Mercedes-Benz has been a long time supporter of the game of golf, whether it’s supporting an elite group of pro golfers or raising money for charity through their Mercedes-Benz Dealer Golf Championship, Mercedes has played a large role in the game of golf. In fact, this week marks a 20-year milestone for the Mercedes-Benz brand’s involvement in the sport of golf.

In order to mark the occasion, Mercedes-Benz will honor its global golf Ambassador, Bernhard Langer, who also reaches a 20-year anniversary for his win at the 57th Masters in 1993, which put him in an elite group of professional golfers who have worn the coveted green jacket more than once. Mercedes-Benz is recognizing Langer during a ceremony at River Island to celebrate the occasion and his successful list of accomplishments both on and off the course.

“Mercedes-Benz and our dealers have proudly supported the game of golf for the past two decades. Golf embodies skill, precision and drive which are themes shared by Mercedes-Benz and our owners,” said Stephen Cannon, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. “Our global brand ambassador, Bernhard Langer embodies these characteristics and it’s fitting that we are celebrating both milestones together.”

Mercedes-Benz continues to be a leading supporter of golf around the world. The Mercedes-Benz brand is Official Patron and Vehicle of The PGA of America. As the official Patron, Mercedes-Benz is a supporter of the PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid and the 2012 Ryder Cup. From 1994-2009, Mercedes-Benz was the title sponsor of the Mercedes Championship in Kapalua, Hawaii.

Within the U.S., the three-pointed star is currently involved in several high-profile golf tournaments, including the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Wells Fargo Championship, AT&T National, Northern Trust Open, AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and World Challenge presented by Northwestern Mutual.

“The PGA of America is extremely proud of our partnership with Mercedes-Benz and we salute them for their commitment to the game over the last 20 years,” said Pete Bevacqua, CEO, PGA of America. “The Mercedes-Benz brand and its dealers have supported and promoted golf on a variety of levels, all the while raising money for charities and giving back to communities.”

Since 1993, Mercedes-Benz dealers have hosted tournaments in their local communities for golf enthusiasts and customers as part of the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Golf Championship. The entry fees are donated to charities as part of the tournament activities. In 2012, the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Championship program consisted of 84 tournaments played by over 5,850 participants that raised $2.15 million for charity. The regional sectionals were played at Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu, Hawaii in November.

The Mercedes-Benz Dealer Championship program in the U.S is part of a globally supported group of International tournaments with more than 65,000 people participating per year from 60 countries. For more information, visit www.mbusa.com/sports.

Mercedes-AMG, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz, and La Martina, the maker of polo equipment and apparel, are joining forces to create a limited-edition polo shirt to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami. The shirts are being sold in conjunction with the AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup with 100 percent of the proceeds going to BBBS, and a goal of raising a total of $15,000 in support of the cause.

AMG returns for the second season as title sponsor of the AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup, the world’s largest polo tournament to take place on a beach. The exclusive polo shirt is a unique design by Mercedes-AMG and La Martina and includes a special “I [heart] Horsepower” patch and AMG logo, a reference to the stable of high performance AMG vehicles on display including the SLS AMG supersports car and the all-new 2012 CLS63 AMG featuring a peak output of up to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft. of torque.

This year’s tournament benefits BBBS and the separate men’s and women’s polo events take place on Miami Beach between 20th and 22nd streets behind The Setai Hotel on April 20th – 24th, 2011. “It’s a privilege to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and raise funds for a cause that is so important to Miami residents and all of us,” said Greg Clark, Manager Exclusive Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz USA. “The limited-edition shirt is aimed at car and polo enthusiasts, who love the AMG brand and also want to support a local charity that has opened a world of possibilities for thousands of children each year.”

The shirts are on sale at the La Martina boutique on-site at the tournament and at La Martina stores including the Aventura Mall (305-935-0401) and the Forum Shops of Las Vegas (702-735-9763). The shirts will be on sale for $175.00 and available in both men’s and women’s sizes.

