At the end of the September, we reported about the failure of Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz to reach a deal over the future of Maybach. Mercedes was exploring options for what do do with ailing Maybach and sought out a deal with Aston to develop the next-generation range of cars.

For a host of reasons, the deal was unable to be completed. We aren’t sure why Mercedes felt the need to partner with them exactly, but that deal was dead in the water. The only choice left was to develop the next-generation cars on their own, and the decision was said to be made soon. Now, Daimler Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche has confirmed the brand is dead, with the company focusing its efforts on the highly-successful S-Class line.

For a proud company like Mercedes, this is a starling admission of failure in the segment. Maybach is nine years old, and it sold just 157 cars last year. For most, the Maybach was too similar to the S-Class; it is based on the previous-generation S-Class. The 57 and 62 never truly connected with market-topping buyers in a way that Rolls-Royce and Bentley have. By closing down its dedicated Rolls-Royce and Bentley competitor though, Daimler could risk losing out on a growing (and very profitable we might add) segment of the market.

Daimler thinks it can tap into that market with the S-Class though. A four-door convertible model like the Ocean Drive Concept is in the cards, as well as more extended wheelbase models (there will be three wheelbase variations in total) that bring back the Pullman moniker. Mercedes-Benz as a brand has a lot of cachet – with it going increasingly downmarket though it’ll be interesting to see how these models sell. On the other hand, they couldn’t do much worse than Maybach…

Maybach will continue to be produced until 2013, when the new fifth-generation S-Class arrives. We think they could have made it work if they stuck with it and focused on developing a unique new product that had the differentiation Rolls-Royce and Bentleys do. They just decided to cut their losses though. We’ll see if the new S-Class models are a worthy competitor to the world’s best in 2013.

Related posts:

1. Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Looks to Replace Maybach
2. As Talks With Aston Martin Break Down, Mercedes To Go It Alone with Maybach
3. Daimler Weighs Future of Maybach Brand

By any measure, Mercedes-Benz’s attempt to crack the ultra-luxury market failed. The Maybach failed to achieve its sales goals and come anywhere close to Bentley or Rolls-Royce.

There are many reasons to speculate about why it didn’t do well – such as basically starting scratch with the name and a too-close similarity to the S-Class. However, the question now is what to do moving forward. If at first you don’t succeed try, try, try again right? The decision on whether or not to try again is going on at Mercedes right now, and apparently one of the possibilities has just been ruled out.

Mercedes was discussing a partnership with Aston Martin that would include developing an all-new super luxury sedan. The new sedan would be based on the next-generation 2013 S-Class (again) and produced at Aston’s factory in Gaydon, England. In return, Aston Martin would secure the use of Mercedes engines as well as platforms for its upcoming Lagonda brand.

German magazine Auto Motor und Sport reports that these talks have fallen apart, because Aston apparently is requiring too much. We weren’t too sure what Mercedes was thinking in the first place anyway – the deal seemed better for Aston Martin. Not that Aston doesn’t have name cachet, developmental prowess and the ability to design some of the world’s most beautiful automobiles (it certainly does). However, aside from design what could Aston bring to the table that Mercedes couldn’t? Regardless, the talks appear to have reached a dead end. That leaves Mercedes with the decision to either close the brand, or continue development in-house.

Closing Maybach would be a stinging admission of corporate defeat that seems quite unlike Mercedes. Financially it would make sense if the ultra-luxury market could be cracked as well; there are new opportunities for it opening up in countries like China. For what it’s worth, AM&S says the decision has been made to develop the next-generation Maybachs in-house again. Hopefully official confirmation isn’t too far around the corner about what is really going on.

No related posts.

The ultra-luxury and exotic market is highly lucrative if you approach it the right way. Even with a heavy global economic downturn sales didn’t collapse, and at the first signs of recovery they are beginning to show strong growth.

Rolls-Royce and Bentley are two manufacturers that have been a beneficiary of this, thanks to strong investment from their parent companies BMW and VW, respectively. The new Ghost at Rolls-Royce is increasing sale significantly, and throughout the past decade the Continental lineup has powered Bentley’s figures to new heights.

