Mercedes-Benz extends Patron Partnership with the PGA of America through 2017
Mercedes-Benz has renewed its Patron partnership with The PGA of America, extending its agreement through 2017. The brand with the star became an Official Patron of The PGA in 2010. The extension will allow Mercedes-Benz to be recognized as the "Official Patron" and "Official Vehicle" of The PGA of America, PGA Championship and Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, as well as obtain U.S. rights as "Official Patron" of the 2014 Ryder Cup and global rights (excluding Europe) for the 2016 Ryder Cup. With the extension, the company's sponsorship will also encompass The PGA's Centennial celebration in 2016.
"The partnership with the PGA of America fits perfectly to our global golf strategy – The best or nothing. We are proud to be the Official Patron of such esteemed tournaments and looking forward to an fantastic week at the 2013 PGA Championship in Rochester", says Lueder Fromm, Head of Global Marketing Communications for Mercedes-Benz Cars.
As part of the agreement, attendees at PGA of America Championship events will be able to enjoy the latest technology in both vehicles and golf training at the on-site "PGA Performance Center presented by Mercedes-Benz". Highlight of the car display at the 2013 PGA Championship is the new S-Class which extends the boundaries of technology on many levels with the three engineering priorities "Intelligent Drive", "Efficient Technology" and "Essence of Luxury".
Mercedes-Benz will provide courtesy cars for the competing players to ensure a first-class experience and will have a dedicated Loyalty Lot to provide Mercedes-Benz customers an upgraded parking experience when they attend these events. In addition, the "Mercedes-Benz Performance Drive Hole-in-One Challenge" allows spectators to take their shot at winning a new GLK 250 BlueTEC. The Mercedes-Benz brand ambassadors Adam Scott, Marcel Siem and Rickie Fowler played their own "Nearest to the Pin"-competition yesterday and signed autographs for the cheering crowd afterwards.
In support of The PGA's growth of the game initiatives, the Mercedes-Benz Mobile Performance Center travels the US with PGA Professionals providing complimentary mini lessons to consumers.
"We are delighted that Mercedes-Benz has once again recognized the great value of aligning with the PGA Professional and the game of golf by extending its relationship with The PGA of America and our high-profile spectator Championships", said Pete Bevacqua, chief executive officer of The PGA of America.
Mercedes-Benz has been involved in the sport of professional golf since the 1980s. It has been the international partner for the Masters in Augusta since 2008, and beginning next year, will be one of three Global Sponsors. As a result of its partnership with the PGA of America, the brand with the star has been the "Official Vehicle" of the PGA Championship, the Senior PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup when it is held in the United States. In 2011, Mercedes-Benz's involvement with golf was expanded through a partnership with the oldest golf tournament in the world, The Open Championship. Every year, more than 65,000 players in over 60 countries take part in the MercedesTrophy, a global premium tournament series for amateurs.
About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the three brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, AMG and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,450 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 12 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 41 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 35,503 vehicles in 2012, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
For more information, please contact:
JoAnne Caza 416-847-7550 joanne.caza@mercedes-benz.ca
Michael Minielly 416-847-7509 michael.minielly@mercedes-benz.ca
Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca
