Mercedes-Benz USA Breaks Ground On New Vehicle Preparation Center in Brunswick, Georgia

New Facility to Open in 2009

MONTVALE, N.J., Aug. 28, 2008 - In the latest of a series of initiatives aimed at ensuring the highest levels of customer satisfaction, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) broke ground today in Brunswick, Georgia, officially commencing construction of a new Vehicle Preparation Center (VPC). The target date for completion of the new facility is the summer of 2009. It will replace the company's existing facility in Jacksonville, Florida.

The new Glynn County facility will deliver improved efficiencies in the company's inspection and vehicle preparation service as MBUSA prepares for continued sales volume growth in the U.S. market.

"Our top priority is optimizing our capability to meet the demand of our customers while ensuring that we continue to affect higher and higher levels of customer satisfaction," said MBUSA Vice President of Finance Norbert Litzkow at the ground breaking ceremony today. "Our new preparation facility in Brunswick will play an important role in maintaining a competitive advantage."

The new dockside 70,000 square-foot facility is planned to be built on 50 acres of land recently acquired by MBUSA. Due to its proximity to the port, vehicle processing time will be improved, thereby delivering vehicles to the market more efficiently. It is estimated that the facility will process approximately 50,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles annually. The VPC will also be capable of accessory installation, full body shop operations, homologation operations, and vehicle detailing and distribution operations.

"Georgia's logistics advantages have once again attracted a great company and new jobs for our citizens," said Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. "This underscores the ability of our ports to expand and our people to efficiently attract and handle new business. We are confident Mercedes-Benz USA will thrive in Georgia."

Vehicle Preparation Centers are the first stop -- after U.S. Customs -- for new Mercedes-Benz vehicles destined for Mercedes-Benz dealerships throughout the United States. It is the final quality inspection point, equipped with advanced computerized control systems and inspection facilities designed to ensure the high quality condition of each new vehicle. Vehicles are released only after they have been thoroughly inspected and have met the high standard of Mercedes-Benz. The Brunswick VPC will process vehicles headed for Mercedes-Benz dealerships throughout the Southern Region, Texas and Oklahoma.

Following the standard of excellence established in other Mercedes-Benz facilities, such as the Baltimore VPC and Robbinsville, New Jersey Regional Master Parts Distribution Center, the new Brunswick facility will be built to combine functional design and efficiency. Plans for the building will optimize the employees' work environment while the latest in automotive computerized control systems will aid in vehicle preparation; ultimately delivering the best new vehicles to the consumer.