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Oakes Appointed Regional Communications Manager

9 June 1998

Oakes Appointed Regional Communications Manager for Mercedes-Benz Jacksonville Region

    MONTVALE, N.J., June 9 -- Mercedes-Benz of North America,
Inc. (MBNA), today announced the appointment of Ellen Oakes to regional
communications manager for MBNA's Jacksonville (FL) Region, effective June 15.
Oakes replaces Bill Ussery who was promoted to product manager for the E- and
S-Class model lines at the company's headquarters in Montvale, N.J.
    In her new position, Oakes will be responsible for all corporate
communications activities in the Jacksonville Region including regional
product launch activities, news-media relations, press fleet administration
and events.  She will also oversee regional marketing communications
activities including local advertising, direct marketing and
promotions/events.
    The Jacksonville Region oversees Mercedes-Benz sales, marketing and
service activities in nine states -- Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia,
Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee -- as
well as Puerto Rico.
    Oakes joined MBNA in July 1991 as field marketing specialist for the
company's regional office in Jacksonville where she was responsible for
marketing, sales analysis, research and events within the southern U.S.  In
December, 1992, she came to the corporate headquarters in Montvale as
assistant product manager for specialty vehicles and two years later became
marketing communications specialist for S-Class, coupes/convertibles and
motorsports, her most recent position.
    Prior to joining Mercedes-Benz of North America, Oakes held various
marketing positions at Barnett Banks, Inc. in Jacksonville and was research
director of WWSB-TV, an ABC network affiliate in Sarasota, Florida.  She
received her Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications from Indiana University,
Bloomington, Indiana.