Mercedes-Benz’s Maybach entry, on the other hand, hasn’t met the same success. Plucking a obscure brand name Maybach from out of nowhere turned out to be an ill-advised idea.

The question is what to do now? The Maybach name has been established as a luxury marque, but new product is needed to move forward. Does Mercedes try again or abandon the project altogether, in an embarrassing corporate retreat?

According to Automotive News, that question is being debated at Mercedes. The future of Maybach likely is going to be between killing the brand or partnering with Aston Martin on a new model.

Mercedes has been in discussions with Aston Martin on jointly-developing a new luxury sedan model for quite some time. It would be a beneficial partnership, as Aston Martin would be able to secure the purchase of Mercedes V-8 and V-12 engines, along with seven-speed automatic transmissions for future models.

A concept for the next-generation car has been developed and a decision about the brand’s future will reportedly be made on July 1st. Hopefully we’ll hear some news about the decision quickly after it happens. Maybach’s future likely depends on the deal with Aston Martin, as Daimler seems to be reticent about developing a second-generation model alone. Pretty understandable too, after it was burned badly on its investment; Daimler Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche said the current car cost over $1 billion to develop.

Related posts:

1. As Talks With Aston Martin Break Down, Mercedes To Go It Alone with Maybach
2. Daimler Weighs Future of Maybach Brand
3. Mercedes-Benz Kills Maybach; Plans For S600 Pullman

The big German luxury automakers all have a high-end super-luxury brand to compete. BMW has Bentley and Volkswagen’s entry is Rolls-Royce.

The two got a hold of these brands after a bidding war – for years Rolls-Royce and Bentley have been under the same roof. Mercedes-Benz’ entry into the segment is the Maybach, introduced over 10 years ago.

Plucking an old German luxury name from obscurity didn’t prove to be the best sales tactic, as the brand’s sales have declined. On the other hand, Bentley has seen strong success with the Continental lineup and Rolls-Royce with the Phantom. The new Ghost is set to further the success for Rolls-Royce, with sales doubling.

With Maybach floundering, there has been a lot of speculation about the brand’s future. Much has been discussed – kill it, develop a new model, or partner with another automaker. Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche says that all options are on the table.

With just 63 units sold in the United States last year, Maybach doesn’t make much of a dent in Daimler’s revenue. It likely is a matter of company embarasmen that Maybach has been unsuccessful though. Corporate pride runs at high at Mercedes and we think it is likely they will give Maybach another chance to succeed.

“The success or failure of Maybach hardly shows up on our results, but it is something I want to have a decision on by year-end. And everything is on the table,” says Zetsche, via Autoblog.

Everything on the table means the possibility of a new model, partnership or even killing off the brand – a notion that is hardly confidence-inspiring to to the well-heeled clientele that spent millions purchasing Maybachs. Regardless, we should be hearing more this year as the company makes a decision.

Related posts:

1. Bentley Sees Opportunity Amid Maybach Closure
2. Mercedes-Benz Kills Maybach; Plans For S600 Pullman
3. Maybach’s Future To Be Decided July 1st

Say you’re rich, richer than your wildest imaginings. Richer than Paul Allen, richer than Bill Gates, hell, you’re richer than Croesus, what kind of car do you get as your daily driver?

First off, you ain’t doing the driving, Jeeves will be taking care of that for you. And second, there is no second. What kind of car? An S-Class? Please, that’s what your chef drives? A Rolls or Bentley? Please! A Maybach 62? Perhaps, but perhaps it’s still a little plebian for you. There is only one answer:

The Maybach Zeppelin.

Now, you go back to your truffles dipped in the blood of newborns, Jeeves and I will take a look under the hood.

First off the Maybach is, essentially, the top of the line. Anything higher, and you’re deep into bespoke territory, and dealing with people like Figoni et Filacci on your body design. Maybach has been at this since the 30s.

The new Maybach Zeppelin is a brute of a car, and, at roughly the size of a minesweeper, has a road presence akin to a Soviet tank, only with a much better interior.

Power? You want power? How about a 6.0 liter V12 biturbo under the bonnet, which now delivers 640 hp and a peak torque of 1000 Newton meters? That enough for you?

