Mercedes-Benz USA Signs Multi-Year Partnership for US Open

Agreement Includes Official Vehicle of the US Open, Television and Online Exposure and Presenting Sponsor of Men's Singles Championship

MONTVALE, N.J., Oct. 26 -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announced a multi-year marketing partnership with the USTA that designates Mercedes-Benz the "Official Vehicle of the US Open" and the "Presenting Sponsor of the US Open Men's Singles Championship."

The new four-year agreement starting with the 2010 US Open includes significant on-site presence during the tournament, national TV media commitments, and an extensive presence on USOpen.org. Mercedes-Benz also becomes a sponsor of Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, the interactive tennis and entertainment festival that serves as a kick-off event for America's Grand Slam tournament.

Mercedes-Benz, in its role as the Official Vehicle of the US Open, will provide a fleet of Mercedes-Benz vehicles to support player transportation service for the more than 250 athletes participating in the Open.

On-site presence for Mercedes-Benz at the US Open includes net post signage for all televised men's singles matches and side court signage on the majority of tennis courts, including Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium and the Grandstand. Several Mercedes-Benz vehicle displays will promote key models throughout the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open, the highest annually attended sporting event in the world with more than 720,000 fans.

"The partnership with the USTA aligns with our strategy to place Mercedes-Benz at the forefront of marquee events," said Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. "The Open takes place in one of our most important markets and is an unrivaled opportunity to uniquely connect with fans and attendees."

The new sponsorship comes with significant media commitments across CBS, ESPN2 and the Tennis Channel. Mercedes-Benz also will have a large presence on USOpen.org, the official website of the tournament, which enjoyed a record year in 2009 with total visits topping 63 million and unique visitors up 47% vs. 2008 levels.

The 2010 US Open will be held Monday, August 30 through Sunday, September 12. Arthur Ashe Kids' Day presented by Hess, a full-day tennis and music festival for children and families will take place Saturday, August 28. Millions of viewers watched the 2009 US Open on CBS Sports, ESPN2 and the Tennis Channel. International broadcasts of the US Open reached more than 180 countries.

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and CL coupes. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.