Mercedes-Benz of South Bay To Offer Support For The Cure

Sales of Certain 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Cabriolets to Benefit Saks Fifth Avenue's Key to the Cure

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 4 -- Mercedes-Benz of South Bay, Torrance, CA, in conjunction with the launch of the all-new 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet announced today that it will offer customers a special version of Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Cabriolet to raise funds for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE, a women's cancer initiative developed in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation's (EIF) Women's Cancer Research Foundation Fund. Through the sale of the specially designed model, which will be arriving soon to Mercedes-Benz of South Bay, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) will be donating money to Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE. The collaboration will benefit more than 60 charitable programs dedicated to finding new treatments and a cure for women's cancers nationwide, including EIF's Women's Cancer Research Foundation Fund and the Women's Health Fund at UCLA.

"Based on the phenomenal demand for its predecessor, the new 2004 CLK is going to be one of the most sought-after Cabriolets on the market," said Michelle Cervantez, vice president, marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. "It's all about the good life, enjoying life and living well in every sense of the word. In that spirit, we designed a special fleet of CLK500 Cabriolets for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE to help combat one of the biggest threats to women's health in this country."

Based on the stylish lines of the new-generation CLK coupe launched last year, the 2004 CLK Cabriolet is available in three models: the V6-powered CLK320, the V8-powered CLK500 Cabriolet, and the powerful CLK55 AMG Cabriolet, all of which feature the fully automatic soft top and sensor-controlled pop-up roll bars disguised as two rear head restraints. Not only is the convertible top fully automatic for the first time on the CLK, but it can now also be operated remotely using the SmartKey.

The specially designed CLK 500 Cabriolet, built for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE, includes a unique combination of features and options and is equipped with 17-inch AMG 5-double-spoke wheels with high performance tires, designo Mocha Black exterior color, luxurious Stone Nappa Leather interior, ash wood trim, ash wood and leather steering wheel and shift knob, Alcantara headliner, heated seats, Bi-Xenon headlamps and eight-speaker Bose AudioPilot Digital Sound System with CD changer, just to name a few. Powered by a 302- horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 engine with driver-adaptive electronic 5-speed automatic transmission with touch shift control, the specially designed CLK500 is a spirited performer. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for this special model is $67,250.

"This is a great way to celebrate one of our most sought-after models, while at the same time supporting a cause which effects many families in the Torrance, CA community," said Charlie Alfano, general manager for Mercedes- Benz of South Bay.

To further generate awareness of the program, MBUSA is providing aggressive marketing support through advertising, direct mail and a national sweepstakes. Visitors to any participating dealership can enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win a grand prize, which includes a $5,000 shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue, round-trip first-class airfare for two to New York City and a two-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton. Six runner-up winners will each receive a $1,500 electronic gift card to Saks Fifth Avenue. Entries are available at participating dealerships, including Mercedes-Benz of South Bay in Torrance, CA.

During Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE shopping weekend (September 17- 20, 2003) one CLK-500 will be available at each Mercedes-Benz USA dealership nationwide and one vehicle will be displayed at each Saks Fifth Avenue store. A percentage of Saks' shopping weekend sales will be donated to national and local breast and women's reproductive cancer research centers. Celebrity ambassador for the initiative, actress Nicole Kidman, has also teamed up with Saks Fifth Avenue, MBUSA and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA to help raise funds and awareness to fight women's cancers. She will appear in a national public service announcement (PSA) during Fashion Week wearing Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE T-Shirt designed by Stella McCartney.

In addition to its commitment to Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE, MBUSA supports organizations oriented around educating and empowering future generations, particularly those who are underserved. Through its philanthropic program, MBUSA partners with organizations that help women and the causes or issues that are important to them. The company donates money and resources to charitable organization on a national and local basis and involves employees in hands-on volunteer activities. Through a variety of charities, corporate sponsorships, diversity relations programs, community events and women's initiatives, MBUSA supports the communities in which employees live and work. Philanthropic initiatives are reviewed and implemented through MBUSA corporate headquarters in Montvale, N.J. and through six regional offices around the country.

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, N.J. is responsible for the sales, service and marketing of Mercedes-Benz and Maybach vehicles in the United States. The company employs approximately 1,500 people in 20 locations across the U.S. Mercedes-Benz sold 213,225 vehicles in the U.S. during 2002, setting the highest sales volume in its history.

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