Car Reviews
Author Artem
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Aug 30, 2017
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Cars have become such a part of the modern world that we can no longer imagine a time when they did not exist. Although not much water has passed under the bridge since their invention - just a little over 130 years. The history of the automobile industry began in the 19th century. And it was started by inventors from Germany.
- How the first car appeared in Germany
- First production
- The secret of the popularity of the German automobile industry
- The 5 most popular German car brands: badges and emblems
- Audi
- Mercedes-Benz
- Interesting facts about Mercedes-Benz
How the first car appeared in Germany
The man who created the first German car was Karl Benz. He was the owner of a small factory that produced internal combustion engines and a passionate cyclist.
In 1885, he installed a self-assembled internal combustion engine onto a cart that had three wheels. The result was something like a tricycle with a steerable front wheel. The first German car could travel at speeds of up to 16 km/h. Benz changed its fuel: it began to run on gasoline, instead of alcohol, which its competitors used.
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The cautious engineer was very afraid that someone would steal his brilliant idea, so he worked secretly for quite a long time. He tested his brainchild at night on the territory of a factory he owned. As the tests progressed, the inventor improved the vehicle more and more and waited for the moment when it would be possible to present it to the public. He didn't want to show the car to people until he patented it.
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And then the solemn moment came. On January 29, 1886, Benz received a patent for his brainchild.
On July 3, 1886, the “father of the automobile” made the first trip around Mannheim in his car. The appearance of cars on the streets of a German town caused quite a stir among the residents. They were scared by the loud noises the engine made. Benz's son, Eugen, was running next to his father's car at the time, holding a bottle filled with gasoline ready for refueling.
First production
In 1887, Benz, having improved the first model, created model No. 2, and began officially selling the first German cars.
At first, Benz's invention only caused discontent: local residents were angry because the car made loud noise and scared away the horses. But the French quickly appreciated the new product.
In 1888, in August, Karl Benz's wife Bertha and sons (Eugen and Richard) made the world's first motor rally for advertising purposes. In the morning they left Mannheim and by evening they were already visiting their grandmother in Pforzheim. During the day they traveled 180 kilometers.
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Karl Benz's first car has survived to this day. You can see it in the “Benz Patent-Motorwagen” museum, which is located in Munich.
The secret of the popularity of the German automobile industry
The Germans are famous perfectionists. Everything must work perfectly for them. The German automobile industry sacredly honors national traditions, which is perhaps why car models from Germany are becoming increasingly popular.
For what reasons do German cars attract buyers, what is the secret of their popularity?
- Economical. The Germans don't like to throw money away. German car brands are distinguished by the most efficient operation of all parts and mechanisms with low fuel consumption. The cars produced by Germany are very economical.
- Quality. Pragmatic German automakers carefully ensure that every (even the smallest) detail strictly complies with quality standards. German cars are reliable and durable, because they are equipped with only the best parts.
- Safety and comfort. And here the Germans do not betray themselves. Car brands from German manufacturers give both the driver and passenger a sense of calm, confidence and security, because only the latest technologies in the field of traffic safety are used in their production.
Mercedes
Luxurious and chic cars of this company have been produced for more than a hundred years. The symbol is a three-rayed star, which shows success on land, water and sky. The company received its name in honor of the director’s daughter.
Mercedes is the most popular car brand; the German auto industry is mainly associated with it. The models include the following:
- A-Class. This is a small compact car, maneuverable and comfortable. Designed for city roads. Engine capacity up to 2 liters and power up to 192 hp. Body with five or three doors.
- B-Class. This brand is an improved version of the previous one. Produced since 2005. Despite the large size, the range of engines is similar.
- E-Class. One of the famous and popular models. The body is available in coupe, sedan and convertible form. Combines maximum comfort, power, reliability, style and beauty.
- S-Class. A special flagship brand of cars from this manufacturer. The name translates as “special”.
Statistics: The CLA-class has become the most popular and well-known model of modern Mercedes. For example, in 2013, 100 thousand units of these modifications were sold.
BMW
Slogan: Enjoy driving
Year founded: 1916
Founders: Franz Joseph Popp
Location: Munich, Germany
The company name is the first letters of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG. It translates as Bavarian Motor Works. BMW was initially registered as a manufacturer of aircraft engines. This is related to the interpretation of the logo - an airplane propeller on a sky-blue background.
The company creates passenger cars, luxury cars, sports cars, SUVs and pickups, motorcycles and bicycles.
In 2014, BMW was recognized as a world leader in the production of luxury cars. This was facilitated by record sales.
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Prices in Russia
From 1,520,000 (BMW 1-series) to 10,040,000 (BMW i8) rubles
Audi - reliability and quality
One of the world's most famous companies that specializes in the production of non-commercial passenger cars. It was created in 1910, but gained popularity only in the 70s.
In 1932 the company merged with Horch, DKW and Wanderer to form the Auto Union UG group. This is what explains the presence of four rings in the logo.
