Here an excerpt from the newsletter I rec’d earlier this week; it also includes the link to download the 10 free mp3 files. This CD release is titled, “Blue Mood” (Mixed Tape 35):

After the distilled passion of ‘Red Rhythm’, Mixed Tape has shifted down a gear – with generous lashings of laid-back bliss and ‘Blue Mood’ tunes for a pampering time-out!

The colour of sincerity and serenity, of shifting times and changing seasons, of romance, heartbreak and suspense, provides a great backdrop for our latest compilation. From the intense azure of the sky above right down to the deep blue sea, we invite you to dive right into our choice of top tracks. For the visual equivalent of these magical – and mysterious – moments, look no further than cover artist Tina Winkhaus who wrapped our latest offering in an aesthetic journey of her own.

Something borrowed, something blue? No need to dip into your funds – as always, the latest edition of Mixed Tape is entirely free of charge and filled with 10 up-and-coming musicians from around the world. So, feel free to download your personal copy and watch the video features with select artists and cover designer Tina Winkhaus.

Get your Free MP3 files: Mercedes-Benz Download Link

NOTE: Previous CD’s cannot be downloaded so visit the site before the next CD is released or you missed it.

You’ll see the following list of songs/artists on the MB website (clicking the image takes you to the site):

The “Sex and the City” style icons Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda are back. Beginning on 27 May 2010, the much-anticipated sequel “Sex and the City 2″ hits cinemas. And without giving too much away, we can reveal that the four friends have stayed true to their exclusive lifestyle. In addition to the S400 HYBRID, Mr. Big now also drives through the streets of New York in the new star from Mercedes-Benz: the E-Class Cabriolet.

Meanwhile, Samantha drives in the legendary offroader from Mercedes-Benz, the G-Class. And for the first time, the four girlfriends head off together for an exotic trip where they are chauffeured in the comfort of luxurious Maybach saloons. As the exclusive automobile promotional partner of “Sex and the City 2”, Mercedes-Benz is preparing to accompany the film’s launch in cinemas with its own microsite and an exceptional competition on Facebook. Offered as the top prize is a trip for four to New York City, including a visit to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York. “Style, excitement and elegance – these are the very values which the brands Mercedes-Benz and Maybach represent, as does ’Sex and the City’, hence it is logical for us to have a presence with our vehicles in the sequel to this film phenomenon”, according to Anders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Microsite forms the central element Immediately, all “Sex and the City 2″ fans can immerse themselves in the world of the four friends from New York at www.mercedes-benz.com/sexandthecity – together with the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, which has been available in Germany since the end of March. The microsite invites fans to take a virtual journey through New York’s nightlife. Each of the menu items features a specific street which also plays a part in the film. Navigation is via signposts. During their tour, fans will find a host of information on the film, the official trailer, as well as a picture gallery depicting scenes from the film as well as the shooting of the film. In addition, the microsite also has information on Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to fashion, as well as the E-Class Cabriolet. Anyone wanting to learn more about this new star from Stuttgart can obtain additional information on the vehicle via a specific link.

Facebook competition marks the countdown to the launch in cinemas The microsite provides a foretaste of the main prize on offer as part of the Facebook competition, which marks the countdown to the launch in cinemas starting since begin of May. “Sex and the City” fans can take part in the game at www.facebook.com/sexandthecity2roadcouture and enjoy the opportunity to win a prize each day. On entering the site, fans will be greeted by a Mercedes-Benz E‑Class Cabriolet, filled with 27 gift boxes. Each box contains an exceptional prize, such as a Swarovski wrist watch, a HP entertainment notebook, or the sunglasses which Carrie is wearing on the “Sex and the City 2″ film poster, for example. Only a specific gift box can be opened each day. Anyone who works out the clue and opens the correct box will be entered in the day’s prize draw. All participants will be included in the draw for the main prize. The last gift box will be opened to coincide with the film launch in cinemas on 27 May; up for grabs as the main prize is a trip to New York City. The winner will fly out in September 2010, together with three friends, to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York, where as VIP’s they will be able to follow in the footsteps of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda and experience the latest fashion trends firsthand. All winners will be chosen each day at random and notified via email. The microsite and the Facebook competition will be accompanied internationally by a variety of cross-media communication measures. In addition, Mercedes-Benz in the USA has also tagged its very own “Sex and the City 2″-related advertisement.

