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Mercedes-Benz 'designo' Program Will Market Custom Editions

11 February 1999

Mercedes-Benz 'designo' ('dee-zin-yo') Program Will Market Custom Editions 10 Special Editions Planned for Model Year 2000

    CHICAGO, Feb. 10 -- Mercedes-Benz of North America (MBNA),
Inc. today unveiled 10 special edition cars, which will become available in
limited numbers this summer and fall for model year 2000.  The 10 vehicles are
the first editions of a new factory program called "designo" ("dee-zin-yo"),
which offers a new level of exclusivity and differentiation within the
Mercedes-Benz line.  The "designo" Editions are expected to appeal to buyers
looking for a high dose of fashion, but without sacrificing the function and
core attributes of safety and performance that Mercedes-Benz automobiles
offer.
    Each "designo" Edition was created using a custom color palette of paints,
rich interior leather and trim items, and each is named for its exterior
color.  The "designo" line will debut in the summer with the "Espresso" and
"Silver" Editions of the all-new S-Class.
    In the fall, the S-Class "designo" Editions will be joined by two
"designo" Editions in each the CLK, E, SL and SLK model classes.  Most models
within those classes can be ordered as a "designo" Edition.  In the E-Class,
the exceptions are the 4MATIC models.  Pricing for the "designo" Editions will
be announced closer to retail availability.  The "designo" Editions will be
truly limited, from about 250-500 of each annually.
    "We consider the "designo" Editions as 'Automotive Art for
individualists,'" says Joe Eberhardt, vice president of marketing for
Mercedes-Benz of North America.  "The 'designo' Editions are aimed at buyers
who wear a special suit or dress to a party, and don't enjoy seeing that
someone else is wearing the same thing."

    The "designo" Editions are as follows:
    --  CLK Coupes and Cabriolet: available in "designo" Espresso and Slate
        Blue Editions
    --  SLK roadster: available in the "designo" Electric Green and Copper
        Editions.
    --  E-Class: available in "designo" Silver and Espresso Editions
    --  SL:  available in "designo" Black Diamond and Slate Blue Editions
    --  S-Class: available in "designo" Espresso and Silver Editions