Did you know that this years Australian Open champion and best tennis of the world, the untouchable 'Novak Djokovic' is also the brand ambassador Mercedes-Benz Serbia and Montenegro?

After winning numerous tournaments and rewriting the history of the Serbian and world tennis, the best tennis player of the world and the most popular sportsman of Serbia became the brand ambassador of Mercedes Benz on the territory of Serbia and Montenegro this autumn. The contract undertakes to use the image and appearance of Novak Djokovic.

This cooperation was desirable and expected by Mercedes-Benz since the Serbia Open, as Mercedes-Benz was the official vehicle of the tournament.

Under its motto “The best or nothing”, Mercedes-Benz wanted only the best one to fill the role of the ambassador. ”We are more than happy that Novak Djokovic became the ambassador of our brand, especially in this year as Mercedes-Benz and the whole world are celebrating a big anniversary of the patenting of the first car in the world. Novak's appearance and tennis skills are ​​ fully representing all the values that Mercedes-Benz is underlying. We sincerely believe that this is only the beginning of a successful cooperation", said CEO of Mercedes-Benz for Serbia and Montenegro, Andreas Binder.

"I am pleased that we have achieved this partnership. This year is the best year of my career and I also know that this is specially significant for Mercedes. My family and I love Mercedes-Benz, which is the undisputed leader in the automotive industry, it has a fascinating history and unsurpassed technology and the character. I am pleased that this cooperation has been achieved in such a special year for both sides", said Novak Djokovic.

On behalf of Mercedes Benz SCG the contract was signed by Mr. Andreas Binder, CEO MBSCG. In addition to Novak Djokovic the contract was also signed by Srdjan Djokovic, his legal representative and father.

"iF product design award 2012": Five-fold success for Mercedes-Benz design

Stuttgart – The designers at Mercedes-Benz have picked up yet another prize for no fewer than four models in the form of the internationally renowned "iF product design award 2012". A top-class specialist jury has bestowed the award on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the SLK, the SLS AMG Roadster, and the Concept A-CLASS show car, as well as the smart electric mobility concept, all for their outstanding designs.

First presented in 1953, the "iF product design award" ranks among the world's most important design awards and represents the seal of approval for good design. For 2012 the 24-member jury was again faced with the task of choosing its favourites, this time from more than 2000 candidates. Four models from Mercedes-Benz stood out in particular: the M-Class, the SLK, the SLS AMG Roadster and the Concept A-CLASS show car.

The M-Class won thanks to its characteristically distinctive SUV design and its variable interior with high wellness factor. The open-top SLS AMG Roadster, meanwhile, owes its victory to its exciting lines, which are reminiscent of the legendary 300 SL from the 1950s. The SLK Roadster also dominated the competition with its powerful sports car design, which portrays its outstanding qualities to brilliant visual effect - stylish comfort, light-footed sportiness and exemplary ecology.

With the Mercedes-Benz Concept A-CLASS, the jury acknowledged the birth of a new vehicle generation which provides a glimpse of the expressive design of the future A-Class.

As an overall concept, the trend-setting developments achieved by the automotive brand smart in the field of electric mobility also received the coveted "iF product design award 2012". For its innovative e-mobility concept, smart created one-off vehicles such as the open-top smart forspeed, the smart e-scooter and also the smart e-bike, which is to be incorporated into the smart product line this year.

Mercedes-Benz launches Brand & Product offensive in Auto Expo 2012. mb. Feel it.

• Launches its new brand initiative mb. Inspired
• Launches India’s most powerful open-top car: the SLS AMG Roadster
• Presents the all New M-Class 
• Showcases the future design cues through Concept A-Class & Fuel Cell technologies.
• Showcase the largest display with 18 cars ranging from S-600 pullman to DTM racing cars & live STARDRIVE demonstration.

New Delhi: Mercedes-Benz today utilized the Auto Expo to launch a new platform apart from launching 2 new cars.


