Land Rover’s Director for global product and brand communications and experiential marketing is to join the Mercedes-Benz UK team based in Milton Keynes from the end of January.

Andrew Roberts will assume the position of Communications Director as of January 26th and will be in charge of product, brand and corporate communications for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and commercial vehicles, smart, Mitsubishi Fuso Canter and Maybach.

His influence will also extend to the corporate events and public affairs spheres.

"The three-pointed star is one of the most iconic brands in the world and, here in the UK, represents one of the most impressive line-ups of brands and products in the industry," Mr Roberts commented.

"I look forward immensely to building on the work of an already strong team to maximise every opportunity in the most effective way possible."

According to Wilfried Steffen, Mercedes-Benz UK’s President and CEO, the appointment comes at a key time and will prove vital in the context of raising product and technology awareness.

Mr Steffen recently told the Telegraph that he believed used car prices would begin to rise again within the next few months following an "over-reaction" to the economic crisis by retailers.

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smart’s efforts to test its fully-electronic two-seater car in "real life"
situations have led to the deliveries of a smart ed vehicle to both Aston University and Amey.

The cars will be used to help the two businesses in question reduce carbon emissions and improve their fleet efficiency.

In preparation for the general release of the smart ed vehicle in 2010, smart is working with approximately 60 business affiliates and green energy suppliers in an attempt to assess how the car will adapt to everyday use.

Aston University and Amey, a support service for the highway, railway and property sectors, have been chosen to spearhead the trial in the Midlands.

"The smart ed market trial is an important part of our commitment towards developing sustainable transport solutions across the Mercedes-Benz business," commented Dermot Kelly, managing director for Mercedes-Benz UK.

"smart continues to be a pioneer in the world of environmentally-friendly and economical driving and we’re delighted that Aston University and Amey are our partners in the trial as we move towards the future of driving."

The smart ed can achieve 300 mpg and is chargeable through the use of a three-pin socket.

Good things come in smart packages at thesmart.co.uk

A new smart model is to be launched as part of an attempt to offer consumers a greener and cheaper way of driving.

The smart cdi will go on sale in March 2009 and is being introduced at an opportune time, as new car registration data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders recently showed the smart brand is performing well, suggesting consumers are looking to buy more cost-efficient vehicles in the wake of the economic downturn.

"smart’s reputation for affordability and economy is growing and the range is being considered by an increasing number of motorists who are seeking to reduce their motoring costs," commented Dermot Kelly, Managing Director for Mercedes-Benz UK.

Mr Kelly said he was hopeful that smart’s popularity would increase over the year following the roll-out of the cdi model.

Providing fuel economy of 83.1 miles per gallon on the combined cycle, the smart cdi also impresses when it comes to CO2 emissions – it produces just 88g/km, which is the lowest of any car currently on sale.

smart’s green credentials were underlined when it became an official global partner for the Live Earth campaign.

Good things come in smart packages at thesmart.co.uk

With one youngster passing their mock driving test through the Kids’ Driving Experience at Mercedes Benz World, the facility offers people the chance to develop their understanding of the road, it has been stated.

Recently, 15-year-old Jevon Race was successful in passing a mock test after spending 18 months taking part in the young driver programme at Mercedes-Benz World.

And Peter O’Halloran, Managing Director at the venue, believes that the programme is vital in helping to raise the awareness of youngsters when it comes to using the roads.

He said: "At Mercedes-Benz World we are dedicated to raising awareness and respect for the road among young adults.

"Jevon’s success stands as real proof that our Kids’ Driving Experiences are an invaluable tool in equipping children with everything they need for a better understanding of the road."

Youngsters taking part in the programme complete a range of fun activities designed to develop their road skills and promote safer driving.

They are taken out onto a circuit at the Brooklands site by a fully qualified instructor in either a Mercedes-Benz A-Class or smart fortwo and learn the skills to drive in a safe way in a controlled environment.

Explore Mercedes-Benz World for yourself, [visit the web site and plan your day] with us.

smart is to continue its pioneering position in the creation of ecologically friendly vehicles with the testing of new alternate technology features this year.

The next generation prototype of the smart fortwo is to be unveiled this month for the first time in the US at the NAIAS Autoshow, with the public showing taking place between January 17th and January 25th.

Also, towards the end of 2009, the smart fortwo will include a lithium-ion battery, which will offer motorists higher performance and shorter gear changing times at a greater reliability, compared to those using other battery types.

To help the progression of the smart fortwo, since 2007 a pilot project has been underway in London to test the long-term sustainability of some of the alternative technologies it uses.

Some 100 electric smarts were leased by the manufacturer, with customers offering encouraging feedback towards the positives of the vehicle.

London was seen to be the perfect destination to host the pilot due to its high traffic levels and parking shortages, with the vehicles being leased either for four years or until they reach 40,000 miles.

Discover all the big benefits of the smart at www.thesmart.co.uk

A yellow smart car is at the forefront of a campaign to improve the town of Leigh-on-sea in Essex, reports the Essex Echo.

Hilary Davison, the chair of Leigh Town Council, has seen her smart car covered with the logo of the campaign, entitled Good for Leigh.

The initiative has been set up by the council in the hope of making the town cleaner and tidier, while also encouraging local residents to shop from local stores.

Mrs Davison told the paper: “We wanted to make the campaign instantly recognisable throughout the town.

“People will be able to see us coming now, which will hopefully raise awareness of the campaign and what we are aiming to achieve. I’m pleased with how the car looks, it’s great.I think it will be turning some heads.”

A number of councillors will take to the roads in the vehicle to visit local businesses and encourage them to sign up to the initiative’s charters.

One of the benefits of the smart fortwo is that two of the vehicles can fit into a space originally designated for one vehicle, thanks to its short length.

Good things come in smart packages at thesmart.co.uk