Wheels? The Maybach Zeppelin features newly designed 20-inch wheels in a Chrome Shadow finish. First they were painted with a black undercoat, then a silver topcoat applied using an elaborate painting process that causes the tone to gradually increase in darkness from the outside in. That enough bling for you Puffy? Oh, not to worry, Sean Combs couldn’t afford one of these.

There’s herds of leather, and there’s special two-tone paint. The interior looks like something from a sultan’s yacht, yet the whole thing is surprisingly understated (those Germans!). Think that’s over the top? Here’s what Maybach has to say, just about the interior:

“The new Maybach Zeppelin is a car for connoisseurs, as is immediately apparent from its interior. Here, the luxurious leather appointments in California beige leather form a delightful contrast with the exclusive leather in deep Stromboli black that gives added impact to the shoulderline on the inside too. At the same time, the lustrous deep black tone of the leather harmonises beautifully with the exquisite piano lacquer finish of the trim elements. The precisely crafted contrasting topstitching in the dashboard and on the doors reinforces the Maybach Zeppelin’s sense of dynamism. The unusual diamond quilting pattern on the seat cushions and backrests together with the black piping gives the opulently styled seats a character all of their own. The occupants’ feet rest on genuine lambskin carpeting.”

Lambskin carpeting? Dear God … the rich really are different from you and me, huh Scott?

Oh, and it doesn’t stop with dead lambs to rest your feet on either. Did you notice the perfume atomizer?

Yes, I said perfume atomizer, the only one of its kind in the world. Maybach says, “It easily eclipses all previous efforts to produce something similar, both in terms of its visual appeal and its operation.” Wait, there were previous efforts on the perfume atomizer front? Get out!

Price? Well, if you have to ask … well, OK.

The Maybach 57 Zeppelin costs €406,000, the Maybach 62 Zeppelin has a price tag of €473,200 (German list price, excl. VAT). The perfume atomizer that is exclusive to the Zeppelin can be ordered for an extra €3950 (German list price, excl. VAT). That’s right, the frickin’ perfume deal is more than a used Miata.

Get your buyer to ring up Maybach poste haste, because they are only making 100 of these.

Here’s the full Maybach press release (Jeeves will summarize it for you later):

The new Maybach Zeppelin: The reincarnation of an automotive legend
Stuttgart, Feb 11, 2009