“We are so grateful that Mercedes-AMG and La Martina recognize the value of our life-changing work with youth and are honored to be a part of this initiative,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami President and CEO Lydia Muniz. “There are hundreds of children in South Florida waiting for a mentor to guide them, and funds raised enable us to extend our help to more of them.”

Mercedes-Benz USA has announced that its Mercedes-AMG performance brand is returning for a second season as title sponsor of the Miami Beach Polo World Cup from April 21st to April 24th, 2011, and plans to showcase the all-new 2012 CLS63 AMG to Southern Florida car enthusiasts.

The AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup, the official branded event property, is the world’s largest polo tournament to take place on a beach and this year’s event benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami and the National Foundation for Missing and Exploited Children. In its seventh consecutive season, the separate men’s and women’s polo events take place on Miami Beach between 20th and 22nd streets behind The Setai Hotel.

In addition to supporting the AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup, Mercedes-AMG is the proud sponsor of the AMG men’s and women’s polo teams that feature notable and top players from around the world including John Walsh, the well-known presenter of America’s Most Wanted and spokesman for the National Foundation for Missing and Exploited Children, as well as number one female player, Sunny Hale.

Alongside the well-trained thoroughbred horses at the AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup, Mercedes-AMG is displaying a stable of its own high performance vehicles including the SLS AMG supersports car and the all-new 2012 CLS63 AMG equipped with the newly developed AMG V8 biturbo engine, featuring a peak output of up to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft. of torque. Guests can see this newest Mercedes-AMG 4-door coupe in-person at the tournament
before it reaches Mercedes-Benz dealerships in early June.

“The game of Polo shares a natural affinity with AMG, both rich in heritage and prestige, requiring skill, power and performance to succeed,” said Greg Clark, Manager Exclusive Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz USA. “The AMG brand has been deeply involved with polo tournaments from around the world and we are thrilled to continue this tradition in the U.S. with the title sponsorship of the AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup.”

Just as the polo pony is carefully selected and trained for quick bursts of speed, stamina, agility and maneuverability, AMG engines are built on the overall principle of “one man, one engine,” to deliver the epitome of peak performance and craftsmanship. Every single AMG engine is handcrafted from start to finish by a single Master Engine Builder at Mercedes-AMG GmbH in Affalterbach, Germany.

Event Schedule

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

7:00pm-9:00pm:
South Beach Women’s Polo Cup III Women’s Welcome & Cocktail Hour

9:00pm-12:00am:
South Beach Women’s Polo Cup III kick-off party

Thursday, April 21, 2011

10:30am:
Doors open, National Anthem, South Beach Women’s Polo Cup III

11:00am-5:00pm:
South Beach Women’s Polo Cup III Match Play

5:00pm-5:30pm:
South Beach Women’s Polo Cup III Award Ceremony

7:00pm-9:00pm:
Miami Beach Polo World Cup VII Press Conference & Cocktail Hour

9:00pm-12:00am:
Miami Beach Polo World Cup VII Kick Off party, AMG Miami Beach Polo Tent

Friday, April 22, 2011

12:30pm:
Doors open, Horse Parade, National Anthem 1:00pm-5:00pm: Miami Beach Polo World Cup VII Match Play

6:00-8:30pm:
Sunset Cruise (By Invitation Only)

7:00pm-10:00pm:
Miami Beach Polo World Cup VII Cocktail & Hors d’oeuvres

10:00pm-?:
Players Night/After Hours

Saturday, April 23, 2011

1:00pm-5:00pm:
Miami Beach Polo World Cup VII Match Play & La Martina & Hublot Fashion Show

7:00pm-9:00pm:
Miami Beach Polo World Cup VII Cocktails & Hors d’ouevres

9:00pm:
Concert, Miami Beach Polo Tent

10:00pm-?:
Players Night/After Hours

Sunday, April 24, 2011

1:00pm:
Doors open, National Anthem 2:00pm-5:00pm: Miami Beach Polo World Cup VII Final Play- Offs

5:00pm-6:00pm:
Miami Beach Polo World Cup VII Cup Finals

6:00pm-6:30pm:
Miami Beach Polo World Cup VII Award Ceremony

6:30pm-7:30pm:
Miami Beach Polo World Cup VII Farewell Party in the Miami Beach Polo Tent

7:30pm-10:00pm:
Miami Beach Polo World Cup VII Closing Party

10:00pm-?
Players Night/After Hours

Beginning this year, Mercedes-Benz will become patron of The Open Championship, a tournament with roots dating back to 1860. As a result of this move, Mercedes-Benz is now represented at three of the four major golf tournaments as the exclusive automotive partner.  The announcement was made by Mercedes-Benz at the Dubai Desert Classic, a golf tournament on the European Tour at which the brand with the star is represented as a partner.

