Mercedes-Benz is using this year's Frankfurt auto show,
a.k.a. the IAA (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung), to launch a stunningly
futuristic concept car, the Concept IAA (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile).
The 2015 Frankfurt motor show, which began in the German city on
Monday. Virtually every major automaker and their invited guests are
celebrating at least a new product which they consider a breakthrough and hope
to position it as a leader and a reference point in the auto industry.
But they do so oblivious of what the other company has
produced. From the Porsche to Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Hyundai,
Kia and Yanfeng, among others, the presentation of the show cars is simply an
indication that the future cars are at this year’s Frankfurt auto fair.
Mercedes-Benz has a long history with aerodynamic vehicles
both in the distant and in the very recent past. The W126 S-class, launched in
1979, had a claimed drag coefficient of 0.36. While Cd is difficult to compare
directly given differences in wind tunnels and even measurement method,
Daimler's current lineup is nevertheless impressive; a version of the CLA is
rated at a mere 0.22. The Concept IAA takes aerodynamics to an extreme,
sporting a drag coefficient of only 0.19—despite a disadvantageously short
front overhang, large 22-inch wheels on 235/35 tires, and a plug-in-hybrid
powertrain with significant cooling needs. It does so by means of active
aero—changing its shape.
Even though there is no formal competition among the car
makers concerning the best new product, some products will certainly stand out. Talking about the future cars, the Mercedes-Benz team led by
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, on Monday unveiled a concept car a "Premium Autonomous/driverless Vehicle".
The Concept IAA or Concept Intelligent Aerodynamic
Automobile is what the Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head
of Mercedes-Benz Cars called a digital product.
He spoke at a press briefing on Tuesday at the 2015
Frankfurt International Motor Show, Germany. His speech may be summarised as ‘don’t just think about
innovation, act it’. The new thinking at Mercedes has given birth to
digitalisation of products and services, according to the Mercedes-Benz boss,
offering more speed, more precision and more diversity.
Zetsche says digitalisation has been a central strategic
issue in all areas of Mercedes-Benz for many years, noting that technical
innovations like driveline electrification and autonomous driving, in
particular, would be unthinkable without the digital transformation.
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