I saw this commercial over the weekend for the first time. I don’t know what it was that struck a nerve, but I am going to vent now. First off this is not a knock at Lexus, they are simply letting the world know they make a safe automobile. I guess this is more about Mercedes-Benz than anything else. The whole idea of the commercial (if you haven’t seen it) talks about how the Lexus RX has 14 Active Safety Systems in place. Today I went through to find a list, so here they are:
- VSC- Vehicle Stability Control
- TRAC-Traction Control
- ABS-Anti lock Brakes
- EBD-Electronic Brake Distribution
- Brake Assist
- Disc Brakes
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- AWD-All Wheel Drive
- HID-High Intensity Discharge lights
- AFS-Adaptive Front Lighting System
- Outside Mirrors with defoggers
- Rain Sensing Wipers
- Headlight Washers
- Water repellent coating on windshield
Here is the part that frustrates me… most of these are Mercedes-Benz innovations!!! Lets start from the top. I have included those I deem most important.
Mercedes-Benz Terms and introduction.
- ESP-Electronic Stability Program – 1995
- Traction Control – 1959 patent
- ABS- 1975- Not a MB first, but the modern ABS is built/designed off of MB’s original system
- BAS – 1992 patent, premiered in 1996, standard on all vehicles in 1998
- AWD- 1903 first drafted -1907 first AWD for everyday use, also was first for all wheel steering
- Tire Pressure Monitor – not one auto manufacturer developed this
- EBD – No solid answer found
- Disc brakes – No solid answer found
Most of this information came from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz#Innovations and http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/03/11/010089.html.
I hope someone from MB marketing department will read this and touch on our innovations and the history of the brand. I can’t think of any other automobile manufacturer that holds the original patent on the automobile. OK I am done! Or at least until next time…