Mb.Inspired: The philosophy of Best or Nothing has always inspired Mercedes-Benz as a guiding philosophy. It has not just inspired Mercedes-Benz in pioneering many innovations, it has also helped Mercedes-Benz vehicles to be the best in the auto industry and many more. Mercedes-Benz would be promoting this philosophy in India through the mb.Inspired Initiative. A new India is on the rise and its all about youth and rising aspirations. It’s a India which is fearless about taking risks and doesn’t fear failure. Mercedes-Benz commemorates these young youth inspirational icons through mb. Inspired


Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India explains: “ As India readies itself for globalization, the young India seeks recognition for their talent & uncompromising attitude which have made many stand up & get recognition in their respective fields. mb Inspired is once such platform which shall recognize these individuals & collaborate with them to spread inspiration. This helps us in communicating our brand values of Best or Nothing seamlessly to the Indian consumers”


Debashis Mitra: Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India said; “mb. Inspired is an initiative which synergises the Mercedes Benz ethos across various creative , sporting, business and lifestyle universes. The result is a collaborative perspective that fuels new ways of thinking and spreads inspiration.”


Farhan Akhtar, Chetan Bhagat & Masaba Gupta are all reflections of these very brand values which inspire the younger generation to take up new challenges & risks. They demonstrate the philospy of “Best or Nothing” in their own fields & spread inspiration in their peer groups.


Latest Products
Mercedes-Benz India today also launched India’s most powerful open top vehicle: the SLS AMG roadster. Powered by 6.3 Litre V8 engine the super sports car delivers 0-100 in 3.8 seconds.


The company presented the all new M-Class in India. Launched in the global market about six months back, the new M-Class will be locally assembled at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Pune.


The fresh, vibrant product design was presented through the Concept A-Class; the car which will offer design cues to future Mercedes-Benz development.


SLS AMG ROADSTER
After captivating hearts across the world the SLS AMG Roadster with its Performance and scintillating design is all set to scorch the Indian road with pulsating speed. The open top SLS AMG Roadster exudes graceful dynamism and magnetic allure. The purist, athletic design immediately captures the attention. The Roadster’s perfect proportions make it particularly impressive. The exterior of this German beauty conveys aggression and dominance with its governing radiator grille. With a body that gracefully boasts of its sleek lines and shapely contours the SLS AMG Roadster exhibits it’s supremacy over others. The long bonnet further to the automatically extending rear aerofoil, long wheelbase, wide track and short projection appends to the appearance. The lightweight construction, combined with sensuous open air driving pleasure exudes its lively sporty presence.


The SLS AMG Roadster perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship. The atmosphere of the interior continues the breathtaking design idiom of the exterior, and awakens associations with an aircraft cockpit: prominent stylistic features include the dashboard in the shape of a wing section and the air vents with adjustable, cruciform nozzles reminiscent of jet engines. The extended centre console of matt, solid metal and the new E-SELECT lever in the shape of an aircraft's thrust control are also design features adopted from the world of aviation.


While it looks like a beauty, it does ride like a beast. The eight cylinder V8 engine produces rumbling 571 horse power at 6800 rpm with a maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. It can go from 0-100 km/h in under four seconds (3.8s) and has a top speed of 317 km/h. The power and performance of a monster, the SLS AMG Roadster has all the trimmings of a formidable sports car.


NEW M-CLASS
Continuing in true M-Class tradition the third generation of this vehicle sets new benchmarks in SUV design, technology and performance. Pioneering the interpretation of a contemporary SUV, the NEW M-Class sports a powerful exterior and an interior featuring high-quality details. The vehicle leads the field in terms of safety, comfort, quality feel. It is the benchmark for comfort and load compartment capacity and offers ease of handling on and off-road.


The new M-Class has been envisioned with a much sleeker frame. Though the vehicle is significantly larger than its predecessor it does not make it look bulkier. There is an overall increase in the length and width of the car with the height being dropped. New engine hood design and LED lights have made the front of the car look sportier; the new tail lights have given the car an elegant feel.


A true off-roader the New M-Class has been fitted with technology that would help customized settings for engine performance, automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electronic Traction System all at the touch of the off-button on the console. The ease of technology makes the New M-Class a joy to ride off the beaten road.


As is standard with all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the New M-Class is packed with safety technology. It has nine strategically located air – bags that ensures the safety of its passengers upon collision / accident. Additionally it is built with a PRE-SAFE technology that help prevent such instances.


Protection of the environment is a key task of every individual, the New M-Class has been built with this thought in mind. The vehicle has been built with the ECO start-stop function, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions- by automatically switching off the engine during traffic jams or traffic signals.


Other technology that has been packed into the new generation include the ATTENTION ASSIST, that alerts the driver on detection of drowsiness on longer trips; an Active Parking Assist with integrated PARKTRONIC technology, and a new rearview camera that increases comfort and provides a real safety plus.


