Beijing, February 23, 2009 - Mercedes-Benz garnered a record number of awards in a top automotive publication this week.

The Chinese bureau of auto motor und sport - Germany's leading automotive magazine - recently announced that Mercedes-Benz earned six awards in its annual "Best Cars" award edition, including: "Best Luxury Saloon" for the S-Class, "Best MPV" for the grand luxury tourer R-Class, "Best Mid-Sized Car" and "Best Locally Produced Mid-Sized Car" for the new generation C-Class, "Best Convertible" for the new SL-Class and the "Best Brand Marketing" award for effective brand communication achievements. With a total of six awards, Mercedes-Benz became the first automaker in history to receive the most mentions in auto motor und sport's "Best Cars" award selection.

"We are very grateful to be the recipient of these prestigious awards given by one of the world's most authoritative auto media. I am extremely proud of the entire Mercedes-Benz team and the dedication that the team members have all put together to grant us this very successful year," said Mr. Klaus Maier, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. "These awards give us the confidence and encouragement to work toward this success for years to come."

"Whether a sedan, a convertible or a luxury tourer, there is an unmistakable thrill about driving a Mercedes-Benz," said Ulrich Walker, Chairman and CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia. "We are grateful that auto motor und sport as well as our Chinese customers share the passion we have for Mercedes-Benz. This prestigious recognition further motivates us to continue to design and produce fascinating vehicles which make your heart beat faster, and to continue to bring our newest vehicles to China as soon as possible."

As Mercedes-Benz's flagship model, the S-Class has once again become the champion in the top-luxury segment as it surpassed all players to earn the "Best Luxury Saloon" award. The grand luxury tourer R-Class, which continues to witness remarkable sales growth in the China market, has taken the lead in the segment, beating out competitors by a large 25% margin and winning the "Best MPV" honors.

In the mid-luxury segment, the excellent performance of the new generation C-Class has also been acclaimed as it represents the only model in the same category to receive two prize titles. Since its successful launch in early 2008, the locally-built Mercedes-Benz C-class by BBDC, Daimler's joint venture with its long-term Chinese partner - BAIC, has been extremely well accepted by the Chinese consumers, especially young elites. Amid its numerous competitors, proudly worth noting is the fact that since its availability, Mercedes-Benz C-class has been dominating a large market share and maintaining a steady growth in the mainland market. With this success, the two parties are further dedicated to offering the Chinese customers with the newest, state-of-the-art quality products, and making BBDC well-positioned for further growth, profitability and scale in the booming yet competitive local Chinese market.

Equally impressive is Mercedes-Benz new SL-Class as it superseded even the most aggressive of competitors to earn yet another prestigious title of "Best Convertible" from the magazine. The publication also handed the "Best Brand Marketing" award to Mercedes-Benz, in which the automaker's excellence in the delivery of its brand communication for its star-quality products and services surpassed others in 13 different criteria.

In addition to the awards given out by auto motor und sport, Mercedes-Benz achieved over 30 honors in China last year, which not only recognized the range of product line of the brand, but its Corporate Social Responsibility's contributions as well as the exceptional leadership management team behind the success of the three-pointed star brand in China.

The auto motor und sport BEST CARS award is regarded as one of the most authoritative honors in the automobile industry. Originated from Germany in 1976, the award selection was extended to the China market in 2001. The nominees for the awards are selected by readers of the magazine worldwide, whose votes are submitted to the publication's headquarters in Germany for strict evaluation and final winner selection.