Mercedes-Benz To Debut New 'PGA Performance Center'
In conjunction with its inaugural year as an Official Patron of The PGA of America, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) will debut its PGA Performance Center, a state-of-the-art facility displaying the defining moments in the evolution of golf in comparison with the innovations that have led up to the most technologically advanced vehicle in its segment - the all-new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The debut will take place at the 91st PGA Championship contested at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, August 10-16.
The PGA Performance Center is designed to engage guests in the history and tradition of the game of golf and the lineage of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class within an open and modern space. Through a striking series of displays, graphics and videos, visitors to the PGA Performance Center will experience a visual timeline spanning more than half a century, highlighting eight generations of the E-Class and memorable moments within the game of golf. The all-new 2010 E-Class coupe, sedan and E63 AMG will be on exhibit, as well as the classic 1979 240 D.
“Skill, precision and drive - all reasons why Mercedes-Benz and the game of golf are a natural fit,” stated Lisa Holladay, manager of brand experience marketing, MBUSA. “Both Mercedes-Benz and The PGA of America have a rich heritage and are at the forefront of innovation to deliver a unique experience at the PGA Championship.”
Guests entering the display will find a 50-foot graphic illustrating the history of the iconic E-Class body design – from the Ponton and Fintail from the 1950s - juxtaposed to a series of 32” monitors highlighting Mercedes-Benz fuel and safety innovations such as its Blue Efficiency technology (fuel consumption and emissions reduction), Attention Assist (advanced drowsiness detection system) and Adaptive High-Beam Assist (advanced oncoming traffic recognition system). State-of-the-art materials, which are used in 72 percent of all manufactured body parts, are also on display to highlight Mercedes-Benz history and leadership in developing safety design for the greater good of drivers, ranging from the “safety cage” passenger cell and front-and-rear crumple zones to antilock brakes and automotive air bags.
In parallel, enthusiasts can inspect a series of golf balls dating from the 1600’s to current, including the first golf ball, a featherie from 1618. Latest advancements in ball and club technology will be presented by Nike Golf to show the future and vision of advanced materials.
Mercedes-Benz is a proud Official Patron of the 2009 PGA Championship, one of the premiere sporting events in the world. The tournament will be played at the acclaimed course designed by Robert Trent Jones where more than 200,000 spectators are expected to line the fairways to view the strongest, all-professional field in major championship golf. As an Official Patron, Mercedes-Benz serves as the Official Vehicle of The PGA of America, The PGA Championship and Senior PGA Championship, as well as a Proud Supporter of the 2010 and 2012 Ryder Cup.
The Center will be located just inside the main spectator entrance, and will be open to the public throughout the Championship.
About the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Starting at $48, 600, the new ninth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class once again sets the standard for safety, comfort and advanced technology in its segment. The E-Class line-up, featuring the E350 and E550 coupes and sedans went on sale in June.
Vehicle Highlights
• Standard Attention Assist -- advanced drowsiness detection system monitors more than 70 different parameters to alert drivers with visual and audible warnings.
• Standard Pre-Safe -- unifies disparate safety elements, from adjusting the front-passenger seat positioning to closing the sunroof, helping to secure the cabin for a collision.
• Standard Brake Assist -- provides additional braking force in emergency situations to help reduce stopping distances.
• Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe Brake -- sophisticated collision mitigation system provides up to 100% autonomous braking to help reduce rear-end collisions.
• Parktronic with Parking Guidance -- uses sensors in the front and rear bumpers to gauge distances in parking situations, enabling the driver to perform the correct maneuvers to park quickly and safely.
• Adaptive High Beam Assist -- uses a camera mounted in the windshield to recognize oncoming traffic and adjusts the headlamps to reduce the dazzling effect on other vehicles. This technology allows headlamp range to be increased to up to 984 feet.
• Most Tested Mercedes-Benz ever -- tests conducted with hundreds of test cars covering up to 6 million miles and 150 crash tests, more than any vehicle in our history.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and CL coupes. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.
News Media Contact: Sabrina Glavan 201-573-4734
Toll-Free: 1-888-MBNEWS-1
