Socofrein is one of the few Mercedes dealers specialising in commercial vehicles in Alsace. The sales manager, Pierre MUFFAT, explains that they chose Mercedes vehicles because of the brand image, quality and variety of the German manufacturer’s products. The Illzach company is in full expansion, with a turnover of 50 million francs in 1985. Socofrein invests in modernization works to meet the image and requirement of the brand.
As part of their tour of Europe, Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako are on an official visit to Paris. This is a first for a reigning emperor in the history of Japan. The imperial couple received an official welcome when they got off the plane and were escorted by Roger Frey. After greeting the representatives of the Japanese community in France, the imperial couple went in Mercedes 600 Pullman Limousine to the Hôtel de Crillon place de la Concorde.
Safety and pollution control regulations are forcing car companies to make changes in vehicle design. Interview with Oscar Montabone, FIAT’s Vice Chief Executive Officer, who talks about the idea of electric or hydrogen cars. In Stuttgart (Federal Republic of Germany), the manufacturer Mercedes is working on a prototype laboratory before applying its devices to production vehicles, while another experimental safety vehicle has the same equipment as the cars on sale.
In Molsheim, a street of the town was inaugurated on behalf of the automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz; an exhibition is organized to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the creation by Carl Benz of the first motor vehicle. At the same time, the company’s management announced the creation of 40 more jobs at the Molsheim site. Interview with Walter Eisele, President Mercedez Benz Molsheim, who welcomes the jobs created in Germany as in Molsheim.
In Strasbourg, a hundred car collectors, more or less old, found themselves in a parking lot. Interviews with visitors and an owner of a Mercedes 600 belonging to an oil magnate who lived on the French Riviera.
In Epernay, fans of collectible vehicles gathered for the automobile parade of the Habits de Lumière, which brings together more than 400 cars. Interviews with an owner of a 1954 Jaguar Mark VII, then a Mercedes 600 that lists some names of celebrities who owned this car produced in the 1960s and 1970s.
In Saint-Marcel in the Eure, following the meeting with Jean-Christophe Branthomme, restorer of old cars and more especially of Mercedes 600, built in the years 1960-1970 to 2500 copies. An interview with Christian Barreau, who has been passionate about vintage cars for 30 years, who expresses his love for his own Mercedes 600. Visit of the workshop and the cemetery of Mercedes 600 rich of spare parts.
In Saint-Marcel in the Eure, meeting with Jean-Christophe Branthomme, restorer of old cars and more especially of Mercedes 600, built in the years 1960-1970 to 2500 copies. At the wheel of his vintage vehicle, he explains the beginnings of his passion for this atypical car.
While the 10th edition of the "Habits de Lumières" will take place this weekend, the house of Champagne Moët and Chandon is preparing the party to welcome the guests to 2500 people. For the general public, the show will take place outside for an unprecedented production recreating a winter garden with snow cannons and lighting of the Orangerie. On Sunday, the beautiful cars will be presented in the park including a Mercedes 600 Pullman.
A 1928 Mercedes 710 SS that was left in an old shed was restored by the Friends of the Automobile Museum. After four years and hours of work, the Mercedes was presented today in Mulhouse in the presence of Jeanne and Catherine, the granddaughters of the bodybuilder who designed it, Jacques Saoutchik, renowned French automotive cabinet designer.
In Luxembourg, President of the Republic Geroges Pompidou in a Mercedes 600 convertible, surrounded by bikers. Mr Pompidou gets out of his car to review the troops, accompanied by Mr Pierre Berner, Minister of State and President of the Government.
Claude Joubert hosts the live show of the motor show, together with Jean Bernardet, Pierre Allanet, journalists, and Alain Bertaut, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1962. Overview of the Mercedes 600 presented at the previous show.
As part of their tour of Europe, Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako are on an official visit to Paris. This is a first for a reigning emperor in the history of Japan. The imperial couple arrived in Mercedes 600 Pullman Limousine at the Palais de l'Elysée and was greeted by President Georges Pompidou and his wife Claude Pompidou.
The INA Galaxy 