Mercedes-Benz USA E-Class Cabriolet commercial support In addition to its appearance in the movie and further highlighting the universal appeal of the 2010 E-Class Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz USA will debut a humorous print advertisement based on the four girls personalities. The “Sex and the City 2”-based print ad for the E-Class Cabriolet features the same Quartz Blue E-Class Cabriolet that arrives for a Connecticut wedding scene in the movie. Set on a spotlighted stage with its top down, the E-Class Cabrio perches beneath sparkling show lights that say, “Stylish Enough for Carrie, Luxurious enough for Charlotte, Smart enough for Miranda and Fast enough for Samantha.” Near the “Sex and the City 2” movie logo at the far right continues the tag, “The stunning. The talented. The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet.” Supporting the exclusive print ad, a customized TV spot which features the use of AIRCAP will use the closing tagline of “The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. See its debut in “Sex and the City 2,” opening in theatres May 27.” Targeted toward entertainment shows, the advertisement will air prominently during the last two weeks in May.

About the new film “Sex and the City 2″ Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda take another bite out of The Big Apple in “Sex and the City 2,” the sequel to the 2008 summer blockbuster. New Line Cinema Presents, In Association with Home Box Office, In Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Darren Star Production, A Film by Michael Patrick King, Sarah Jessica Parker, “Sex And The City 2,” starring Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon, with John Corbett and Chris Noth. Written and directed by Michael Patrick King, based on the TV Series Created by Darren Star, based on Characters from the book by Candace Bushnell. The film is produced by Michael Patrick King, Sarah Jessica Parker, Darren Star and John Melfi. Toby Emmerich, Richard Brener and Marcus Viscidi serve as executive producers. The film will be released worldwide beginning Thursday, May 27th, and has been rated R for some strong sexual content and language. www.sexandthecitymovie.com.

Stuttgart – The evidence is now clear: drivers of Mercedes vehicles are safer on the road than drivers of other car brands. This is the result of a study of Mercedes accident research based on official, anonymous data samples from the Federal Office of Statistics. Having looked at 18,748 accidents resulting in personal injury during the period from 2003 to 2007, the study found that the risk of being seriously or fatally injured as the driver of a E‑Class, is 10.4 percent lower than for comparable vehicles of other brands.

The study did not even allow for the fact that Mercedes-Benz vehicles are involved in accidents less frequently than the vehicles of other brands – primarily because, among other reasons, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to introduce ESP® across the board. The study of accident severity only took into account accidents resulting in personal injury. The criteria were initial registration from 2002 onwards, as well as a performance and weight class corresponding to the E‑Class.

The result represents clear evidence of the contribution made by the passive safety systems of Mercedes-Benz to reducing the consequences of an accident. Thanks to adaptive front airbags and belt-force limiters, which can adapt to the severity of an impact, rollover sensors, windowbags as standard and an intelligently designed body structure which provides occupants with excellent protection even in the event of severe collisions, at the time of its world premiere in 2002 the E-Class became the new benchmark for passenger car safety in the luxury class.

In the course of a facelift of the E-Class in the spring of 2006, the Mercedes engineers continued to achieve further substantial advances in the field of high-level safety, equipping the E-Class with safety systems which no other passenger car in this class was able to offer. At the time PRE-SAFE® was introduced, the interlinking of systems for accident prevention with occupant protection marked the start of a new era in this vehicle class. This Mercedes invention takes advantage of the time between detecting an accident-prone situation and possible accident damage for occupant protection. With the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has continued to build on the advances being made in the field of safety. Around a dozen new or enhanced driver assistance systems contribute to preventing accidents and reducing the severity of an impact. These include the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, as well as the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control system and PRE-SAFE® Brakes with autonomous emergency braking. For the first time, PRE-SAFE® can also make use of information from the short-range radar sensors in the front bumper to tighten the front seat belts in the very last split second before an unavoidable accident, thus helping to reduce the loads suffered by the driver and front passenger in a crash.

With nine airbags as standard, four seat-belt tensioners and belt-force limiters as well as crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints for driver and front passenger, the new E-Class provides an even more comprehensive level of safety equipment than its predecessor. As well as the air cushions, which can be activated in milliseconds in the event of an accident, there are also two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front seat backrests, and also two generously sized windowbags which span the area from the A to the C-pillar in the event of a side impact. For the first time, pelvisbags have also been incorporated for the front seat occupants. These can also help to reduce loads in the upper body and pelvic areas in the event of a side collision. Sidebags are also available as an optional extra for the rear passengers, while another safety innovation includes automatic adaptive belt-force limiters in the rear, now available for the first time as an option from Mercedes-Benz. These adjust automatically to the size and weight of the passengers.

On December 18, Amex’s My WishList program will give away three 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 SUVs. This new model is currently available exclusively through My WishList, and its retail price has not been disclosed.

The giveaway is an AMEX "My WishList" promotion.

From a long line of award-winning SUVs comes the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLK, a compact luxury SUV that fits any lifestyle. On the outside, the GLK’s efficient design lets you take even the tightest shortcuts — while on the inside, 54.7 cubic feet* of cargo space allows you to haul everything you’ll need for the long way around. With just one look it’s easy to see: this Mercedes-Benz is up for whatever you are. Please let me know if you’re interested in an image of the car or more information on the My WishList program. The program’s URL is: http://amexnetwork.com/mywishlist. 

