Black ice, emergency braking or sudden evasive maneuvers on slippery surfaces – in critical situations in the winter it’s crucial to keep a cool head and be fully in command of the vehicle. The winter training of Mercedes-Benz Driving Events prepares drivers specifically for the cold time of the year and practices intuitive, skilful reaction at the wheel. With the confidence that comes from being in the hands of experienced instructors, the participants explore their personal limits in the breathtaking winter scenery of Austria or Sweden with the vehicles from the Mercedes-Benz model range.

Here a survey of the various handling safety training and driving events of Mercedes-Benz Driving Events in winter 2012:

Winter Training: In this two-day course in the Fahrtechnik Zentrum in Saalfelden, Austria, the participants learn in exciting exercises on the ice track (slaloming, braking during cornering, or sudden lane changes) to gain full control of their vehicles in typical hazardous wintertime situations. The drifting exercises convey even more driving pleasure and dynamism.

Winter Training Perfection: Building on the Winter Training, in the two-day Winter Training Perfection course the participants approach the physical limits of driving. They go through the different drills at much higher speeds. Performing sudden lane changes or emergency braking during cornering again is designed to prepare the drivers for everyday hazards, such as when they encounter obstacles in the roadway or suddenly come upon the end of a tailback. Finally, driving enjoyment is the emphasis on the new 2.5 km handling course on ice: with spiked tyres the participants learn how to keep the car permanently drifting. Venue: the Fahrtechnik Zentrum in Saalfelden, Austria.

Winter Drift Event: This one-day training course takes place on the ice track of the Fahrtechnik Zentrum in Saalfelden, Austria. With spiked tyres the participants learn how to keep the car permanently drifting.

On- and Off-road Winter Training: 70% gradient, traversing ice and snow – in the quarry near Kitzbühel the participants in this two-day course learn to properly control a vehicle. The on-road exercises take place in the Fahrtechnik Zentrum in Saalfelden, Austria.

Professional Driver Winter Training: On the ice track in Saalfelden professional drivers find ideal conditions for practicing the way they handle winter hazards. Emergency braking on road surfaces with patches of differing slipperiness, evasive manoeuvres to avoid hitting suddenly appearing obstacles, and regaining control of skidding vehicles on snow and ice are some of the training exercises, in which the participants simulate as realistically as possible the stress situations occurring in their everyday work. In addition, they can expect to be coached by police psychologists and special trainers with interesting occupation-specific theoretical contents and exercises.

Winter Driving Event Perfection: During the five-day training event in Sorsele, Sweden, the participants spend more than 26 hours on the training grounds, partly even in individually occupied vehicles and with individual coaching by instructors. The various snow and ice tracks have many new challenges and surprises in store for them. The participants can look forward especially to practice driving in the darkness and the rally test. The driving data is recorded to help improve the participants’ driving skills. The lap timer, for instance, automatically determines the lap times, and instructors and participants jointly analyse the progress by means of in-board cameras.

Mercedes-AMG helps its customers to achieve flawless car control by offering driving training courses and events tailored to individual requirements. Here the focus is on driving pleasure, driving safety and passion, complemented by a top-quality support programme including typical local culinary delicacies and professional customer care. There are five different programmes to choose from: EMOTION, BASIC, ADVANCED, PRO and MASTERS. These offer everything from lifestyle-oriented events and courses which take the participants through their first experience of driving at the limit, all the way through to intensive race circuit training with a competitive edge. The level of difficulty is tailored to the participants’ individual requirements. Prices for the AMG Driving Academy programmes start from as little as 370 euros.

On legendary race tracks such as the North Loop of the Nürburgring and the Grand Prix circuit in Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, AMG drivers and enthusiasts gradually and safely discover the limits. In this way, each participant automatically improves their active driving safety. Licensed trainers with extensive racing experience pass on their vast knowledge with great professionalism. As well as DTM driver Susie Stoddart, Bernd Schneider, Bernd Mayländer and Chris Mamerow are other prominent members of the team around chief instructor Reinhold Renger.

Depending on the type of event, the participants drive either their own AMG cars or AMG high-performance models laid on by the AMG Driving Academy. There are also cars for hire, for example the SLS AMG, SLK 55 AMG, C 63 AMG, E 63 AMG and also the SL 63 AMG – all equipped with the AMG Performance package.

Almost incidentally, but by design, participants in events learn about efficient fuel use. “We show that opening up the engine fully, harsh braking and a generally frenetic driving style by no means make you the fastest,” says chief instructor Reinhold Renger. “Many participants are amazed that after training they achieve faster lap times, while consuming significantly less fuel.” A further special feature is international harmonisation of the various training levels. Renger: “Many of our customers use this as an opportunity to go on and hone their skills further in another country – or even on a different continent.”

