2010.

Lexus had a good push towards the end of 2010 to keep it afloat. The good race between the three luxury brands will impact the stats for the segment early this year. Lexus surely suffered from the recalls made by Toyota resulting to more incetive spendings for the company.

Mercedes-Benz Announces AMG-Ducati Cooperation at LA Show

At this week's Los Angeles Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz announced that performance division AMG, and Italian motorcycle maker Ducati will develop common marketing activities in the near future. Mercedes-AMG CEO Ola Källenius and Ducati CEO Gabriele del Torchio signed the agreement during a press conference held at the LA Show.

According to the deal, AMG will be the Ducati MotoGP Team's Official Car Partner in the 2011 championship and, in return, during various events held by the Germans, participants will also have the opportunity to test Ducati motorcycles and vice versa.

AMG plans these events for its Private Lounge members, numbering more than 13,000 customers worldwide. The two companies noted that other activities and strategic steps are also under consideration, but didn't disclose any further information yet.

"I am very pleased that we are able to announce our strategic cooperation with Ducati today. AMG and Ducati ideally complement each other, as both companies share the same values: racing as the driving passion, and high performance plus exclusivity as the central brand messages of both AMG and Ducati. This long-term cooperation will help us to jointly access new customer groups", said Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

"I am especially proud to have AMG as one of our sponsors for the MotoGP Team. I am also very pleased that our joint marketing activities are well under way. In AMG we have found a partner who perfectly reflects our brand values of high performance, motorsport, excitement and our sense of unmistakable style and design", Gabriele del Torchio, President and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A, added.

Both companies are highly respected in their line of work, so their cooperation sounds like a good idea, as customers have the opportunity to experiment with new ways of achieving that gratifying adrenaline-rush.

All Electric Mercedes-Benz EL500 Luxury Sedan

As the electric and fuel efficient cars are replacing their gas guzzling counterparts at an increasing pace, US designer, Nikita Kalinin, envisions an all electric Mercedes-Benz EL500 Luxury Sedan for the future. The emission free Mercedes sedan features a long wheelbase with coupe proportions and its overall size gives a spectacular presence on the road.

The EL500 electric Luxury Sedan concept is equipped with all electric drive twin battery system. It has Li-Ion permanent battery upfront and quick swap cartridge battery at the rear end that power 2 silent high torque motors mated to the corresponding compact CVT transaxles. It'll come compatible with smart gird and will give 300miles combined battery charge.

Apart from being emission free, EL500 Luxury Sedan blends eco friendliness with luxury. All its aspects are maximized for comfort and relaxation. Its rear single seat zone provides the all the amenities similar to flying in first class. The amenities include bar, internet bed, seat climate and privacy control etc. Also, special attention has been paid to reduce the chassis, suspension and drivetrain noise.

The other prominent features of the vehicle include, large front grill with horizontal slits, rear overhang longer than the front, solid wide stance and dual headlights lenses is the embodiment of Mercedes trait. The rear end design, however is influenced by the interior package as there is only the single seat at the rear so it needs window access, as a result they are pulled closer in, thus creating very strong shoulders in the back.