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German automaker Mercedes-Benz has revealed the details of its highly anticipated, fully electric SUV, the EQB, which will be available later this summer in the US market. The SUV has seating for up to seven with its optional third row and is more competitively priced than the currently available EQS electric sedan. According to a press release from the OEM, the 2022 EQB 300 4MATIC will start from $54,500 and the EQB 350 4MATIC is priced from $58,050.
Mercedes-Benz EQB fully electric SUV
The all-electric compact SUV offerings include the EQB 300 4MATIC with 225 hp and the EQB 350 4MATIC with 288 hp. The EQB is fitted with a lithium-ion battery with a high-energy density. It has a maximum voltage of 420 V and, with a nominal capacity of around 190 Ah, has a usable energy content of 66.5 kWh.
The EQB SUV will be offered as a base model along with the option for two trim levels for the US market: Exclusive and Pinnacle. Both trim offerings build upon the generous standard equipment offered in the EQB base model, providing the high-level of comfort, convenience and unique EQ-specific features expected from Mercedes-EQ.
The EQB interior features the new-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) Multimedia System with Augmented Reality Navigation system with Electric Intelligence highlighted on the 10.25” Digital Instrument Cluster and 10.25” Touchscreen Multimedia Display. Certain safety features such as the Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and Active Brake Assist are also equipped as standard.
In combination with the Navigation with Electric Intelligence, EQB customers are provided with convenient use of the charging stations from various providers through Mercedes me Charge, which also offers a seamless integrated payment function with simple billing processes. With the EQB, two years of Mercedes me Charge is included. In addition, as an exclusive benefit of the collaboration with Electrify America, MB provides EQB drivers with an unlimited number of 30-minute charging sessions throughout the entire Electrify America network at no additional cost for the first two years, from account activation. This benefit extends to Electrify America's more than 2,600 ultra-fast DC chargers across the continental United States.
Click here for more information about the EQB.
[08.02.22]
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The US Travel Association (USTA) penned a touching tribute (and accompanying video) to longtime President & CEO Roger Dow in honor of his recent retirement. Dow served as USTA’s chief executive since 2005 and helped to lead the association through two of the travel industry’s most recent crises: the ’08 recession and the 2020 pandemic.
USTA also announced that it would induct Dow into its Hall of Leaders, which recognizes sustained, noteworthy contributions that have positively impacted the travel industry, according to the association. He joins just over 100 other distinguished leaders who have been inducted since it was established in 1969.
President & CEO Roger Dow recieves tribute (and video) in honor of his recent retirement
“It’s difficult to imagine a more effective advocate for travel today than Roger Dow. His selection to our most distinguished body reflects his countless contributions and our industry’s deep respect and gratitude,” said Carnival Cruise Line President and US Travel National Chair Christine Duffy. “As he concludes a celebrated career as head of US Travel and, previously, as a leader of Marriott, his induction honors all that Roger has achieved to advance and guide this industry and its workers.”
USTA credits Dow for his innovative and forward-thinking approach, which resulted in several legislative victories as well as the creation of Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization. Additionally, his efforts have significantly built the association’s profile in D.C., which has led to positive working relationships with lawmakers and several presidential administrations—especially important for the COVID relief and recovery funding that saved many companies in the travel industries from closing their doors. He also established the Meetings Mean Business Coalition, which positions the value and benefits of business meetings, trade shows, conferences, and conventions.
His most recent victory, however, was announced during the June IPW (the association’s conference) with the lifting of the inbound pre-departure COVID testing requirement—one of the last barriers to reestablishing international travel. According to Travel Weekly, Dow’s next endeavor will be the launch Future Work Solutions, an app-based service that aims to solve staffing issues for hospitality businesses.
Prior to leading USTA, Dow was a global sales and marketing executive with Marriott International. According to the USTA, Dow was behind the development of the hotel’s loyalty program, which is now known as Marriott Bonvoy. However, Dow has often stated that his greatest accomplishment at Marriott was his decades-long commitment to the development and mentorship of tens of thousands of salespeople.
The induction ceremony will take place during the association’s invitation-only board of directors meeting in November.
Visit ustravel.org for more information.
[08.02.22]
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- Category: Industry News
Helping the global business travel industry create a positive impact and a better future for people and the planet is the mission behind the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)’s relaunch of its charitable arm, the GBTA Foundation. The GBTA Foundation will focus on the strategy and execution of GBTA’s global sustainability programs, supporting initiatives related to climate action, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and other talent-related topics via education, research, and advocacy.
GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang
“We are excited to re-establish the GBTA Foundation within a fine-tuned scope of ‘people and planet,’” said GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang. “It’s an important moment in GBTA’s 54-year history, as we renew our commitment to creating lasting, positive impact. The GBTA Foundation, along with its newly appointed board of directors, will focus on making a positive impact in our industry and beyond.”
American Express Global Business Travel CEO Paul Abbott will serve as the chairperson of the GBTA Foundation Board of Directors for the next two years.
“I’m very pleased to lead the GBTA Foundation at this critical time—to pave the way for progress via ambitious programs and initiatives focused on sustainability,” he said.
GBTA’s new Sustainability Program initiative, which launched in late 2021 to build a greener future for business travel and help reduce its climate impact, will now be managed under the Foundation, as will GBTA’s existing people-related programs, WINiT by GBTA and GBTA Ladders.
Appointed by the GBTA Board of Directors, the Foundation Board will help ensure ambitions are large enough for the environmental and human sustainability challenges at hand, and to elevate the work of GBTA in research, advocacy, and practitioner learning—to reach those beyond the industry.
The current board, which recently held its first meeting in July, includes:
- Paul Abbott of American Express GBT (two-year term)
- Leslie Andrews of JLL (two-year term)
- Erica Gordon of Hilton
(one-year term) - Scott Kirby of United Airlines (two-year term)
- Darragh Ormsby of Google (one-year term)
- Tyronne Stoudemire of Hyatt (one-year term)
- Caroline Strachan of Festive Road (two-year term)
- Denise Truso of GBTA (as per Foundation bylaws)
- Suzanne Neufang of GBTA (as per Foundation bylaws)
- Delphine Millot of GBTA Foundation (ex-officio)
The GBTA Foundation was originally formed in 1989 as a US 501c3 charitable arm of GBTA. Until early 2018 when it was put on hiatus, the GBTA Foundation was the center of all GBTA education and research. The education and research areas of GBTA were subsequently moved to the core GBTA organization’s 501c6 tradeshow arm where they will continue to reside when not related to the “sustainability of people + planet” focus of the Foundation.
Visit gbta.org/gbta-foundation for more information.
[07.28.22]