Class A will have stop/start soon, I think. That should be an option on at least all cars by all car makers, IMO. Will pay for itself.

Now that's a bold move. I hope other large car manufacturers follow suit. We need forward thinkers in the auto industry like Daimler in order to succeed.

Cool news, but I'm suspicious in the following way: I think it's likely that this is more of an economic decision than an eviro-conscious one. Remember how Wal-Mart said it "just makes sense" to "go green"?

it relevant because Mercedes has been having financial difficulties, and are trying to look for a niche in the luxury auto market. if they can achieve building these vehicles, their client base - those willing to spend to pretend they are celebrities - will embrace these cars over say BMW, Lexus, et. al.

its a great PR move and attempt to get more market share, to turn things around at a company that bought and failed with Chrysler (whoops!). It will also start a trend among other luxury auto brands, which will be a good thing. And by the way: give it a chance. Sure its not solar powered-cars, but it sure is a positive step.

I am sure Mercedes did not make this decision because they want to be green. There is a marketing and selling advantage involved. Plus it makes financial sense for them to invest in greener technologies if it means more tax breaks from the European government for Mercedes and their customers thus adding to MBs bottom line. Whatever the reason is, it is a step in the right direction and shows that there is money to be made by offering products that are greener.

Of course we now need to think about all the old cars that are going to be disposed of because going green is the new automotive fashion now. Often it makes more sense to maintain your old car and make sure it runs efficiently rather than going out to get a new ride. Is it worthwhile buying a new energy efficient car to drive the 5 miles to work in rush hour everyday or should you just keep your old car that besides driving to work you really never use and just take the bus to work.

It is nice to see some large corporations switching their product line over, but the biggest problem is still the mindset of the masses, that driving equals freedom

This is great news on the auto industry front. GM and Ford will need to follow suit whether they like it or not. Assuming they stay alive in the next 10 years.
I also find it interesting that so many arguments against "big-businesses" always make blanket statements like "this is more of an economic decision than an eviro-conscious one." How is that a bad thing? Does it not move in the direction of good change for the earth? Don't be so quick to jump on the "green-washing" bandwagon when a company like Mercedes or Wal-Mart decides to take that "green" risk and push their company in the earth-friendly way, even if the main reason is to save a few bucks. They may not hit the moon, but at least they are shooting for it. It takes big businesses like these guys to really affect the whole industry.
For example, Wal-Mart's requirement that all vendors reduce their packaging sizes and use recycled or renewable packaging materials is changing the industry across the board. That decision forced vendors who do business across multiple platforms (Wal-Mart, Target, etc.) to make that change in all stores. It just doesn't make "economic sense" to continue manufacturing two different kinds of packaging if that vendor wants to sell their product in a Wal-Mart store. So, in the end, the packaging reduces the amount of raw materials being used, and/or uses recycled products.
This move forces the consumer to buy these lower-impact products. If you flood the market with products that are more "green", and you don't give the consumer a choice to choose the "bad" product.
Please think globally, not microscopically, on these types of issues.

Quite a bold move for a car comapny to completely get rid of the fossil fuels that fuel the car economy these days in 7 years. Thats huge investments and many resources. If they can pull this off that means other companies car as well, they're setting a great example to go green which is what is need

To the above posters who are commenting on their motives...WHO CARES!? As long as its getting done. What better way to drive the green agenda than to put some profit behind it? That seems to be the only language many companies speak.

This is quite delayed, but whatever...

@jjasonham: The motivation might be more important than the action, even. If they're still motivated to make money above all else then they are still a huge, economy-first company that will do whatever it takes to make that buck.

just bring it on,its a beautiful car

good new and really amazing car .

hopes to see this soon.