National Press Release

New Performance Driving Program Teaches Advanced Techniques

MONTVALE, N.J., June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes AMG is offering driving enthusiasts a chance to fulfill their dreams of driving top performance vehicles and sharpening their racing skills with the U.S. launch of its AMG Driving Academy. The AMG Driving Academy is an advanced driver training program that allows enthusiasts, under the guidance of top professional instructors, to experience the excitement of motorsports and the track capabilities of Mercedes-AMG vehicles.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090624/NY37727 )

Originally founded by AMG in Affalterbach, Germany in 2007, the AMG Driving Academy arrives Stateside in September 2009 and offers an opportunity to get behind the wheel of several AMG models including the all new E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and the CLK63 AMG Black Series. The program features custom-designed excercises that showcase the dynamic driving capabilitlies of these AMG vehicles across three premier tracks:

    --  Lime Rock Park (Lime Rock, CT) - September 9-15, 2009

        --  Few tracks are as well known and loved. This classic 1.53-mile,
            7-turn course, nestled in the Berkshire Mountains of northwest
            Connecticut continues to challenge some of the world's best
            drivers since 1957.

    --  Palm Beach International Raceway (West Palm Beach, FL) - September
        22-27, 2009

        --  Boasting an 11-turn, 2.034-mile design, Palm Beach International
            Raceway road course features some of the fastest and most
            challenging corners and straightaway's offered by any track in
            North America.

    --  Laguna Seca Raceway (Monterey, CA) - November 7-8 & 17-20, 2009

        --  Located in one of North America's best destination locations --
            the Monterey Peninsula, Laguna Seca features tremendous elevation
            changes, the famous Corkscrew complex, and 2.24 sinewy miles.

The AMG Driving Academy launches with two program levels:

    --  AMG Driving Academy Stage I:  A one-day program designed to teach the
        fundamentals of performance driving dynamics and car control maneuvers
        using customized exercises that emphasize the power and handling
        capabilities of AMG vehicles.  Drivers will also test their skills on
        the track at high speeds and during performance course competition.  The
        AMG Driving Academy Stage I program fee is $1,895.00 per participant.
    --  AMG Driving Academy Stage I SLS:  Drivers attending the AMG Driving
        Academy Stage One at Laguna Seca Raceway from November 17-20 will have
        the opportunity to be among the very first to drive the most
        technologically advanced AMG ever - the all-new 2011 SLS AMG.  The AMG
        Driving Academy Stage 1 SLS program fee is $2,295.00 per participant
        which includes a one night stay at the InterContinental Hotel in
        Monterey.

    --  AMG Driving Academy Stage II:  A two-day program that provides a deep
        level of technical driver training both on and off the track.  As an
        advanced program, Stage 2 is offered to drivers who have completed Stage
        I or an equivalent course.  The program offers significantly more track
        driving over Stage 1 to extract a driver's maximum potential in a
        performance driving setting.  A unique feature of Stage II is the use of
        computer driver training and evaluation through advanced onboard
        diagnostics and in-car camera recordings of their laps.  This program
        also includes a competitive performance course competition.  The AMG
        Driving Academy Stage II program fee is $3,495.00 per participant.

All fees include a dinner reception and introductory briefing the evening before the program, track hospitality, AMG Driving Academy certificate of program completion and an AMG gift bag. Participants are responsible for travel and accommodations. Additional information and registration for the AMG Driving Academy is available at www.AMGacademy.com or by phone at 1-800-217-6916.

About 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. For more than 40 years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

Accredited journalists and editors can access press materials by registering at www.media.mbusa.com.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA