MBUSA Designs Exclusive Roadster to Raise Funds for Women's Cancer Initiative

Over $1 Million Expected Through Sale of the 2005 SLK350 for Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE with the Entertainment Industry Foundation

MONTVALE, N.J., Aug. 17 -- In tandem with the national launch of the all-new 2005 SLK, which was unveiled to the media today, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announced that a special launch edition SLK350 roadster will be utilized 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 (EIF) and its Women's Cancer Research Fund (WCRF). Now in its second year, MBUSA's alliance with Saks Fifth Avenue and EIF will benefit charitable programs dedicated to finding new detection methods, treatments and a cure for women's cancers nationwide. MBUSA expects to donate over $1 million through the sale of 1,000 exclusive SLK350 roadsters scheduled to arrive at Mercedes-Benz dealerships this fall.

"The SLK350 is the new generation of one of our most sought-after models," said Michelle Cervantez, vice president, marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. "This sporty roadster is all about power, excitement and enjoying life. We are proud to offer this special fleet to raise funds for KEY TO THE CURE and help improve women's lives through the ground-breaking new research funded through EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund. Mercedes' partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue and EIF offers us a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to informing women about a disease that affects our employees, family, friends and loved ones."

The distinctive roadster with Pewter Metallic exterior paint and exclusive brown leather interior has a sleek, athletic profile and powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine with 268-horsepower to rocket the SLK from zero to sixty in 5.4 seconds. The launch edition SLK350 features a new 17" 5-spoke alloy wheel design, 6-speed manual or optional 7-speed automatic transmission, lowered sport suspension, additional lower aerodynamic bodywork, a distinctive chrome grill and brushed aluminum side-view mirrors. The interior features 8-way power sport seats with memory, automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, an interior ambient light package, and an optional heating package which includes heated seats and the innovative AIRSCARF neck-level heating.

"Everyone here at Saks Fifth Avenue is eager to embark on our sixth year of continued dedication in finding a cure for all women's cancers," said Fred Wilson, chairman & CEO, Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises. "With the help of our partners Mercedes-Benz USA, Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund and Hanes, as well as designer Marc Jacobs, this year's shopping weekend contributions will fund cancer research that will innovate, change medical history and revolutionize testing and diagnostic procedures."

Funds raised for KEY TO THE CURE will benefit multiple programs including WCRF's first collective project, the EIF Biomarker Discovery Project, which aims to identify and develop the most effective technology for molecular diagnostics. According to EIF-funded scientists, this project opens an unprecedented opportunity to develop a new science of diagnostics, which could largely eliminate cancer as a cause of death by early detection and localization for surgical intervention.

During Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE nationwide shopping weekend (October 14-17, 2004), the launch edition SLK350 will be available at Mercedes-Benz dealerships and will also be displayed at Saks Fifth Avenue stores. 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 Charlize Theron, has also teamed up with Saks Fifth Avenue, MBUSA, Hanes and EIF to help raise funds and awareness to fight women's cancers. She will appear in a national public service announcement (PSA) wearing a limited edition Hanes T-shirt specially designed by Marc Jacobs exclusively to benefit Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE. The PSA will appear in major fashion and lifestyle magazines in October.

"Mercedes-Benz USA supports a number of organizations that help women and the causes or issues that are important to them," said Michelle Cervantez, vice president, marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. "Our support of KEY TO THE CURE complements Mercedes-Benz USA's philanthropic programs which are designed to educate and empower. For a company like Mercedes that counts women as a key component of its buyer group -- and its success going forward -- we feel it's important to address the things that are important to them in a meaningful way. And there's nothing more important than health. That's why we've partnered in this effort."

Mercedes-Benz is also generating substantial awareness of the cause through aggressive marketing support of the program, including a retail initiative of advertising, direct mail and public relations. MBUSA will involve its employees by matching their personal contributions to KEY TO THE CURE through the MBUSA Matching Gifts Program. The opportunity will allow for employees to connect, in a meaningful way, with an important philanthropic initiative.

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. 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.

EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund

The Women's Cancer Research Fund, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, was established by Kelly Chapman Meyer, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Marion Laurie and Jamie Tisch with honorary chairs Kate Capshaw Spielberg and Rita Wilson. WCRF supports innovative research, education, and outreach directed at the development of more effective approaches to the early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all women's cancer.

Entertainment Industry Foundation

As the leading charitable organization for the entertainment industry, the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars and provided countless volunteer hours to support charitable initiatives that address some of the most critical issues facing our society.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises, a member of the Saks Incorporated group of stores, comprises 64 stores throughout the United States, 53 Off 5th outlet stores, and saks.com, the company's e-commerce site.

Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2003, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 218,717 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving ten consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com/ and http://www.maybachusa.com/.