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Porsche teams with Delta airlines to woo VIP passengers

The next time you're waiting for a flight at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, see if you can spot a Porsche Cayenne or Panamera zipping between aircraft on the busy tarmac. The high-performance German vehicles aren't there practicing for an upcoming autocross; they are tasked with whisking some of the airline's most important customers between flights so they can keep their busy schedules intact.
Launched nearly two years ago, the program has proven popular with the automaker, airline and passengers as all benefit from the unique arrangement. Atlanta-based Porsche is able to showcase its cars to Delta's frequent-flying Medallion members, the airline is recognized for providing unusual perks to its high-value customers and those fortunate enough to be surprised with a quick lift are able to make connections without a stressful run through the terminal. Based on its success, the airline is rolling our similar programs in New York, Los Angeles and Minneapolis this month.
And don't think Porsche is the only automaker working with an airline to entice its frequent flyers. Mercedes-Benz ran a program over the summer that offered purchasing and leasing incentives to MileagePlus Premier members of United Airlines, and the two are currently shuttling top fliers around Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport in the automaker's S-Class and GL-Class models.

Mercedes recalls 2,600 S-Class models in two campaigns

If you're the owner of a 2015 S-Class, you may get a notice soon from your local Mercedes dealership to bring in your pride and joy. But only if you own one of the specific models being recalled in two separate campaigns. The larger of the two affects the Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic, Mercedes-AMG S63 4Matic, and Mercedes-AMG S65 coupes – all from the 2015 model year and manufactured between January 27, 2014, and April 2, 2015. Those models could have had their front seat belts installed on the wrong side, so the driver's side belt may have been fitted to the front passenger seat, and vice versa. Since the seat belt mechanisms are designed for specific sides of the vehicle, they may not lock as required, and the child seat restraint on the passenger side might not work, either. As a result, Mercedes is recalling 2,580 such units in the United States to have those belts inspected and replaced as necessary. In parallel, the Silver Star automaker is also calling in four – that's right, just four – examples of the 2015 S550 Hybrid. In those few units, the fuel pump may not be able to restart the internal combustion engine when needed, and the vehicle could stall. You can read both of the recall notices from the NHTSA below. RECALL Subject : Incorrect Seat Belt Position/FMVSS 208, 209 Report Receipt Date: OCT 14, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V657000 Component(s): SEAT BELTS Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,580 Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. SUMMARY: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 S550 4Matic Coupe, AMG S63 4Matic Coupe, and AMG S65 vehicles manufactured January 27, 2014, to April 2, 2015. In the affected vehicles, left-side front seat belts may have been installed on the right-side and vice versa. As a result, the installation angle may be incorrect, affecting the seat belt locking behavior. Additionally, the child seat restraint function for the passenger seat would not be available. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and FMVSS number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." CONSEQUENCE: If the seat belt is installed improperly, it may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. REMEDY: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the installation of the seat belts, correcting them as necessary, free of charge.

Smart brand might be doomed

Reports are painting a less than rosy picture of the Smart brand's future. The Daimler-owned carmaker is going fully electric in 2020, but that might not be enough to keep it alive for long. Inside sources, quoted by Automobile Magazine, are saying Renault is likely to pull out of the partnership that created the current Smart ForTwo/Renault Twingo pairing introduced in 2014. The two rear-engined cars share a platform, and when the current Twingo is done for, Renault might want to part ways. In addition, Mercedes isn't willing to prop up Smart on its own, and there is a possibility that the entire Smart brand could be shuttered by 2026. A previous joint venture was the ForFour hatch co-developed with Mitsubishi, and despite the ForFour name living on in the current generation rear-engined car, the earlier FWD hatchback has quickly been forgotten. Not long ago, Smart presented its Forease open-top concept to give customers a glimpse of what future Smart cars would look like, but at its heart the Forease was still a current Smart dressed up with concept car details. The next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class is to be signed off in 2021 for a 2025 introduction, and it can be underpinned by a more flexible, fully scalable platform that could also serve to support a new entry-level Mercedes-Benz vehicle that could render the separate Smart brand pointless. Then there's Geely, who now owns nearly 10 percent of Daimler, and who is partnering with Daimler to launch a new "premium" ride-hailing venture in China. As Geely develops its mobility solutions, it is likely to keep an eye on Smart: Smart cars have been car-sharing staples around the world for quite a while, from users such as Car2Go. Automobile Magazine says that if a Smart is co-developed with Geely, it might suit the Chinese market well, but a global business case might be challenging. In any case, if Smart wants to survive beyond the current Renault partnership, the new model should be agreed upon quickly, and it must be based on a platform flexible enough to support full electric drive. Reportedly, there are now ongoing feasibility studies for a fully electric Daimler "U-Class," which would include a Smart-like three or five-door hatch with two wheelbase options, a ride-sharing shuttle with autonomous capabilities, and an urban delivery panel van. But Smart must justify itself for the upcoming decades, or the future Daimler products that occupy its niche will be wearing a three-pointed star instead.