“Our global golf strategy is based on the Mercedes-Benz principle of “The best or nothing”. The Open Championship complements this strategy, and therefore Mercedes-Benz, perfectly”, explained Anders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communications, Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We want to make use of this major golf tournament in particular for our various marketing activities as well as customer care measures. In addition, we will also link the MercedesTrophy, a worldwide premium amateur series, with The Open Championship, for example the programme “Drive to the Major”, a global competition to win the opportunity to qualify to play at the Monday Foursome.”

Mike Tate, a Director of The R&A: “We are delighted to welcome Mercedes-Benz as a Patron of The Open Championship. It has established itself as a great supporter of golf worldwide. Mercedes-Benz are renowned for their commitment to quality and their brand is recognised the world over, all of which complements perfectly the prevailing characteristics of The Open.”

“We’re delighted that Mercedes-Benz is the ‘Official Car of The Open Championship’. The company will provide the exclusive chauffeur service at the major championship and together with The R&A will also provide communications support for the entire tournament”, said Wilfried Steffen, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz UK. “For our brand, this association is not only an excellent platform but also a great honour. With our commitment to this event, we very much look forward to being able to promote the close ties between the sport of golf and Mercedes-Benz.”

Mercedes-Benz has been involved in the professional sport of golf since the 1980’s. From 1990, it also took over as title sponsor of the Mercedes German Masters, the first professional golf tournament in Germany featuring international participation. In addition, the premium brand from Stuttgart was also title sponsor of the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Cologne from 2007 to 2009 and Hawaii from 1999 to 2009.

Since 2008, Mercedes-Benz has been the exclusive automobile partner of another of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, The Masters in Augusta. Thanks to the connection which has existed with the PGA of America since 2010, the brand with the star is also represented at the PGA Championship and the Senior PGA Championship, as well as the 2012 Ryder Cup. This year Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to golf will increase with the addition of the partnership with The Open Championship. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz also supports a variety of both professional and amateur tournaments around the world at national level.

In amateur golf, Mercedes-Benz is represented with the MercedesTrophy, the company’s own global premium tournament series for amateurs, which in 2011 is taking place for the 22nd time. More than 58,000 players, in more than 43 countries, tee off each year in the MercedesTrophy. The aim of the participants is to reach the MercedesTrophy World Final at the end of September, at which the best individual players and the best team are honoured in Stuttgart, the “birthplace of the motor car”, and at the same time receive an exclusive insight into the world of Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz co-sponsored The Art of Elysium’s Fourth Annual Black Tie charity gala titled “Heaven” on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the California Science Center’s Annenberg Building. The night before the Golden Globes, the Charity’s largest fundraiser brings together Hollywood’s most influential and creative talent for an evening of celebration and inspiration.

“We have a great appreciation for the work being conducted by The Art of Elysium and the dedication of its staff and supporters,” said Lisa Holladay, Brand Experience Marketing with Mercedes-Benz USA “Our involvement aims to enrich the evening for everyone and make it a successful event that allows The Art of Elysium to continue its mission in helping children in need.”

As the automotive sponsor, Mercedes-Benz provided S400 Hybrids for VIP transportation and BlueTEC clean diesel transport for children attending the gala, who were inspired by the Art of Elysium during their time in a hospital.