An overview of all of the events offered by the AMG Driving Academy:

EMOTION: These lifestyle-oriented events send a maximum of 24 participants off on interesting routes through captivating scenery in cars provided by AMG. New events include the EMOTION Tour Golf, EMOTION Tour Montreux and the EMOTION Tour DTM Show Event Munich.

BASIC: The focus of this training course is on ensuring safe and confident reactions behind the wheel. In a professional environment the participants develop the expertise to tackle their first few laps of driving at the limit, starting with a detailed theory-based introduction unit. The instructors not only highlight the fundamentals of driving physics, but also look at seating position, steering wheel control, the correct line of sight and safety rules. The practical section gives the participants the chance to assess and enhance their driving skills in their own AMG cars or in models provided by AMG, and to explore the capabilities of the various driver assistance systems.

ADVANCED: The second stage of AMG training concentrates on developing driving skills and sporty driving. In addition to the fundamentals of driving physics, the theory introduction primarily covers cornering technique, the ideal line and braking points. The practical section of the course on the race circuit gives participants the chance to put into practice what they have learned so far. Section training sees the instructors explore in detail the particular characteristics of each section of corners, while guided driving behind the instructor makes it easier for the participants to identify the ideal line and braking points.

PRO:This three-day event is held in Le Castellet (France) and on the Red Bull Ring (Austria). Completion of AMG BASIC training, AMG ADVANCED training or a comparable driver training course is required to participate in PRO training. After exploring the circuit one section at a time, the eight groups of eight participants drive around behind the guiding instructor. A co-instructor follows behind each of the groups. The drivers are then left to drive freely. The concluding AMG competition in the form of a regularity test underlines the sporting character of the training.

MASTERS: In 2011 the AMG Driving Academy makes exclusive use of SLS AMG GT3 vehicles for its most demanding skill level programme. The module-based MASTERS SLS AMG GT3 programme consists of four stages. During the three-hour EXPERIENCE stage, participants start off with the road version of the SLS AMG to benefit from some driving guidance. After an introduction and a seated “rehearsal”, they take to the wheel of the SLS AMG GT3 for themselves, and are again guided safely around the race track by a lead vehicle. Afterwards the participants step into the passenger seat of an SLS AMG GT3 racing taxi driven by an experienced professional racing driver. During the second stage – WARM‑UP – the programme covers such aspects as acceleration, braking, changing gear, overtaking and also a variety of other handling exercises, all carried out on sports tyres. Participants who are resident in Germany also have the chance to acquire a national DMSB (German Motor Sport Federation) driver’s licence. In stage three – TRAINING – the focus is on the systematic enhancement of personal skills such as cornering techniques, perfect braking, acceleration and changing gear. The highlight of the MASTERS SLS AMG GT3 is the COMPETITION stage, which is expected to start at the end of 2012: after a training session which is specific to the race circuit being used, the participants will complete initial assessment tests, followed by individual and team competitions.

As confirmed by accident statistics, Mercedes drivers are involved in fewer accidents than drivers of cars made by other manufacturers. This is the result of the comprehensive safety philosophy at Mercedes-Benz. In addition to many years of accident research and the democratisation of safety innovations across all model series, a diverse range of driving safety training events is offered. Participants become more aware of typical danger situations and practise appropriate responses.

Safety pioneer Mercedes-Benz has a long tradition of providing such training: as early as 1902, the sons of Gottlieb Daimler were conducting driving lessons at the works of the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. Mercedes-AMG also holds driving training courses and events tailored to individual requirements to help its customers to achieve flawless car control (see page 6 onwards). Driving safety training for summer 2011 is now getting underway through Mercedes-Benz Driving Events and the AMG Driving Academy.

A broad programme of on and off-road Mercedes-Benz driving events

Mercedes-Benz holds driving events at twelve venues and four off-road locations throughout Germany, meaning that no participant needs to travel far. “By providing courses almost nationwide and at reasonable prices, we are aiming at as many car drivers as possible. The half-day compact training event for 18 to 25-year olds, for example, costs just 89 euros,” says Ulrich Mellinghoff, Head of Mercedes Safety Development. “Ultimately all road users benefit from the confident car control practised during training, not just Mercedes drivers. Any accident is one accident too many.”

