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Mercedes-Benz Reveals First Photos of All-New C-Class

21 March 2000

Mercedes-Benz Reveals First Photos of All-New C-Class; Sleek New 2001 C-Class Sedan to Arrive on U.S. Shores Later This Year

    MONTVALE, N.J., March 21 Mercedes-Benz has revealed the
first photos and basic information about the long-awaited 2001 C-Class, an
all-new sport sedan that promises to continue the impressive success of its
predecessor.  The current C-Class line has enjoyed a seven-year production run
of over 1.6 million cars globally and is a market leader among comparable
premium sedans.  Available through U.S. retailers beginning this September,
the all-new C-Class represents an investment of over $1 billion for the German
automaker over the past four years of development.

    A Fresh New Look, and Industry-Leading Safety Equipment, Too
    The sleek new C-Class features a unique interpretation of the familiar
elliptical headlight design, resembling overlapping ovals with a figure-eight
outline.  The sleek, eye-catching body shape is jam-packed with useful,
innovative technology, raising the bar yet again in its market segment.  The
2001 C-Class will come with such industry-leading standard safety features as
dual-force front airbags, head protection curtain airbags and door-mounted
side airbags, ESP stability control, Brake Assist, the BabySmart child seat
recognition system and the Tele Aid emergency call system.

    A V6-Powered Lineup for the U.S.
    The C-Class lineup for the U.S. will be comprised of two V6-powered models
-- the C240 and the C320.  Both Mercedes-Benz V6 engines provide spirited
performance, yet with super-low exhaust emissions that attain the coveted LEV
or Low-Emission-Vehicle status.  While the C320 will come with a five-speed
driver-adaptive automatic transmission with Touch Shift, the C240 will be
available with a choice of an all-new six-speed manual or the five-speed
automatic.
    Mercedes-Benz USA projects that primary competition for the new C-Class
will include the BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Lexus ES300 and the Volvo S70.  While
pricing will be established shortly before the late-summer retail launch, the
2001 C-Class is expected to establish a new benchmark for value in its market
segment.