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Mercedes-Benz Special Edition C350 Sport Sedan to Raise $1 Million for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE


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Sales of 1,000 Exclusively-Appointed Vehicles to Support EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund

MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 6 -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has designed a special edition version of its all-new, eagerly-awaited 2008 C350 Sport Sedan 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 Fund. As a national sponsor of Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE, MBUSA expects to contribute $1 million through the sale of 1,000 exclusive C-Class vehicles scheduled to arrive at Mercedes-Benz dealerships this month. Sales of this well-equipped, powerful and fun-to-drive sedan will benefit charitable programs dedicated to finding new detection methods, treatments and a cure for women's cancers nationwide. Over the past five consecutive years, MBUSA has supported Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE and has raised over $5 million for women's cancer research.

The agile new 2008 C350 Sport Sedan combines the power of a 268- horsepower, 3.5 liter V-6 engine with the most desirable new options and technology available from Mercedes-Benz and the exclusive Sahara Beige and Black leather interior to create the Special Edition C350 for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE. This sophisticated sedan offers auto enthusiasts not only cutting-edge style, superior technical innovations and performance but the chance to help make a difference in the fight against cancer.

"The new C-Class is one of our most eagerly awaited new models," said Steve Cannon, vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. "We're pleased to be able to take advantage of that enthusiasm in support of a cause that touches so many lives."

  The Special Edition C350 is equipped with:
   -- Obsidian Black Metallic Paint
   -- Exclusive Sahara Beige / Black Leather Interior
   -- 18 inch AMG twin-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
   -- Multimedia Package (HDD Navigation, Harman Kardon sound system, DVD
      changer, Voice Control)
   -- iPod Integration Kit

Each Special Edition C350 Sport Sedan also features the athletic new profile of the AMG lower bodywork and rear spoiler, sport sedan interior elements including gauges, sport steering wheel and pedals, as well as Black Birdseye Maple trim. The winning style of this new model combined with the exclusivity of the Special Edition for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE leather interior, creates a striking addition to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class line. Larger than past C-Class models, with a greater emphasis on driving dynamics, comfort and safety, the new 2008 C-Class also includes an impressive list of standard equipment, including: power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, two-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a central controller, and an LCD display screen. SIRIUS satellite radio, heated front seats, rain sensor, garage door opener, and power-folding and auto dimming mirrors are also included.

To further raise awareness of the campaign, Academy Award(R) winning actress Renee Zellweger has been named Entertainment Industry Foundation ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue's 2007 KEY TO THE CURE and will show her support by wearing this year's KEY TO THE CURE t-shirt designed by Juicy Couture. Ms. Zellweger will appear in promotional materials and in a national public service announcement (PSA) to bring attention to this critical issue. The PSA will appear in major fashion and lifestyle magazines this fall.

Funds raised for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE will benefit more than 50 charitable programs nationwide dedicated to finding new detection methods, treatments and cures for women's cancers -- all through EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund. During Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE nationwide shopping weekend (Oct. 18-21, 2007), the Special Edition C350 Sport Sedan will be displayed at Saks Fifth Avenue stores. A percentage of Saks' shopping weekend sales will also be donated to national and local breast and women's reproductive cancer research centers.

Saks Fifth Avenue initiated its shopping weekend in 1999. Since then, the company has donated over $23 million to women's cancer research and treatment organizations throughout the United States. Organizations benefiting from these funds include: EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund; The Breast Cancer Research Foundation; the Cleveland Clinic; Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; the Nevada Cancer Institute; and many others.

In addition to its commitment to Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE campaign, MBUSA supports select charitable organizations focused on educating and empowering future generations, particularly those who are underserved. Through DRIVE YOUR FUTURE: The Mercedes-Benz USA Scholarship Program, MBUSA and its dealers nationwide have provided over $3.5 million in scholarship awards since 2004, offering students who are the first generation in their families to attend college, the opportunity of a lifetime. For more information, please visit: http://www.mbusa.com/drivefuture.

Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA, 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 2006, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 248,080 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 13 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/.

EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund

The Women's Cancer Research Fund, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, was established by Chairs Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg, along with Founders Kelly Chapman Meyer, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Marion Laurie and Jamie Tisch. The Women's Cancer Research Fund supports innovative research, education, and outreach directed at the development of more effective approaches to the early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all women's cancers.

Entertainment Industry Foundation

As a philanthropic leader of the entertainment industry, the Entertainment Industry Foundation has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars -- and provided countless volunteer hours -- to support charitable initiatives addressing some of the most critical issues facing society today. For more information, visit http://www.eifoundation.org/.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world's pre-eminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and home furnishings, and the first-rate fashion expertise and exemplary client service of its Associates. Today, Saks operates 54 full-line stores in 25 states, 2 stores in the Middle East in Dubai and Riyadh, 49 OFF 5th Outlet Stores and saks.com, the company's online store.