A Bigger Bang for Charity; Mercedes-Benz to Auction Exclusive Rolling Stones R-Class for Big Brothers Big Sisters

A Bigger Bang for Charity; Mercedes-Benz to Auction Exclusive Rolling Stones R-Class for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Interested Bidders Must Pre-Register Online Beginning March 14

MONTVALE, N.J., March 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Adding momentum to its support of the Rolling Stones A Bigger Bang tour, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) will auction off an exclusive Rolling Stones Edition R-Class and Fender Telecaster guitar, both signed by each member of the Rolling Stones, on eBay from April 10-20. Funds raised will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), the nation's oldest and largest youth mentoring organization. This exclusive R-Class sports tourer which features an airbrushed Rolling Stones A Bigger Bang paint scheme will raise funds for BBBS to provide more children with the life-changing friendship of a Big Brother or Big Sister. Beginning March 14, interested bidders may visit: www.rockther.com to pre-register. Pre-registration will continue through the conclusion of the auction on April 20.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060314/NYTU033 )

"Through our partnership with the Rolling Stones and the auction of such a unique car, we will be able to help many children whose lives are affected daily by Big Brothers Big Sisters," said Paul Halata, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. "Like Big Brothers Big Sisters, we have a strong history of supporting the community and are committed to helping children become better prepared for the future."

Customized by Unique Autosports, the Rolling Stones Edition R-Class features Rolling Stones embroidered headrests, Rolling Stones floor mats and a paint scheme with DuPont(TM) Hot Hues(TM) paint. The sports tourer is powered by a 302-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 engine, and features 22" wheel rims by Lowenhart mounted with Pirelli tires. Inside the cabin, the Rolling Stones Edition R-Class is an audiophile's dream with Unique Edition Custom Fiberglass amp rack, JBL amplifier and subwoofers, Stinger Expert Series wiring and Alpine headrest touch screen TVs with DVD player. The airbrushed artwork was completed by Cycle-Delics and the original artwork concept was developed by Primer Inc.

"Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud to be partnering with Mercedes-Benz to enrich young peoples' lives through one-to-one friendships," said BBBS President and CEO Judy Vredenburgh. "Across the nation, there is an increasing demand for volunteers and financial support to expand our program to even more children. This innovative online auction will help Big Brothers Big Sisters create brighter futures, better schools and stronger communities for all."

Now available in dealerships nationwide, the highly acclaimed Mercedes- Benz R-Class is the all-new, all-wheel-drive, six passenger sports touring vehicle which provides a brand new way to travel. Combining the four-wheel- drive capability of an SUV and the versatility of a minivan with the performance, style and luxury of Mercedes-Benz, the R-Class is unlike any other vehicle on the market. With a sharp focus on design, comfort, space and performance, the new R-Class is designed as a roomy vehicle with space for six adults -- three pairs of comfortable single seats in a spacious interior.

MBUSA's support of Big Brothers Big Sisters reflects the company's commitment to youth organizations focused on educating and empowering future generations, particularly those who are underserved. MBUSA currently supports Big Brothers Big Sisters' school-based mentoring program in New Jersey. MBUSA also provides DRIVE YOUR FUTURE scholarships to college-bound high school students who are affiliated with BBBS.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children reach their potential through one- to-one relationships, professionally supported, with measurable results. The organization serves 240,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. National research has shown that the positive relationships between youth and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters have a direct, measurable and lasting impact on children's lives. In 2003, Big Brothers Big Sisters was selected by Forbes Magazine as one of its top ten charities, making the publication's "gold star" list of charities which it believes are worthy of donor consideration, in its annual survey of 200 large charities. The national office is located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.

Mercedes-Benz USA

Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., MBUSA is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. Through its philanthropic programs, MBUSA focuses on educating and empowering future generations, particularly those who are underserved. The company views education as an opportunity to ensure that as many of today's youth as possible are given the tools, guidance and support they need to reach their full potential. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060314/NYTU033
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN11
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

CONTACT: Donna Boland, +1-201-573-6893, or Lesia Koropey,
+1-201-573-4709, or Toll-Free, 1-888-MBNEWS-1

Web site: http://www.rockther.com/
http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org/
http://www.mbusa.com/
http://www.maybachusa.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: This story and high-resolution photos can be downloaded from the MBUSA news-media website at: http://media.mbusa.com

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