Mercedes-Benz USA Expands AMG Driving Academy
Purchasing or leasing a new Mercedes-AMG vehicle just got racier with the addition of a complimentary AMG Driving Academy session for owners to personally experience the excitement of motorsports and the track capabilities of Mercedes-AMG high-performance luxury vehicles.
The new owner benefit for customers purchasing or leasing a new AMG vehicle in the U.S. as of December 31, 2010, encompasses an intense one-day track program that focuses on performance driving dynamics. Under the guidance of top professional instructors, the AMG Driving Academy teaches the fundamentals of car control maneuvers using customized exercises, and progresses to a set of high-speed exercises that make use of the entire track.
The announcement from Mercedes-Benz USA coindices with the world debut of the all new 2012 CLS63 AMG, and the addition of Lime Rock Park as a third track venue for the new season of the AMG Driving Academy, which already includes Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca Raceway.
"We want Mercedes-AMG customers to experience the true capabilities of these AMG high-performance vehicles beyond the thrill they get from driving one every single day," said Stephen Cannon, Vice-President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. "The AMG Driving Academy provides our customers with the perfect environment for honing their driving skills and plenty of track time to appreciate AMG vehicles at an entirely new level."
Since its U.S. debut in 2009, more than six-hundred driving enthusiasts have participated annually in the AMG Driving Academy and have taken advantage of the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a fleet of AMG vehciles including the E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and most recently the 563 hp SLS AMG.
The complimentary AMG Driving Academy owner benefit applies only to the Basic program, is non-transferable, and is valid for one year after the purchaser takes ownership of a new AMG vehicle as of January 1, 2011. All AMG vehicles used throughout the program are provided by the AMG Driving Academy.
The AMG Driving Academy is also continuing to offer its fee-based instructional driving sessions - Basic, Advanced and Pro Levels. Beyond adding Lime Rock Park for the new 2011 schedule, AMG Driving Academy is adding Pro level sessions at Laguna Seca Raceway to the schedule, which was previously only offered at Road Atlanta. Pricing for the AMG Driving Academy is also changing and now starts at $1,595 for the Basic session, a reduction of $200 from 2010 pricing. The Advanced (two-day session) is priced at $2,995, a reduction of $500 from 2010 pricing. The Pro (three-day session) is priced at $3,695, a reduction of $300 from 2010 pricing. The AMG Driving Academy expansion can also accomadate groups and is able to customize programs and pricing for corporate outings.
A description of the Academy program including levels and preliminary schedules can be found at The AMG Driving Academy web site www.amgacademy.com.
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
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, 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 the SLS AMG supercar.
MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.
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