Car for the Cure: MBUSA Builds CLK500 Cabriolets To Raise Funds For Women's Cancer Initiative

Join Saks on September 17, 18, 19 and 20 for Key To The Cure, a charitable initiative to support women's cancers. Saks.com and Saks Fifth Avenue stores will donate 2% of sales and Off Fifth stores will donate 1% of sales made during these four days to benefit the Women's Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), a donor advised program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. All proceeds from the sale of this limited edition Danskin t-shirt, designed exclusively for Saks by Stella McCartney, will benefit WCRF.

Over $1 Million Expected Through Sale of 2004 Cabriolets for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Aug. 19 -- In conjunction with the launch of its all-new 2004 CLK Cabriolet which was unveiled to the media today in Santa Barbara, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announced that it has produced a special version of its CLK500 Cabriolet to raise funds for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE, a women's cancer initiative developed in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation's (EIF) Women's Cancer Research Fund. As part of the philanthropic partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, MBUSA expects to donate over $1 million through the sale of 850 exclusive CLK500 Cabriolets which will begin arriving at MBUSA dealerships shortly. The collaboration will benefit more than 60 charitable programs dedicated to finding new treatments and a cure for women's cancers nationwide, including EIF's Women's Cancer Research Foundation Fund and The Women's Health Fund at UCLA.

"Based on the phenomenal demand for its predecessor, the new 2004 CLK is going to be one of the most sought-after cabriolets on the market," said Michelle Cervantez, vice president, marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. "It's all about the good life, enjoying life and living well in every sense of the word. In that spirit, we designed a special fleet of CLK500 Cabriolets for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE to help combat one of the biggest threats to women's health in this country."

Based on the stylish lines of the new-generation CLK coupe launched last year, the 2004 CLK Cabriolet is available in three models: the V6-powered CLK320, the V8-powered CLK500 Cabriolet, and the powerful CLK55 AMG Cabriolet, all of which feature the fully automatic soft top and sensor-controlled pop-up roll bars disguised as two rear head restraints. Not only is the convertible top fully automatic for the first time on the CLK, but it can now also be operated remotely using the SmartKey.

The specially designed CLK500 Cabriolet, built for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE, includes a unique combination of features and options and is equipped with 17-inch AMG 5-double-spoke wheels with high performance tires, designo Mocha Black exterior color, luxurious Stone Nappa leather interior, ash wood trim, ash wood and leather steering wheel and shift knob, Alcantara headliner, heated seats, Bi-Xenon headlamps and eight-speaker Bose AudioPilot Digital Sound System with CD changer, just to name a few. Powered by a 302-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 engine with driver-adaptive electronic 5-speed automatic transmission with touch shift control, the specially designed CLK500 is a spirited performer. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for this special model is $67,250.

During Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE shopping weekend (September 17-20, 2003), one CLK500 will be available at each Mercedes-Benz USA dealership nationwide and one vehicle will be displayed at each Saks Fifth Avenue store. A percentage of Saks' shopping weekend sales will be donated to national and local breast and women's reproductive cancer research centers. Celebrity ambassador for the initiative, actress Nicole Kidman, has also teamed up with Saks Fifth Avenue, MBUSA and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA to help raise funds and awareness to fight women's cancers. She will appear in a national public service announcement (PSA) during Fashion Week wearing Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE T-shirt designed by Stella McCartney.

"All of us at Saks Fifth Avenue are very excited about partnering with Mercedes-Benz to raise funds for KEY TO THE CURE -- to help improve women's lives," said Christina Johnson, president & CEO, Saks Fifth Avenue. "With the sale of the specially designed CLK500 Cabriolets, we hope to give back to the community and help combat breast and other reproductive cancers."

MBUSA will support the initiative with a national marketing program that includes advertising, direct mail and a national sweepstakes. By visiting a Mercedes-Benz dealership and signing up, the public can enter to win a grand prize which includes a $5,000 shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue, round-trip first class airfare for two to New York City and a two-night stay at the Ritz Carlton. A $1,500 Saks Fifth Avenue Electronic G Card will be awarded to the runner-up. A total of six grand prize winners (one per region) and six runner-up winners will be selected.

In addition to its commitment to Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE, MBUSA supports organizations oriented around educating and empowering future generations, particularly those who are underserved. Through its philanthropic program, MBUSA partners with organizations that help women and the causes or issues that are important to them. The company donates money and resources to charitable organizations on a national and local basis and involves employees in hands-on volunteer activities. Through a variety of charities, corporate sponsorships, diversity relations programs, community events and women's initiatives, MBUSA supports the communities in which employees live and work. Philanthropic initiatives are reviewed and implemented through MBUSA corporate headquarters in Montvale, N.J. and through six regional offices around the country.

Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, N.J., is responsible for the sales, service and marketing of Mercedes-Benz and Maybach vehicles in the United States. The company employs approximately 1,500 people in 20 locations across the U.S. Mercedes-Benz sold 213,225 vehicles in the U.S. during 2002, setting the highest sales volume in its history.