Mercedes has the honor of being able to trace its family tree directly back to the very first modern automobile ever built. No other car in the world can make that claim. Karl Benz is credited with building the first modern automobile in 1985. Powered by a gasoline engine, it ran on three wheels. His company, Benz & Cie, received a patent for the design, and by 1893, two dozen had been made and sold.

About this time, another German manufacturer entered the automobile market. Daimler Motor Company was started by two German engineers, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. It was their company that produced the first vehicle to bear the Mercedes name in 1902.

The companies existed apart from one another for a couple of decades, but World War I and the economic slump which followed sent the two manufacturers into tentative talks. In 1924, they agreed to work together and standardize production, purchasing, and marketing while maintaining their own brands. In 1926, however, they merged together into Daimler-Benz, calling the cars they manufactured Mercedes Benz.

Today, the Mercedes name is synonymous with wealth and power. The name has been worn by some of the finest automobiles ever made. Car collectors search the globe for highly favored models, and enthusiasts excitedly analyze each new model unveiled. Owning a Mercedes has long been a symbol of high rank.

Buying a brand new Mercedes cars for sale is a bit steep for most people, but a like-new used Mercedes may be quite within the realm of possibility. Anyone contemplating purchasing a pre-owned Mercedes will enjoy scrolling through the listing of vehicles online. There are hundreds of luxury cars listed, along with specific information on each individual automobile. You can even see 360 degree views of the interiors of cars in which you are interested.

Shopping for used vehicles has never been less hassle. You do not have to waste gas driving to every used car lot in town; you do not have to spend hours on the phone calling all over to locate the kind of vehicle you want. The online site even lets you make a date for a test drive, apply for financing, and eventually schedule maintenance visits for your “new” Mercedes!

In the news: Mercedes-Benz has recently announced that approximately more than 38 percent of all new Mercedes cars sold in Europe consume fewer than 6.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. And that’s not all, one in every five Mercedes-Benz cars offer a fuel consumption of no more than 5 liters per 100 kilometers. DaimlerChrysler’s Mercedes currently offers a total of eleven passenger car models with average consumption ranging from 4.9 to 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

Last year, almost 34 percent of all Mercedes customers in Germany preferred new cars for sale with a fuel consumption of below 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers. While an approximate of 18 percent German customers have chosen models with no more than 5 liters per 100 kilometers. Mercedes-Benz so far is the only premium brand to provide customers with such an extensive range of low-consumption models, including compact cars, saloons, sport tourers, and coupe cars.

From among the Mercedes range the A160 CDI is the most fuel-efficient Mercedes model of all, with a combined fuel consumption of 4.9 to 5.2 liters per 100 kilometers depending on the tire size. Mercedes-Benz compact car boast an output of 60kW/82 hp and capable of driving 1100 kilometers on a single tank of fuel (54 liters). The executive models of Mercedes-Benz such as the E 200 CDI and the E 220 CDI offer a fuel consumption of about 6 liters per 100 kilometers. The four-cylinder saloons with a recorded output of 100 kW/136 hp and 125 kW/170 hp consume only about 6.3 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers but if on a full tank meaning 65 liters it can cover an extra 1000 kilometers. Likewise, the optional 80 liter fuel tank of the CDI saloons boosts its driving range to over 1250 kilometers which is similar to driving from Berlin to Florence.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is further reduced by 0.3 liters per 100 kilometers and in the New European Driving Cycle or NEDC the new C 200 CDI and C 200 CDI models marked a fuel consumption of only 6.1 liters per 100 kilometers.

Here is the list of Mercedes-Benz cars with their corresponding output and fuel consumption:

* A 150- 70 kW/95hp; 6.2-6.7 * A 160 CDI- 60 kW/82hp; 4.9-5.2 * A 180 CDI- 80 kW/109 hp; 5.2-5.7 * A 200 CDI- 103 kW/140 hp; 5.4-5.7 * B 180 CDI- 80 kW/109 hp; 5.6-5.8 * C 200 CDI Saloon- 100 kW/136 hp; 6.1 * C 220 CDI Saloon 125 kW/170 hp; 6.1 * CLK 220 CDI Coupe- 110 kW/150 hp; 6.4-6.5 * E 200 CDI Saloon- 100 kW/136 hp; 6.3 * E 220 CDI Saloon- 125 kW/170 hp; 6.3

In the past years, Mercedes-Benz have not always made fuel consumption as their topmost priority but due to the increasing demand for fuel efficient vehicles they decided to finally joined the bandwagon. The main focus of Mercedes-Benz in the past is creating luxury cars that are loaded with comfort features although that policy is still employed for its new models but the fuel economy has become an important part of the whole car building equation.

One of the popular models produced by Mercedes-Benz is its SL-Class Luxury series. The SL means “Sport Light” or in German Sport Leicht. The SL-Class range is comprised of the following: 350SL, 450 SL, 280 SL, 380 SL, 500 SL, 300 SL, 300 SL-24, 420 SL and 560 SL. —these are just some of the very first range of SL-Class model produced until 1989. Further advancement and modification were done on the SL-Class. Production of auto parts of the first generation of SL-Class like the Mercedes 450SL parts are still continued to provide avid SL-class owners with the quality Mercedes 450SL part that they need.

BMW’S redesigned 7 Series was revealed for the first time in early July ahead of its official world debut at the Paris motor show on October 2 – and now have been given a sneak preview of the first ever hybrid version of BMW’s flagship model.

The 7 Series ActiveHybrid will be revealed as part of BMW’s all-new limousine range, including the 750i sedan upon which it is based, at the same show Mercedes-Benz car will unveil its first S-class mild hybrid - the S400 Blue Hybrid, which was developed under a joint-venture program with BMW and goes on sale in Europe in mid-2009.