The Maybach brand is bringing out the new Maybach Zeppelin to spearhead its luxury saloon model range. The new model, which is receiving its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, represents the absolute zenith in the high-end luxury saloon segment. This makes it a worthy successor to the legendary Maybach Zeppelin, which was revered worldwide as the ultimate in high-class automotive engineering in the 1930s. The hallmark features of the new Maybach flagship’s unique sense of style include a stunning paint finish, featuring a shoulderline in a contrasting colour, as well as the exquisite, meticulously crafted materials in the interior, whose long list of optional extras includes a world first – a highly sophisticated perfume atomiser. The new model’s performance even outclasses the rest of the Maybach range, making it the most powerful Maybach ever. In a nutshell: the Maybach Zeppelin epitomises stylish elegance and the art of vehicle manufacture at its most refined as no car has ever done before. The new Maybach Zeppelin is being built in a limited edition of just 100 worldwide.
Even today, the name “Zeppelin” has an incomparable ring to it in the realm of high-end luxury cars. As in bygone times, Maybach is once again building the Maybach Zeppelin for drivers who are seeking something extra special, even in this most luxurious of automotive segments. Not only do the Maybach 57 Zeppelin and Maybach 62 Zeppelin stand out for their exquisite elegance, inventive ideas and phenomenal performance, only one hundred of these special model versions of the high-end luxury saloons will be made worldwide.
Even greater power for the Maybach Zeppelin
The Maybach 57 S and the long-wheelbase version, the 62 S, serve as the technical basis for the new range-topping model. Supreme performance is assured in both cases by the 6.0 litre V12 biturbo power unit under the bonnet, which now delivers 471 kW/640 hp (+ 28 hp) and a peak torque of 1000 Newton metres.
A two-tone exterior identifies the new Maybach flagship
Whatever angle it is viewed from, the new Maybach Zeppelin radiates character and the sort of style which appeals to all the senses. From the outside, the luxury brand’s new top-of-the-range model can be recognised by its two-tone special paint finish. The shoulderline is painted right through to the background of the headlamp assemblies in Rocky Mountains light brown, which forms a stylish and scintillating contrast to the Taiga black finish used for the rest of the vehicle body. Dark red tail light units and a fine vertical partition in the tailpipe add striking visual touches at the rear. Naturally, customers may also specify their Maybach Zeppelin in any other paint finish they wish.
The Maybach Zeppelin’s newly designed 20-inch wheels in a Chrome Shadow finish complete the picture. These were first painted with a black undercoat, before having a silver topcoat applied using an elaborate painting process that causes the tone to gradually increase in darkness from the outside in.
The streamlined exterior mirrors, which produce even less wind noise, are new to Maybach. They have a more angular design and are separated from the door frame by a slender arm, giving them a more expressive look. They also feature an enlarged mirror surface together with integral indicators in the shape of a horizontal “V” for even greater perceptual safety.
The curving “ZEPPELIN” lettering that appears below the distinctive double “M” emblem on the radiator grille and on the boot lid instantly gives away the elite status of the new Maybach Zeppelin.
Finest-quality leather and high-gloss piano lacquer trim
The new Maybach Zeppelin is a car for connoisseurs, as is immediately apparent from its interior. Here, the luxurious leather appointments in California beige leather form a delightful contrast with the exclusive leather in deep Stromboli black that gives added impact to the shoulderline on the inside too. At the same time, the lustrous deep black tone of the leather harmonises beautifully with the exquisite piano lacquer finish of the trim elements. The precisely crafted contrasting topstitching in the dashboard and on the doors reinforces the Maybach Zeppelin’s sense of dynamism. The unusual diamond quilting pattern on the seat cushions and backrests together with the black piping gives the opulently styled seats a character all of their own. The occupants’ feet rest on genuine lambskin carpeting.
The limited-edition special models bear a number of discreet identifying markings in the interior too. The centre console in the front, the partition screen that is available as an option for the Maybach Zeppelin 62, plus the silver champagne flutes included as standard are all marked with the lettering “MAYBACH ZEPPELIN”, while the door sill panels as well as the key ring are engraved with the word “ZEPPELIN”.
World first – a system for a fine interior fragrance
Customers are also able to opt for an especially refined equipment detail that is exclusive to the Maybach Zeppelin – an imaginatively designed, extremely high-quality perfume atomiser, the only one of its kind in the world. It easily eclipses all previous efforts to produce something similar, both in terms of its visual appeal and its operation. Its sophisticated technology and premium fragrances, which can be individually chosen, create a unique aromatic experience in the Maybach Zeppelin’s interior at the push of a button – stimulating the senses of the occupants not with an overpowering perfume but with a soft, delicate scent.
The system’s core component is an internally illuminated Plexiglass sphere on the rear centre console, into which Maybach Zeppelin owners can insert a vial of their preferred fragrance. A regulator pump then directs a gentle flow of air into the Plexiglass sphere, fanning the vial’s perfume molecules into the vehicle interior.
The ingenious control understands the human sense of smell
The perfume atomiser can be activated either from the driver’s seat or by means of a button in the rear centre console, with an additional thumbwheel in the rear for sensitive aroma control. The chosen fragrance gently wafts into the passenger compartment within ten to twelve seconds. On models with a partition screen, only the passengers in the rear are able to activate the atomiser.
The aroma experts took the human sense of smell into consideration when designing the control mechanism. As the nose adjusts to smells in such a way that it no longer perceives them after a short while, the perfume atomiser switches off after about ten minutes. Once the system has switched off, the fragrance – which does not seep into the interior’s materials or the occupants’ clothes – quickly evaporates. Reactivating the atomiser later allows the experience to be enjoyed all over again.
Artistic, hand-blown vials and specially developed fragrances
The system comes supplied with two select fragrances, which have been
exclusively developed for the Maybach by a renowned perfumer from global specialist Givaudan: one light and refreshing, the other slightly heavier and woodier.
Maybach Zeppelin owners can also use other fragrances, or even have one specially developed and enjoy the luxury of immersing themselves in their very own, personally designed aroma. The fragrance holders are easily interchangeable. The specification includes a total of three valuable vials, which are hand-blown by a well-known glass artist.
The elaborate, silent-running perfume atomiser system is a patented Maybach innovation.
The Maybach 57 Zeppelin costs €406,000, the Maybach 62 Zeppelin has a price tag of €473,200 (German list price, excl. VAT). The perfume atomiser that is exclusive to the Zeppelin can be ordered for an extra €3950 (German list price, excl. VAT).
The new Maybach Zeppelin goes on sale on 3 March 2009, with the first models expected to be delivered to customers in September 2009.

