Mercedes-Benz is Leader for Diesel Models with Particulate Filters as Standard

• Twenty models with particulate filters as standard
• Now available in the C-Class, E-Class and M-Class
• smart cdi models to be included from 2006

Mercedes-Benz now offers more diesel vehicles with particulate filters fitted as standard than any other automaker in the world. The pioneer in diesel technology currently offers 20 different passenger car models with the maintenance-free system as standard, far more than any of its competitors. All newly ordered diesel models of the C-Class, E-Class, CLK-Class and the new M-Class are now equipped with the innovative filter technology as standard in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

The 20 Mercedes models with particulate filters as standard are now available to order. Until all of the diesel passenger cars are fitted with particulate filters as standard this summer, as announced at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, an optional system is being made available in an additional 15 diesel models alongside these 20 CDI models. The environmental initiative will be continued in the near future. “Mercedes-Benz is already the world leader when it comes to the number of models with standard-equipment diesel particulate filters,” says Dr. Eckhard Cordes, head of the Mercedes Car Group. “We’ll be doubling this number in the summer, which means we’ll be soon be offering 40 different vehicles with these filters. Of course the smart brand is included here as well. From spring 2006 we’ll be equipping the smart forfour cdi and the next-generation smart fortwo cdi with diesel particulate filters as standard.”

With this offering, Mercedes-Benz, which invented the passenger car diesel (1935) and the particulate filter (1985), is once again demonstrating its pioneering role in the development of environment-friendly passenger cars. Even without a diesel particulate filter, all new Mercedes-Benz CDI models already comply with the stringent EU4 emissions standard. Customers will also reap long-term benefits from the standard-equipment filter system, as the resale value of cars equipped with this innovative technology is expected to be higher than that of comparable vehicles not fitted with diesel particulate filters.

Twenty Mercedes diesel models fitted with a particulate filter as standard

15 Mercedes models with particulate filters as optional equipment (until summer 2005)

Forty Mercedes models with particulate filters as standard equipment from summer 2005

Mercedes-Benz’s successful diesel technology tradition

In October 2003, Mercedes-Benz became the first automotive brand to offer vehicles that complied with the EU4 emissions standard and were also fitted with diesel particulate filters. The particulate filter technology developed by Mercedes-Benz is maintenance-free and does not require additives. The filter is regenerated by adjusting various engine functions as needed.

Seventy years after the world debut of a diesel engine in a passenger car, the 260 D of 1935, Mercedes-Benz is now once again demonstrating its innovative capacity and leadership in technology through the standard-equipment diesel particulate filter.