In a nutshell, the M-Class is the new benchmark for a Luxury SUV in driver’s delight, passenger convenience and overall safety, a testimony of which is the prestigious EURO NCAP 5 Star rating awarded to the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz & Jaypee Sports International introduce India to Performance driving

• India’s first Performance Driving Academy at Buddh International Circuit; only three other institutes globally from Mercedes-Benz
• Certificate course for the BASIC-Training in India: escalation to ADVANCED, PRO and MASTERS levels for aspirants
• Participants were trained on the high-performance AMG range from Mercedes-Benz; global trainers including Bernd Maylander, Official Formula One World Championship Safety Car Driver and Reinhold Renger, Chief Instructor at The AMG Driving Academy

Mercedes-Benz, in collaboration with Jaypee Sports International Limited, today launched its renowned AMG performance driving academy at the Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida. The academy will be officially known as JPSI-AMG Performance Driving Academy. Present on the occasion were Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, Sameer Gaur, Managing Director & CEO, Jaypee Sports International Limited (JPSI), Bernd Maylander, Official Formula One World Championship Safety Car Driver and Reinhold Renger, Chief Instructor, AMG Driving Academy. 

Speaking at the event, Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “With Buddh International Circuit, we have laid strong foundations together for Motorsports in India. The F1 debut was just the beginning. JPSI and Mercedes-Benz take this step further by offering India’s first performance driving academy. Under the guidance of expert instructors who are themselves former race drivers and champions, our patrons will now have an opportunity to hone their driving skills. Performance driving has come of age in India and the popularity of AMG is testimony to that.”

“Buddh International Circuit has been hailed as one of the best tracks in the world and we are delighted to offer racing enthusiast an opportunity to experience AMG Performance Driving. Mercedes-Benz has decades of experience in this arena and we have found the perfect partner in them.” Said Sameer Gaur, Managing Director and CEO of Jaypee Sports International (JPSI)

Mercedes-Benz along with JPSI has crafted the Performance Driving Academy to create a platform of high-octane experience to motorsports enthusiasts in India. The new Academy will offer structured programs, cars, trainers and help groom new talents on the racing circuit.

The experience of Mercedes-Benz in training enthusiasts for performance driving spans decades. And, at the launch of the academy in India, MB brought the former Mercedes-Benz DTM Driver and now the Official F1 Safety Car Driver Bernd Maylander in India. Along with him, the chief instructor of the AMG Performance Driving Academy, Reinhold Renger was present to give the very first drive experience and personalized hands on training to the Indian Media.

BASIC-Training

Currently, the BASIC-Training course is available In India. In this course, one builds the ideal foundations for the safe and masterful use of an AMG Mercedes with its range of features- for increased safety and better enjoyment of driving. In theoretical and practical training units, professional instructors show drivers how to exploit one’s driving potential to the fullest and that of the vehicle in the future. The BASIC-Training course is offered to enthusiasts for INR 75,000 per participant. However, Mercedes-Benz customers are offered special privileges & the course is offered at a special price of INR 50,000.

Around 50 participants had an opportunity to drive the AMG range of performance cars to drive on the track; C 63 AMG, E 63 AMG, SL 63 AMG and SLS AMG. The popularity of AMG in India was a further enabler in the establishment of JPSI-AMG performance driving academy, as explained by Ola Käellenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Mr. Käellenius added, “The AMGs enjoy huge popularity and we are delighted that India will have an opportunity to experience the AMG range in its fullest glory at the globally acclaimed Buddh International Circuit. Our expert instructors will help the participants hone their skills even further at the same time ensuring that the highest standards of safety are ensured for all. We look forward to welcome our passionate fans for the advanced level courses as well.”

"We started with the F1 event and here we are, back with our commitment to bring the best to our consumers in India. Performance is the DNA of Mercedes-Benz and launching the renowned AMG driving academy only further strengthens our commitment. We are proud to offer Indian fans a unique product and brand experience with the JPSI-AMG Driving Academy", said Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India

Successful racing drivers as high profile instructors 

The AMG Driving Academy employs a total of 21 instructors globally. The permanent team around chief instructor Reinhold Renger includes high-profile racing drivers: Bernd Schneider with five DTM Championships under his belt, plus an ITC and FIA GT Championship title for good measure, ranks as one of Germany's most successful racing drivers.

