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In the current quality study conducted by market research institute J.D. Power and Associates for the American market, Mercedes-Benz achieved the best result since 1990. The IQS study (“Initial Quality Study”) assessed the as-delivered quality of vehicles from model year 2010 after 90 days.

“The quality of our vehicles is at an all-time high. An independent survey for the US market has now confirmed what our internal analyses and European studies have been showing for some time now,” noted Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management with responsibility for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development at Daimler AG, in response to the findings of the current IQS study (“Initial Quality Study”) conducted by J.D. Power. The study surveyed US customers with vehicles from model year 2010.

Mercedes-Benz has achieved a further marked improvement in comparison to 2009, rising by three places in the brand ranking to 3rd place. This is the best IQS result for Mercedes since 1990. Particularly gratifying is the showing by the C-Class, which took first place in the premium entry-level segment. The new E-Class got off to an excellent start in both its saloon and coupé versions, notching up a second place, as did the facelifted S-Class.

Two Mercedes-Benz plants among the top 3 in Europe/Africa.

It is not only Mercedes-Benz’s models which fare well in the J.D. Power study. The production plant in East London/South Africa tops the production plants both worldwide and in the Europe/Africa country category. The plant receives the J.D. Power Platinum Plant Quality Award for its first place – the highest distinction available from the market researchers. The South African plant already topped its country category back in 2009, scooping the Gold Plant Quality Award. The Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen also ranked among the top 3 for 2010 in Europe/Africa. The brand’s largest car production plant worldwide claimed this year’s J.D. Power Bronze Plant Quality Award.

About the study: The IQS study is based on the responses from around 82,000 buyers and lessees of new vehicles from model year 2010. It was conducted 90 days after delivery of the vehicles. The questionnaire covers 228 questions/problem areas from the categories exterior, driving experience, equipment/operation/displays, audio/entertainment/navigation, seating, heating and air conditioning, interior and engine/transmission.

Weird Traffic Laws That Could Get You A Ticket

We want you to stay on the right side of the law when traveling our wonderful country and would hate to see you fined or jailed for breaking a law you were simply unaware of (or unlikely to even imagine).

And there are indeed some strange traffic laws out there that could come back to bite you.

Some are old, out-dated laws that just don't make sense today, but are still on the books and therefore technically still binding and enforceable.

Others are just plain odd and make you really wonder about common sense. At any rate, here's some odd driving laws to keep in mind when you're out and about.

Alabama

- When driving in Alabama, please remember to remove your blindfolds. You see, it's illegal to drive while blindfolded there. If you've been getting away with this in your state, you are now forewarned ... ditch the blindfolds in 'Bama.

Alaska

- When driving in our most northern state, don't forget to untie your dog from the roof rack. It's illegal to tether a dog to the roof of a car up there (who knew?). (I dunno, maybe strapping Fido to the hood or the bumper will keep you from being pulled over.)

Arkansas

- If you've got a hankering for a sandwich or a cold drink while driving in Little Rock at night, lay off the horn ... or that snack can get very expensive. Yep, it's against the law to blare a car horn where cold beverages or sandwiches are served after 9 p.m.

California

- If you are a woman, it is illegal to drive in a housecoat. Look sharp ladies or they may just write you up.

- Also remember that a vehicle without a driver may not exceed 60 miles per hour. I bet this one probably gets a lot of people.

- It's also illegal to shoot any animals from a moving vehicle in California, so put away the guns while driving ... except if you see a whale. Shooting them is okay.

- But if you end up in court in Los Angeles for one violation or another, please try to maintain your composure because it is illegal to cry on the witness stand and will only get you into more hot water.

Illinois

- In Crete, cars can't be driven through the town. I guess the choices are to drive around the town, or maybe get out and push.

- In Evanston, it's unlawful to change clothes in an automobile with the curtains drawn, except in case of fire. So when changing your cloths, make sure you're clearly visible or they'll nail you. Sounds like a "fun" city.

- In Park Ridge, remember to park your truck out of sight because they can only be parked inside closed garages

Iowa

- If you're passing through Indianola, you better not be in a truck selling ice cream ... it's illegal there. Yep, the "Ice Cream Man" has been banned.

Kansas

- When in Derby, please be aware they put a high value on peace and quiet. Screeching your tires, for example, is considered a misdemeanor and can cost you 30 days in the slammer.

- In Topeka, it's against the law to transport dead poultry on Kansas Avenue. So, use an alternative route when traveling with a bucket of chicken wings.

Maryland

- In Rockville, swearing from a vehicle is considered a misdemeanor. So, either clean up the vocab, or get the #@&* out of the vehicle before laying into someone.

Minnesota

- In Minnetonka they really value cleanliness. They'll nail you if your truck leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on any road. It's best to clean up before heading into this town, sort of like wiping your feet before going in the house.

Missouri

- In University City it is illegal to honk the horn of someone else’s car. So those of you with a habit of switching cars before honking should know that it's just not tolerated in U. City.

New Jersey

- Although not really a driver law, it's good to know you'll have clear sailing in Blairstown where it is illegal to plant trees in the middle of the street. Don't you hate when that happens?

North Carolina

- When in Dunn, it is against the law to drive on sidewalks, sorry. You also can't drive through a cemetery unless you're there to dig a grave or bury someone.

Ohio

- When passing through Youngstown, make sure you've got plenty of gas because it's illegal to run out of gas there.

Oregon

- When in this state, you must yield to pedestrians when driving on the sidewalk. Good to know in advance.

- They'll also ticket you if you leave your car door open longer than is deemed necessary. You might want to practice getting in and out a bit before heading into Oregon.

- And it's a Class A traffic violation if you use your car on a highway to demonstrate your physical endurance. So, no pulling your car with your teeth or lifting it over your head or stuff like that.

Rhode Island

- In Scituate, it is illegal to drive with beer in your vehicle even if it is unopened. Perhaps this is an attempt to get beer drinkers to walk more.

- When passing another vehicle, either on the right or left, the law says you must give the vehicle an "audible signal" (I wonder if screaming would qualify if the horn doesn't work). Sounds like a noisy place to me.

South Carolina

- When in Hilton Head, bear in mind that it is against the law to store trash in your vehicle. It's probably best to get your interior detailed before heading into town.


So, there are indeed some unusual driving laws in our great land. And hopefully, this "heads-up" will help you avoid unexpected fines or jailtime.

See answer under Car Doctor.

The correct answer is Skipjacks
A sailed powered boat used for dredging oysters, mainly built on the Lower Eastern shore.