Mercedes-Benz launches national Sprinter on Tour program

TORONTO, Sept. 10 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada is pleased to announce the official start of the Sprinter on Tour program. This informative and practical series of driving events is one of the first such programs in the country to recognize the unique requirements and business critical demands exclusive to the light-duty commercial vehicle sector. Specifically designed to promote safe driving and improved fuel economy, the national tour also demonstrates the many advanced systems and key elements that have allowed the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to set benchmarks with respect to technology, safety, fuel efficiency and overall performance in its segment.

Like all Mercedes-Benz products, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers exceptional levels of active and passive safety. It is also the recognized class leader in numerous categories including: cargo capacity, fuel efficiency, interior compartment accessibility (side and rear door opening areas), maintenance intervals, payload, interior standing height and turning circle.

Beginning in Halifax on Monday, September 13th, and scheduled to visit nine cities coast-to-coast, the Sprinter on Tour course will allow participants the opportunity to experience first-hand the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's myriad of best-in-class attributes in a safe, controlled environment with expert coaching from instructors from the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy.

The full-day program has been divided in to four different modules, and each includes a variety of hands-on driving exercises that cover important topics including advanced safety and avoidance procedures, fuel efficiency and tips to improve the already impressive fuel economy offered by the BlueTEC cleanest diesel engine, as well as cargo management and safe vehicle loading techniques. Program participants will benefit significantly from actual live demonstrations that will allow them to clearly understand the effectiveness of the Sprinter's standard safety systems including the sophisticated Adaptive Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which is fully integrated with the anti-lock braking system (ABS), acceleration skid control (ASR), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), hydraulic Brake Assist (BAS) and ESP Trailer Stability Assist.

A challenging, final program module will allow students the opportunity to put all the techniques they've learned throughout the day to the test. In total, 18 sessions are currently scheduled across the country. More information regarding specific sessions can be found through a local Mercedes-Benz dealer. Below is a complete list of locations and dates for the cross-Canada tour:

Halifax:	September 13
Quebec:	September 16 and 17
Montreal:	September 20, 21 and 22
Ottawa:	September 24
Toronto:	September 27, 28, 29 and 30
Winnipeg:	October 6
Edmonton:	October 13
Calgary:	October 15 and 16
Vancouver:	October 19, 20 and 21

"The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the undisputed leader that sets the standard in the light-duty commercial segment," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "As Sprinter sales continued to grow steadily across Canada, we felt it was important to offer an informative program for existing and potential Sprinter customers that addressed their specific needs and particular vehicle requirements in to account. At the end of this program, participants will have an intimate understanding of the superior capabilities of Sprinter, empowering them to maximize the return on their investment. We will also demonstrate how this versatile vehicle can safely and comfortably suit any business or recreational need better than any other vehicle on the market."

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.

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca

For further information:

JoAnne Caza  416-847-7550 [email protected]

Michael Minielly 416-847-7509 [email protected]