With the new F 600 HYGENIUS research vehicle, Mercedes-Benz is underlining its commitment to the development of automobiles with emission-free fuel cell power units at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show. As a further concept car the company is presenting the S 320 BLUETEC HYBRID, which features an intelligent combination of clean diesel technology and a particularly compact hybrid system.

During the press conference, Mercedes Chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche also announced that Mercedes-Benz will be the first automobile manufacturer to offer new diesel cars in Japan from 2006.  

With these economical and clean latest-generation diesel units, the brand is already achieving an average market share of more than 50 percent in Europe. This innovative V6 diesel engine will also be available for the flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class, generating an output of 173 kW/235 hp and a maximum torque of 540 Nm.  

Zetsche also opened up new perspectives for diesel technology with reference to the S 320 BLUETEC HYBRID. A combination of the latest Mercedes emission control technology using Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with a mild-hybrid system makes this concept car one of the world’s cleanest and most economical luxury saloons.

Thanks to the boost effect of this technology, this model combines a lower fuel consumption (7.7 litres per 100 kilometres) and low exhaust emissions with an even more dynamic performance. Zetsche: "In terms of drive systems we are following a clear strategy which has three areas of emphasis: in parallel with further improvements to our petrol and diesel engines, we are considering our own mild-hybrid systems such as the BLUETEC HYBRID. In addition, we are working on full-hybrid systems together with our partners General Motors and BMW. We regard hybrid systems as an important step on the road towards emission-free automotive drive systems based on the fuel cell."