Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA

MONTVALE, N.J., Dec. 20 -- The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA (``Classic Center'') has launched a new web site -- http://www.mbusa.com/classic -- to provide a one-stop source for visitors who want to delve into the unique heritage of Mercedes-Benz. The site emphasizes the history of the automobile -- starting with the very origins of Mercedes-Benz which has left its mark on every era in automotive history.

Site navigation is divided into five major heritage categories: History, Museum, Classic Center, Classic Activities and Contact an Expert.

Behind these tabs the enthusiast will have easy access to biographies of the automotive pioneers Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz, who created the first two motor cars, and the legendary Wilhelm Maybach along with Emil Jellinek and his daughter Mercedes; descriptions and photos of Mercedes-Benz milestone vehicles from 1886 - 1982; as well as stories about the origins of the automobile and the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star. Two integral parts of Mercedes-Benz -- its design philosophy and ``The Story of Passion,'' which covers the history of the brand -- are also accessible at the site.

A click on ``Museum,'' opens a virtual tour of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart and its collection of automotive history. And through ``Contact an Expert,'' the user can receive an answer to questions about vintage parts and technical information from the experts at the Classic Center hotline -- 1-866-MBCLASSIC (622-5277).

``Opening this site is the first step in building an internet dialogue with colleagues, owners, enthusiasts and others interested in the history of the automobile,'' explained Peter Spieth, general manager of the Classic Center. ``We anticipate adding many enhancements to the site in the future that will provide even more of the Mercedes-Benz story and greatly increase the level of interaction with the public.''

``We're excited about featuring the Classic Center site under the umbrella of mbusa.com,'' Astrid Fontaine, general manager, e-Business for Mercedes-Benz USA, added. ``We are already discussing the next phase of development for the Classic Center site in which visitor feedback will play a major role in its future direction.''

Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA

Created along the lines of the renowned Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Fellbach, Germany, to provide a complete, specialized service for Mercedes-Benz classic vehicles (models twenty years out of production), the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA is the first to be established by an automotive manufacturer in the United States. Via its toll free number -- 1-866-MBCLASSIC (622-5277) -- the Classic Center currently provides parts purchase assistance and technical information.

Classic Center operations will expand with a move to a California location during 2003 to include the purchase and sale of classic vehicles and appraisal and repair services. An inventory of classic vehicles will be on hand and available for use in recreating the unique Mercedes driving experience from past years.