The S400 HYBRID features the world’s first lithium-ion battery in a production vehicle. The 275-hp V6 gasoline engine provides impressive fuel economy with an estimated 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Celebrities such as Rachel Bilson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Eva Mendes, Julia Stiles, Matthew Rhys, Kirsten Dunst, Eva Mendes, Kelly Osbourne, Nicole Richie, Cameron Silver, Brittany Snow, Elijah Wood were transported in S400 Hybrids and other Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

As The Art of Elysium and the broad range of musicians, actors, photographers and numerous artists dedicate their time to inspire, Mercedes-Benz aimed to create an inspirational vehicle display for event guests entering the gala with the ultimate example of Mercedes-Benz heritage and innovation — a vintage 1956 300SL gullwing next to a 2011 SLS AMG gullwing.

In 2011, Mercedes-Benz celebrates 125 years of the automobile and its future. It was Carl Benz’s patent of the automobile that occurred around the same time as the invention of motion pictures. No one knew the impact that these inventions would have on society, but now more than a century later, Hollywood and Mercedes-Benz are synonymous with glamour and luxury. Both share a rich and inspirational history together – in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

The automotive brand Maybach is supporting a major exhibition being held by the Fondation Maeght between 27 June and 31 October 2010 at the foundation’s headquarters in Saint Paul de Vence near Nice, France, where more than 170 works of art by Alberto Giacometti, one of the most important sculptors and artists of the 20th century will be on display. This event sees the Stuttgart-based luxury car manufacturer enhancing its involvement with contemporary art.

The current Giacometti exhibition being put on by the Fondation Maeght – which was founded by husband and wife Marguerite and Aimé Maeght in 1964 – is yet another highlight in Maybach’s support for the art world, which stretches back for years. The Fondation Maeght is one of the most important private collections in the world. More than12.000 works attract over 200.000 visitors from all over the globe to the South of France every single year. Alongside the Kunsthaus Zurich and the Fondation Beyeler in Basel, the foundation owns one of the most comprehensive collections of works by the Swiss artist Giacometti. “We are delighted to be able to support such an important exhibition”, comments Patrick Marinoff, Global Brand Manager Maybach. “Maybach and the Fondation Maeght both stand for exclusivity, fascination and the very highest calibre.”

Involvement with art has three focal points

For a number of years now Maybach has been helping top international artists and supporting renowned institutions on the art scene. This involvement began in 2005 when the brand cooperated with the artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude when they staged their spectacular project “The Gates” in New York’s Central Park. Following further partnerships the luxury brand presented the Maybach Art Cars – designed by Tim Berresheim – in August 2009. The same year saw the brand’s sensational collaboration with David LaChapelle, one of the most famous photographers in the world. His photographs were titled “Exposure of Luxury” and “Berlin Stories” and represented the artistic showcasing of the Maybach Zeppelin limited edition special model and its historic forebear dating back to the 1930s. They celebrated their world premiere at Art Basel Miami Beach in December 2009.

As well as working together with individual artists, support for institutions with an international profile forms another main point of focus in Maybach’s involvement with art. It includes a partnership with the Fondation Beyeler as well as the current collaboration with the Fondation Maeght. And for the third year running Maybach will also be present at the St. Moritz Art Masters – taking place between 27 August and 5 September.

A major part of the brand’s activities in this sphere involves combining art with work for good causes. As announced at last year’s Art Basel Miami Beach, for example, David LaChapelle will introduce the world to a young artist set to be mentored by him together with the Wilhelm & Karl Maybach Foundation – very much in keeping with the principles of this foundation, which brings together young, up-and-coming artists and well-known mentors. Both will be present in St. Moritz from 27 to 29 August, where they will be presenting their joint mentoring project.

Through its involvement in art, Maybach is paving new ways for its customers to encounter art, artists and renowned art fairs, the brand itself and its saloons – very much in the spirit of Wilhelm Maybach when he created his legendary car: luxurious and fascinating – and ahead of its time.

On Tuesday, June 1, Nico Rosberg visited the German national football team who are preparing for the 2010 FIFA World Cup at their training camp in Eppan, South Tyrol.

A keen football player and supporter, Nico met the team’s manager Joachim Löw and had a kick-about on the training pitch with captain Philipp Lahm, Lukas Podolski and Peer Mertesacker. He also met Wolfgang Hochfellner, the man who drives the team around in their Mercedes-Benz coach. The side panels of the team bus advertise the German team’s 4. Stern für Deutschland (Fourth Star for Germany) campaign.