Bernd Mayländer drove for Mercedes-Benz for eight years in the DTM 

and FIA GT Championships, and has been the permanent driver in the 

Official F1™ Safety Car since 2000 – in his SLS AMG he is helping to ensure 

the best possible driver safety throughout this year's Formula 1 season. At present, Schneider is heavily involved in the development and testing programmes for the new SLS AMG GT3–partnered by his instructor colleague Thomas Jäger (33), 2009 Champion of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland and long-time DTM driver for Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz’s involvement with motorsports has a legacy spanning 117 years and the company has been a major force in Motorsports since 1894. The Silver Arrows were born on 3 June 1934 when Manfred von Brauchitsch won the Eifelrennen at the Nürburgring at the wheels of a Mercedes W25. On 4 July 1954, the Silver Arrows returned for the first time when Juan Manuel Fangio drove his W196 streamliner to victory in the French Grand Prix at Reims, which he won ahead of his team-mate Karl Kling. It was also the first Formula One race win for Mercedes-Benz. From the legendary Silver Arrow to the Mercedes AMG team of today, no other automobile manufacturer in the world shares the same relationship with racing as Mercedes-Benz. The dominance of the tri-star only grows stronger and better with 6 cars running on Mercedes-Benz engines today!

About Buddh International Circuit

F1’s newest showpiece, Buddh International circuit, has been designed as one of the fastest, most exciting motor racing circuits in the world, and is well suited to the requirements of powerful, high-spec racing of cars and motorcycles. After successfully hosting the inaugural F1 Indian Grand Prix on October 30, 2011, BIC will soon host some of the most challenging motorsport events on the planet. 

The 5.14 km track has a combination of 16 corners, high-speed straights and dramatic changes in elevation that has been designed to provide ample opportunities for overtaking, which is what makes motor racing exciting. At the same time, in terms of adherence to safety norms and regulations, run-off areas, medical facilities, facilities for the media and overall infrastructure, BIC is among the best in the world. 

BIC has been designed by world-renowned German architect and race track designer Herman Tilke, who has also designed other world-class race circuits in Malaysia, Bahrain, China, Turkey, Indonesia, the UAE, South Africa, South Korea and the US. 

Mercedes-Benz India ends 2011 on a significant high

• Approximately 30% year on year growth
• Strong customer traction in sedan & SUV segment
• 2011 highlights: Star Lounge, Star Lease, Official Automobile partner for BIC, Saffron-Art association
• Strong outlook for 2012
• Performance Driving Academy and new Paint shop in 2012

Mercedes-Benz India ended 2011 with a strong growth of approximately 30 percent year on year in the backdrop of a looming overall slowdown in the industry. 


The company sold 7430 units in the period from January-December 2011 (January-December 2010: 5819 units). 


The growth drivers for Mercedes-Benz India in 2011 have been its segment leading flagship sedans, the new C-Class and the E-Class. With a spur in demand in the SUV segment, Mercedes-Benz SUV portfolio found a strong customer traction, which is reflected in the strong performance of the M-Class and the GL-Class. The CBU segment comprising super performance cars and other brand shapers also witnessed significant growth compared to 2010. The strong sales of SLS AMG at 2.5 crores; G 55 AMG at 1.1 crores and the new SLK 350 and E-Class Cabriolets reaffirms the high demand of sports cars from Mercedes-Benz portfolio and also the growing preference for the brand among the customers.


The unique Formula 1 initiatives that Mercedes-Benz undertook around the inaugural Indian GP, have helped the company in firmly reaffirming the sporty attributes of the brand, in addition to that of luxury, which is synonymous with the Three Pointed Star.


“Mercedes-Benz India’s varied product portfolio along with its first-of-its kind initiatives like the Star Lounge, Star Lease, Performance Driving Academy, collaboration with Fashion and Art has significantly helped to reach out to newer and varied segment of customers. Our Network reach to over 29 cities and 61 touchpoints backed up by a third year warranty makes us the only luxury car manufacturer to reach out to all our customers” said Mr. Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. 


