Long Distance Drive "Paris - Beijing 2006" - E-Class fleet arrives in St. Petersburg / Seven Countries in Seven Days - Best Average Consumption at 6.8 litres/100 km

St. Petersburg (ots) -

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Mercedes-Benz is demonstrating the worldwide potential of its
diesel technology with an extraordinary long distance drive over two
continents. One week after the start in Paris the marathon fleet of
36 Mercedes-Benz E-Classes arrived at the destination of the first
leg in St. Petersburg after a drive of around 3550 kilometres.
Together, the diesel saloons have already traversed more than 120 000
kilometres on their rout through seven countries.

Last Saturday the fleet of 33 E 320 CDI and three E 320 BLUETEC
cars left the French capital on their way to St. Petersburg. In the
former Russian capitals, the saloons will be taken over by a new
group of drivers, who will complete the second leg of the "E-Class
Experience" to Yekaterinburg within 5 days. Overall, approximately
360 drivers from 35 nations will take turns at the wheel before the
diesel marathon reaches its final destination in Beijing on 17
November.

Best Average Consumption at 6.8 litres/100 km

The object of the drive, to test the emission levels, fuel
economy, and cruising range of the state-of-the-art diesel cars under
the most extreme conditions, was fulfilled by the teams from Europe,
America and Asia on the first leg. Although the E-Classes carrying
three to five persons with luggage have a heavier load and the route
during the first few days included a high share of motorways and
expressways, the average consumption of the fleet was just over eight
litres per 100 kilometres. The best team with two Polish reporters,
achieved average consumption of only 6.8 litres/100 km. The daily
record posted between Riga and Tallin was even lower at 6.0 litres.
At the same time the E-Classes demonstrated their high reliability in
continuous operation. The only accident in the combined total of
120,000 kilometres travelled was a flat tyre.

Originaltext: DaimlerChryslerAG
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Frank Bracke,
Telephone +49 711 17-75852,
frank.bracke@daimlerchrysler.com

Wolfgang Zanker,
Telephone +49 711 17-75847,
wolfgang.zanker@daimlerchrysler.com

Internet Addresses:
News from DaimlerChrysler under www.media.daimlerchrysler.com
You can find more information about "Paris-Beijing" under:
http://www.e-class-experience.com

Those interested in journalistic research are cordially invited to
visit: http://www.paris-beijing2006.com. (Login: "media", password
"paris-beijing")