The partnership between the DFB (German Football Association) and Mercedes-Benz began in 1972 and the World Cup campaign organised by Mercedes-Benz offers all fans of the national team two ways of showing their support: firstly by wearing the official badge and secondly by registering on the campaign website at www.der-vierte-stern-fuer-deutschland.de

Mercedes-Benz today announced a multi platform global marketing partnership with the 16-time Grand Slam Champion and world’s number one tennis player, Roger Federer.  The multi year deal will cover the use of his image, personal appearances and product placement in a partnership that makes Roger Federer the latest Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador.

The agreement coincides with the start of the Mercedes-Benz sponsorship of the US Tennis Open Championship, beginning in August. Since the beginning of 2008, Federer has served as an ambassador for Mercedes-Benz China.  Mercedes-Benz has used tennis as a marketing platform for more than 15 years and this partnership looks to extend the brands visibility throughout the sport.

“I am delighted that we are adding Roger Federer to the Mercedes-Benz family of sports and celebrity ambassadors on a global level. When it comes to tennis, he is without doubt one of the greatest of all time and he truly has become a global icon..,” said Stephen Cannon, Vice President Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.”  We are looking forward to working with Roger on a number of initiatives. Much like our own brand, Roger has an impressive and unrivalled history but the best is still yet to come,” he added.

MERCEDES GP PETRONAS and STL Communications Limited are pleased to confirm an extension to their team partnership agreement which has seen the communications company work with the Brackley based Formula One team since its establishment in 1998.

STL supports voice and data communications services including an Avaya Aura telephone system at the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS headquarters and on location at Grand Prix circuits around the world. The team uses STL GreenMinutes service, the environmentally sustainable lines and calls system that helps organisations work smarter and greener.

Nick Fry, Chief Executive Officer of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS, commented: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with STL who have worked for the team for a considerable period of time. This experience and knowledge enables STL to understand our business intimately and achieve the tight deadlines that Formula One requires. We look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with them over the course of the 2010 season.”

Brendon Cross, Managing Director of STL Communications Limited commented: “We have supplied communication solutions to the team for over a decade now and are delighted to be continuing our relationship with MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. As the team’s supplier of voice and data communications, STL has a thorough understanding of the requirements needed to support a successful Formula One team at race venues across the world from the factory in Brackley. The continuing collaboration between STL and MERCEDES GP PETRONAS demonstrates an important synergy between two organisations who share the drive for success through technology, innovation and team work.”

The James Beard Foundation and Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) embarked on a multi-year partnership announcing Marea in New York City as the Best New Restaurant in the U.S. at the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards 2010. Described as the “Oscars” of the food world, the James Beard Foundation Awards bestows the highest honors on chefs and restaurants in America. Owned and operated by chef Michael White and restaurateur Chris Cannon, Marea displays excellence in food, beverage, and service and is expected to have a significant impact on the industry for years to come.

Sharing the same commitment to heritage and excellence makes Mercedes-Benz and the James Beard Foundation a natural fit. As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with automotive excellence with a long legacy of advancements in vehicle technology from safety to design.

Under its partnership with the James Beard Foundation, MBUSA is developing a program of activity designed to bring greater value to its customers and celebrate excellence in cooking. Scheduled activities include the offer of a Friend membership to all Mercedes-Benz owners and a $75 James Beard House dining certificate, as well as special promotional offers, such as a 15 percent discount at the James Beard House in New York City during the month of May.

“We’re very pleased to support the James Beard Foundation in recognizing the top chefs and restaurants in the country,” said Stephen Cannon, vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. “For well over a century, the Mercedes-Benz brand has brought forward the best of the best in pursuit of delivering to our customers the epitome of the ownership experience. That commitment is mirrored in the dedication and effort these top chefs and restaurants strive for with their own customers.”

“For more than a century, Mercedes-Benz has represented the finest quality and taste around the world,” said Susan Ungaro, president of the James Beard Foundation. “We are proud to partner with a company that truly appreciates extraordinary American cuisine and emerging talent in the restaurant industry.”

