Surely you have often heard the saying: The new MERCEDES-BENZ is a sign that its owner has absolutely everything. WHAT SHOULD TALK ABOUT BRABUS OWNERS?
The German company Brabus, the most popular tuning studio in the world, is best known for its collaboration with the Mercedes-Benz brand. Her story began 35 years ago in the town of Bottrop in western Germany. Two entrepreneurs, Klaus Brackman and Bodo Bushman, have registered a small business. It was from the addition of the first three letters of each of the names that the name of the Brabus brand came about, and Mr. Brabus himself, as you understand, never existed. However, the alliance did not last long, and in the same year, Bodo Bushman bought the stake from his partner. Since then, the company has been solely owned by his family.
What distinguishes cars deeply worked out at Brabus enterprises from all others? Maximum technical specifications and design, perfected.
The eighties and nineties became a time of triumph for Brabus: one after another world records fell (see sidebar) - for creating the fastest sedan, station wagon and all-wheel drive jeep. In 2005, the Brabus Rocket literally flew into the market - the first own car capable of speeds up to 365.7 km / h. In 2008, the studio followed the trend and set about finalizing electric cars. Today only 350 people work at the plant in Bottrop, and its capacities make it possible to simultaneously accept 2000 cars for tuning. However, the highest capacities do not prevent Brabus from providing exclusive service to each client - from the USA to the United Arab Emirates.
From a dream car to the sky
In 2011, the Brabus management decided: for almost 35 years we have been doing great car design. Why not take another step forward, or rather, into the sky. Obviously, with this thought expressed out loud, the story of the new division of the world famous tuning master - Brabus Private Aviation began. On December 12 this year, the official presentation of the brand took place in Dubai, as part of the Middle East Business Aviation Show international exhibition. This time, the idea of creating a successful enterprise was shared by four participants: the Brabus studio itself, which knows everything and even more about the finishing materials and interiors of luxury vehicles; Swiss PrivatAir - one of the largest charter operators in the world; Munich RUAG Aviation, specializing in the design and installation of aviation interiors; and Happy Design Studio - a master in creating unique aviation liveries, or, more simply, coloring the fuselage of aircraft. The company was headed by Konstantin Bushman, the heir to the famous empire, for whom the history of Brabus became history of its own life.
We met in Dubai to share our impressions of luxury cars, private jets and the lifestyle that the royal bloods and the richest people on the planet choose.
Konstantin, you witnessed how the history of Brabus was going on. Tell us how it all began back in 1977.
Perhaps, in order to tell the whole story, it will take about 4-5 hours. We probably don’t have that much time. I can say that my father, who founded the company, was really obsessed with cars and, of course, MercedesBenz was his favorite brand. He wanted her to remain the best in the world. And, as we see, he achieved this.
What did Brabus bet on from the start?
Top performance and quality interior. The car should leave us better than it came. That means she should look better and drive faster.
We are talking both about improving the engines, and about the interior, thought out to the smallest detail. Brabus cars cannot have a single plastic part. Only carbon and Alcantara of the highest quality. If we talk about corporate colors, it is black, white and red. Real quality, as you know, cannot be too catchy and bright.
How did you come up with the idea to establish a business jet tuning division?
It all happened about a year ago. Four partners met who know the market and are able to create high-quality interiors. This step was logical and conscious. Over 35 years, we have accumulated enough experience, and now we know exactly how to serve businessmen of the highest level.
What is the uniqueness and novelty of the concept that you brought to Dubai today?
Private aircraft - from A to Z (one stop shop). I would call it that. We accompany the client from the moment of ordering our own aircraft to the first flight. And also we are engaged in service. Full coordination with our partners guarantees us the best result. During the first meetings, our team finds out in as much detail as possible how many people will fly on the plane, what will be the flight range, the preferences of owners and passengers. Based on this, every detail of wood, leather or carbon fiber is worked out. As for cars, we have different degrees of refinement. We can re-equip a ready-made aircraft or, for example, fully equip a building, re-build a cabin taking into account individual preferences. From the armrest to the stand for the iPad.
Which aircraft manufacturers are you targeting today?
The largest. First of all, Bombardier Global Express, Dassault Falcon and Embraer Legacy. From the first, as you know, we have already implemented a joint project, presenting three perfect interior designs - classic, sports and yacht. In addition, we started working with helicopters. The first model was the Eurocopter EC145. In one of the interviews, you said that starting next year, the company will be ready to accept 2-3 aircraft per year.
This is the maximum volume. After all, creating an airplane interior is a tremendous job. As a rule, from the beginning of the project on paper to the rolling out of the hangar, an average of about a year passes. And, you know, customers who purchase a plane, for example, for $ 40 million are ready to wait for it, if it comes to picking Brabus.
Maybe you still reveal the secret, who will be your first customer?
No, I can not (laughs). We are negotiating with several clients, including in Russia and the Middle East, where our brand is especially popular. I can only say: it is likely that the Russian will become one of the very first customers. But no more than that.
And why do you think the most demanding customers - whether they are Russian billionaires or representatives of royal families from the Arabian Peninsula - value your brand so much? You probably know some kind of business secret that no one else knows?
Not at all. For example, I can say that Russian customers value luxury, and what we offer on the market today matches their taste. We are chosen because we are the best on the market today - both in terms of performance and quality of finish. Be it cars, yachts or airplanes.
Konstantin, thank you very much for the conversation. And we are waiting for your debut in 2013.
BRABUS BOOK OF RECORDS
- In 1996, the Brabus E V12 (Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210) set a speed record for road sedans of 330 km / h.
- In 2003, the Brabus E V12 Biturbo (MercedesBenz E-Class W211) set a new record for sedans of 350.2 km / h.
- In 2006, the Brabus Rocket, based on the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class C219, set a new speed record for sedans - 362.4 km / h.
- In October 2006, the Brabus Rocket broke its record, reaching a speed of 365.7 km / h.
- In 2009, the GLK V12 accelerated to 322 km / h, while setting a world record for the crossover class.