Participation in the promotional event is exclusively for those with an AMEX card FYI.

Customers bought 1,034,700 Mercedes-Benz brand vehicles worldwide since the beginning of the year (January-November 2007: 1,079,400 units, minus four percent). A total of 74,400 Mercedes-Benz vehicles were sold in November (November 2007: 102,700 units, minus 28 percent).Deliveries of smart brand vehicles amounted at the high level of the previous year with 10,100 units (November 2007: 10,300 units). smart continues to post double-digit sales growth since the beginning of the year with the total now amounting to 123,500 units (January-November 2007: 90,500 units, plus 37 percent).

Deliveries in the C-Class segment have continued to develop very positive since the beginning of the year, rising by 16 percent worldwide to 408,100 units (January-November 2007: 350,800 units). The new C-Class station wagon in particular is extremely popular with customers. Sales of the station wagon numbered 5,400 units in November, a threefold increase on the figure for the same month last year (November 2007: 1,800 units). The C-Class sedan has maintained its position as the worldwide market leader in its segment since the beginning of the year. A total of 500,000 C-Class sedans and station wagons have been delivered to customers since the new C-Class series was introduced to the market.

Demand for the new CLC sports coupé also remains high, with sales almost doubling in November, to 2,100 units (November 2007: 1,200 units).Since the beginning of the year, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has maintained its leading market position in the luxury sedan segment worldwide. From December 2008, Mercedes-Benz will begin offering the new S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, which is one of the most fuel-efficient and therefore most economical luxury sedans. Compared to its predecessor, the new model variant will reduce fuel consumption by around ten percent to 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers while offering the same level of performance, comfort and driving pleasure.

In addition, Mercedes-Benz recently presented the C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY featuring second-generation gasoline direct injection. At 8.3 liters of premium gasoline per 100 kilometers, the new model consumes around 14 percent less fuel than the current C 350. At the same time, the innovative V6 engine delivers 15 kW more power and already complies with the future EU5 emissions standard.In Germany, Mercedes-Benz delivered 277,700 passenger vehicles to customers from January to November (January-November 2007: 283,300 units, minus two percent). In November, the brand performed better than the German market as a whole and was able to gain additional market shares. In an increasingly difficult market environment, sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Western Europe totaled 589,100 units during this period (January-November 2007: 626,800 units, minus six percent). Mercedes-Benz delivered 206,400 vehicles to customers in the U.S. since the beginning of the year (January-November 2007: 225,900, minus nine percent).

Mercedes-Benz has continued to expand in the important automotive growth markets China and Russia since the beginning of the year. Sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles rose by 45 percent in China, to 38,800 units (January-November 2007: 26,800 units). In Russia, the brand’s sales rose eleven percent in the year to date, to 15,500 units (January-November 2007: 14,000 units). Sales were also up for Mercedes-Benz in the Middle East, where sales of passenger vehicles have risen by 13 percent since the beginning of the year, to 19,600 units (January-November 2007: 17,300 units).

This focus on developing an even closer relationship with customers extends to a total of 15 countries.

A very special brand experience is also delivered by the AMG Performance Roadshow.

The redesigned sales showrooms of the AMG Performance Centers are characterized by a consistently applied and unique AMG brand identity. High-quality materials, exclusive furnishings and a palette of colours that is repre-sentative of AMG create an exclusive atmosphere for sales discussions. An oversized AMG engine badge serves to remind visitors of the company’s philosophy of “One Man – One Engine”: The assembly of each powerful AMG engine by just one engineer. The individualization options available through the designo programme are also reflected at the AMG Performance Centers in the form of paintwork and leather samples.

The targeted training of AMG Sales and Service experts all over the world through a uniform coaching partner ensures first-class service delivery at every touch-point throughout the customer relationship. A ‘hotline’ to the home of AMG in Affalterbach also guarantees that the high standards of service expected by AMG customers can be met: Every AMG Performance Center can make direct contact with an AMG expert, should they have any questions about the product or specific configuration possibilities.

AMG Performance Roadshows

A special brand experience will be provided by a series of AMG Performance Roadshows. These exclusive events will allow some 200 customers at each of the 175 AMG Performance Centers to experience the world of AMG in more detail. Expert presenters will talk to customers and prospective customers about the history and the fascination of the AMG brand.

High-performance vehicles from the current AMG range will be available for intensive test drives; while a display of exclusive vehicles from the AMG Performance Studio, such as the SL 63 AMG “Edition IWC” will serve to underline AMG’s expertise in the development and design of extraordinary sports cars.

Training for AMG Performance Centers

Training for the 175 Mercedes-Benz Sales Partners to become AMG Performance Centers will be undertaken in two waves: While these comprehensive measures are already well underway in the key AMG markets of Germany, the US, Japan and China, AMG is currently preparing the roll-out in further regions.