Related posts:

1. Daimler Weighs Future of Maybach Brand
2. Mercedes-Benz Kills Maybach; Plans For S600 Pullman
3. As Talks With Aston Martin Break Down, Mercedes To Go It Alone with Maybach

I know what you’re thinking. You’re saying to yourself, “In these tough economic times, what is the most PRACTICAL car I should get?”

Well, we here at Automoblog think you should get the New Maybach Landaulet.

Why?

Well, for starters, it’s roughly the size of the Prince Eugene, and with a 6 liter V12 cranking out 612 hp, it has essentially the same engine as a battle cruiser.

Need more? How ’bout this: “While the chauffeur’s workplace is appointed with high-grade, smooth black leather and trim elements in glossy piano lacquer, the passengers in the rear with its optional contrasting colour scheme enjoy their place in the sun.”

Huh? HUH?

Take THAT, plummeting stock portfolios!

Not to mention that this thing has a GINORMOUS sunroof. OK, it’s NOT a sunroof. Actually, it is the WHOLE roof. ZOOP! Just like that, it folds away. For you, the filthy rich passenger in the back. Jeeves, your chauffeur up front has to suffer through with just that aforementioned smooth black leather and trim elements in glossy piano lacquer.

Besides, when your infantile and hideously spoiled wife is reeling with emotions in the midst of an affair with mysterious ex-flame, the New Maybach Landaulet will be the perfect car to run over the poor people with.

There’s a full press release after the jump. Have Jeeves look into it for you.

Maybach reinvigorates the legend of the landaulet automobiles
*
Folding roof for pampered rear-seat passengers
*
Based on the world’s most powerful series-produced chauffeured saloon

