Fleet Sales
Safety
The ultimate in safety testing
At Mercedes-Benz, we’re not content just to meet standard safety requirements. Our vehicles undergo extensive tests that far exceed the demands of consumer safety organisations and of European, US and Japanese legislation.
This rigorous approach is nothing new. As early as 1969 we established our own Accident Research Department, which has since analysed and reconstructed thousands of real-life accidents.
We were also quick to realise the limitations of standardized, head-on crash tests and became the first manufacturer to introduce off-set crash testing in 1979. Only in 1998 did this become a legal requirement in the EU.
In recent years, we’ve also led the way in virtual crash testing. This enables us to simulate endless variations of crashes, studying both safety and ease of repair. As a result, models such as the E-Class can now be repaired at relatively low cost.
Such comprehensive testing - combining simulations, crash tests and accident analyses - not only gives rise to innovative safety systems such as Pre-Safe®. It also offers fleet managers peace of mind, knowing their drivers are in safe hands.
Mercedes-Benz continue to set new benchmarks in the field of active safety systems. Having set standards for many years, with essential systems such as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), now adopted by many other manufacturers and strongly recommended by NCAP, progress continues with an array of technological innovations.
Whilst many cutting-edge systems debut in the flagship S-Class and CL-Class ranges, with Distronic Plus and Night View Assist current exciting examples, development for other model ranges also takes place. Take the New C-Class Saloon, which features the class-leading Adaptive Brake System, which includes features to reduce stopping distances and improve the response times of following drivers in an emergency.
Keeping you one step ahead
An innovative, preventative safety system, Pre-Safe® gives your car ‘instincts’. So it can sense critical situations – such as emergency braking or extreme steering movements - and initiate pre-emptive safety measures.
Pre-Safe® harnesses the sensor technology already fitted for existing systems such as ESP, BAS or BAS Plus. These sensors can detect a potentially hazardous driving situation – for example, heavy oversteer or understeer – and relay the information to the Pre-Safe® system.
In response, Pre-Safe® triggers appropriate safety measures – such as electronic seat belt pre-tensioners and Neck-Pro active head restraints - to help prevent injuries should a collision occur.
In addition, Pre-Safe® triggers almost complete closure of side windows - and sunroof, if fitted - to protect occupants from any objects or debris entering the vehicle. This also helps prevent injuries caused by an occupant’s arm or head projecting outside the vehicle. And the closed side window braces the windowbag, if deployed.
Depending on the model and specifications, the system can also reposition seats into an upright safety position. And – in the case of optional multi-contour seats – inflate the cushion and backrest bolsters to provide added support for occupants.
If an accident is avoided, the optional multi-contour or dynamic multi-contour seats are deflated once the dynamic handling signals fall back below predetermined limits. Likewise, the front seat belt tension is released automatically. Other systems can be reset manually.
Protecting precious cargo
Keeping drivers and passengers safe and secure is an area in which Mercedes-Benz has always innovated and excelled.
For example, in 1959 the 220 series became the first car to feature a firm occupant cell and crumple zones. Later, in 1980, we introduced the steering wheel airbag and the front passenger airbag followed in 1987.
Today, this dedication to passenger protection continues. All our cars are built to the highest specifications and include a host of features designed to minimise occupant injury and vehicle damage in an accident.
Take the A-Class, with its sturdy safety cell based on our innovative sandwich floor concept. Occupants sit approximately 200mm higher than most cars, keeping them above the critical impact zone in a collision and, if necessary, enabling the engine to slide beneath them.
In addition, the A-Class features impact areas specially designed to yield in a collision. This reduces the risk of injury to other road users without compromising occupant safety. Cost of repairs are kept to a minimum by the use of bolted front and rear modules with crash boxes, and a headlamp casing with repair supports.
Staying connected safely on the move
Mercedes-Benz appreciates that busy executives need to stay in touch on the move – and we recognise this can be a dangerous diversion. That’s why all our vehicles incorporate a range of advanced communication technologies to minimise driver distraction and enhance safety on the roads.
All Mercedes-Benz cars have Bluetooth® connectivity. This enables drivers to pair compatible mobile phones with the vehicle and make calls hands-free using the multi-function steering wheel or head unit. In addition, drivers can opt for telephone pre-wiring with hands-free facility on many models – allowing them to charge their phone and easily access their address book and perform a number of functions.
Our advanced telematics systems include Audio 20 (standard on various models including the A-Class, B-Class, C-Class and E-Class), Audio 50 (available as an option across our range) and our intuitive COMAND system (standard on the S-Class, SL-Class and CL-Class, optional on models across the range).
Audio 50 incorporates DVD-based arrow navigation with Traffic Message Channel (TMC) and compass function for stress-free journeys. Its integral Linguatronic system provides the ultimate in hands-free control, enabling drivers to issue voice commands to operate the radio, DVD player, navigation system and telephone. The system also offers text-to-speech functionality – invaluable for receiving text messages on the move.
Our COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) system features an easy-to-read 8" display, with audio, video, navigation, telephone, and optional TV controlled using the logically structured menus. Drivers can control many aspects of the audio, communication and navigation systems using the multi-function steering wheel and Linguatronic voice recognition function. This enables them to navigate and communicate without ever moving their hands from the wheel.
Communication is vital to effective business – and with Mercedes-Benz, you can be assured drivers have the right tools at their fingertips to be both efficient and safe.
