Mercedes-Benz Canada continues its product offensive with the launch of the new M-Class and the unveiling of the Vision B at the Canadian International Auto Show

A year ago, Mercedes-Benz Canada totally surprised the press and the automotive industry by announcing at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) that it would start selling the revolutionary smart fortwo to Canadian consumers in the fall of 2004. Not to be outdone at this year's show, Mercedes-Benz Canada, who is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary in Canada, unveiled its impressive all-new next generation M-Class in a Canadian Premiere, and it also announced today that the B-Class will be launched in Canada in the fall of this year.

This profusion of exciting new products actually represents the second phase of an aggressive and strategic product offensive which began in mid-2004 with the introduction of the exceptional E320 Diesel. This car boasts spectacular performances: 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds, more than 1,100 km on a tank, 201hp and 369 ft/lb of torque and a fuel consumption of 5.9 l/100 km.

Later in the summer of 2004, the 604 hp CL 65 AMG and SL 65 AMG pre-sold models started arriving and solidly established themselves as "unrivaled performers". This was followed by the introduction of the second generation SLK350 coupe/roadster, the V6 268 hp all-year round sportscar, which was voted the Best New Convertible for 2005 by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.

The fourth quarter witnessed the phenomenal launch of the smart brand and its fortwo coupes and cabriolets in North America. These forward-thinking and unique cars have truly captivated the hearts and minds of Canadians and more than 1,350 units have been delivered since September.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada said today, "Each and every one of our cars reflect in one way or another the fact that Mercedes-Benz is always thinking about new ways to revolutionize the car industry. For more than a century, we have had an enduring passion and commitment to innovation, technological leadership and countless times, we have been the first to introduce new concepts and ideas into the marketplace. The 2004 launches continue to pay tribute to this everlasting promise."

Mercedes-Benz Canada maintained in 2004 its well respected and renowned position as a high luxury manufacturer with close to a 40% market share in the category of luxury vehicles of more than $50 000. Furthermore, the E-Class and S-Class were top performers in their respective competitive segments.
This year's ambitious second leg of the product offensive started in 2004 began with the launch of the magnificent CLS500, the first vehicle to marry the stunning design of a coupe with the functionality of a four door sedan. The press has earmarked it over and over again as the most gorgeous car Mercedes-Benz has ever designed. This new four door coupe underlines yet again Mercedes-Benz' leadership role and pioneering spirit.

Eight years ago, Mercedes-Benz was the first luxury manufacturer to launch an All-Activity Vehicle which defined a brand new luxury SUV segment. The first generation M-Class was revolutionary in its own right and became a world-acclaimed, award-winning resounding success.

The all-new next generation M-Class unveiled today at the CIAS is far more aggressive in its design. Its wedge shape is complemented by sweeping front fenders, dramatic shoulder lines and a raked windshield. It has an all-new unibody platform, a new suspension, a seven-speed transmission, and an even more effective full-time four-wheel drive system. Offered in a 3.5 litre 268 hp V6 engine or a 5 litre V8 with 302 hp, both models will be available in Canadian showrooms in early April.

Inside, a completely new interior features a sporty instrument panel, electronically controlled gear selector mounted on the multi-functional steering wheel, rich interior materials and a Thermatic dual-zone climate control.

President and CEO Marcus Breitschwerdt adds, "Mercedes-Benz initiated a bold and revolutionary trend eight years ago when it launched the M-Class and we are extremely proud to have lead the industry with such a visionary execution. This was a turning point for Mercedes-Benz in terms of volume and it brought many new consumers to the brand. The next generation M-Class perpetuates this commitment to innovation and forward thinking. This new M-Class is outstanding in all respects and offers exemplary attention to detail and quality worthy of a Mercedes-Benz."

The Vision B Compact Sports Tourer was also unveiled today at the CIAS. With this avant-garde and leading-edge new concept, Mercedes-Benz is once again asserting its role as a trendsetter and preparing the way for a young market segment with a promising future. In fact, it will be the first Mercedes-Benz to offer a full in-car iPod® integration.

This vehicle amalgamates the advantages of different vehicle concepts and combines them into an interesting and distinctive profile of its own. The Vision B has become a sporty touring and spacious recreational vehicle with incomparable added value in terms of design and dynamism. The Vision B offers generous space, complete comfort, excellent practicality, a striking design and an unprecedented level of driving pleasure.

One of the major advantages of the Compact Sports Tourer is the sandwich concept developed by Mercedes-Benz. A space-saving arrangement of the engine and transmission in front and below the passenger cell permit a very spacious interior despite a compact exterior. It is also the centerpiece of the B-Class' safety concept because the drive unit will slide downwards in the case of a frontal impact and the occupants are seated 200 mm higher, an advantage in the case of a lateral impact.

Occupants in the rear have generous knee room which almost matches the space in an S-Class. The brand new parabolic rear axle provides stable, sporty and precise handling as well as excellent ride comfort.
The B-Class will be offered in two gasoline engine configurations and will be priced starting in the low thirties
Marcus Breitschwerdt comments, "The Vision B is the precursor of the new B-Class which will make its world premiere in Geneva in two weeks. It is truly an unconventional and ground-breaking addition to our product line, and we are convinced it will be a great success in Canada. The B-Class will serve to broaden the scope of the Mercedes-Benz brand and will allow us to reach a much wider consumer base. I am happy to inform you that, like the smart, the B-Class launch will come to Canada, and it will arrive in the fall of this year. "

The impressive list of revolutionary and pioneering products to be launched this year by Mercedes-Benz Canada will wrap up with the introduction of the Grand Sports Tourer R-Class in the fall of this year as well. The R-Class will be a luxurious six-seater and the largest and most spacious Mercedes-Benz ever.

For more information, please contact:

JoAnne Caza 416-847-7550 caza@mercedes-benz.ca
Arden Nerling 416-847-7556 nerling@mercedes-benz.ca