In addition to the announcement of The Best New Restaurant, Mercedes-Benz USA will also support the James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour, a yearlong series showcasing America’s most innovative culinary talent throughout 22 cities across the US and on the James Beard Foundation’s Chef and Champagne event, an annual tasting that honors a culinary icon and features more than 30 celebrated chefs.

ABOUT THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION

Founded in 1986, the James Beard Foundation is dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and nurturing America’s culinary heritage and diversity in order to elevate the appreciation of our culinary excellence. A cookbook author and teacher with an encyclopedic knowledge about food, James Beard, who died in 1985, was a champion of American cuisine. He helped educate and mentor generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts. Today, the Beard Foundation continues in the same spirit by administering a number of diverse programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards, scholarships to culinary schools, and publications, and by maintaining the historic James Beard House in New York City’s Greenwich Village as a “performance space” for visiting chefs.

As plans solidify for runway shows at Lincoln Center for the Spring 2011 Collections this September, Mercedes-Benz USA announces the renewal of its title sponsorship for Fashion Week over the next 3 years, which includes the twice annually organized Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek in New York plus Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek SWIM in Miami, both events produced by IMG Fashion.

“The industry support and innovation being utilized to transform Lincoln Center into the new home of Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek is a testament to New York City’s premier status among the greatest fashion capitals of the world,” said Stephen Cannon, vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. “Our commitment to the event’s success will continue as we officially renew our three year agreement with IMG to remain title sponsor.”

For nearly a decade, Mercedes-Benz has supported premier fashion events that create a connection between fascinating car and fashion designs that speak to the desire for individual style. Mercedes-Benz involvement in Fashion Week dates back to 2001 and its three year commitment extends its title sponsorship through 2013.

“Mercedes-Benz commitment to the fashion industry is truly humbling,” said Peter Levy, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Fashion Worldwide. “As a long term partner of IMG Fashion globally, Mercedes-Benz has shown a tremendous amount of vision in its support of Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek as we undertake this exciting move to Lincoln Center.”

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York draws international attention and over 100,000 visitors to New York City, including approximately 3,000 members of the press and fashion industry from around the world. IMG Fashion, The City of New York and Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have long sought to identify a new home for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. With the support of Lincoln Center, the event will commence September 2010 at its new home in Damrosch Park on the Lincoln Center Campus. In addition to the new address, the event will unveil modernized production capabilities, digital services, better accessibility for attendees through both public and private transportation, and increased resources on-site and in the surrounding areas.

“As a leader and innovator in the auto industry it makes sense for Mercedes-Benz to be involved with the best events that allow us to create unique Mercedes-Benz experiences for our customers,” said Lisa Holladay, Manager Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. “The renewal of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week title sponsorship combined with the facilities at Lincoln Center provides a new platform to support the advanced needs of the fashion industry, while also providing additional opportunities to showcase the Mercedes-Benz brand.”

The 2010 German Volleyball Federation event is the highest-ranking tournament series – as a rule, whomever was at the Beach event in recent years, comes back. The event is not only for diehard volleyball fans as the event is highly addictive for anyone watching. In addition to the main event, the smart beach tour offers nine national events between mid May and Late August that are not to missed. The highlight of the tour is the Germans at the smart beach volleyball championships on Timmendorfer Beach between August 27-29, 2010.

The prelude to the popular beach-tournament series is the Frankfurt event between May 14-16. It already draws in the the second biggest crowd of the best beach volleyball players of northern Germany in the north of the country.

Then it goes on tour in Hamburg (Port City), Münster (Hindenburgplatz) Fehmarn (South Beach), Bonn (Cathedral Square), Leipzig (Augustus Square) and St. Peter Ording until the final tournament at the Timmendorfer beach. Hamburg and Münster celebrate the tournament series as both cities are well-known volleyball strongholds.

The German Volleyball Association tournament series events will run from Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon. The qualifying rounds begins Friday at noon. Up to 10 men’s and women’s teams compete in the evening for one of the coveted four main draw spots. Tthe finals start Saturday morning with the culmination of the exciting finals on Sunday afternoon.

