Helicopters, Yachts and Furniture, Mercedes-Benz Style

The advancements made by car manufacturers in the field of interior design and styling, as well as the availability of new technologies for those tasks makes more and more traditional carmakers turn their attention towards niche products.

After German carmaker BMW already established itself as a designer of yachts and jet planes interiors, the rivals from Daimler announced today the creation of the Mercedes-Benz Style division, a special unit which will be in charge with adding a Mercedes touch to transport-related products, industrial design, lifestyle products and even furniture.

"Our unique design expertise is appreciated throughout the world. We have therefore decided to establish the Mercedes-Benz specific styling outside the automotive field too – and so far we have met with a very positive response from a great number of manufacturers in a variety of sectors," Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz says in a release.

The first item designed by the new unit is the Eurocopter EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style, a helicopter which will be unveiled on May 4 at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition 2010 in Geneva.

The EC145 is the only helicopter in its class that can seat up to eight passengers. The interior has been inspired by the new R-Klasse, with seats mounted on rails. Mercedes-Benz Style crammed in the cabin a cool box, cup holder, table, 15-inch monitor and DVD player.

"Eurocopter’s cooperation with Mercedes-Benz brings together the world’s leading producer of corporate and business helicopters with the automobile manufacturer that sets global standards for luxury and style,” Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter’s senior vice president for Sales and Customer Relations added.

We look forward to bringing you the latest information from Mercedes-Benz Style in the future, whether it will be a Mercedes Benz badged sofa, a SLS AMG spoon or a DiesOtto-powered yacht, so keep an eye out.