Cooperation between Mercedes-AMG and ROTWILD: Driving performance on two wheels and four

Anyone wanting an AMG-branded model now has a choice of either two wheels or four. AMG, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz, is entering into a long-term, strategic partnership with ROTWILD, a world-renowned manufacturer of premium mountain and touring bikes. With a portfolio of exclusive, limited edition two-wheelers planned, the first product will be the R.X45 AMG All Mountain bike. The dynamic design and fresh colour scheme are inspired by the A 45 AMG "Edition 1". Available exclusively from ROTWILD dealers, the fully sprung, handmade carbon-fibre bike is priced at 6990 euros.

"Our aim with this partnership is to bring the AMG brand claim, "Driving Performance", to two wheels. We chose ROTWILD because the brand has applied a real passion and high level of technical expertise to take bike development to a new level," says Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management at Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "Both companies focus on performance and the products elicit the same responses from fans and owners: a racing pulse, excitement and enthusiasm." ROTWILD's CEO Peter Schlitt adds that "We are delighted to have found an excellent partner in Mercedes-AMG. In terms of philosophy and direction, the two premium brands are an ideal fit, sharing at their heart independence, German engineering expertise and the desire to set benchmarks in technological development." Since ROTWILD was founded in 1996, the company has enjoyed steady growth and continues to build on its good reputation in the international mountain biking and racing community.

Kicking off with a high-end mountain bike

To launch their new partnership, Mercedes-AMG and ROTWILD are unveiling the fully sprung, carbon-fibre R.X45 AMG bike. This bike is a genuine all-rounder that is suitable for virtually any terrain and yet stays true to its racing roots. Handmade and developed in Germany, the all mountain bike is designed to meet the requirements of demanding touring riders. To deliver optimum traction, directional stability and excellent responsiveness in a whole range of situations, the R.X45 AMG features the very latest in frame technology. The next-generation frame is made of carbon-fibre and represents a technological highlight that incorporates the combined expertise of developers at ROTWILD. The R.X45 AMG's rugged, lightweight and cutting-edge frame is designed to withstand extreme conditions, allowing the rider to unleash their true performance potential on all terrain.

In terms of look and feel, the bike's design is inspired by "Edition 1" of the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG. The frame in AMG cirrus white, the rear swing arm in matt black and graphite grey, plus red detailing make the bike exceptionally distinctive. All models are handmade and distributed exclusively by ROTWILD.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH ~

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The first touring coaches for the Rhineland with environmentally friendly Euro VI engines

During the handover ceremony in Neu-Ulm, the family-run business Omnibus und Reiseverkehr Laschke GmbH received two Mercedes-Benz Travego Edition 1 buses and a Setra S 416 GT‑HD from the ComfortClass 400 model series in front of a crowd of more than 150 invited guests and customers. The company from Euskirchen is therefore the first business in the entire Rhineland area to use touring coaches fitted with environmentally friendly Euro VI engines.

With their purchase of the two Mercedes-Benz touring coaches, Omnibus und Reiseverkehr Laschke GmbH took on a pioneering role and set a good example in the region. Since their introduction, the Travego Edition 1 vehicles are the first touring coaches in the world to already fulfil the requirements of the future Euro VI emissions standard. They are powered by the new OM 471 BlueEfficiency Power engines whose 12.8 l of displacement supply 350 kW (476 hp) at 1800 rpm. The high maximum torque totals 2300 Nm at 1100 rpm. In addition to being equipped with the new GO 250-8 PowerShift automated eight-speed transmission for buses, the vehicles that were handed over also feature an ergonomically enhanced cockpit as well as a range of the latest safety systems. However, none of this comes at the expense of passenger comfort. Great importance was consistently given to the particularly large seat spacing of 90 centimetres in the new vehicles; this too is unrivalled in the region.

The management of this family business with great heritage see the acquisition of the new buses as a consistent step in the direction of the future: "As the environment is one of our most important goods, Omnibus und Reiseverkehr Laschke GmbH seeks to protect it and maintain it as a lifeline for us and our children. That's why we decided that we would have our new touring coaches equipped with Euro VI engines today already; in doing so, we are thus one big step ahead of the legal requirement for buses which are even more environmentally friendly."

Laschke GmbH has been relying on Mercedes‑Benz and Setra for three generations

In 2011, the company which was founded by Franz Laschke celebrated its 60th anniversary. The first multi-day tour headed off to South Tyrol in 1962. In 2010, Stefan and Joachim Laschke took over the family business from their father Reinhold Laschke, who had led the company through its second generation since 1976. Today, the bus company offers its customers a wide range of daytrips and multi-day tours throughout Europe – from the North Cape and Iceland via St. Petersburg right down as far as Spain and Portugal. The company, now with more than 35 employees, has been relying on both of Daimler's bus brands for many years. Joachim Laschke explained: "Traditionally, our fleet has been solely made up of touring coaches from both Mercedes-Benz and Setra as they offer high levels of efficiency, reliability and comfort. With this order, we are continuing down a path which we've been walking along for three generations already."

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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