Mercedes-Benz USA has a new CEO this year and he just joined Twitter! If anyone can get away with telling us Mercedes-Benz secrets and inside scoops, he can! I know I’ll be following his account! His recent interview with AdAge was also very good for getting some background information on our new leader!

I had a training class this week and it was mentioned that 56% of people name their vehicles! I know The Duchess is a lovely silver C230 and Lizzie the Wagon is an E350 station wagon but those were the only two of my clients I could come up with that had named their cars.

Since Mercedes-Benz was originally named after the lovely Mercedes Jellinek it seems fitting that they all get personal names!

So, does your Mercedes have a name? Send me an e-mail and picture and I’ll collect them into a gallery!

jcannon-wallace@atlantaclassiccars.com

Our Toys for Tots donation was picked up yesterday. It was another successful year of filling our E-Class cabriolet “sled” to the brim with gifts!

If you are not already on the way, head out now! Our Concours is in full swing. There are lots of stunning classic Mercedes-Benz, some rare exotics and all of the latest and greatest 2012 models.

Come say hello!

We now have more than 70 cars registered for our Concours d’Elegance this weekend are and expecting quite a crowd of spectators! We still have room for more vehicles if you have been thinking about showing your car. You can pre-register or just sign-up on Saturday morning from 8:30-10am.

See you there!

Jois us as we celebrate 125 years of automotive innovation with an exciting display of historic to current Mercedes-Benz models, foreign and domestic classics, exotic cars, motorcycles and more! Enjoy a day of fun, live entertainment, giveaways, and technical vehicle displays. Our celebration will also include a special unveiling of original artwork by Atlanta artist, Mark Boomershine.  

On a personal note, the proceeds from this show will go to my team for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, coming up at the end of October! Please register your vehicle or attend the event to support this great cause!

You can register online at the Atlanta Classic Cars website or in person at the dealership, or the day of the event! Let me know if you are coming!

Now is your chance! Mercedes-Benz is giving away a trip for you and 3 guests to attend the AMG Driving Academy in Laguna Seca before the end of the year! All you have to do is visit the MBUSA AMG Driving Academy Facebook Page, Like them and register to win! Make sure to share this with your Facebook friends…they can take you if they win! (and I would be happy to go again if you need a fourth!)

Enter now through September 15th. The winner wil be announced on September 21st and will receive:

• Attendance for for paticipants at the AMG Driving Academy Basic Course in Laguna Seca
• Round-Trip airfare for four from the nearest major airport
• Two nights of hotel accommodations
• Transportation from the hotel and airport
• $500 check

The fine print says you can only enter once, must be 21 years of age or older and US residents to win. Good Luck!

For great videos about what you’ll learn at the Academy, take a look at the Tommy Kendall series at the MBUSA YouTube channel!

Atlanta Classic Cars will host the Mercedes-Benz Club of America’s Defensive Driving Course at the dealership on Sunday, July 17.  This event is open to the public to participate!

The Defensive Driving portion runs from 9am-12noon; Autocross runs from 1pm-4pm Participants provide thier own vehicle. The event is open to all licensed drivers and 15 year olds who have had their learner’s permit for more than 6 months.

A “certificate of completion” will be issued stating the participant completed 45 minutes of classroom instruction and completed defensive driving course exercises. You’ll need to check with your individual insurance company to see if this will help lower your premiums. 

 Registration is required as space is limited. To request a registration form please contact Paula Locke at plocke@atlantaclassiccars.com. The cost is $20 per registrant and lunch will be provided.

MAURO CALO BREAKS THE WORLD RECORD FOR THE LONGEST CAR DRIFT

Today, 19 June, Mauro Calo proved his driving flair by breaking the world record for the longest car drift at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey. Mauro smashed the existing World Record by 394 metres achieving a total distance of 2308 metres to add his name to the record books and the title to his established driving career.

To achieve the record breaking distance, Mauro chose part of the Handling Circuit at Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge Surrey. The circuit provided a complete 360 degree circle of tarmac which saw him complete almost 8 laps.

Mauro is no stranger to Mercedes-Benz World as his career as a professional driver includes working at the venue providing driving experiences to guests and also entertaining crowds with precision driving skills in the dynamic Silver Arrows Display.

Andrew Mallery, Commercial Operations Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars commented: “When Mauro approached us to hold his record breaking attempt on the circuit at Mercedes-Benz World we were happy to offer him the support. He has been a valuable member of the driving experience team for several years and is a respected driver in the industry, so there was no doubt he would achieve his aim”.

For further information on events and activities at Mercedes-Benz World contact Simon Bench – simon.bench@daimler.com 01908 245611.