German Car Zone

What is the relationship between AMG and Mercedes?
Mercedes-AMG today is a highly specialized subsidiary company [of Mercedes-Benz cars] that has overall responsibility for development — design, aerodynamics, interior, powertrain, engine, suspension, brakes and electronics — right up to granting final approval for production of a complete AMG vehicle. Mercedes-AMG is also in charge of all marketing and sales-related activities for its products. And from the very first sketch of a new Mercedes-Benz model, AMG employees work closely with their Daimler colleagues to bring in the requirements of an AMG high-performance car.

What is the reason behind creating the Black Series?
The idea of an AMG Black Series was a result of many requests from our customers. In principle, AMG customers are highly satisfied with the AMG high-performance model range — enormous power, design, fantastic motor sound, exclusivity, high-quality materials, fulfilling the highest safety and warranty regulations, combined with the right bit of comfort; that is what the AMG series models stand for. All these criteria fit the AMG Black Series cars, too. But here we go even one step further into exclusivity and individuality and racetrack performance. That's what the AMG development department was wanting for so long. With the AMG racing heritage and know-how it was just a matter of time until the AMG Black Series was brought to life. The name "Black Series" is combination of two things: On the one hand it is derived from the several highly-exclusive "black labels" and on the other hand from the black carbon-fiber components added to the AMG Black Series cars.

What makes the AMG and the Black Series cars different from the premium performance cars of your competitors?
In an AMG car you get what we promise: performance in every aspect. Compared to the competitors we have a broader product line-up with 16 AMG models fulfilling almost every customer's wishes. On top we have even more individualization in our AMG Performance Studio (e.g. Black Series, one-offs, etc.). And AMG has a clear and focused design philosophy so that everyone sees and hears that an AMG is arriving. What also makes AMG cars unique is the combination of high performance and very sporty, powerful acceleration and driving pleasure combined with a touch of comfort and a feeling like being at home in every AMG model. For example, you can drive every AMG on the Autobahn from Stuttgart to Berlin as fast as in any competitor car, but only in an AMG are you really comfortable and relaxed when you arrive.

How will AMG address performance and fuel efficiency in the future? Are these goals necessarily opposite?
Performance and fuel efficiency are not opposite goals for AMG to combine. We are, of course, aware of our social responsibilities. In fuel consumption, we are already the "Best in Class" compared with other performance subsidiaries or sports-car brands — and we intend to retain that position. All Mercedes-Benz and AMG vehicles already meet the EU 4 standard plus the specific emissions standards in the relevant markets (U.S., Japan, etc.). But we wouldn't be AMG if we don't look forward. We are continuing to examine various ways of reducing consumption without losing performance. As a result, lightweight new transmissions, hybrids, direct injection and turbocharging may well play a greater role in the future. But, bearing in mind the developments undertaken by our parent group with their introduction of Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC diesel models in the U.S., we are keeping this option open, too. By 2010, we'll have direct-gas injection and all AMG vehicles will gradually be fitted with a stop-start function. By 2012, AMG's overall fleet fuel consumption will have dropped by 30 percent compared with the current position.

Will the current financial crisis have a big impact on AMG future sales?
Frankly speaking, 2008 was the best year in sales at AMG. By the end of 2008, we sold a lot more than 20,000 units worldwide. Of course, we keep an eye on the financial markets and the current crisis, but so far it hasn't affected us.


Thats really ironic cause 2008 was the beat year BMW M cars.

Bravo! I was about to say this but suddenly I saw it written in the bottom!

Some good answers

The first question didn't have to be asked. We already know the relationship between AMG and Mercedes.

Instead they could have asked him if this "ending of horsepower wars is true of BS".

Good questions asked and good answers!

I particularly like the answer to this question.

"How will AMG address performance and fuel efficiency in the future? Are these goals necessarily opposite?"