The target group for the various courses is correspondingly diverse, ranging from learner drivers to experienced professionals, from sales training to events for professional drivers and chauffeurs. The sole requirement is that the driver must hold a class 3/class B driver’s licence. Mercedes-Benz provides the vehicles used in driving training. “This offers several advantages,” explains Wolfgang Müller, Chief Instructor Mercedes-Benz Driving Events. “Participants do not need to worry about their own vehicles or tyre wear and our instructors know the cars intimately.” What is more, this gives trainers the opportunity to demonstrate to participants how modern assistance systems work. Because it plays a pioneering role in safety, Mercedes-Benz offers technologies that are not available in other vehicles – or at least not yet.

Another factor is that, due to the range of performance, exercises can be completed in a higher speed range. “This means exercises are conducted at more realistic speeds,” adds Müller. For example, braking exercises take place from 80 km/h at all levels of training. The fleet of cars extends from the A‑Class to the S-Class and, for off-road training, includes the entire range of Mercedes-Benz SUV models and off-roaders.

Before heading up driving training at Mercedes-Benz, Wolfgang Müller was a successful rally driver for ten years. He is an experienced and skilled instructor, like all his colleagues on the driving safety training team in line with the high expectations that Mercedes-Benz has of staff. Using the same pool of approximately 60 trainers ensures that all Mercedes driving training sessions in Germany meet a high standard of quality, irrespective of the event venue. Müller’s job includes harmonising this standard of quality at international level to achieve global consistency with regard to the skill levels described below, for example.

Here is an overview of the various driving safety training courses and driving events being held by Mercedes-Benz in summer 2011:

Compact training: On this half-day course, participants find out how an accident can be prevented effectively. Exercises include full brake application combined with an evasive manoeuvre, and a slalom course. Compact training is also offered as a special training event for 18 to 25-year olds.

Basic training: As part of this one-day event, the instructors demonstrate how danger situations can be dealt with safely and confidently with support from active control systems. In demanding exercises, such as taking evasive action without braking from 80 km/h, emergency braking or correcting skidding vehicles, participants simulate accident situations and learn strategies for emerging unscathed.

Advanced training: This one-day training course widens the range of solutions for dealing with hazardous situations at higher speeds. Participants practise emergency braking at 100 km/h without knowing the direction in which to take evasive action beforehand, or controlling a tail-skid on a wet bend.

Enhanced training: Here hazardous situations are rehearsed at motorway speed. For example, participants learn how to correct their vehicle following an emergency lane change at 130 km/h. In addition, challenging drift exercises are completed on famous race tracks like Sachsenring. The enhanced training course lasts two days.

Eco training: During this half-day event, attendees take part in simple practical and theoretical exercises to learn how to reduce fuel consumption by handling their car more efficiently. On average, those who complete the eco training course subsequently use 15 percent less fuel.

Pro driver training: The programme for this two-day event includes performing an evasive manoeuvre at 130 km/h in a predefined direction through a set of traffic lights, emergency braking scenarios and correcting a tail-skidding vehicle at motorway speed, for example. Driving practice is complemented by theoretical exercises tailored to the specific profession with trainers who also instruct police task forces.

Enhanced pro driver training: Building on the pro driver training course, here the focus is on training for complex, stressful situations and additional tasks associated with a specific profession, with participants receiving individual coaching. They drive a handling course at night and take part in a convoy. Individual strengths and weaknesses are psychologically evaluated for everyday professional life (two-day event).

Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience: This event immerses participants in the world of Mercedes-Benz for two full days. A visit to the wind tunnel and test track at the plant in Untertürkheim is followed by a voyage of discovery around the Mercedes-Benz Museum and an evening meal together. On the second day, it is onto the training circuit with the opportunity to put the current model range, including the CLS and SLK, through its paces in slaloming, braking and evasive manoeuvres.

On and off-road training: This two-day event is aimed especially at newcomers and SUV drivers. The programme covers driving safety first: fast lane changing, slaloming, one-sided braking and ABS as an issue. The second part of the training course takes place on an off-road circuit. Safe ways to handle axial twist situations, driving at an angle and steep ascents and descents are practised.

Off-road training: After an introduction to the theory, instructors accompany participants on a challenging off-road circuit. They will master steep downhill gradients and adventurously driving at an angle. At the same time, participants will learn to assess the way they themselves and their vehicle respond more effectively so that they can reach their destination safely given even the toughest terrain. Mercedes-Benz offers one and two-day courses at different levels in the form of basic, advanced, exclusive and pro off-road training.

Off-road journeys: Fly&Drive Ireland, a magical Italian journey and an epic expedition halfway around the world are just some of the trips on offer. An amazing five-week trip from Germany to India goes via Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan.

