Mercedes-Benz Introduces New Furniture Collection

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. furniture (n.) [fur-ni-cher] –items in a room—such as chairs, tables, and cabinets—which make a room useable

Example: They bought furniture pieces that match the color of the walls.

2. sideboard (n.) [sahyd-bawrd, -bohrd] – a piece of furniture  in the dining room with shelves and drawers for holding items

Example: She took spoons, forks and knives out of the sideboard.

3. elegant (adj.) [el-i-guhnt] – beautiful in style or design

Example: The fashion show presented elegant dresses made by famous designers.

4. subtle (adj.) [suht-l] – not obvious; cannot be easily noticed or seen

Example: Mona Lisa has a subtle smile on her face.

5. showroom (n.) [shoh-room, -room] – a room where products for sale are displayed

Example: The new cars are being displayed in the showroom.

Article
Read the text below.

Mercedes-Benz, which is famous for its luxury cars, has started its own designer furniture line with the help of Formitalia, an Italian furniture company. The new furniture line was launched in the Milan Furniture Fair last April. Among the furniture products are a sofa, a dining room table, a sideboard, different kinds of chairs, a home theater system stand, and a bed. Each furniture piece assures a dynamic and elegant design that is similar to Mercedes-Benz car designs. For example, parts of the wooden chairs were inspired by the seats in the latest Mercedes-Benz automobiles. In addition, the furniture pieces are marked with a subtle Mercedes-Benz logo. According to Gorden Wagener, lead designer of Mercedes-Benz Style, the different furniture designs should let people feel the same experience of riding the company’s luxury cars. Mercedes-Benz is not the first car brand to launch other products aside from designer cars. Lamborghini has a line of luggage, while Aston Martin and Infiniti have luxury watches. The Mercedes-Benz furniture collection will be available at high-end furniture stores, showrooms and interior design studios in October this year.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Do you think it is good for a company to try making products that are very different from its usual products? Why or why not?

·         What do you think are the risks of creating a new product line?

Discussion B

·         Why do you think some people want designer or luxury items?

·         What kinds of designer item would you consider buying?

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