There are a lot of products I can see Mercedes putting their name on, but Mercedes-Benz ice cream?  Yes, you can now order Mercedes-Benz soft serve – but only if you live in or are visiting Taiwan in the next month.  Taiwan has become the first country in the world to sell “Mercedes-Benz ice cream,” according to Want Daily.

Daimler offered up NT$2 million (US$67,000) to partner with Taiwanese ice cream maker 8%ice to produce custom-made soft serve as part of a campaign promoting its Smart car brand.  Scoff if you will but I think if we’re all honest with ourselves, we’d line up too just to find out what a Mercedes-Benz flavored Ben and Jerry’s cone taste like.

On its first day, the store, in Taipei’s Xinyi district sold 2,000 soft serves and more than 5,000 on Monday, with customers lining up for 10 minutes just to get a cone. Ice cream wasn’t the only thing on the menu however, two Smart cars were also sold during this period.

The Mercedes-Benz ice cream may look like every other soft serve sold at convenience stores around Taiwan, but is triple the price at NT$100 (US$3.35). The flavors of the ice creams are what make it stand out, designed to match the Smart car colors, hence the premium charge.

For the orange and black Smart Fortwo Brabus Knightblaze, the matching flavor is cantaloupe and black sesame, while for the white and purple Smart Fortwo Nightpurple the matching flavor is banana and blueberry.

“Taiwanese people seem to be afraid of the heat,” said Andy Stockhecke, vice president of sales and marketing for Mercedes-Benz in Taiwan, adding that just about every person he sees on the street these days is carrying an ice cream in their hand.

Despite its success, the campaign will only run for about a month, Stockhecke said, though he is now considering using the same promotional technique in other markets.

smart is known for its unconventional style, and now the same unconventional style, trendy design and high level of functionality have been brought together in the new smart electric drive collection.

The stylish and weatherproof smart ebike jacket is the perfect item of clothing for zipping through town on the new smart ebike. The basic colour of the women’s jacket is “crystal white”, with “energy green” adding fresh accents on the seams, zipper and cords. The men’s version combines “matt dark grey” with accents in “flame orange”. The jacket made of 100 percent polyurethane (PU) is breathable, has a wind-stopper function and withstands a water column of at least 5000 millimetres. The hood can be stowed in the collar. The smart ebike functional jacket is available in the sizes XS, S, M, L, XL (women) and S, M, L, XL, XXL (men).

With the smart ebike helmet cyclists play it safe. And they also cut a fine figure. It is available in two colour variants with a sporty design: crystal white/energy green and matt dark grey/flame orange. The helmet produced by cooperation partner Uvex is available in the sizes XS/S (head circumference: 52-57 cm) and M/L (57-62 cm).

With its innovative and attractive design the smart ebike folding lock is typically smart. It features the smart ebike logo and a green ebike pictogram. Thanks to the innovative link construction the lock folds to a compact size. It is quick to use, has a low weight and offers a high level of protection. A practical bag protects the 90 cm lock from dirt.

With the smart ebike shoulder bag that has a detachable padded laptop compartment new media is always at hand. Made of water-repellent material, the bag is robust and hard-wearing. The basic colour white is combined with “energy green” prints. Dimensions: approx. 40 x 34 x 15 cm.

From the autumn an aluminium luggage rack will extend transport options on the ebike. Small items can be stowed in its integrated net pockets. In addition, waterproof panniers are available that have space for A4 documents and notebooks up to 15″ in size. The panniers available in crystal white/energy green and matt dark grey/flame orange also boast numerous inside compartments and a padded, anti-slip shoulder strap. The panniers are made by our cooperation partner Ortlieb.

Further accessories for the ebike will be available from the autumn. These will include a smartphone holder, high and comfortable handlebars, two different angled seatposts and two saddles in crystal white/energy green and matt dark grey/flame orange.

But not only are there lots of trendy accessories for the smart ebike – fans of the smart fortwo electric drive can also choose their favourites from a large assortment. For example, a pin enables them to show that they support cutting-edge electric mobility.

The smart electric drive T-shirt also demonstrates clear commitment to the brand and the model. Here, the new smart fortwo electric drive can be seen as a green outline on the white T-shirt – even at night because the print on the front and rear is reflective. The breathable T-shirt made of 100% polyester is available in the sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL.

The new smart electric drive solar charger is an innovative and environmentally-friendly way of charging smartphones. Mobile end devices are docked there via a USB connection. Further practical accessories include a USB stick (4 GB) made of hard rubber in the shape of a smart fortwo electric drive and a key ring with the new electric smart as a shopping trolley chip.

And for the youngest fans of zero-emission mobility there is the kids’ electric car in an electric drive design in the colours crystal white/energy green. The car is approximately one metre long. The body is made of plastic and the chassis is made of metal. Battery and charger are included in the scope of supply.

For those of you who need to do more than drive a smart car to make a statement, the cult car brand has released a catalogue of trendy fashions for the spring and summer. The new smart Collection 2011/2012 is designed for people who are looking for unconventional style and are fully in tune with the zeitgeist for spirit of the times.

An attractive look and high-quality materials are the defining features of the innovative and functional new smart Collection. Modern cuts and elaborate details along with special prints lend the textiles a special flair. The logo of the smart lifestyle brand has been artistically incorporated into many of the accessories as an expression of a pulsating city lifestyle.

The new smart Collection features various themes covering the most diverse urban lifestyle scenarios. Themes such as electric drive, smart BRABUS and beach volleyball are also covered by a small selection of products. This reflects the philosophy of the successful smart fortwo – the trendsetter for urban mobility: joie de vivre in tune with well considered ecology.

Highlights of the new smart Collection are hoodies for men and women, new polos, windbreakers, a bowling bag and a special beach volleyball rucksack which has been designed together with the Deuter company. The smart Collection also offers textiles and accessories in a young design to provide a definitive individual touch. These include caps and shirts, off-beat sleeves for notebook and iPhone, writing implements, ice cube makers in smart design and keyrings with a smart badge. The Collection even takes care of toddlers’ needs, offering baby bodysuits and bibs in smart style.

Moderate pricing also forms part of the smart philosophy. Clothing pieces from the new Collection are available at between € 29.90 and € 79.90, while accessories range in price between € 4.90 and € 99.90.