BMW cars is expected to produce a second-generation version of the hydrogen-powered Hydrogen 7, but the 7 Series mild hybrid is expected to enter production for the US before it in late 2009 – though it may not be offered in right-hand drive guise for markets like Australia.

It differs from the Concept X6 ActiveHybrid revealed last year in that the X6 hybrid concept is a full parallel or dual-mode hybrid that, unlike the 7 Series ActiveHybrid, can be driven in electric-only mode and is the product of a joint-venture hybrid program between Daimler and General Motors. Both the BMW and Mercedes-Benz mild hybrid limousines employ a boot-mounted lithium-ion battery pack (in what Benz claims is the first series-production application of such technology), as well as regenerative braking and idle-stop technology.

But the 7 Series ActiveHybrid differs from the 3.5-litre V6-powered petrol-electric S400 via its use of the new twin-turbocharged direct-injection 4.4-litre V8, which BMW says delivers the same 300kW and 600Nm of torque as offered by the X6 50i.

Combined with the 15kW and 210Nm of peak torque produced by an electric motor integrated into the transmission housing, replacing the alternator and starter, the 7 Series hybrid produces a total of 315kW and 810Nm.

But while the S400 is claimed to deliver combined performance outputs of 220kW and 385Nm with an average fuel consumption of 7.9L/100km, BMW says only that the 7 Series hybrid reduces fuel consumption by 15 per cent compared to the 750i.

In typical BMW style, this new concept car combines a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions with a standard of driving dynamics never seen before even in this class of hybrid cars.

Smart, a member of Mercedes-Benz Cars, a Daimler AG Company, has started in the 1990s and is currently making big waves in the car production and sales niche. The world was taken by Smart’s innovative concept in cars – compact which makes it perfect for urban driving yet provides complete comfort, safety and agility.

Smart cars for sale are one of the new stylish vehicles that are very much in demand for contract hire and leasing. Smart leasing and Smart contract hire have been much awaited all over USA and UK. Many companies which lease cars and other top vehicles have found the need to be high especially for urban professionals and singles. The car’s compact yet agile character makes it perfect for those who are looking for practical yet sporty or chic ways of moving around the city, whether for personal or business use.

Smart leasing and Smart contract hire companies offer the Smart range with their Smart For twos series. Smart For two Pure has the features offered by luxury vehicles. It uses the tridion safety cell technology, ESP or electronic stability program, anti-lock braking system and four airbags. As standard features, it has the 5-speed automated transmission (manual or automatic), central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel.

The Smart For two Passion Coupe is the next in the series with sporty specifications like a panorama roof, plus other luxury parts like the alloy wheels, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and an AM/FM radio with CD player.

The last of the For two series offers the For two Passion Cabriolet which includes all the features of the Passion Coupe cars for sale but elevates it with an upgraded radio and sound system with its mp3 compatible in-dash 6-disk CD changer. This feature is best for those who want a very stylish and chic compact car. Also, the Passion Cabriolet has a soft top and a heated rear glass window. The best feature for this is that the side roof bars can be removed and stowed in a special compartment for a very sporty and luxurious look.

Another in Smart’s car range is the exclusive Smart BRABUS GmbH which uses a turbo engine and exclusive design of leather, brushed aluminum and stainless steel.

These cars offer a hybrid technology packed with compact structure best for urban driving that is why Smart leasing and Smart contract hire are considered best for city and urban driving. Its technology offers fuel efficiency for all petrol engines so fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced. Smart leasing and Smart contract hires are best for those who want convenience in driving any Smart compact hybrid cars for sale available in the Smart range.

Smart is a subsidiary of Daimler AG that creates the “smart” model, a two or four seat vehicle that is aimed especially for urban use. The first Smart vehicles were produced by the Swatch Swiss watch manufacturer.

They wanted a very small car that could be easy to drive and park in the crowded European cities. They also wanted the car to be cheap enough for young people to afford it. From 2006 onward, all the Smart models are being created and sold by the Mercedes-Benz, while intended as a affordable and cheap mini car, the Smart car for sale was too expensive for young people and it became somewhat as a fashion statement.

In many parts of Europe the Smart, especially the Fortwo model (as its name implies, it can carry only two passengers) was a success, while the Fortwo model was taken out of production recently. However, many people are asking if the Smart car could become a success in America, the home country of full size SUV cars and powerful V-8 engines.

Until recently, the Smart models could not be imported legally in the US as they did not meet the American emissions regulations. All of the models that could be found on the market were modified so they could pass the emissions tests.

However, the Mercedes-Benz automobile group has developed new engines for their model, so it could be sold throughout the world.

Its supporters say it is the best city car in the world, as it is only 106.1 in long and it can be parked almost anywhere in the city center. Its small engine is powerful enough for urban needs, however it lacks the power for long highway cruises. The smart car has a titanium structure, making it the safest mini car on the market.

However, there are people that say the Smart has poor value as it has several disadvantages. First, it can only carry two people (the driver and a single passenger), while some of its competitors car carry five people in full comfort. In the same time its relatively short wheelbase (73.5 in) means that the smart car is very uncomfortable, especially on poor roads. The first models were also speed limited, as they could become unstable as high speeds. However, the 2008 model is safer, more comfortable and fun to drive.

However, the Toyota Prius is a hybrid car and among the non-hybrids, the smart car has been declared the most fuel efficient car in the U.S. in the Federal Government’s 2008 Fuel Economy Guide. The smart car can be a very fun car to drive, especially if you do not consider being in such a small car a major inconvenience.