Mercedes-Benz offers a vast array of customization options through its
exclusive designo program

TORONTO, June 28 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada today announced new enhancements for the company's special designo program, including fascinating new packages and industry-exclusive offerings that provide customers with the unique opportunity to individualize their new Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

Designed to offer the ultimate in luxury and sophistication, the designo program from Mercedes-Benz combines exclusive paint finishes, hand-stitched leather appointments and exotic trim elements in fine wood, glossy, deep black piano lacquer and natural stone to allow customers the flexibility to design and specify a new Mercedes-Benz vehicle tailored to their exact personal preferences.

For the 2011 model year, Mercedes-Benz is pleased to announce that a full complement of designo options can be selected for the entire new E-Class family, which now includes the Coupe, Sedan, Cabriolet and Wagon. Currently available on the E-Class, S-Class, CL-Class, SL-Class, SLS AMG, M-Class and G-Class, the designo program offers a broad array of custom upholsteries, exotic trims and distinctive paint options for each model line.

Several new, carefully selected paint and trim options have recently been added to the already broad range of exquisite materials available through the designo program. Additional exterior paint colours include Allanite Grey, Cashmere White, and Platinum. Inside, a host of new, supple leather options including Platinum White, Light Brown, Jet Black and Deep White create a sensuous ambience, and in perfect complement, a new selection of rich trim elements include Curly Maple, Tamo, Olive, and Bamboo. To further highlight the potential for individualization, Mercedes-Benz is the only manufacturer to offer the patented and industry exclusive designo Labrador Blue and Star Galaxy stone trims on certain models.

Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to exclusively offer matte paint on production vehicles. In addition to offering an elegant and durable alternative to traditional high-gloss paint finishes, the optional designo MAGNO paint offers many additional benefits including a reduced susceptibility to minor scratches due to the light reflection properties of the matte finish, and it also hides minor dirt and dust better than traditional finishes. designo MAGNO paint is currently available on most Mercedes-Benz passenger cars as part of the designo program, or by special order.

"Owning a Mercedes-Benz vehicle is an extension of personal style. The designo program empowers customers to select from a myriad of exclusive trims, distinctive colours and top quality materials to design a vehicle that reflects their own discerning tastes and individual preferences," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "The elegant and graceful lines of our sedans, the aggressive styling of our coupes and cabriolet models and the ergonomic and luxurious interiors for all our vehicles provide an ideal starting point for customers to build their own, bespoke masterpiece. The designo program is yet another example of how Mercedes-Benz is endeavouring to offer our valued customers an unmatched ownership experience."

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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For further information: JoAnne Caza, 416-847-7550, [email protected]; Michael Minielly, 416-847-7509, [email protected]; Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca