The PGA Championship at Kiawah Island Sets Stage for Mercedes-Benz

The 94th PGA Championship from August 9-12, 2012 is the final major event of the season taking place at Kiawah Island Golf Resort's Ocean Course, one of the toughest courses in the world, creating a prominent backdrop for the newest Mercedes-Benz vehicles especially the 2013 GL-Class seven passenger SUV.

According to Tour pros, few courses in the world are affected as much by the wind then the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island so while Mercedes-Benz is showcasing several new vehicles at the tournament like the new SL550 Roadster , it's the all-new 2013 GL-Class and one of its new features Crosswind Stabilization, which is best suited for the course.  Kiawah Island's The Ocean Course located on the eastern-most end has more seaside holes than any other course in the Northern Hemisphere -- 10 along the Atlantic with the other eight running parallel to those.  In fact, from one round to the next, a player can experience up to an 8-club difference on holes depending upon the direction and strength of the wind. 

Drivers of the new GL-Class need not fear gusts of crosswind as the driving dynamics control systems compensate for these meteorological assaults and keep the vehicle firmly on course.  Depending on the direction and intensity of the crosswind, the control systems apply corresponding brake pressure to the wheels and compensate to substantially mitigate the wind's effects on the vehicle.  The intervention maneuver is handled by ADAPTIVE BRAKE system which identifies a necessity to intervene under specific scenarios by assisting the driver through brake application on the front and rear wheel on the upwind side. This intervention results in a steering effect that reduces the impact of the crosswind. The system filters minor crosswinds and only becomes active at a certain threshold.

The GL-Class also includes 4MATIC permanent four-wheel drive system, Downhill Speed Regulation DSR and a special program for off-road driving. The ON & OFFROAD package of the new GL-Class has six driving programs to greatly improve vehicle dynamics and safety under a wide degree of driving conditions.

As a Patron sponsor and Official Vehicle of The PGA of America, Mercedes-Benz is offering a number of fan experiences for golf and auto enthusiasts.  From August 6-8, 2012, the Mercedes-Benz Performance Center powered by The PGA will touch down at Baker Motor Company jump starting the pre-tournament excitement by providing putt and swing analysis modules to help golfers improve their game. 

At the center of the main spectator entrance, the Official PGA Performance Center presented by Mercedes-Benz will provide fans with close-up looks at new vehicles including the Concept Style Coupe, interactive driving experiences, and putting analysis utilizing GolfTEC video and biomechanical technology with expertise from The PGA of America teaching professionals.  Global Brand Ambassador, Adam Scott, will meet and greet fans at the Performance Center on August 7, 2012 from 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.  Fans visiting the Performance Center can create a digital photo flipbook capturing their experiences at the tournament that can be shared online with friends.

In addition to the Performance Center presented by Mercedes-Benz, an exclusive benefit to Mercedes-Benz owners is the luxury of a dedicated parking area and shuttle service to and from the course.

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, and smart products in the U.S.  More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.  For full bios and photos visit the MBUSA Media Site, www.media.mbusa.com.