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AMGmarket.com/PR News/Ref. MBUSA, MONTVALE, NJ- The Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC diesel sedan was chosen as one of Kelley Blue Book’s Top 10 Green Cars. This honor comes in conjunction with the launch of KBB Green (www.kbb.com/green), an all-new section that will feature tools, advice, forums and more for the environmentally minded and fuel-conscious new-car shopper.

“The Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC demonstrates quite clearly that hybrid powertrains are not the only way to reach environmental excellence,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director of Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com.  “The advanced BlueTEC system is a technological marvel that brings out the best of diesel technology while virtually eliminating the shortcomings.”

The Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC concept utilizes state-of-the-art diesel engine technology and Continued » »

AMGmarket.com/PR news/Ref. MBUSA, MONTVALE, N.J. – Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported sales of 20,733 new vehicles for July 2008, an 11.6 percent increase over last July.  This brings the year-to-date total to 140,012 units, marking a 2.3 percent increase over the same period last year and setting the new record for MBUSA year-to-date sales. 

Both the volume-leading C-Class and E-Class model lines posted gains of 45.4 percent and 53 percent increases respectively.  Other highlights for July sales include Continued » »

AMGmarket.com/PR news/Ref. MBUSA, Montvale, NJ – Mercedes-Benz announced that it will offer HD Radio technology on several of its 2009 Mercedes-Benz vehicles.  The free digital AM/FM radio service is part of Mercedes-Benz’s completely new generation of entertainment systems developed for its M-, R-, GL-, G-Class SUVs and E-Class vehicles.

“HD Radio technology serves to enhance our digital information and entertainment system today and has the potential to significantly expand the options available to consumers in the future,” said Rasheq Zarif, Assistant Product Manager - Technology Planning at Mercedes-Benz USA. “Mercedes-Benz is committed to providing our customers with the latest, next-generation in-vehicle entertainment technology.”

HD Radio technology is the most significant advance in Continued » »

Stuttgart - With the delivery of the 500,000th vehicle since its market launch in 1996, Mercedes-Benz has now reached another milestone with the successful SLK compact roadster. All in all, about 310,000 customers opted for a model from the first generation of this dynamic two-seater, and its successor has now sold 190,000 units since its market launch in March 2004.

“With the launch of the SLK in 1996, Mercedes-Benz successfully established the premium segment for compact roadsters. Thanks to innovative technology such as the vario-roof and the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF, the SLK has long been recognized as a cult car of modern times,” expains Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, responsible for Sales and Marketing. “The new-generation SLK models, which we are delivering to customers since April 2008, are sportier than ever. I’m confident that the dynamic looks and performance of the new SLK will again set pulses racing among sports cars enthusiasts around the world.” Continued » »

AMG Mercedes has a private forum for AMG owners where they release event info and news - the AMG Private Lounge. For example, on March 26 a team of AMG specialists will answer questions during a live forum event. You can register for the site using your VIN. Once registered, you can participate in the discussions and/or read the posts if you missed the event.

Here is the info for those interested: 

AMG ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
With a team of MBUSA AMG Specialist on hand, bring on your questions! On Wednesday, March 26th from 9:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST AMG Product Management will join us for this unique opportunity to have your questions answered in our third chat session of 2008. The session will be located in the "Chat Section of the Private Lounge.

AMG AT THE NY AUTO SHOW
With an opportunity to host more than 100 Private Lounge members and guests at the AMG NY Auto Show Preview Night, the event was a full success. We are also happy to report that a Private Lounge member’s guest was also the winner of the IWC watch given away at the event. Details and images of the event can be found on the Private Lounge.

In other news, a date has been added to the AMG Challenge Graduate Program: 

FOR THE AMG PRIVATE LOUNGE
DATE ADDED - 2008 AMG CHALLENGE PRIVATE LOUNGE GRADUATE PROGRAM, APRIL 25, 2008 AND OCTOBER 5, 2008
We still have a small number of spots open for the Las Vegas date in April and we are now registering for the Miami date in October. The AMG Private Lounge is pleased to offer a 2008 AMG Graduate Challenge program to our members on Friday, April 25th in Las Vegas and Sunday, October 5th in Miami. These Private Lounge Graduate Challenge events will follow the same format as our standard Graduate Program with the addition of a few AMG surprises. Registration is first-come first-serve and is limited to 45 participants. Registration will fill up quickly so sign up now if you are interested. Visit the Private Lounge and look for the discussion boards.

It was here. It was gone and now it is back! Download the latest Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape release. The Mercedes-Benz promo includes music tracks by international newcomers; nice variety of rock, pop and jazz music you likely have not heard before.

Here is the newsletter content I rec'd earlier today (it includes a link to download the free mp3 files/Mixed Tape CD):

The Mercedes-Benz promo has included hundreds of songs during the marketing campaign. The program will provide 10 free music tracks (mp3 files) every two months. Subscribe to this blog and you'll receive the notices. I'm glad it is back. Enjoy! 

I have been asked to help find AMG Mercedes-Benz owners interested in participating in a photo shoot in Paradise Valley, AZ. Mercedes-Benz USA is commemorating AMG's 41st Anniversary in 2008.

The event will take place in late February 2008. MBUSA is looking for AMG models from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. This is a great way to meet AMG enthusiasts and increase the long-term value of your car. Your car may be included in MBUSA marketing materials.

Please send me your AMG model info and your contact info if you are interested. Thanks!

AMG Market/PR News: The C63 AMG and S400 BLUETEC HYBRID are now making their North American debut at the Los Angeles Automobile Show (Nov. 16–25, 2007).

The new C63 AMG sedan is powered by a 6.3-liter normally aspirated V8 that produces 451 horsepower and 443 lb. ft. of torque.  << MORE C63 AMG here >>

Offering a glimpse of the future power train offerings from Mercedes-Benz, the S400 BLUETEC HYBRID combines a 20 horsepower hybrid module with a V-6 engine for a combined output of 265 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque.

The SLR Roadster drives into Los Angeles topless and in style. Powered by a supercharged 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine with 617 horsepower and 575 lb.-ft of torque, the SLR McLaren Roadster boasts 0-60 mph acceleration of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 206 mph.  Thanks to its fully retractable top, the SLR Roadster offers open-air driving pleasure that’s practical for everyday use. Even with the top down, conversation is still possible at speeds well over 120 mph, thanks to its superior aeroacoustics.

Mercedes-Benz announced that their marketing promo "Mixed Tape" - free MP3 files anyone can download - is coming to an end in its current format. The current and last release, Mixed Tape 18, is a compilation of all-time favorites from previous releases. 

If you're an avid Mixed Tape fan, you likely have all of the MP3 songs on this final release. Here's the promo newsletter I rec'd yesterday:

The cream of the crop: Mixed Tape 18 with 10 all-time favourites from the popular compilation series
 
All good things come to an end – Mixed Tape 18 will be the last compilation in its current guise. To sweeten the blow, we have compiled a very special best-of edition featuring 10 highlights from our well-stocked archives – available free of charge at www.mercedes-benz.com/mixedtape.

A delectable distillate of our most promising talents, Mixed Tape 18 throws a spotlight on Norway (R&B singer Kristin Hild), New Zealand (dub producer Tubbs remixed by legendary compatriots Fat Freddy’s Drop), Germany (pop wonders Wagner Love) and the UK (singer/songwriter Bev Lee Harling) to celebrate the wealth of young artists around the world who pursue their own visions.

And while this trip to the past marks the end of a popular format, it paves the way for future innovations.
Join us in the forum to discuss the next generation of Mixed Tape, scheduled for an autumn relaunch.

Enjoy the mix!

Your Mercedes-Benz Team
http://www.mercedes-benz.com/mixedtape

During the course of this Mercedes-Benz marketing promo hundreds of free MP3 songs were released. Unfortunately, you can't download previous releases but search on the web and you might find someone providing access to all of the MP3 files. Enjoy.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announced the names of 62 college-bound teenagers who will join the ranks of nearly 1,000 other students nationwide as recipients of Mercedes-Benz ’s DRIVE YOUR FUTURE scholarships. The scholarships are awarded to students who are the first in their families to attend college and who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and a commitment to helping others.

In the competitive application process, nearly 5,000 students nationwide applied for scholarships, 62 of whom were selected based on academic performance, leadership, involvement in school and community activities and financial need.  Each of the college-bound graduating high school seniors will receive a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500 per year over 4 years) to help offset rising college tuition costs.

This year Mercedes-Benz USA, with support from its dealers nationwide, will provide $620,000 in scholarship funding, raising the total amount granted since the program’s launch in 2004 to $3.5 million to nearly 1,000 ambitious college-bound students.  All of the DRIVE YOUR FUTURE award recipients are the first generation in their families to pursue a college education and many have overcome personal hardships due to underprivileged backgrounds. 

Visit www.mbusa.com/drivefuture if you are a student (or parent) interested in learning more about the program.