Since 2006, smart has been the title sponsor of the Beach Volleyball Series. Each year, about 300,000 fans attend the smart beach tour tournaments. In addition, smart is the presenting partner of the Beach Volleyball European Championship, from August 11-15 which takes place in Berlin. The European Championship is peak season of the European beach volleyball, in which Europe’s 24 best women’s and men’s teams compete for a prize of 200,000 euros.

The world champion and European champion, from 2009, Julius Brink and Jonas Reckermann, as well as the German champions from 2009, Katrin Holtwick and Ilka Semmler, are also supported by smart and fan favorite for the German title.

Mercedes-Benz will be part of the proceedings when the best golfers in the world tee off at the legendary Masters tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club from April 5-11, 2010. Once again, the company will be providing vehicles for players and selected guests as the event’s international automobile partner. The Augusta National Golf Club will also provide an appropriate setting in which to showcase the SLS AMG to Mercedes-Benz’s customers and anyone with an interest in exclusive vehicles. Under the motto “The legends of Augusta” the super sports car will also be the focus of Mercedes-Benz’s communicative measures at the golf tournament in conjunction with two-times Masters winner and Mercedes Benz brand representative Bernhard Langer, and Franz Beckenbauer, football legend and another Mercedes-Benz brand representative.

“The partnership with the Masters has a special place in Mercedes-Benz’s involvement with sports,” says Dr Joachim Schmidt, head of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The Mercedes-Benz brand and the Masters tournament are both success stories with long-standing traditions. We are thus delighted to be able to present our products, with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as the absolute highlight, against the backdrop of this unique tournament. The SLS AMG, which has already attained legendary status in Mercedes-Benz’s more recent history, and the two sporting legends Bernhard Langer and Franz Beckenbauer form the central focus of an international communications campaign which underscores Mercedes-Benz’s involvement with the world of golf in the setting of the Masters tournament.

International media coverage of Mercedes-Benz’s involvement

Accompanied by photographers and a camera team, the two sports personalities met up ahead of the Masters and chatted away on a tour of the clubhouse of the Augusta National Golf Club, a walk around the world famous golf course and a trip in the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Mercedes-Benz is using the impressive footage of this notable meeting in print, TV and online media, ensuring global communication and international media coverage of its involvement in the Masters.

A film showing how the two legends, Bernhard Langer and Franz Beckenbauer, met up is available for viewing ahead of the tournament of the world’s best golfers in Augusta, on Mercedes-Benz TV (www.mercedes-benz.tv/masters). There is also a “making of” film documenting the meeting between Bernhard Langer and Franz Beckenbauer and the production of the TV spot.

At the invitation of Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is also offering selected customers a unique opportunity to join the spectators at the tournament. The sporting highlights will be accompanied by an attractive programme of supporting events. One highlight here will be an exclusive meet & greet event at which two-times Masters champion Bernhard Langer will be on hand to answer questions from the Mercedes-Benz guests.

Mercedes-Benz USA announces its new title sponsorship of the Miami Beach Polo World Cup for the AMG brand. The AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup, the official branded event property, is the world’s largest polo tournament to take place on a beach. In its sixth consecutive season, the separate men’s and women’s polo events take place on Miami Beach between 20th and 22nd streets behind The Setai Hotel from April 22nd to April 25th.

The new title sponsorship builds on AMG’s global polo presence and enables the brand to engage with current and prospective AMG owners in a unique environment in South Florida, one of the top U.S. markets for AMG vehicles. AMG is title sponsor of both the AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup and the AMG South Beach Women’s Polo Cup.

“Quite possibly the world’s oldest team sport, polo shares many attributes with AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance division that develops and manufactures new, exclusive Mercedes-AMG vehicles with its own unique team approach. The natural connection between AMG and polo has brought the AMG brand to polo tournaments in St. Moritz, Switzerland, a frozen lake in the Alps, the Island of Sylt, Germany and to the largest polo tournament in the world in Palermo, Argentina,” said Greg Clark, Manager Exclusive Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz USA. “We are excited to expand this tradition with our new title sponsorship of the AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup.”

