Mercedes-Benz Canada announced as the exclusive automotive sponsor of the Canadian Opera Company

Mercedes-Benz Canada is pleased to announce that it is now the official automotive sponsor of the Canadian Opera Company (COC). With an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation, the COC is a natural partner for the Mercedes-Benz brand which has established its own enviable status as a global leader and innovator that never ceases to set the benchmark in the luxury automotive segment.

This new partnership will include prominent vehicle displays at the landmark Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in downtown Toronto, as well as extensive exposure for the brand to the numerous loyal patrons and opera enthusiasts through a variety of unique opportunities.

"I am very proud to welcome Mercedes-Benz as the COC's exclusive automotive sponsor.  Mercedes-Benz has a great history of philanthropy and I am glad to count them among our supporters," says Alexander Neef, General Director of the Canadian Opera Company. "Our respective reputations for excellence and innovation make this a natural association between the two companies. I am looking forward to seeing how this partnership will unfold."

"As the largest opera company in Canada and one of the leading producers in North America, the Canadian Opera Company has a well-established reputation of excellence," said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "We are proud to be actively involved in the thriving arts and culture scene in Toronto as it continues to flourish and garner impressive accolades on a local and global scale.

Reuss contined: "We very much look forward to working in close collaboration with the COC as they continue to further develop their highly acclaimed programming.  Our partnership is extremely well-aligned as both Mercedes-Benz and the COC are offering new, vibrant and modern products which broaden their scope and reach by attracting new and younger audiences, while ensuring that the overall portfolio continues to appeal to their loyal customers and supporters."

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