Mercedes-Benz’ advanced design studios are following the lead of Nissan Design International (NDI) in San Diego, California by taking on commissioned work in other fields.
Eurocopter and Mercedes-Benz have jointly unveiled the EC145 ‘Mercedes-Benz Style’ helicopter at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition 2010 in Geneva.
In addition to the helicopter, Mercedes-Benz designers are currently working on the spectacular exterior design of a luxury yacht.
When NDI was established, Nissan’s American design chief, Jerry Hirshberg said taking on contract work outside the automotive industry was important to provide his designers new challenges which kept their minds and thought processes fresh. Among their work, NDI too designed a luxury yacht and also golf clubs for TaylorMade.
‘Mercedes-Benz Style’ undertakes both commissioned work, for which the rights to the styling service are sold to the product manufacturer, and also the allocation of design licences – in which case a product manufacturer will be granted the right to use the styling, but all rights to the styling remain with Mercedes-Benz.
Just as in the automotive industry, the designers place great value on brand-typical, passionate styling for ‘Mercedes-Benz Style’. This is clearly evident in the interior of the EC145 ‘Mercedes-Benz Style’ helicopter – a project lead by the company’s advanced design studio in Como, Italy.
Bearing all the hallmarks of Mercedes-Benz luxury automobiles, the helicopter borrows interior lighting systems from the E- and S-Class sedans and a modular approach for cabin layout inspired by the R-Class range. Just like the R-Class, the seats in the helicopter are mounted on sliding rails for quick and easy reconfiguration to accommodate versatile load-carrying of cargo and passengers.