In addition to supporting the AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup, Mercedes-AMG is the proud sponsor of the AMG men’s and women’s polo teams which compete in this year’s tournament. The AMG men’s team is led by Michael Liss and teammates Nacho Figueras and Pelon Escopite.

The AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup event also serves as a backdrop for the SLS AMG preview, where guests can see the newest Mercedes-AMG supercar in-person before it reaches Mercedes-Benz dealerships in early May. The 2011 SLS AMG is one of the most eagerly anticipated vehicles of the 21st century and is the first designed entirely by AMG. The limited
production vehicle features gullwing doors; an AMG 6.3-liter, front-mid V8 engine with a maximum power of 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.

The SLS AMG engine is built on the overall AMG principle of “one man, one engine,” where every single engine is handcrafted from start to finish by a single Master Mechanic at AMG’s headquarters in Alfalterbach, Germany. Along with the breathtaking doors, the SLS’s wide grille complete with a large Mercedes star and the wing-like crossbar draw inspiration from the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. The sculptured front with its low, v-shaped front skirt and lateral indentations gives the SLS a powerful stance on the road. The SLS AMG serves as the safety car for the 2010 Formula One season.

Alongside the thoroughbred horses at the AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup, Mercedes-AMG is displaying a stable of its own high performance vehicles, including the 2010 E63, C63 and SL63 AMG. Event attendees interested in experiencing the power and performance of an AMG vehicle can test drive an E63, C63 and SL63 at the AMG Drive Tour tent located in the parking
area adjacent to The Setai Hotel and one of the event entrances.

About Mercedes-AMG

Mercedes-AMG is the high-performance subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz Car Group and is headquartered in Affalterbach, Germany. AMG engineers lend the benefit of more than 40 years racing experience to the development of new Mercedes-AMG vehicles. Transmissions, brakes, aerodynamics, exhaust systems and, most importantly, the hand-crafted engine built and signed by one of only fifty AMG Master Mechanics reflect AMG’s holistic approach to performance.

By blending AMG genes with Mercedes DNA, AMG has delivered thrilling performance and exclusive refinement to discerning customers since the brand’s introduction to the U.S. in 1995. Since then, U.S. sales of AMG vehicles have grown to account for as much as 40% of worldwide Mercedes-AMG sales. While all Mercedes-Benz authorized dealers offer AMG products, 26
dealerships across the U.S. have attained ‘AMG Performance Center’ status where more personalized expert service for these high-performance vehicles is offered. www.mercedes-amg.com

AMG offers the track-based AMG Driving Academy program both in the United States and European markets. Under the guidance of top professional instructors, the AMG Driving Academy offers driving enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the excitement of motorsports and the track capabilities of AMG vehicles. www.amgacademy.com

Mercedes-Benz USA announced today that they have become an official patron of the PGA of America – a collaboration that will last through 2013. Under the venture, MBUSA will serve as The Official Vehicle of The PGA of America, the Official Patron and Official Vehicle of the PGA Championship and Senior PGA Championship, and a Proud Supporter of the 2010 and 2012 Ryder Cup.

According to Ernst Lieb, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA: “The PGA of America continues to make golf accessible to a wider audience and we see an opportunity to support and benefit from the game’s future growth. The three-pointed star has a long-standing history with golf and this new partnership strengthens our existing ties with the game while also extending our presence within one of the world’s largest sports organizations.”

In addition to the aforementioned titles, part of Mercedes-Benz USA’s duties include providing vehicles at the PGA Championships, Senior PGA Championship and the 2012 Ryder Cup. Furthermore, the company will be involved in a number of additional sponsorship activities, including being a Presenting Sponsor of the PGA Professional National Championship and Senior PGA Professional National Championship; the PGA Play Golf America Days Fan Experience at the Senior PGA Championship, PGA Championship and 2012 Ryder Cup; and the Loyalty Lots at the Senior PGA Championships, PGA Championships and the 2012 Ryder Cup.

For more info detailing Mercedes-Benz USA’s partnership with the PGA of America, you can find the full details in the official press release below.