Mercedes-Benz Announces Long-Term Contract and Expansion With Maryland's Port of Baltimore

Luxury Car Manufacturer Strengthens Ties to Long-Time Operations Partner

BALTIMORE, Oct. 25 -- Mercedes-Benz USA today announced an expansion of its operations with the Port of Baltimore in importing the luxury carmaker's award-winning sedans, coupes, SUVs, roadsters and sports cars. More than 100 acres of vehicle-processing space will be leased at the Port by Mercedes-Benz, providing much-needed space for the steady growth expected by the top luxury carmaker. With this additional space on Port property, the auto manufacturer can receive, process and distribute more quickly and efficiently. The Port of Baltimore carries Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and light trucks to dealerships in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Northeastern states, accounting for roughly 90,000 vehicles this calendar year.

"We've been importing cars through the Port of Baltimore for almost 40 years," says Norbert Litzkow, Mercedes-Benz USA vice-president, finance and controlling. "It made sense to use the Port as a point of entry back then, and it has become that much more important as we prepare for one of the largest product offensives in our history." This commitment and expansion on port grounds was confirmed through talks with both Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., and the Maryland Port Administration (MPA).

"The significance of such a move, or in this case a commitment to stay, is huge," said Mel Bafford, MPA general manager for automobiles and project cargo. Bafford also points out, "The Mercedes-Benz business is large and important to us because of the jobs and volume they ship, but also because of the ripple effect they have on other operations. Anytime you can drop the name Mercedes-Benz -- and their commitment to this port -- it sends a strong signal about your quality."

"As a company, we certainly view the Port as a strategic partner," said Andrew Gillman, general manager of vehicle logistics and distribution at Mercedes-Benz USA. "It makes sense to lease the land directly. It makes for a much more stable relationship." Gillman added, "When you consider how long we've been around, most Port workers can't remember a time when Mercedes-Benz cars weren't coming through the Port. I think they have a real sense of ownership with our product."

Among the 2005 models arriving through the Port are a newly re-designed C- Class model line, the fuel-efficient E320 CDI with a sophisticated new high- performance diesel engine, and the highly acclaimed SLK350 sports car with an automatic folding top that transforms the roadster into a comfy coupe in 22 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, N.J., is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. In 2003, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 218,717 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 10 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com/ .

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