Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster - trainees build a car of the future


  a.. Young people unite high tech and tradition


  b.. Alternative drive systems as a training topic


In a hitherto unique project bridging various fields of profession, the 
trainees of Daimler AG at the Sindelfingen Mercedes-Benz plant have built a 
Roadster with fuel cell drive. For about a year, more than 150 trainees and 
dual education system students worked on the overall concept, development, 
assembly, and completion of the F-CELL Roadster. This project involved junior 
employees from the fields of automotive mechatronics, model-building, 
electronics, coating technology, manufacturing mechanics, product design, and 
interior appointments. The prime objective of the project was to integrate the 
topic of alternative drive systems into training with hands-on experience.

"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 Gnther Fleig. "I am delighted to see 
how much initiative and creativity the young people have put into this 
project."

Tradition meets the future

The F-CELL Roadster uniquely combines state-of-the-art technologies with the 
history of vehicle construction. As an allusion to the Benz Patent Motor Car 
from 1886, the vehicle is fitted with large spoked wheels. Moreover, the 
F-CELL Roadster incorporates stylistic elements from diverse eras of 
automotive history, such as the carbon-fiber bucket seats with hand-stitched 
leather covers and the distinctively styled fiberglass front section, based on 
the component from the Formula One racing bolides.

The F-CELL Roadster is controlled with drive-by-wire technology, and a 
joystick takes the place of a conventional steering wheel. The vehicle is 
powered by the emission-free fuel cell system located at the rear. With a 
power rating of 1.2 kW the F-CELL Roadster reaches a top speed of 25 km/h and 
has an operating range of up to 350 km.

Copyright  2009, Daimler AG