Mercedes-Benz Canada to offer national Winter Driving Academy in 2011

TORONTO, Dec. 13 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada today announced that it has further enhanced its highly successful national Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy for 2011 by adding all-new, full-day Winter Driving Academy sessions that will begin in early January. In addition, the company is also pleased to add new cities and several dates to the already extensive pan-Canadian course roster planned for next year.

Operating in cities from coast-to-coast, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy offers three different and informative courses throughout the year, including a half-day Driving Experience course, a full-day on track Mastering Performance course, and the new Mercedes-Benz Winter Driving Academy. Expert instruction and immediate feedback is provided by some of the most qualified and experienced facilitators, trainers and advanced driving instructors in the industry. The range of 12 cars is carefully selected to offer the chance to experience a broad range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including some AMG models for each program and the inclusion of a smart fortwo in the Winter Driving Academy fleet.

Through a series of driving exercises, real life situations and emergency maneuvers, the team of knowledgeable instructors works closely with a maximum of 12 participants in a safe, controlled environment. With no car sharing in any program, each attendee is guaranteed maximum time behind the wheel while they perform complex drills and learn advanced techniques that will sharpen their driving skills. 

The all-new Winter Driving Academy has been specifically designed for anyone who drives in winter conditions. Through a full-day program, each participant will experience proper steering, vision, and vehicle control as it applies to winter driving and master techniques to shorten stopping distances on slippery roads, maintain traction through a variety of adverse conditions, and also better understand the proper use of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP^®), two safety features pioneered and first introduced by Mercedes-Benz.

"The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy's proven formula of small group sizes, expert instruction and no car sharing has helped many participants hone their driving skills while experiencing the exhilarating performance, driving control and unmatched handling competence of a Mercedes-Benz," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "I am extremely pleased to bolster our course offerings next year with the addition of an all-new Winter Driving Academy. Extensive research and technological breakthroughs have allowed Mercedes-Benz to offer some of most innovative safety and driver assistance systems in the industry. When these trailblazing technologies are combined with the invaluable experience gained through advanced driver training, our customers will be equipped with the tools and confidence necessary to safely and effectively negotiate the myriad of hazards and demanding circumstances they will encounter on today's congested roads."

For more information about the Mercedes-Benz Academy, and a complete listing of upcoming dates, visit www.mercedes-benz.ca/drivingacademy or call 1-866-577-6232.

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the four brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, and Maybach.  Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,250 people in 19 locations across Canada.  Through a nationwide network of 14 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 39 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 26,942 vehicles in 2009, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

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