Mercedes-Benz invites participants to join in the “E-Class Experience”: Long-distance drive Paris – Beijing: Who wants to be a driver?

Stuttgart, Jul 21, 2006 Exactly 99 years after the first transcontinental automobile marathon, Mercedes-Benz invites to a long-distance drive Paris – Beijing in the new generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The “E-Class Experience” starts in the French capital on October 21st 2006. Candidates may apply for a place behind the steering wheel during one of the five stages from July 21st, 8 p.m., at www.e-class-experience.com. For this new edition of the race, the Stuttgart automotive producer wants to start with an international field of participants, just like in the first tour through Europe and Asia. “Will any one agree to go, this summer, from Paris to Beijing by motor-car?” With this question the French newspaper “Le Matin” had launched its search for participants on 31st January 1907. In those days, the aim was to prove the technical superiority of the car over the horse. The aim of Mercedes-Benz is to demonstrate the potential of their new generation of the E-Class, equipped with modern diesel technology. The tour of the 33 E-Classes and their teams will span a total distance of approximately 13,600 kilometres, split up into five stages of between 1,900 and 3,400 kilometres, and crossing the borders of eight countries.

Between July 21st and August 20th, candidates from all over the world may apply for a place behind the steering wheel. For each stage, two participants form a team taking turns in driving the E 320 CDI. The “E-Class Experience” will challenge both the vehicles and the drivers with the highest demands. Amongst the minimum requirements for the participation are a valid driving licence and passport, physical fitness and a good command of English. Another criteria is an individual text in which the candidates explain their personal motivation for their application. The details of the application procedure as well as comprehensive information on the individual stages can be found on the website.

The starting signal for the tour will be given in the heart of Paris on October 21st 2006. The city had become the destination of the historical tour, as the organizers due to adverse weather conditions, were forced to reverse the route. In 2006 however, the destination will be Beijing, where the participants of the last stage are expected on November 17th, just in time for the opening of the international automotive fair in the Chinese capital. Other than in a rally, this tour is not ruled by the pursuit of speed. In this drive, the sportive challenge lies in achieving the lowest possible fuel consumption in spite of the ambitious time schedule.

With this aim, Mercedes-Benz ties in with another masterstroke which was also achieved with E-Class diesel cars: In spring 2005, three series produced E 320 CDI had established three world records and nineteen class records in Laredo/Texas over a distance of 160,000 kilometres. Only a few days later, these three saloons completed a 1,000 miles tour from Laredo to Talahassee/Florida, each with a single tank-ful (80 litres). The lowest consumption value during this 1,672 kilometres tour amounted to only 4.75 litres diesel per 100 kilometres.

With the long-distance drive from Paris to Beijing, Mercedes-Benz starts the third phase of its innovative integrated launch campaign for the new generation of the E-Class, which is globally headed “E-Class Experience”. The corresponding website www.e-class-experience.com has been online since June 10th 2006. On the occasion of the start of the application for the tour, the website which already contained comprehensive information on the tour from Paris to Beijing, has been upgraded with additional picture material and new texts.