Further information is available at www.mercedes-benz.de/driving-events and www.offroad.mercedes-benz.de

Back in March, we brought you news the MBUSA was planning a Driving Academy for our teenage drivers, and now we have confirmation and more information on Mercedes-Benz USA’s plan.  Mercedes-Benz USA announced last week that the company’s first Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy will open in Los Angeles in October 2011.  It will offer a fully integrated driver’s education program and school that incorporates online, classroom and behind-the-wheel training for Los Angeles area teens.

The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is unveiling details for its teen driving school at the annual California State PTA Convention, where approximately 2,500 California PTA members are attending from April 28 – May 1, 2011 in Long Beach, CA.

Mercedes-Benz is appointing Carolyn Duchene as Director for the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy, and she will be responsible for the launch and management of daily operations. A Mercedes-Benz USA employee since 1994, Duchene has held several positions in the areas of marketing, digital media, training and education, and customer service.

“In addition to a unique educational approach, our highly qualified staff will be a key differentiator for the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy. We are recruiting and hiring the best talent for all areas of operation,” said Duchene. “The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy will connect with students and parents using a personalized, customer-centric approach that truly creates a unique offering among driver’s education services for new teen drivers.”

In preparation for its fall launch, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is actively recruiting uniquely qualified driving instructors, who will be groomed to deliver the Academy’s research-based program in a highly effective coaching style. The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy instructors are going to be Mercedes-Benz employees and eligible to receive Mercedes-Benz USA benefit packages.

Several auto manufacturers and third-party organizations are currently offering teen driving programs which primarily focus on crash avoidance and defensive driving exercises. However, Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy aims to be the only car manufacturer to offer a California DMV-approved program, fully integrated with the Graduated Driver Licensing framework. The goal of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is to prepare students for today’s driving environment by going beyond basic car control skills and rote learning of traffic rules.

The core program utilizes multiple teaching techniques and delivery methods ranging from online learning to interactive classroom sessions and behind-the-wheel training. The program will incorporate approaches such as digital animation to visualize road hazards in an online program, problem-solving exercises in the classroom, and hands-on experience of risky situations and in-car coaching techniques based on questioning rather than instruction. This approach is combined with consistent feedback from driving coaches to parents, which aims to assist them in planning their supervised driving practice. The overall collective curriculum aims to benefit and appeal to the vast spectrum of learning-styles which will ensure greater engagement and absorption of skills and knowledge.

A fully integrated California-focused curriculum will take a student from their instruction permit license stage through their provisional license. Other offerings include an on-road only curriculum for those who have chosen to complete their driver education requirement through other means, and a tailored program that takes into account individual driver’s needs to further develop and improve driving skills.

“Vehicles, highways, and the driving environment have changed dramatically over the past 60 years, however driver education remains relatively unchanged in the U.S.,” said Alexander Hobbach, Senior Manager of Business Innovation at Daimler AG. “Mercedes-Benz feels there is opportunity to better prepare teens for today’s driving conditions, and while our offering will have premium pricing over existing schools, we are dedicated to delivering significant value based on unique coaching methods and curriculum that is aimed at teaching new teens how to drive safely.”

The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is working with several advisors in the finalization of its proprietary curriculum including Daniel R. Mayhew, Senior Vice President of the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF); Allan Williams, Ph.D., former Chief Scientist at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS); and Bill Combs, Executive Director of the Driver Education and Training Administrators and former Director of Communications at the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“A teenager’s ability to drive safely should be one of the most important priorities for parents and it is extremely imperative that parents take a very active part in this process from researching driving schools to following through on supervised driving,” said Mayhew.

Beyond curriculum development that sets new industry standards, The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is building on strategic partnerships in an effort to raise awareness about teen driver safety and to also engage educators and parents to ultimately combat the leading cause of deaths among teens, which is motor vehicle crashes according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy, in conjunction with Impact Teen Drivers, will be delivering a public service outreach program through 2-hour parent/teen workshops, delivered in local Los Angeles- area high schools. These workshops will raise awareness on the importance of teaching teens the proper way to drive. Through interactive work groups, parents and their children will discuss the responsibility they have to each other when it comes to driver education while acknowledging that driving is an important part of teenager’s life that leads to more freedom and independence. With the help of the California PTA, approximately twenty schools will be identified to host the workshops beginning late summer.

