The parent company of Mercedes-Benz, Daimler AG, is proud to announce that it’s breadwinner is doing extremely well on US soil. Just this July, sales of both Mercedes-Benz and Smart vehicles have risen around 5.5 percent as compared to last year. Figuratively speaking, Mercedes-Benz USA provided data such as their total sales since the beginning of this year rising up to 23.4 percent. For July alone, there was an increase of up to 11.2% since last year. Around 17,367 passenger cars, light trucks and 681 Sprinter vans have already been sold since January 2010.

One of the strongest performers for Mercedes-Benz in the US is the 9th generation E-Class. After only being introduced in spring last year, it has been able to sell up to 5,462 units. Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level premium vehicle range, the C-Class however, comes in second with around 5,309 units sold for July alone. The M-Class isn’t to be left out though, scoring 1,973 units sold for July alone.

The R-Class crossover remains to be the highest climber—772.2% since last year—while the GL-Class SUV made around 39.7% in sales increase. Mercedes-Benz’s flagship model range, the S-Class, was able to gain a 22.1% increase while the SLS AMG supercar became equally as successful, selling up to 265 since the start of this year.

read more: Sales in the US are up, up, up

Are you driving a Mercedes-Benz G-Class of model year 2002 to 2010? Then you should bring it in to your nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer. The company has just issued a recall for these models’ non-compliance with federal rules, specifically involving headlights and turn signal lights.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2 recalls have been issued. The first one covers around 3,552 G-Class units whose models date back to 2002 all the way to 2010, and whose front grille is placed in front of the turn signals. The NHTSA warrants that drivers may not be able to see the turn signal lights because the grille blocks the view. Your dealer should install new turn signal lights that work with the front grille without charge.

The second recall, meanwhile, covers around 1,938 G-Class units whose models are in the 2002-2009 range. This time, the front protective grille bar obstructs the view of the SUV’s headlights as well as the fender turn signals. It specifically violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 108, which states that the grille should not cover the headlights. Mercedes-Benz however ensures that the bars do not affect illumination of the headlights. Still, the company will remove the headlight grilles at no cost to the owner.

The 2 recalls are set to begin around October. For safety’s sake, get in touch with Mercedes-Benz as soon as possible at 800-367-6372, or call NHTSA’s hotline at 888-327-4236 if your particular G-Class vehicle is covered by the recalls. You don’t want to be pulled over by a cop, or even less want your safety compromised.

read more: Two recalls issued by Mercedes-Benz covering 2002-2010 G-Class models

Intervalves Intake and Exhaust Valves for Mini Cooper and Cooper S.

Mini Cooper / Mini Cooper Convertible

Part Numbers:
11-34-7-513-023 – Intake Valve (30.0 mm / 6 mm Stem)
11-34-7-513-024 – Exhaust Valve (23.0 mm / 6 mm Stem)

Mini Cooper S / Mini Cooper S Convertible

Part Numbers:
11-34-7-513-019 – Intake Valve (30.0 mm / 6 mm Stem)
11-34-7-513-020 – Exhaust Valve (23.0 mm / 6 mm Stem)

All related parts needed to perform a complete valve job are also available from EuroPartsAmerica.com.

Valve guides
Valve keepers
Valve springs
Valve spring retainers
Valve stem seal kits

Check our Mini Cooper parts catalog

Volkswagen: Interested in buying Alfa Romeo? was originally published on The German Car Blog on Tuesday, July 27, 2010.

Related posts:

1. Volkswagen: Buying additional factory from Fiat in China
2. Volkswagen: Buying Ducati?
3. Volkswagen: Buying Italdesign Giugiaro

read more: Volkswagen: Interested in buying Alfa Romeo?

Although sources does not state which Renault model Smart would utilize as a foundation for reviving the Roadster, there are some signs that other products may also be included in the company’s plans. There are also reports of a possible Mini Countryman competitor, which means that Smart is setting its eyes on the CUV conflict. With the prices of the fuel down, the American market is not interested in shifting to smart cars like the ForTwo range, but it is highly probable that they would be attracted to an ultra-compact convertible.

read more: Smart Roadster Rumored To Make A Comeback In The Auto Market

One likely reason for this discrepancy is the chain of recalls Lexus has had this present year, which includes accelerator pedals, floor mats, leaking gas tanks and defective valve-springs. Also, based on the reports, the the strong sales of Mercedes-Benz has been greatly influenced by the release of the new E-Class.

Last month, the sales of Lexus went up by merely 2.7 percent in contrast to the 25 percent and 15 percent boost in sales of Mercedes and BMW respectively. Until Lexus sort out its problems and convince its clients that their quality problems have been dealt with, Toyota’s premium brand could descend behind both German brands.

Read More: Mercedes To Dethrone Lexus as U.S. Luxury Brand Leader

Mercedes-Benz: Working on nine-speed transmission was originally published on The German Car Blog on Tuesday, July 20, 2010.

Included in the lineup are the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive, the B-Class F-Cell and the A-Class E-Cell. Mercedes-Benz is also preparing to debut their latest engines—turbocharged BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 with direct injection—boasting as much as 24 percent better fuel economy. Oh yes, things are going really well with the company.

All these models will feauture Mercedes-Benz’s patent Stop-Start technology. The system will boost fuel economy by shutting down the engine once you come at a full stop and immediately restarting the engine once you step on either the clutch or throttle.

It’s not entirely certain what the rest of the lineup will consist of, but there are spy photos floating around that show updates for the SL-Class and the C-Class, as well as a 2011 CLS 63 AMG in the works. And not to preempt anything for the company, but there’s also news that after 2011, there’ll be possible appearances of a new C-Class Coupe, a roadster SLS AMG and an all-new ML-Class. If you’ve been following us, you’d have read about Mercedes-Benz’s launching of their ‘The Best or Nothing’ campaign communicating their plans for the future—which includes a totally redesigned logo. So stick around for updates.

read more: Models for 2011 and beyond