Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Guest Contribution by Doya Karolini

In a hitherto unique project bridging various fields of profession (and letting tradition meet the future), the trainees of Daimler AG at the Sindelfingen Mercedes-Benz plant, have built a Roadster with fuel cell drive, the unique and gorgeous F-CELL.

You can’t help but notice that this roadster draws its inspiration from a diverse variety of automotive eras, in such a depth, that you could easily imagine it moving in and out time and space.

 Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

 Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

From a functional standpoint though, the F-CELL is a roadster fitted with a 1.2 kW hybrid drive – one that allows it to reach a top speed of 15 mph and achieve an operating range of  217 miles.  However, what truly shines about it is the design itself, as it manages to blend the overall aura of the original  Benz patent motor car (out of the year 1886) with seating and a fiberglass front section both drawn from elements of Formula One racing. Not to mention a joystick that takes the place of the conventional steering wheel.

 Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Responsible for its birth, this project involved more than 150 trainees and dual education system students from the fields of automotive mechatronics, model-building, electronics, coating technology, manufacturing mechanics, product design, and interior appointments (for more than a whole year) and its prime objective was to actually integrate the topic of alternative drive systems into training with hands-on experience.

 Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

"This project impressively demonstrates that the topic of sustainable mobility has become an integral part of our vocational training," said Human Resources Board member and Labor Relations Manager Günther Fleig. "I am delighted to see how much initiative and creativity the young people have put into this project."

 Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

You would love to take it for a ride now, wouldn’t you? Well, ladies and gentlemen, you can’t possibly –as of yet- start your engines, but you can at least now enjoy the wait. It soon shall come our way.

[ To see more of the Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster keep scrolling for the photo gallery.. ]

 Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

 Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

 Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

 Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

 Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

 Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG

Mercedes Hybrid F-Cell Roadster

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