The most famous Audi models are the following, their list:
- Audi A3. The cars are created in three varieties: Attraction, Ambiente, Ambition. The car has a 1.6-liter gasoline engine that provides excellent dynamics and ergonomics in one body.
- Audi A4. A comfortable car belonging to the executive class. Has front-wheel drive. In 2013, the shape of the hood and bumpers, the radiator grille with one pillar and the optics were changed. Engines from 1.8 to 3 liters. Fuel consumption is approximately 5.7-7 liters per 100 km.
- Audi A6. This brand is popular among Russian car enthusiasts. Available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. High-strength aluminum is used to manufacture parts. The car has a sedan or station wagon body with high cross-country ability.
- Audi Q7. A high-quality and comfortable SUV has a beautiful ergonomic appearance and has excellent cross-country ability. It is equipped with a turbocharged engine and direct injection system. Power depends on the engine package and ranges from 245 to 333 hp.
Some statistics: today Audi car sales are at the global level and amount to 8.3%. The main consumers are Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Don't forget about SUVs and crossovers, whose global sales in 2013 amounted to 438.400 units.
Porsche
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Slogan: There is no replacement
Year founded: 1931
Founders: Ferdinand Porsche
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Porsche is the company with the highest revenue among the world's automakers. It produces luxury sports cars and SUVs. In 2010, cars of this brand received the title of the most reliable in the world.
The demand for Porsche cars is actively growing, and the corporation is increasing their production every year. If in 2012 the total number of cars produced was 151,999, then in 2016 239,618 new cars saw the light of day.
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Porsche cars are speed, power and breathtaking design, which can leave few people indifferent.
Prices in Russia
From 3,512,000 (Porsche Macan) to 12,629,000 (Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet) rubles.
Volkswagen
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Slogan: currently under development.
The company decided to change the old slogan “Das Auto” after the “diesel scandal” of 2015. Year founded: 1933
Founders: Ferdinand Porsche
Location: Wolfsburg, Germany
The company was born out of Ferdinand Porsche's work on an inexpensive but reliable car for the German people on behalf of Adolf Hitler. The car was called "people's car." And the brand name translates as “people's car.”
The Volkswagen concern owns such automobile brands as Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Audi, Porsche, as well as the Ducati motorcycle brand.
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In 2015, Volkswagen found itself at the center of the so-called “diesel scandal”. The US Environmental Protection Agency has charged the company with allegations that Volkswagen uses deceptive software in vehicles shipped to the States. The programs underestimated the emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere, so that cars could be tested for environmental friendliness.
The investigation is still ongoing. The company will have to pay multimillion-dollar compensation demanded by outraged customers. The company's sales fell.
Prices in Russia
From 599,900 (Volkswagen Polo Sedan) to 3,123,000 (Volkswagen California) rubles
The article presented the best German cars, but this is not a complete list of German car brands.
Mercedes Benz
The concern differs from other German automakers in that its main production facilities are located in Germany, in the cities of Sindelfingen, Bremen and Rastatt.
- Affalterbach is the headquarters of a subsidiary division of the concern, specializing in the assembly of “charged” Mercedes-AMG models (the only official Mercedes tuning studio).
- In Sindelfingen, the oldest of the plants, models of the E, S, CLS, S-coupe, GLC and GT classes are assembled.
- Class A and B models are assembled in Rastadt.
- C-class models (the entire line), as well as some of the E-class models, are assembled in Bremen.
Rating of the most dangerous cars made in Germany
Quite often, car companies suspend sales due to any problems with a certain model. Whether they are actually worried about possible problems, or whether they are doing it for the sake of their image, is difficult to understand. The German auto industry is no exception in this sense.
Although the Germans try to do everything perfectly, but, as they say, even an old woman can fail. They are people too and can make mistakes and malfunctions. Let's take a look at which cars German manufacturers have recalled in the recent past and for what reasons.
- The BMV X3 and BMV X4, sold between August 2010 and May 2016, were recalled due to the child seat mounting brackets not being strong enough to secure them in the rear seat. Under heavy loads, the fastenings could become loose, which could lead to injury to the child. A total of 33,000 vehicles were recalled for this reason.
- An Opel Mokka purchased between April and September 2013 could suddenly smoke or even catch fire due to wiring problems in the auxiliary heater heating element. In the Russian market alone, 122 cars were recalled because of this.
- In the Audi A8 executive sedan, sold in 2007-2008, 158 Russian owners could find a sunroof that had come unglued from the frame of the panoramic roof.
- 67 Mercedes Benz GLC crossovers sold in Russia in July-September 2015 had a defective wiring harness inside the steering column. Rubbing it can cause a malfunction of the automatic transmission, power steering and stability control system. It is also possible for the driver's side to deploy the airbag spontaneously.
- In Volkswagen Toureg cars, due to the loosening of the locking ring on the pedal mechanism support bracket, there was a possibility that the brake pedal could get stuck right in the middle of the road, and the car would immediately stop regardless of the owner’s wishes. Almost 44,000 crossovers produced in 2010-2016 had this problem.
