It was the last modern car that he bought and his daily driver. Richard Paine always took an interest in buying non American modern cars, (he was one of the first people to import a SAAB into America), and this 350SDL is a perfect example of it. It was offered first in the long wheelbase chassis indicated by the L in the model designation, a handsome, luxurious sedan with abundant room and features. Powered by a 3,407cc single overhead camshaft turbocharged inline six making 121hp and 165 lb-ft torque, the first turbocharged diesel Mercedes offered since 1987. The 350SDL was a new model, introduced in 1990 and the first large chassis Mercedes diesel in three years.
ever since, the only company to develop diesels that appeal to American buyers and meet the needs of American driving. Diesels have remained important components in the Mercedes-Benz line in the U.S.
A measure of the 300Ds acceptance in the market was Mercedes-Benzs decision to expand it from being offered just in a 4-door sedan to the 300CD coupe and then the 300SD supercharged sedan making 110hp and 300TD station wagon. The most significant model probably was 1975s 300D, an inline five-cylinder with just over 3 litres displacement, 77 horsepower and 115 lb-ft torque. The attractiveness of Mercedes-Benz diesels was enhanced by increasing engine sizes which brought their performance into a range acceptable to most American driver. Their reliability and longevity meant that an astute buyer who wasnt concerned about owning the latest model every few years could reduce the cost per mile over a ten or twelve year life to a very modest figure. Their economy was matched by increasing performance, particularly on the highway. It wasnt until the gas crises of the early 70s that diesels earned widespread respect. Diesels remained in the Mercedes offering from then on. Beginning with the 170D in 1949, a 38hp four-cylinder that made a virtue of economy, and little else. Pickup and drop off services are limited to the local airport in Augusta and to the local bus station in downtown Augusta.Mercedes-Benz has consistently led the way with diesel power in the American market, developing a strong reputation and a following among consumers for whom economy and longevity matter more than performance. The Department of Transportation offers limited pickup and drop off service during operation hours: 1) during the end of the fall semester 2) beginning of the winter (January) semester and 3) end of the spring semester for students traveling outside of Augusta. If there is a need for a driver, the individual making the request must understand there would be an additional cost for the college to contract the service. If an office or staff member needs to utilize a campus vehicle it is the expectation of the staff, faculty or college employee to drive him/herself and others on college business. The department can plan on using the vehicle only after the e-mail confirmation is received. If the vehicle is not already booked, the reservation will be made and the requestor will receive confirmation by e-mail notification.
A call can be made to see if a vehicle is available, but no reservations (tentative or confirmed) will be made by telephone. Reservations should be made as far in advance as possible to ensure a vehicle is available, but the office requires at least a 5 day notice.Ī reservation will only be made if a reservation form is received by fax, email or in person. The Director of Transportation provides driving service for the Office of the President only.Īll vehicles are available for on-campus departments, clubs, and organizations (at the request of the campus advisor). The transportation office does not provide driving services for the entire campus. The Director of Transportation is the resource of the Institution to assist faculty and staff in the rental or assignment of vehicles for college duties. The transportation department offers services with two 15 passenger vans and two sedan vehicles. Paine College offers transportation services to faculty, staff, and departments for College business. These duties include major repairs and service to vehicles, inspection of campus vehicles, and the facilitation of governing those persons who are assigned vehicles in order to ensure the maintenance of the College's property.
The Department of Transportation's primary responsibility is to maintain the safe operations of all vehicles owned by the College.