Mercedes-Benz Leads the Way for a Diesel Future

- Record Attempt to Demonstrate Reliability and Efficiency in 100,000 Mile Drive -

LAREDO, Texas, April 29 -- Mercedes-Benz, inventor of the world's first diesel car, is setting out to establish a new endurance record for diesel passenger cars. To help showcase the latest in advanced clean diesel technology, three Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI (Common-Rail Direct Injection) diesel sedans will each complete a 30-day, around-the-clock 100,000 mile endurance drive on Sunday, May 1.

Since commencement began on April 1, 2005, the landmark diesel endurance record attempt is being conducted at the DaimlerChrysler Proving Grounds near Laredo, TX and measured in accordance with FIA (Federation Internationale de L'Automobile) regulations. The drive is designed to emphasize the reliability and efficiency of the diesel engine in real world driving conditions, as participating drivers will maintain highway speed during the duration of the test. The test also provides an extreme test bed for advanced particulate filter technology, which helps diesel engines comply with stringent emissions laws worldwide.

This historic event follows last year's successful return of the Mercedes- Benz diesel engine to the luxury brand's lineup. Introduced in May 2004, the E320 CDI exceeded sales expectations by more than 38 percent with 4,158 units sold. Boasting strong acceleration, excellent fuel economy and low noise levels, the latest generation of electronically-injected CDI engines is helping to changed U.S. consumers' dated perceptions about diesel powertrains. The E320 CDI achieves 27/37 mpg for city and highway driving, respectively, translating to up to 30 percent better fuel economy than comparable gasoline engines. A showcase for the latest in diesel engine technology, the 3.2-liter diesel engine can propel the E320 CDI from 0 to 60 in just 6.8 seconds and cruise up to 780 miles on a single tank of fuel.

With precise electronic control of fuel delivery, hand-in-hand with an oxidation catalyst, the E320 CDI can pass current 45-state emissions standards. With the promise of increased availability of low-sulphur "clean" diesel fuel in the U.S. imminent, Mercedes-Benz engineers are optimistic that the CDI diesel can eventually meet emissions standards in all 50 states.

A pioneer in diesel powertrain technology, Mercedes-Benz invented the world's first diesel passenger car, the 1936 260D. Seven decades later, the Mercedes-Benz brand has produced more than 7 million diesel passenger cars, many of which are still in service today.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2004, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 221,610 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 11 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com/ and http://www.maybachusa.com/.