Stuttgart– The tradition-laden Maybach luxury brand is adding a fifth model to its line-up. The new Maybach Landaulet resurrects the legend of the classic luxury landaulets, a feature of which is that only the chauffeur’s area is closed. An extra-large folding roof opens up over the pampered rear-seat passengers when required, leaving no obstructions between them and the blue sky above. The Maybach Landaulet thus offers a majestic open-air experience currently unrivalled by any other automobile. Boasting a certain romantic quality and allowing its passengers the opportunity to savour a closeness to nature, this exceptional vehicle also features the ultimate in comfort and technological sophistication and as such sets the new standard for the world’s most exclusive luxury vehicles.
In November 2007, Maybach revived the aura of the grand carriages of days gone by with its Landaulet study. The response from the public to this masterpiece was overwhelming, so much so that Maybach decided to offer the hand-built Landaulet based exclusively on the customer’s own specifications. A limited number of vehicles will be built in the Manufaktur workshops in Sindelfingenover a restricted period. The finest materials are painstakingly handcrafted by select craftsmen to meet the customers’ exacting requirements – just as the discerning Maybach clientele would expect. According to the latest Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI), a survey of 531 U.S.millionaires recently voted Maybach the most prestigious luxury automobile brand.
Exclusive workplace for the chauffeur, exquisite luxury for passengers
The Maybach Landaulet is a masterpiece of automotive engineering and comes with its very own exciting yet distinguished, authentic style. While the chauffeur’s workplace is appointed with high-grade, smooth black leather and trim elements in glossy piano lacquer, the passengers in the rear with its optional contrasting colour scheme enjoy their place in the sun. They travel on opulent reclining seats upholstered in exquisite Grand Nappa leather in an environment of utmost luxury and exquisite style.
Large folding roof for a close-to experience of nature
In technical terms the Maybach Landaulet is based on the Maybach 62 S – which can claim to be the world’s most powerful series-produced chauffeured saloon. Maybach technicians have removed the rear roof module in order to afford passengers an unobstructed view of the sky above. The side walls have been invisibly reinforced with an integral tubular steel structure. As these measures have not altered the silhouette of the luxury saloon, the generously dimensioned doors and the complete interior with reclining seats remain unchanged.
When closed, the black soft-top of the Landaulet rests on the roof frame formed by the longitudinal roof arches and is wind- and weather-proof. When requested by the passengers, the chauffeur operates a switch in the centre console. Fully automatically, the electro-hydraulic system then opens the roof, thetop is folded and gently laid onto the parcel shelf in the rear, together with its integral rear windscreen made of safety glass.
The chauffeur is able to enclose the folded roof with a fine leather tonneau cover, which both conceals the roof mechanism from view and completes the overall picture of outstanding elegance. The tonneau cover comes in the same colour as the interior of the rear compartment, thereby ensuring consistent styling and creating a harmonious link with the exterior. A logo reading “Maybach Landaulet” in the colour specified by the customer is embroidered onto the cover, where it is visible to following traffic.
Designed specifically for open-top motoring
Maybach has adapted the luxurious rear compartment to the requirements of open-top motoring. For instance, the rear head restraints are slightly larger than on the saloon and effectively help reduce wind turbulence. Another slim wind deflector is automatically raised at speeds above 70 km/h to further reduce the risk of any uncomfortable draughts. The deflector, which measures around five centimetres, can be activated manually at any time. The switch is conveniently positioned for rear passengers in the centre console.
The intercom in the passenger compartment is fitted with an additional handset in the centre console, allowing passengers to communicate with the driver at any time while the roof is down.
Appointments to satisfy every desire
The new Maybach Landaulet is painted in Baltic Black or Nevada Silver in a sophisticated process that ensures the highest standards of quality. Clients can choose from three leather appointment options, and a choice of two trim element finishes – black piano lacquer combined with either carbon-fibre trim or fine anthracite poplar.
As testimony to its exceptional customer focus, Maybach also meets many customer special requirements at no extra charge. For instance, Landaulet clients can choose the individual appointments for their vehicle from the entire Maybach paint finish, leather and trim element range. An extra charge only applies to highly exclusive requirements such as special paint finishes based on the customer’s own specifications, select leather colours, trim elements in natural stone or the electro-transparent partition.
Visual highlights are provided by 20-inch aluminium wheels, also available as an option painted in the vehicle colour or burnished to a high sheen in a special finishing process.
Engine and suspension
The Maybach Landaulet is powered by an uprated V12 engine, developed for the Maybach 57 S and the Maybach 62 S. Thanks to twin turbochargers, the V12 engine develops 450 kW/612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimetres. Equipped with the AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) electronically controlled air suspension system and the Adaptive Damping System (ADS II) the Landaulet model achieves an outstanding level of ride comfort whilst at the same time proving that even a prestigious automobile can display excellent agility and handling qualities.
First deliveries in autumn 2008
The Maybach Landaulet will cost EUR 900,000 (or US$ 1.35 million). The first customer vehicles are due to leave Maybach Manufaktur in autumn 2008.

Related posts:

1. Daimler Weighs Future of Maybach Brand
2. The Maybach Zeppelin
3. As Talks With Aston Martin Break Down, Mercedes To Go It Alone with Maybach

Speaking of the Maybach Excelero (from the last post,) there is a new video out of the car. They only made one, and it features a twin-turbo, 5.9L V12 engine that generates 700hp. It kinda looks like a train, and honestly I’m glad they only made one, as the only people who would get one are the most over-indulgent egotistical jack-asses on earth.

Related posts:

1. Mercedes-Benz Kills Maybach; Plans For S600 Pullman
2. The New Maybach Landaulet
3. The Maybach Zeppelin