Commenting on the growth achieved in 2011, Mr. Debashis Mitra. Director, Marketing & Sales, Mercedes-Benz India said, “The strong growth is a testimony of the fact that we provide rich value to our customers and don’t believe in decontenting cars. Consumers who have arrived in life and are putting their hard earned money for the brand, expects no compromise on Performance and Luxury. We will continue our efforts to excite our customers with newer exciting product offerings and more avant-garde initiatives in 2012”


“Mercedes-Benz is also committed in introducing the culture of motorsports in India and it will be the company’s endeavour to promote Performance Driving in India. As an official partner to the Buddh International Circuit, Mercedes-Benz India, in assistance with their AMG division headquartered in Affalterbach, is all set to inaugurate India’s First ‘Performance Driving Academy’ in the beginning of 2012 . Former racing drivers are expected to be present on the inauguration” elaborated Mr. Mitra.


“Mercedes-Benz India’s growth will continue to soar in the coming years as we are seriously committed to the Indian market and to our discerning customers, by ways of additional investment in our state-of-the-art plant, introduction of new and exciting products and also our efforts to reach out to customers in newer markets through expanded network.” added Mr. Honegg.

mb, Feel it - Mercedes-Benz India kickstarts its avant-garde initiatives in 2012

• Introducing a pulse racing new design language
• The new initiative will be woven across various engagements
• mb.inspired! a showcase of the new face of Mercedes-Benz across varied creative fields with distinguished personalities like Farhan Akhtar, Chetan Bhagat, Masaba Gupta among others

Mercedes-Benz finished 2011 on successful note and starts the New Year with a range of initiatives to capture the robust growth in luxury segment. It is leveraging the Auto Expo as a platform to kickstart these initiatives and has encapsulated the entire thought in “mb. Feel it!”

“mb. Feel it!” is a call to experience Mercedes-Benz through various forms and to understand the brand even more closely. There are two fundamental pillars through which Mercedes-Benz India wants to communicate this thought- Exciting new Products and New initiatives like mb. Inspired! and the Performance Driving Academy.

Products:

Mercedes-Benz will have the largest display of cars in the luxury segment at the Auto Expo 2012. Spanning across 3600 sq metres, it will showcase 17 cars! The key highlights shall be the “Concept A” which will unleash in India, for the first time, the “New design language of Mercedes-Benz”. It will give people an insight into the future of automobiles. This is also supported by a special exhibit of F- Cell technology which demonstrates cars emitting only water vapor.

Apart from the two new launches, Mercedes-Benz for the first time will display the S 600 Pullman to the public. This car used by heads of states, Presidents and world leaders, is a 4- door armored vehicle confirming to the highest safety standards.

New initiatives: mb. Inspired! & Performance Driving Academy

mb.Inspired!

In a distinct showcase Mercedes-Benz India would be launching mb. Inspired - a unique Initiative which showcases the face of Mercedes-Benz across varied creative fields. mb.Inspired! results in a very personal perspective that reveals new ways of thinking and spreads inspiration.

About mb.Inspired!
‘Best or Nothing’ has always inspired Mercedes-Benz and has been the guiding philosophy of the brand. It has inspired Mercedes-Benz in pioneering numerous technological innovations in the automotive domain, which has resulted in benchmarking product offerings from the company’s portfolio, that has won admirations of million of customers world over and continues to aspire millions more. Mercedes-Benz would be promoting this philosophy in India through the mb. Inspired! initiative.

A new vibrant and young India is on the rise and it is driven by youth and their rising aspirations. It’s an India which is fearless in taking risks and doesn’t fear failure. Mercedes-Benz India commemorates these young youth inspirational icons through mb.Inspired! It’s an initiative which synergizes the Mercedes-Benz ethos across various creative, sporting, business and lifestyle universes. The result is a collaborative perspective that fuels new ways of thinking and inspires.

Mercedes-Benz India will be introducing distinguished personalities like Farhan Akhtar, Chetan Bhagat & Masaba Gupta as the first entrants to this elite group.

Performance Driving Academy:

Mercedes-Benz India will be starting the registrations for the “AMG Performance Driving Academy” which will be inaugurated on 4th January at the Buddh International Circuit. This will give an opportunity for visitors to know more about this unique initiative. Mercedes-Benz will also display its DTM racing car and the SLS GT3 racing car for the first time ever in India. Select participants will also have the opportunity to experience STAR DRIVE in the Auto expo venue.

Speaking on the initiative Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India said “mb. Feel it! is more than a communication tag line. It can be experienced by the customers when they interact with brand Mercedes-Benz during the Auto Expo in forms of future products and technologies showcased, young achievers & our engagement through the performance driving academy. This is in line with our strategy to grow 10 times in 10 years in the Indian market”.