“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 exhaust technology to achieve superior fuel economy with the smallest possible environmental footprint. Fuel consumption in this luxury sedan is improved by up to 37 percent when compared to its gasoline counterpart: and torque – the key indicator of engine power – is 55 percent higher.  The result is a six-cylinder engine with the power of an 8-cylinder and the fuel consumption of a 4-cylinder.

“The E320 BlueTEC filled an important spot on the list.  It’s a satisfying, utterly well-built luxury vehicle that just happens to have a very advanced and economical engine and transmission,” Nerad said.

The E320 BlueTEC achieves significantly better fuel mileage (23 city / 32 highway) and longer cruising range (up to 675 miles) than a comparable gasoline-powered luxury car but more importantly it achieves this without compromising performance or sacrificing style. Additionally, the E320 BlueTEC has helped to shatter past perceptions of diesel vehicles. Powered by 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel with 210 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque, the E320 BlueTEC achieves a 0-60 mph time of just 6.6 seconds.

Kelley Blue Book is headquartered in Irvine, CA. It is the largest vehicle valuation company in the US. More information is available at www.kbb.com. Their new Green page, www.kbb.com/green, launched on July 31, 2008.

Mercedes-Benz USA is headquartered in Montvale, NJ. More information can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

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 an 8.9 percent sales increase in CLK-Class coupes and cabriolets, and an impressive 28.1 percent increase for the full-sized GL-Class SUV.  As a group, sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars rose 17.8 percent for the month (15,239 vs. 12,936 units).

Compared to the first seven months of 2007, the popularity of the C-Class was demonstrated through a 37.9 percent sales increase with 43,603 units sold.  Overall as a group, year-to-date sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars rose by 3.5 percent (100,398 vs. 97,022 units).  Year-to-date increases were also recorded in the Mercedes-Benz SUV segment with a 0.7 percent gain in full-sized GL-Class sales and an 11.9 percent gain in M-Class sales.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, MBUSA marked a 17.2 percent increase for July sales with 5,175 vehicles sold, bringing year-to-date sales to a total of 36,533 units, an increase of 19.9 percent over the same period in 2007.

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States.  In 2007, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 253,433 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 14 consecutive years of sales growth. 

“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 radio broadcasting since the advent of FM. Available to more than 83 percent of Americans, more than 1,700 HD Radio stations are already on the air with over 800 additional new multicast channels (HD2/HD3) that are exclusive to HD Radio listeners. These subscription-free channels feature digitally delivered new music and fresh formats, showcasing jazz, “Tween,” local bands, world music, Motorsports, Bluegrass niche content and much more.

All MY 2009 Mercedes-Benz SUV's and E-Class models featuring a new head unit incorporating a large 6.5-inch color display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc CD/DVD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone (even in a pocket or purse) to be operated through the car’s audio system.  The new head unit can be equipped with an optional iPod/MP3 media interface, Sirius satellite radio, HD Radio technology, and an advanced voice control system for audio, navigation and phone systems.  The sound system can play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or memory card.  The new system can also display maps and directions for the optional GPS navigation system, which can display Sirius real-time traffic information and Zagat restaurant ratings.

For a complete, current list of HD Radio stations across the U.S., please visit http://www.hdradio.com.  “HD Radio™” is a proprietary trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation.

Additional information from Mercedes-Benz at www.mbusa.com

“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.”

In Western Europe, by far the most important sales market for the SLK, the two-seater was once again the market leader for its segment in 2007. The compact roadster enjoys the greatest popularity in Germany, with over one-third of all SLK drivers coming from the home market of the brand with the star. The rest of Western Europe accounts for a further one-third of sales. Moreover, one in every five SLK customers comes from the U.S. The most popular model among customers is the SLK 200, which is selected by half of all SLK owners worldwide and by more than two-thirds in Germany. Also in strong demand is the SLK 280, which is driven by over one-quarter of all SLK owners.

The new-generation SLK, which celebrated its world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show in January, inspires imagination especially with its sportier looks and the promise of an even more emotional driving experience. The most important changes in the vehicle’s appearance include redesigned front and back views, as well as a carefully modified interior, featuring a new combination instrument panel and a three-spoke steering wheel. Three enhanced engines underscore the two-seater’s dynamic character. Engineers have devoted particular attention to the V6 sports engine. Despite a considerable increase in power in some instances, all the engines use significantly less fuel. For example, the SLK 350 with manual transmission consumes 1.1 liters per 100 kilometers less than its predecessor, despite an added 33 horsepower, for a new total of 305 horsepower.

If desired, the SLK is also available with the newly developed direct-steer system and new-generation audio and telematics features. Like its predecessor, the latest SLK is manufactured in the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant, the brand’s center of excellence for its open-top vehicles.