“The opportunity to have Mercedes-Benz step-up to work with Impact Teen Drivers and law enforcement and education partners to offer driver safety seminars at no cost to Los Angeles-area schools is commendable,” said Kelly Browning, PhD, executive director of Impact Teen Drivers. “It is crucial that we educate teens and empower them to promote the safe driving message in order to have a fundamental and sustained behavior shift. This isn’t about bad kids doing bad things, but good kids making poor choices. One poor choice can alter or end their lives and the lives of those they care about.”

Impact Teen Drivers, Inc., which was founded by the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, the California Teachers Association, and California Casualty, provides education to teens and parents regarding the dangers of reckless and distracted driving through breakthrough campaigns delivered online and in schools.

Committed to raising the level of driver education and increasing road safety, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy continues Mercedes-Benz long-standing corporate dedication to driver safety. For continuous updates before the October 2011 opening and employment opportunities, please visit mbdrivingacademy.com for information.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death among teens in the United States. While technology is no doubt increasing the number of accidents among teens and across the board, lack of driving experience and training is unquestionably the leading factor. For these reasons, Mercedes-Benz USA is planning to offer driver’s education at the end of 2011. MBUSA aims to teach our teenagers the skills and competencies for safe and enjoyable driving.

At the center of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is an innovative driver’s education approach that reflects the very best teaching methods from around the world. MBUSA is currently finalizing and tailoring these methods to specifically meet the environment and needs in the United States.

The research-based approach is designed to improve the effectiveness of time spent in the classroom, online, and behind-the-wheel. The goal of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is to prepare students for today’s driving environment by going beyond basic car control skills and rote learning of traffic rules.

Research clearly identifies that the standard U.S. formula of 30-hour in-class education followed sequentially by 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training cannot reasonably be expected to transform a non-driver into a safe driver1.

“Despite the dramatic changes in vehicles, highways, and the driving environment over the past 60 years, driver education remains relatively unchanged in the U.S.,” said Alexander Hobbach, Senior Manager, Daimler AG. “The skills required to simply get a license do not fully prepare young drivers to meet the demands of the road. Mercedes-Benz recognizes this issue and as a result is creating an educational program for the U.S. that is based on the best teaching methods and tools available.”

Mercedes-Benz has been working with international driver education experts to develop an innovative curriculum-based program. A Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy in the U.K. was launched for the first time in 2009 based on this curriculum and since then 4,500 students have enrolled in the program. Amongst those who already obtained their driver’s license and participated in the program, had a first-time pass rate of 79 percent – nearly double the U.K. national average of 43 percent.

Mercedes-Benz is combining insights and key elements of the U.K. curriculum and delivery methods with U.S. DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) requirements to develop the integrated program that is going to be offered at the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy in the U.S. later this year. Mercedes-Benz has already met with DMV representatives to discuss the development of an integrated curriculum that fulfills all state requirements, which positions the Company as the first and only auto manufacturer to offer a complete, state-certified driving school in the U.S.

“As a company, we have a long history and continuous efforts to improve vehicle safety so the Driving Academy is a natural extension of Mercedes-Benz desire to achieve accident-free driving,” said Hobbach. “With only 10 percent of crashes being a result of technical failure and 90 percent due to human error, Mercedes-Benz sees an opportunity to actively improve drivers’ skills, focusing first on novice drivers, who are most at risk on U.S. roads.”

It is well known that there is a disproportionately high driving incident rate among teen novice drivers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. In fact, teens aged 16-19 are four times more likely to crash than adults. While technology has led to more driver distractions, especially for teens, driver’s education is being offered in fewer and fewer high schools in the U.S. That is why many organizations and experts are seeking ways of improving driver’s education.

“Driving is one of the most important skills that a teen can learn, and it is extremely important that parents do their research before sending their child to a driving school,” said Daniel R. Mayhew, Senior Vice President, Traffic Injury Research Foundation. “Getting parents and teens working together is one crucial step among many that can better prepare beginner drivers.”

Due to the alarming rate of teen deaths caused by motor vehicle collisions, national and state legislators, regulators, law enforcement, public agencies and other safety advocates have worked hard over recent decades to find ways to reduce the number of fatal and serious injury crashes on our highways for decades. In fact, Mercedes-Benz is also finalizing plans to work with leading driver safety advocacy organizations and law enforcement to create a public service outreach program that emphasizes safe driving and driver’s education.

Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy’s approach also seeks to achieve greater compliance with policies that have successfully been implemented to increase driver’s safety such as the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) rules. The GDL framework provides for compulsory driver’s education, combining classroom or online learning, on-road training, mandatory supervised practice, and restricted driving privileges once a novice driver starts driving solo. By using an integrated program to reinforce learning points throughout the learner driver period, as well as involving parents in the process, the students can realize greater benefits of GDL.